Holiday in the Heart anthology NOW AVAILABLE!

Just in time for Christmas!!

Holiday in the Heart is now available and shipping. My story The Power of Love is included in this holiday collection of short stories.

Like Moondance, The Power of Love is also set in Ireland, this time in Limerick City.

When Elaine discovers she's pregnant, she hesitates telling her husband, Ethan. They're newlyweds and wanted to wait until they were ready to start a family. Ethan surprised her by accepting early parenthood, embracing the idea more fully than either of them expected. But when they receive bad news after a prenatal exam, both must face that their charmed lives are about to come crashing down around them.

Do Christmas wishes really come true? Elaine will stake her life on it!

Blue Moon Enchantment is still selling like hotcakes. My story Moondance is in this book, which went on sale in October. Reviews continue to come in --

Author Shortland writes a tale of love that is not so very far if we are just willing to reach for it. A wonderful story filled with pent-up passion and discovery of love. ~K.Montgomery

Kemberlee Shortland's splendid portrayal of Blanaid's concerns about possibly losing the friendship she has with Ronan will resonate with readers everywhere. ~Deborah Wiley

As well, No Law Against Love is still available and racking up donation funds for various breast cancer awareness groups around the world. All of these books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, as well as many independent shops which can order via the book's ISBN number. So jot them down and be sure to get your local bookseller to order them and stock them on their shelves. They're great for holiday gifts. And Xmas is just around the corner, like it or not!

I hope you enjoy reading all these stories. Drop me a note and share your feelings about my work and these collections. Don't forget you can read excerpts from all my stories. Click on My Books.

Happy holidays!

~Kemberlee

News Updates

As I mentioned in my last report, I've just signed a contract for another short story with Highland Press, this time for their Holiday in the Heart anothology, which is being released just in time for the holidays. My story is called The Power of Love. Like the last story, this one is also set here in Ireland; this time in Limerick City.

Limerick City is not only the home of my two newest characters, Ethan and Elaine O'Donovan, it's also home to the woman who enspired this story, in part anyway, who is also called Elaine. Elaine is the sister-in-law of one of my closest friends (Isabo Kelly) and when we were having a "good auld chin wag" one afternoon, Elaine was instrumental in helping me get through a bit of the story I was having trouble with. So to say thanks, I've set my story in her hometown and have given my heroine Elaine's name. OK, so Elaine O'Donovan also looks a little like the real Elaine, but sure, no harm, as they say! Thanks again for your help, Elaine!! {hugs}

I've updated my site to include a short excerpt from The Power of Love. I hope you enjoy it when it hits the stands at the end of November.

When Elaine discovers she is pregnant, she hesitates telling her husband, Ethan. They were newlyweds and wanted to wait until they were ready to start a family. Ethan surprised her by accepting early parenthood, embracing the idea more fully than either of them expected. But when they receive bad news after a prenatal exam, both must face that their charmed lives were about to come crashing down around them.

Do Christmas wishes really come true? Elaine would stake her life on it!

Onto other news, Blue Moon Enchantment is still selling like hotcakes. My story Moondance is in this book which went on sale a couple weeks ago. And the reviews are spilling in. Log into the story page and see what readers and reviewers are saying about this anthology and my story. I'm well chuffed! I especially loved the review from K.Montgomery over at the Amazon page who said --

"Shortland writes a tale of love that is not so very far if we are just willing to reach for it. A wonderful story filled with pent-up passion and discovery of love."

Right on!!

In this story, Blanaid and Ronan are meeting on the Middle Peak on the famous Three Sisters promonatory on the Dingle Peninsula. It's just past sunset and the full moon is shining above them.

"It's a marvelous night for a moondance," she softly sang. "All the stars up above in your eyes. A fantabulous night to make romance, 'neath the cover of October skies."

How ironic is it that this is October and Blue Moon Enchantment has been released! As well, while it wasn't a blue moon (the second full moon in the same month), I did witness the most incredible full moon on Saturday the 7th. Would you believe it had the most amazing pale blue hue? It hung in the sky so large I felt I could reach out and touch it. We get some great full moons here, but my picture taking abilities haven't been honed to take a good moon picture. They turn out more like spotlights in a center of the image. Anyway, it was fabulous and I'll always remember it in my mind's photo album.

As a reminder, this month is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the globe and the net profits from the sales of No Law Against Love are being added up and will be going to various breast cancer awareness groups in the countries the book has been selling in.

