Exercise Your Way to Romance

Active Women Say Their Lifestyle Makes Them More Confident, Sexy and Ready to Say 'Yes!' to Romance

PURCHASE, N.Y., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ A new survey of 443 women ages 25-49 finds that those who work out regularly do not just do it to be healthy; they do it to feel like a more confident, energized and accomplished woman. In fact, nearly all active women—more than nine out of 10—say working out regularly makes them feel healthier (100 percent), stronger (98 percent) and more energized (94 percent). These same women report that regular workouts make them feel more confident and accomplished (86 percent).

The findings are based on a survey sponsored by Propel Enhanced Water and conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) in August 2010. Propel knows that active women are constantly looking for the newest and simplest ways to balance their busy lifestyles with the priority they place on staying fit. In fact, the survey finds that three out of four say they are always searching for new and easy ways to stay well and feel good.

According to the findings, more than half of active women who work out regularly are more likely to say "yes" to romance, a date or an evening out with friends:

• 51 percent feel more inclined toward romance
• 37 percent say they are more likely to want to go out on the town with friends
• 36 percent report they are more inclined to go out on a date

Women who are not currently active admit that working out at least three days a week would not just make them healthier, but also make them feel sexier and more confident. Nearly 98 percent of non-active women say working out regularly would make them feel healthier, 96 percent more energized, 92 percent stronger, 78 percent more confident and 72 percent more accomplished, Additionally, 82 percent say they would feel more attractive and sexier.

Being active can make a woman feel healthier and sexier. So exercise your way to romance.

What Color Is Love? by Empress LaBlaQue

Tamela Johnson is an outstanding substance abuse counselor who conducts seminars all over the United States. Of course she has everything under control, including her love life. Wrong! While attending a boring seminar, Tamela meets Lane Corbett, an English gentleman. She is horrified when he reveals he has been following her and has an undeniable crush on her. Because Lane is smitten, Tamela wonders if it's occurred to him that her being black may be an issue. Or is Lane simply blind or crazy? Get What Color Is Love? at the Apple App store.

 

Go to our Blushing Brides Contest voting page, enjoy a quick read and vote for your favorite story.

Our Blushing Brides Writing Contest is a salute to all the blushing brides, screaming bridezillas and the happily-ever- after couples. Submit your TRUE story of courtship, weddings and marriage to our Blushing Brides Writing Contest and you could win the GRAND PRIZE worth over $550!

ATTENTION: There are only a couple of days left to enter the Blushing Brides Writing Contestl. Submissions must be in by August 31, 2010. So get your entry in today, and you'll have a chance to win our Grand Prize Package! 

Calendar of Events

African American Literary Award Show
New York City
Thursday, September 23-24, 2010
http://www.literaryawardshow.com            

The RAWSISTAZ Anniversary Affair
Doubletree Buckhead, Atlanta.
Oct. 1-3 2010
www.innervisionbooks.com

RomantiCon Convention
Richfield, Ohio
October 7-11, 2010,
http://www.jasminejade.com/romanticon/

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Event
Save the Girls Bike Tour of Long Beach Island, NJ
Long Beach Island
October 16-17, 2010
http://conta.cc/cW9uU3

Miami Book Fair International
Miami Dade College
November 14-21, 2010
http://www.miamibookfair.com/default.aspx

12th Chicago Latino Book & Family Festival
Unity School, IL
March 26-27, 2011
http://www.llbf.us

WonderCon 2011
Moscone Center South
747 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
April 1-3, 2011
http://www.comic-con.org/wc/

2011 Rt Booklovers Convention
Los Angeles, CA
April 6-10, 2011
http://www.rtbookreviews.com/convention-home 

Romance Writers of America
31st Annual Conference
New York, New York
June 28 - July 1, 2011
http://www.rwanational.org/cs/conferences_and_events

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August 25, 2010

Empress LaBlaQue Writer and Connoisseur of Fine Romance

Empress's graphic romance What Color is Love? is available on the iTunes App Store in Arrow's Love & Romance Collection. Type in keywords Arrow Publications

Empress LaBlaQue has been writing romance for over ten years. A connoisseur of fine romance, she can find it in any situation and enjoys writing across genres. Empress has a master’s degree and is an advocate for Prevention of Family Violence. Visit her BLOG or contact her by email.

Arrow Publications caught up with Empress LaBlaQue to talk about her writing career. Here’s what Empress had to tell us.

Arrow: Fans and inquiring minds always want to know about their favorite writer. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
ELB: Politely, I can’t be pushed into a box, I just don’t fit. I’ll write whatever’s in demand. If people require it, I’ll write it. I’ll get bored if I stick to one genre. You know, variety is the spice of life. I also like writing from different viewpoints. One example: And Now I See was written from a sightless viewpoint. This particular eBook challenged my sense of touch, smell and hearing. It was quite an unusual experience.

My creative process is activated by anything I see, hear or feel. My brain is an endless mass of strange ideas. If I’m curious or passionate about something, it stokes my thought process. Anything that tugs at my emotions will become fuel for writing.

Arrow: Very creative! And what fans always want to know. Are you married?
 ELB: Yes, I've been married over six years. I think the success of our relationship hinges on the following: I don’t expect him to be a Casanova, like the characters in my books; he’s not a maid, and nor is he my mechanic. He’s just an easygoing wonderful guy who likes his space. This is my third marriage. And three’s a charm. After those horrible experiences, this guy was an exceptional find. 

