Arrow Loves Lucy Monroe

What's Next for the Award Winning Writer?

MyRomanceStory: What's been happening since we last spoke in 2008?

LM: It's been a busy year and a half. I've had several more books published and written four for this year. In addition to the writing, both of my daughters married -- my oldest in March 2009 and my youngest in January of this year (wedding pictures). My oldest and her new husband have both graduated college and my other two children are preparing to attend. Life definitely isn't all about the writing, you know?

MyRomanceStory: Tell us more about your family.

LM: I come from a family of six children, and wow – I love being a grandparent! My oldest granddaughter (Ms. Sparkle Pants) is 18 months old and my new grandchild (The Bump) will be here soon.

MyRomanceStory: Have you reconsidered expanding your writing to other genres?

LM: I love what I'm doing now and have no plans to give up any of my ongoing series (though the Goddard Project is expanding into the Atrati) any time soon. The Goddard Project is a series about a black ops government agency started after World War II in order to protect proprietary technology. The agents are super spies and highly trained.

MyRomanceStory: What are your latest releases?

LM: I've just seen the release of Moon Craving, the second book in my Children of the Moon series from Berkley Sensation.

MyRomanceStory: With the rapid changes in the publishing industry, do you plan to release more titles in ebook or other formats?

LM: All of my books are currently released in electronic format now, which is very cool! I'm looking into audio book options since I own rights to several of my single titles in that regard. I would love to see any of my books turned into Manga style stories, but so far that hasn't happened.

MyRomanceStory: What do you think about the current changes in the publishing industry?

LM: I think electronic books are amazing and I have two eReaders (the Sony and the Kindle, but the nook looks pretty spiffy too). The big publishers are all getting into the electronic market in one way or another and I think that's fantastic. I want to see children's and college text books universally available on eReaders though.

MyRomanceStory: Are you scheduled for a book tour or any special appearances to promote your titles?

LM: I'm really excited to be attending the Romantic Times BookLOVERS Convention (RT) next month. I'll be speaking on two author panels and Arrow's panel on multi-media formats. It's such an exciting time in publishing and I'm just as eager as readers to discuss the changes going on. The rest of my author appearances will happen later in the year (after my second grandchild is born).

MyRomanceStory: What are you looking forward to at the RT?

LM: I’m looking forward to meeting the readers and building-up the romance genre. I like to stay connected to the readers, even when I don’t have a current release.

MyRomanceStory: What suggestions do you have for new writers?
  
LM: Attend the author panels – they’re worth it. It’s one of the best things I did at the beginning of my career. Next, find your own voice and process. And lastly, maintain a positive attitude and outlook. Always have an alternative way of looking at things.

MyRomanceStory: What’s the most important advice given to you when you were a new writer?

LM: The most important advice I received was from best-selling women’s fiction author, Debbie Macomber. She suggested that I read Good Girls Don’t Get Ahead, But Gutsy Girls Do by Kate White. This opened my eyes to not being afraid to ask for the sale.

MyRomanceStory: Do you do anything different in order to promote your books?

LM: I spend time with the readers between books (Fans Love Lucy). I’m available all year round to speak with my fans. I like connecting to readers at the heart level. I also created a separate web site for my Children of the Moon books. This way it’s separate from my other site and will stand out. I also place banner ads on related sites. Although this may not be the exact genre, I get the chance to expose my work to a different audience and readers.

Also, authors make a mistake when they box themselves in. Step outside the box and look at what can be done to promote.

I like to mentor other writer and I have a free online workshop for writers as well.

MyRomanceStory: Has Hollywood called you to turn your any of your books into a film, etc.?

LM: Man, I wish. LOL! Not yet, but there's still time.

MyRomanceStory: Do you have anything special planned for this year?

Yes, I do!  I'm celebrating the release of my 25th Harlequin title (The Greek's Pregnant Lover) and my 50th book (Close Quarters).  I'll be having a huge online party on my blog, Facebook and my website with tons of "strike a vein" prizes for readers in my Silver and Gold Rush, which are the themes for my online parties celebrating these releases. I'll also be hosting these events with other authors and readers too! Watch my blog and Facebook fanpage for details!

March 17, 2010

APP OF THE WEEK

Cupid's Love Stories

Love is all over – there is no doubt about it! But we all know that there’s nothing better than a real romantic love story – a true pull at your “heartstrings” tale.

Well this past Valentine’s Day, Arrow Publications set out to find cupid’s best love stories. Arrow received submissions from contestants who met the loves of their lives at work (Evil Voodoo Twin) or were tagged by cupid in high school 36 years ago (Mrs). And so, we’re pleased to announce the winners who submitted the tales of undeniable love.

The Arrow team had a blast reviewing the many wonderful entries. With so many great entries, it was so VERY difficult to pick just one overall winner. But, we could only choose one grand prize winner – darn! The runners up were close behind.

Arrow is happy to announce that Campbell Amy Cobbs is the grand prize winner. Campbell submitted Evil Voodoo Twin. “That is FABULOUS!”, she said to Tom King, Managing Editor, Arrow Publications. Campbell received a prize package valued at $300. Her gifts included: gourmet chocolate sweets; an online beauty consultation; two engraved wine glasses; and a Take Me With You tote bag by Beijo.

The other winners are:

Terri Gannon (Caribbean Love) – Second Place;
Marie Leclerc (Mrs) – Third Place;
Laurie Damrose (How We Me) – Runner-up; and
Barb Toutz (Engagement) – Runner-up.

These wonderful contestants received great prizes as well with a combined total value of over $300.

Congratulations to all of the winners! And thank you to all the contestants who submitted their love stories. Good luck next time!

Additionally, Arrow Publications would like to thank the following sponsors of our Valentine’s Day Contest: The Purse Chick; Bridge Brand Chocolate; Candid Images; and SOILSOUND. Thank you for the terrific prizes and support!

And ladies, that special dream day is fast approaching! So – you ask yourself, what is that day?! You’re wedding day – of course. And, Arrow would like to invite all brides to be on the lookout, its Bride’s Contest is coming soon!

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