Unfortunately, the main bookseller in Ireland dropped the ball on our arrangement to stock NLAL in their shops, but watch this space as there's something fabulous in the works!

All of these books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, as well as many independent shops which can order via the book's ISBN number. So jot them down and be sure to get your local bookseller to order them and stock them on their shelves. They're great for holiday gifts. And Xmas is just around the corner, as much as we all hate to think about it this early in the season. It's barely time for ghosts and goblins, let alone gobblers and cobblers!!

There's still no word on Constant Craving, which is being considered at Highland Press for another anthology. They're up to their eyeballs in edits for the holiday books so watch this space, too, in the event that I get word sooner rather than later. And keep all your crossables crossed for me that it makes the grade.

For those who haven't had a chance to look yet, I also run a fun blog, which is linked above. That's set up for all my non-author stuff. Check it out and see what I get up to when I'm not nose deep into writing fiction!

That's about it. Thanks for checking in. And as always, I enjoy hearing from people who've enjoyed my writing, so please use the link above to drop me a note, or leave a comment below.

~ Kemberlee

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Well, Blue Moon Enchantment is now available!!! (happy dancing begins) Blue Moon Enchantment is the second volume in the Blue Moon duo of books. The first was Blue Moon Magic, which was released in May.

The theme of the Blue Moon anthologies are things that happen once in a blue moon. Blue moons are when two full moons appear in the one month. If conditions are right, the second full moon takes on a blue tint, which is where the phrase comes from. So, blue moons are rare, as are special wishes.

My story is called Moondance and is set on the Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland at a place called the Three Sisters promonatory near Ballyferriter village. Moondance is based on a lovely quote I found that says. "Love that's true happens only once in a blue moon."

Blanaid thinks there's something wrong with her. It's been months since she's dated, and even if she makes the first move to invite a man out, it seems he can't run away from her fast enough. If it weren't for her best friends, Ronan and Siobhan, Blanaid is sure she'd go crazy with loneliness and despair. Then, one night while watching the sunset, Ronan kisses her and suddenly, the world as Blanaid knows it is thrown into turmoil. She turns to Siobhan for advice and a shoulder to cry on.

Can Blanaid face the truth in Siobhan's words?

The instant his lips touched Blanaid's, Ronan was sure he'd found Heaven. Ever since meeting her, he tried to find a way to tell her how he felt about her. When he overheard her telling Siobhan she never dated the friends they hung out with, he kept his feelings to himself- until this night when everything seemed so right. And he thought she felt the same when she returned his kiss. But when she realized what was happening, she ran from him. Ronan was sure he'd scared her off forever.

Can Ronan settle for just being Blanaid's friend?

You can read an excerpt from the story here.

Reviews are already starting to come in for this fabulous collection. Check out Huntress Reviews. Detra says, "If you want some sweet dreams, read one of two of these stories just before bed. Terrific!" Thanks Detra!!!

Get your own copy of Blue Moon Enchantment, online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Ask your local bookseller to get it shelved as well! Amazon is offering a two-book special when you buy Blue Moon Enchantment with Blue Moon Magic. Collect the set!

Other big news: I've just signed the contract for my next short story, which will appear in the Xmas anthology called Holiday in the Heart. My story is called The Power of Love. This story is also set in Ireland; this time it's Limerick City. I'm working on a blurb page now so stay tuned for site updates. Thanks to Elaine in Limerick who inspired this story in part.

Don't forget that No Law Against Love, published in January, is still available in the stores and online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It's a great collection to take with you and all net profits are being donated to charity. Any books sold in Ireland are going to benefit the Marie Keating Foundation's breast cancer awareness program.

You can read excerpts from both of my stories in this book on my website, Tutti-Frutti Blues and Dude Looks Like a Lady.

I hope you've had an enjoyable Summer. I hate to mention it, but Xmas is just 3 months away. Don't wait until later in the year to stock up on some great reads to give away as gifts. Load up on some Highland Press anthologies. They're a great investment in both your pocketbook AND in your emotional well-being.

As always, I enjoy hearing from people who've enjoyed my writing, so please use the link above to drop me a note, or leave a comment below.