Arrow: So tell me, how did you two meet?
ELB: I met him one night at a concert. We made small talk, then I disappeared from his life. One day my friend said she knew the perfect guy for me. And it was him! He said he couldn’t get me out of his mind and searched two years to find me.

Arrow: That sounds like the plot of one of your books. How do you come up with your characters?
ELB: I like to create my characters from scratch. It’s like making a puzzle. I enjoy giving them unusual idiosyncrasies. I think they’re more interesting if I create them myself.

Arrow: Let's talk a little bit about erotica, confessions and interracial romance. How do you begin to create your stories?
ELB: Things that happen in society fuel my writing. One example: women are curious about interracial relationships. I take them by the hand and lead them into the world of interracial romance. My stories are based on my title and topic; from there, I weave my synopsis. Then, my synopsis becomes my story—odd, but true.

Arrow:  So this leads me to my next question. What do you consider a captivating erotic story?
ELB: When the erotic scenes are all written using the character’s imagination, a state of dreaming, a fantasy or a wish. The reason I like using my character’s imagination is because the sky is the limit when describing a scene or invoking emotions. She can make love in the clouds, the mountains or under the house for that matter. But the key is, she never leaves home to fulfill her fantasy. 

Arrow: With so many intriguing stories and an equally intriguing process, I’m sure fans would like to know about your writing background.
ELB: I started writing confessions. My writing was therapy to escape domestic violence. Later I became an advocate to prevent family violence.  

Arrow: Writers try to have their own voice and something makes them different. Do you just stick to erotica or confessions?
ELB: Are you kidding? I’ve written time travel, historical, paranormal, vampires, western, interracial romance, homosexuality, contemporary, and young adult. The only thing I don’t like to write is science fiction or aliens. On second thought, I just thought of a great storyline for science fiction, so scratch that statement. 
 
Arrow: LOL! Okay so we just planted an idea for science fiction. We always like to be a catalyst for creativity. Can you say why you decided to release your titles electronically?
ELB: Lady Leo Publishing published my first electronic book. I recognized that eBooks had merit, and they’re here to stay.

Arrow: You’re so right about eBooks. They’re definitely here to stay. With so much happening in publishing, did you have any challenges finding an agent or a publisher?
ELB: Yes I did. I had an agent once, but when dealing with eBooks, agents are not necessary. Polish your style and don’t take rejections personally. I’ve submitted an exceptional book to the wrong publisher numerous times. When it was rejected, I wanted to question my sanity. I knew the book was awesome, but couldn’t understand why it was rejected. A page, a paragraph or a phrase can change the genre of a book. EBooks are wonderful for new writers. Most publishers will work with you if your work is superior. Find out what the public wants, then give them what they ask for. Find your voice, don’t give up and revise, revise, revise.

Arrow: Everyone wants an edge in promoting. What do you do to promote your books, your brand and yourself?
ELB: I have a website: empresslablaque.com. Quite by accident, my specialization became interracial romance. That title stuck. Now, when you Google interracial romance my name appears. I also do book tours, blogging, and I’ve joined other websites. I promote other romance writers as well.

Arrow: What are your latest releases to tantalize your fans?
ELB: In the wings of publication I have: Exceptional Needs, By Sugar and Spice and Kennedy Kingston, and Private Investigator at Amirapress Publishing. Also, Black Satin Revenge Anthology, Cornbread & Caviar, and Lady and the Geek are all being reviewed for publication.  

Arrow: That’s FABULOUS! With all that you write, please tell us if you have a favorite.
ELB: My favorite published story is the historical romance Victorian Dreams. Just saying the title makes me want to swoon. These characters are simply engaging and totally mind-blowing. It’s love in its rawest form. Two more excellent books are Kennedy Kingston and Exceptional Needs. These books are in the process of publication and should be ready this month. I can read them over and over with rapt fascination.

Arrow: Now, that’s nice! Rapt fascination, engaging and mind-blowing! I think your readers are going to be downloading by the gigabytes! With this being said, what can your readers expect from you in 2010?
ELB: I’m excited about Wearing Big Girl Panties. It’s a story about a bashful introvert named Susan. To get a job Susan creates an alter ego named Jisset. As Jisset she’s an outgoing and brassy talk show host. She lives in constant fear that she will soon be discovered. Along the way, she falls in love with a guest on her show. He adores the outgoing personality of Jisset. Now she’s jealous of her own alter ego. The truth must come out. Hopefully, this ebook will be in print.

Arrow: AWESOME! It’s been great having this wonderful conversation about you and your writing career. Lets catch up again soon. Thank you!

ELB: Thank you for this great interview opportunity! Definitely lets talk again soon!

Search keywords “Arrow Publications" to find What Color Is Love? by Empress LaBlaQue in Arrow’s Love & Romance Collection in the iTunes App store.

Submit your Original Romance Stories Today!

Arrow's Top 10 Apps for
August 2010

1. The Sensual Zodiac (Dating & Relationship Collection)
2. The Reluctant Handyman (Love & Romance Collection)
3. Collision Course (Love & Romance Collection)
4. Chemistry 101 by Sunshine Royal (Love & Romance Collection)
5. One-Time Thing (Love & Romance Collection)
6. Amor de Verano (novelas romanticas)
7. Romancing Your Moon Signs (Dating & Relationship Collection)
8. Trust in Me (Love & Romance Collection)
9. Love's Redemption (Love & Romance Collection)
10. Nightmare in the Park (Romance Story G005) 

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