~ Kemberlee

Blue Moon Enchantment

As promised, I've posted an excerpt of Moondance, which is part of the Blue Moon Enchantment anthology being published by Highland Press this month. This is volume two of the Blue Moon duo of books, the first being Blue Moon Magic, which has just gone to print. Both books are available through Amazon for orders, as well as other booksellers.

The theme of the Blue Moon anthologies are things that happen once in a blue moon...blue moons are months with two full moons in the one month. If conditions are right, the second full moon takes on a blue tint, which is where the phrase comes from...blue moons are rare.

My story is called Moondance and is set on the Dingle Peninsula at a place called the Three Sisters near Ballyferriter. Moondance is based on a lovely quote I found that says. "Love that's true happens only once in a blue moon."

Blanaid thinks there's something wrong with her. It's been months since she's dated, and even if she makes the first move to invite a man out, it seems he can't run away from her fast enough. If it weren't for her best friends, Ronan and Siobhan, Blanaid is sure she'd go crazy with loneliness and despair. Then, one night while watching the sunset, Ronan kisses her and suddenly, the world as Blanaid knows it is thrown into turmoil. She turns to Siobhan for advice and a shoulder to cry on.

Can Blanaid face the truth in Siobhan's words?

The instant his lips touched Blanaid's, Ronan was sure he'd found Heaven. Ever since meeting her, he tried to find a way to tell her how he felt about her. When he overheard her telling Siobhan she never dated the friends they hung out with, he kept his feelings to himself- until this night when everything seemed so right. And he thought she felt the same when she returned his kiss. But when she realized what was happening, she ran from him. Ronan was sure he'd scared her off forever.

Can Ronan settle for just being Blanaid's friend?

I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned for the next collection from Highland Press, A Recipe For Love. As I mentioned, I've submitted a story called Constant Craving that I'm hoping they'll publish too. For those who have emailed me about Just You, Constant Craving is a visit back to Kate and Mick in Connemara. I'm hoping this story will be included, but if it's not for some reason, I just might post it on the website as a freebie read.

And of course, there are many more stories locked in my head trying to get out. I'm still working on The Diary and hope to have that finished this summer. I've submitted the "Just" novels to Poolbeg Press in Dublin City and am still waiting for them to come back with some positive comments. Currently, chicklit dominates the Irish shelves. However, I believe Irish readers are getting tired of cookie cutter plots and shallow characters that all read the same from book to book. I think Irish women are ready for a good ol' traditional love story...a relationship story between a monogomous couple. That's probably a topic for a future message.

I hope your summer is getting off to a great start and that you're looking forward to a few days away for some R&R. Don't forget that No Law Against Love, published in January, is still available in the stores and online through Amazon. It's a great collection to take with you and all net profits are being donated to charity. Any books sold in Ireland are going to benefit the Marie Keating Foundation's breast cancer awareness program.

As always, I enjoy hearing from people who've enjoyed my writing, so please use the link above to drop me a note, or leave a comment below.

~ Kemberlee

Springtime in Ireland

I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated my page. A lot has been going on behind the scenes though, so this message will undoubtedly be longer than usual.

My sister visited earlier this month. We drove up to Dublin City for a few days, which was great. We visited the National Gallery again and finally, after all the other times it never worked out, I was able to see one my most favorite paintings in the world...Meeting on the Turret Stairs by pre-Raphaelite-influenced artist Sir Frederick William Burton, a native County Clare man. The painting was inspired by the Danish ballad called Hellelil and Hildebrand, which is a love story between a Danish princess and one of her twelve personal guards.

I can't begin to say how amazing and beautiful this painting is. It's listed as a watercolor, but it's actually a type of watercolor called gouache. Basically, gouache is a water based paint that is very thick so it looks opaque rather than translucent like traditional watercolor. This particular piece comes over as oil based because the colors are still so vivid. The detail is incredible. It's difficult to really tell in most pictures I've found online, but the texture of the knight's tunic, the etching on the scabbard, the feather lining on the dress, the chainmail...it all has been intricately painted...every link, every stitch, every feather, every hair...so that it takes on a lifelike quality. The detail on the knight's tunic resembles that from the Book of Kells, which is housed in Trinity College. And the lighter blue band around the lady's dress is a wonderful Celtic weave, as is the etching on the scabbard.

One normally has to make an appointment to see this painting in the National Gallery, but we lucked out to be in the gallery early enough in the day that there were workers in the office where this painting is on display. It's a restoration/file/research/etc room in an upper floor of the original gallery building.

The National Gallery also houses the famous once-missing Carravagio painting called the Taking of Christ, and another of my most famous paintings, the Marriage of Strongbow by Daniel Maclise. The figures on this painting are almost lifesize. The canvas takes up most of one wall in a grand ballroom in the gallery.

I emailed with a researcher at the gallery not long after returning home and one of the things I was told was that Maclise enlisted the assistance of friends who specialized in Irish history, architecture and such and used their research to create this stunning painting. I would have loved to have been in his studio when he was painting this one. Every person has a "soul", if that's the right way to say it. It's like each person was a real person. No two faces are the same or even remotely similar. Each costume is unique, and there is a lot of detail in some of the fabric, too. It's really quite incredible.

Anyone wanting to visit the National Gallery can do so 7 days a week. The gallery is open almost every day of the year and admission is free. And they have a great cafe and a store in the new Millennium Wing where you can buy prints of some of the most popular paintings, as well as books, notecards, blank books, and anything else to do with art and the works on display.

May has been a busy one, as I mentioned. I've had another short story published with Highland Press newest anthology called Blue Moon Enchantment. It's the second volume to Blue Moon Magic which was also published this month, both of which are available through Amazon. My story is called Moondance and is set on the Dingle Peninsula here in Ireland. I don't have an excerpt up yet or a publication date, but as soon as I do, I'll make a note here. Should be soon though.

The theme of the Blue Moon anthologies are things that happen once in a blue moon...blue moons are months with two full moons in the one month. If conditions are right, the second full moon takes on a blue tint, which is where the phrase comes from...blue moons are rare. Moondance is based on a lovely quote I found that says. "Love that's true happens only once in a blue moon." This story is based on a couple finding true love in an unsuspecting place.

I've submitted a story called Constant Craving for Highland Press's next anthology called A Recipe for Love, due out in July. For those who have emailed me about Just You, Constant Craving is a visit back to Kate and Mick in Connemara. I'm hoping this story will be included, but if it's not for some reason, I just might post it on the website as a freebie read.

Next up is a short story for Highland Press's anthology for the holidays called Christmas Wishes. The working title for my story is Last Christmas and will be a story of Christmas miracles.

I'm still working on The Diary and hope to have that finished this summer. I've submitted the "Just" novels to Poolbeg Press in Dublin City and hope they come back with some positive comments. Currently, chicklit dominates the Irish shelves. However, I believe Irish readers are getting tired of cookie cutter plots and shallow characters that all read the same from book to book. I think Irish women are ready for a good ol' traditional love story...a relationship story between a monogomous couple. That's probably a topic for a future message though. Suffice to say, I'm hoping to hear something positive from this publisher.

I've also been doing some reading. A favorite read this month was by Kathy Lette called How to Kill Your Husband (and other hand household hints). I don't think it's available in the US yet, but Amazon.co.uk sells it. Although it's chicklit, which I don't normally read, this one was really funny. I love Lette's caustic sense of humor. I was able to find Lette's backlist in a shop in Dublin City while there and read through those, too, but they're just not as good as How to Kill Your Husband. I also picked up another Linda Howard and a couple other authors that are in the TBR pile.

I have a sad confession. I don't ever normally jump on bandwagons, but with all the hype over the Da Vinci Code, I finally started reading the book by Dan Brown. It's OK, but I'm only about 80 pages into it and I know how it will end...mostly thanks to the press, but it's kind of obvious. I know I'm right because my DH read the book and told me I was right. I just can't believe what poor editing the book got before it was published. As a writer, reviewer, line editor, all I want to do is red mark all the mistakes as I'm reading. It's really distracting. As far as the story goes, aside from being predictable and poorly edited, it's interesting to see how so many could get the wrong end of the stick about fiction turn fact,. It's easy to see how people could believe what Dan Brown wrote is true. Anyway, I'm sure my feelings of the book may change when I get to the end, but this is what I think at just reading as far as page 80.

Just for fun, for those Ireland-philes out there, Spring is springing around Ireland. The pastures are green, the gorse is still blooming yellow, and the hawthorne is blooming everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Here's a picture of a tree in a park we take our dogs to. You can see how big the tree is by the little picnic table under it on the left...it's just barely visible on the left of the tree behind the boulder. The boulders are as big as our dogs, both of which are Border Collies, as many will know.

I think that's me caught up.

As usual, I love to hear from readers. Just click on the contact me link above and drop me a note, or use the comments link below to leave a commenton the site itself.

Thank you to those readers who have emailed me these past months. Your encouragement and kind words have meant a lot and give me the courage to keep writing.

Until next time...

~Kemberlee

A Bestseller

Who would have thought that No Law Against Love would be shelved beside the likes of Dan Brown and Memoirs of a Geisha? But it's happened.

Douglas Books in Douglas Village, a suburb of Cork City, has agreed to sell our anthology and placed it on the shelves with some of the cities best selling novels. This makes the second bookstore in Ireland that is carrying the book.

The first is Macroom Books. They have the anthology in their front window and on the table just inside the front door.

Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling the best last week so was unable to contact the main book wholesaler for Ireland, but I will be doing that this week. I'm also contacting one of the main breast cancer awareness foundations to see if we can get their support, and I'm planning on posting a copy of the book to two of the nation's top media programs, one TV and one radio, both of which do book promotions, especially if the book is for charity. If we can get the support of the cancer foundation and the support of the media then we're a shoe-in for the wholesaler to pick us up. So, wish me luck...on all fronts. If we can make some substantial sales here in Ireland, Highland Press has promised to donate those proceeds to an Irish cancer charity.

I'm almost done with my bookmarks and bookplates, so if anyone is interested in adding them to your collection, drop me an email. Just send me a SASE and I'll pop them in the post.

I've got my inclusions for Hurricane Mercedes' gift basket for the Regis and Kelly Show. I'll be including Maisie's Tutti-Frutti Body Bar (handmade, all-natural ) and Hank's Scented Wig Powder. Those are being posted this week along with a pair of land certs from our company A Piece of Ireland. While the soap and powder fun items, the land preservation scheme is serious. Who knows? Maybe one day they'll come to Ireland and want to see their parcel!

Remember, ALL author royalties and ALL net profits from the publisher are being donated to breast cancer research and prevention, and we're being supported by the American Cancer Society, and hopefully one of the cancer foundations here in Ireland. More on that next week.

Thank you to everyone who's already bought a copy of No Law Against Love. Your support of this book and the charity is greatly appreciated. I hope you're enjoying the stories as much as we enjoyed writing them. Admittedly, Tutti-Frutti Blues and Dude Looks Like A Lady are my first short stories, but I found that I really enjoyed them. So, keep your eyes open for All Time Love, which is being considered for the Once In A Blue Moon anthology (May 2006), and Dancing In The Moonlight, which is being considered for the No Law Against Love 2 anthology (January 2007). Both will be published by Highland Press. I'm also submitting proposals for their Recipe for Love anthology (for release by June 2006) and their Christmas anthology (for release by December 2006).

No Law Against Love is still available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as the publisher, Highland Press. So...BUY THE BOOK!!

And don't forget to drop me a comment at the link below or by dropping me an email. Now that I have stories out there, I'd love to hear how my readers feel about the stories.

~ Kemberlee
PS...As a reminder, previous posts have been archived. You can access them at the links below.

Delivery Day!

First let me say Happy Belated Valentine's Day! I hope you had a lovely time with your loved one.

My Valentine's Day was good. It started off when I received my first box of books and they look great. No Law Against Love is a traditional trade size paperback with a glossy cover and heavy grain, easy to read pages. Even though I've already read many of the stories as a contributing editor, I'm having a great time re-reading them and all the ones I haven't read yet. This is one great little...scratch that...one great BIG collection of fabulous stories. I'm enjoying them all so much that I can't pick just one that I like the best.

Amazon has us listed as a regular book now and we're still available on Barnes & Noble, so grab your credit card!!

Please drop me a message to let me know if you've received your copy the book and what you think of it.

Good News -- No Law Against Love is being stocked in our local bookstore here in Macroom! I drove by this afternoon and they have a copy in the front window beside the front door. Very well positioned at eye level.

Douglas Books in Douglas village, part of the greater Cork City area, will be stocking the book as soon as I get copies to them, which will be Friday afternoon. They seemed very keen on stocking the book and may even host an autographing if the book sells well.

I'll be contacting Eason's this week, too, which is the largest book distributor in Ireland. They have 50 of their own shops and supply most of the independent shops around the country. If we can get in there, we'll have a wonderful donation for the cancer charity in October. If we can make some substantial sales here in Ireland, Highland Press has promised to donate those proceeds to an Irish cancer charity.

I've finished the design for the bookmarks and will be printing and laminating them. They're going to look great! I'm working on bookplates now. As I mentioned before, anyone who wants them need only send me a SASE.

Remember, ALL author royalties and ALL net profits from the publisher are being donated to breast cancer research and prevention, and we're being supported by the American Cancer Society, and hopefully one of the cancer foundations here in Ireland. More on that next week.

I'd like to send a special thanks out to a lady who's been dubbed Hurricane Mercedes. She's the daughter of author Jacquie Rogers and is the self-appointed marketing whiz for No Law Against Love. Her current project is putting together a gift basket that will be sent to the Regis and Kelly Show. Kelly Ripa loves romance stories and Regis's wife is a supporter of breast cancer awareness programs so Mercedes got the idea to send a basket full of goodies from the authors that represents some of the stories. I'm donating a handmade, all natural body bar in Tutti-Frutti scent that I'm labeling Maisie's Tutti-Frutti Body Bar and an old fashioned powder and puff that we're calling Hank's Scented Wig Powder. I'm also including an additional gift for both Regis and Kelly from my husband's land conservation program, A Piece of Ireland.

Thank you, Mercedes, for going over and above the call of duty on this one! I hope the show appreciates all of your hard work like we, the authors, do.

Happy reading everytone! And...BUY THE BOOK!

~ Kemberlee

Sold Out?

Wow! Can you believe it? Our book No Law Against Love went to print Monday, it started shipping on Tuesday and by Thursday all the books that were printed had sold out! Barnes & Noble had us ranked at #70 by Wednesday - that's #70 - then Thursday we'd sold out and are now back to the "out of stock" notice. At least they have us listed.

You may have noticed that Amazon has pulled our page. They've done this without an apparent or valid reason. The publisher, Highland Press, is trying to sort this out as we speak...so to speak.

However, you can STILL order by going through Amazon's backdoor. Click on the bookcover to the right, and it will take you to the order page.

You can be sure that the book has gone to reprint, so all outstanding orders will eventually be filled. Very soon, I hope.

Anyone who still wants to place a preorder, contact Highland Press directly, or myself. Especially if you're in Europe. Good news! The book is also being printed in the UK and will ship all over Europe. Yay!!

Some grrrrrrrreat news to share - I've managed to get a bookstore in Cork to stock the book. When my copies arrive this next week, I'll take some into the shop and hopefully they'll sell out immediately :-) We'll also talk about the prospects of an autographing. Wouldn't that be fun?!

I'm also going to hit up the bookstore here in Macroom this next week, and the bookstores in Killarney. From there, I'll be contacting the major bookstores around the country. AND I'm hoping to get some support through one of the Irish cancer groups, as any sales I make over here will benefit the cancer programs here. Stay tuned, as "they" say.

BTW, who are "they"?! LOL

Please drop me a message to let me know if you've received your copy the book and what you think of it.

Oh, and I'm making up some autogaphed bookplates and doublesided laminated bookmarks. If you've bought the book, drop me an email and I can organize with you to get some of these. They're free if you send me a SASE and *promise* not to resell the book for profit. Yeah, there are a few sad souls out there doing that already. The charity is the one losing out. Remember, ALL author royalties and ALL net profits from the publisher are being donated to breast cancer research and prevention, and we're being supported by the American Cancer Society, and hopefully one of the cancer foundations here in Ireland. More on that next week.

Happy reading! And...BUY THE BOOK!

~ Kemberlee

IT'S A BOOK!

I've heard that publishing a book can be like having a baby. If it's true, I can believe it with the No Law Against Love anthology. It was pure pleasure in the conceiving, and exciting and thrilling watching the growth. And the labor process has been a real bear. But delivery day is near.

The book has gone to print today, which means it will be available by Valentine's Day. Those with preorders should receive the book by this time next week.

I'd like to thank everyone for your patience. You will have this wonderful collection of stories in your hot little hands very soon. I hope you enjoy our little baby as much as we, the NLAL authors, have enjoyed conceiving it.

Know that I'm as anxious as you are to finally hold this baby in my hands, too.

Drop me a note or comment to let me know what you think of the book when you receive it. I'm looking forward to hearing your comments.

~ Kemberlee
PS...Don't forget you can still buy copies of No Law Against Love at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Read excerpts of my stories here on my website. Tutti-Frutti Blues and Dude Looks Like A Lady

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good - Reviews are still coming in for No Law Against Love. The latest is from Romance At Heart eZine, which had something great to say about each of the stories. Reviewer Linda had this to say about yours truly --

Tutti-Frutti is a special love story filled with romance between two people that is so unique in its own way. A little ice cream with no spoons could turn out delightfully wicked with that one special person. Ms. Shortland crafts an adorable little romance! It had a certain flare to it with the slippers and such a zany day, quite uplifting!

Dude Looks Like A Lady is a read where the characters and the settings are all quite believable. The storyline is great making it a fantastic read about romance that last throughout many years. Ms. Shortland has penned a story that touches the heart and leaves a wonderful sigh.

I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I read these reviews. They're my first reviews, so it made me feel great about my writing ability. Reviews can be heaven or hell for a writer. A good review can make you soar. A bad review is like a rejection from an editor or agent and send you into the pits of depression that lasts for days. So getting good reviews on my first publishing efforts has me soaring, as you can imagine.

The Bad - The printer is having issues with formatting. No Law Against Love was supposed to be available at the end of January, then it was pushed forward a week. Now the publication date is pushed forward until next week. I wish I could say I have a date, but I don't. We're all still hoping it will be available by Valentine's Day.

The Ugly - Well, this is what the authors and the publisher will get if the printer doesn't perform soon. ;-) At least the eversion will be available soon, and reviews are still coming in.

You can still place preorders through Amazon. B&N took the preorder option down thanks to the tardy printer, but you can still put No Law Against Love on your wish list there.. And you can always place your orders with the publisher, Highland Press.

In the meantime, I'm working on a new short story for Highland Press's next anthology called Blue Moon. If things get worked out with the printer, the Blue Moon anthology should be available around June or July. This is a straight romance, no silly laws, and is entitled All Time Love, which is enspired by a new song of the same title by Will Young. It's a lovely song and I'm hoping readers will think the story is too.

I'm also working on another silly laws short story for No Law Against Love 2, which will be released around this time next year. This story is called Dancing in the Moonlight and will be set in Seattle, WA this time.

I'm also still working on The Diary, a chapter of which can be read on this site. This is my full-length historical set in Ireland.

Bookmark my site and check back often for updates on the publication of No Law Against Love. We're pushing for publishing early this weeks so that it's available for Valentine's Day. Cross your fingers for us, light some candles, say a prayer...everything will help ;-)

~ Kemberlee

"NO LAW AGAINST LOVE" ACCOLADES

First and update about distribution - "No Law Against Love" went on pre-order on 9 Janaury and was intended to go to post on the 28th. However, there was a problem at the printer and now the book will go to post on 4 February. Anyone who's pre-ordered their books by then, should see them delivered before Valentine's Day.

Another note - "No Law Against Love" will also be available in electronic download from Highland Press, AND they're putting together a large print version for those with eyesight issues. Just contact the publisher if you're interested in a large print version.

Now, for some exciting news. "No Law Against Love" is getting some great press. Highland Press's owner, Leanne Burroughs, has been interviewed by her local newspaper, High Spring Herald in Florida. I encourage everyone to read it.

Additionally, the Lake City Reporter, also in Florida, interviewed contributing authors Jeanne VanArsdall and Patty Howell. Unfortunately, I don't have a link for the article, but the jounralist, Lindsay Dawney, began her report with, "Two Columbia County writers are breaking the laws of love and fighting breast cancer along the way."

The Owyhee Avalanche newspaper in Idaho published a short article on author Jacquie Rogers, who once lived in the state. Her daughter, dubbed "Hurricane Mercedes," has been acting as mom's press agent :-) Go, Mercedes!! Jacquie is also mentioned on the Golden Network, an international chapter of RWA.

Historical Novel Society did a brief write up, as has Central Florida Romance Writers, Home News Tribune in New Jersey, and Huntress Reviews has given us our first amazing review. AND Kristi Ahlers has been interviewed by Stars & Stripes, which should be available soon.

This has all been a great learning experience for us all, especially in publicity, marketing and simply putting ourselves forward to tell everyone we can about "No Law Against Love," our stories and the charity, breast cancer prevention.

"No Law Against Love" is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, by special order through your local bookstore, and of course through Highland Press directly.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you and give my deepest appreciation to all of you who've ordered this book...for yourself or for a loved one. All author royalties and all publisher net profits on "No Law Against Love" are going to the American Cancer Society for their breast cancer prevention program.

Now...BUY THE BOOK! :-)
Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Highland Press

~ Kemberlee

NOW AVAILABLE!

The No Law Against Love anthology is now available for pre-orders from the Highland Press website and through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and all major online booksellers. Keep your eyes open for No Law Against Love to be available through Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Books-A-Million, Borders, Powell's, and more. Be sure to ask your local bookseller to stock No Law Against Love on their shelves.

Pre-order today. Books will be posted on 28 January, just in time for Valentine's Day. Buy a copy for every woman you know to say how much you love her.

--> Remember, ALL net profits go to benefit breast cancer prevention and awareness through the American Cancer Society.

Thank you to all of those who have left comments here about the release, and to those who have emailed me privately with your thoughts. This project is a very exciting one, not only for me, but for Highland Press. We're all looking forward to a successful launch of Highland Press and for big sales of this book. There's not one person who hasn't been touched in some way by breast cancer. Whether it's been through direct personal treatment or knowing someone is or has suffered this terrible disease, it has effected us in some way.

The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily from an incidence of 1 in 20 women in 1960 to 1 in 7 women today. According to the American Cancer Society, 211,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. 85% of women with breast cancer have a negative family history.

-->Breast cancer is not exclusively a disease of women. For every 100 women with breast cancer, 1 male will develop the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1,600 men will develop the disease this year.

Detection is the first line of defense. A woman needs a mammogram if she's over 40, has a family history of breast cancer or has seen changes in her breasts.

Net profits from the sale of this book will go towards research and prevention and awareness of breast cancer. It will help to provide more affordable mammogram testing and treatment for those on limited income. So buy No Law Against Love for all of your lady friends, or anyone who enjoys great romance and wants to contribute to such a worthy cause.

Thank you for supporting No Law Against Love and breast cancer awareness!

~ Kemberlee

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!

I hope that the holidays were wonderful for you and that you're well on your way to upholding your New Years Resolutions!

I now have the official promo cover for No Law Against Love. Yay! It's really lovely. This cover mimicks the one for the anthology itself but has been personalized for each author.

click to visit Highland Press

This cover will be in addition to my own cover graphics for each story. Each personal cover will be on the page before each story in the anthology. And are used here on the site on the story pages.

and

Thanks goes to DeborahAnne MacGillivray for the anthology cover, as well as the site design for Highland Press. She's worked very hard over the weeks to get not only the site up and running, but the pages for this anthology, which include posting the blurbs for all the stories and the author bios.

A special thanks should be given to Leanne Burroughs, who owns Highland Press. She's put her own writing aside in order to get this new online venture going, and has been an editing demon so that she can make the deadlines in order that this anthology will be available by, if not before, Valentine's Day. She must be setting some Guinness Record with her work!

My biggest writing project this week has been putting together a list of links for all of the authors in the anthology, which you can find on my Links link. Most of the contributing authors have live sites, but a couple are still working on theirs. Their links will be added as soon as I have the author's new URLs, so stay tuned.

No Law Against Love is still on schedue for release in February. As soon as I have a release date and information on pre-orders, I'll post it here. The book will be available through Highland Press and through Amazon.com in electronic downloads and paperbacks.

While you're waiting, you can sneak a peak at my short stories by going to My Books above. All of the No Law Against Love stories are based around some crazy laws around the world. You'll see a collection of contemporary, historical and paranormal inclusions in the book.

My own Tutti-Frutti Blues is the first story in the duet I've contributed and is based around a now repealed law in my hometown that banned the eating of ice cream on the streets. Dude Looks Like A Lady is the second story and is also based on a law that is still on the books, amazingly enough, though not enforced, that says one must obtain a permit to wear shoes with heals higher than 2 inches!

Enjoy these sneak peaks. In the mean time, while you're waiting for the announcement to go and place your pre-orders, save your pennies so you can buy a copy of this book for all of your friends.

** REMEMBER: All proceeds from the sale of this book are going to breast cancer research.

If you'd like to see what kind of crazy laws are in your state or country, check out Crazy Laws.

~ Kemberlee
PS...click comments below to leave me a message. I'd love to hear from you.