Tutti-Frutti Blues received Honorable Mention

Tutti-Frutti Blues received an Honorable Mention at the 2006 RIO Awards for Excellence. Not too bad for my first published story, eh?!

Tutti-Frutti Blues was set in my hometown of Carmel, California back in the late 1980's when it was illegal to eat ice cream on the town streets. The law was enacted when ice cream litter was a major problem in the town. When Clint Eastwood became mayor he saw the law repealed. This story was in the No Law Against Love anthology anthology published by Highland Press in February 2006. The theme of the collection was seemingly silly laws around the world, which is why I used the ice cream one.

Also in this anthology is the sequel to Tutti-Frutti Blues called Dude Looks Like a Lady, which hit upon a law still on the books in Carmel...the high heel ban! Anyone wanting to wear shoes with heels taller than 2 inches has to obtain a permit from the town. One look at the cobbled sidewalks and the tree roots coming up through the streets will tell you how easy it is to fall in high heels. When the law was enacted back in the 1970's it was because so many Disco Stu's were falling on their faces on the uneven pavement. Dude Looks Like a Lady is a playful story set a year later from Tutti-Frutti Blues.

Both stories are must reads, if I do say so myself! =-)

The No Law Against Love anthology is still available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

And don't forget that all author royalties and publisher net profits of the sales of this book go to breast cancer awareness!!

Happy reading!

~ Kemberlee

Nominated for the RIO Award of Excellence!!

How cool is this? Tutti-Frutti Blues was nominated for a RIO Award! It's a terrific honor just to be nominated by such a prestigious group. Many thanks RIO!!

Nominations were announced last week on the RIO blog and the winners will be announced there next week.

Tutti-Frutti Blues was published February 2006 in the anthology No Law Against Love, published by Highland Press. This book is in paperback and still available; all author royalties and publisher net profits going to breast cancer awareness. You can get your copy through Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble online, or ask your local bookseller to stock it on their shelves!

UPDATE:

Last month, the anothology Blue Moon Enchantment was nominated for the P.E.A.R.L. Award. My story in this collection is Moondance.

We didn't place, but to be in the company of such authors as Sherrilyn Kenyon and Susan Grant, who can complain?!?! It was still a great honor to be nominated. Authors in Blue Moon Enchantment won in the Best Short Story category though so it was a great boon to authors and our publisher, Highland Press.

The winners list can be viewed on PNR's website. Congratulations to all the winners!

As with No Law Against Love, Blue Moon Enchantment is still available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, or by asking your local bookseller to stock Highland Press titles.

As always, feel free to drop me a note or leave a comment. I love hearing from readers.

~ Kemberlee

P.E.A.R.L. Nominee for 2006!!

I know it's been a while since I've posted any news. It's been a busy time with the holidays, our trip home to California for Xmas and New Years, and getting back to work. However, there's some news I feel I must share.

Blue Moon Enchantment has been nominated for the 2006 P.E.A.R.L. Award awarded through ParaNormalRomance.org. How cool is that?

My story in this anthology is called Moondance and is set in the southwest of Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula on the Three Sisters Promontory. This is the story of two close friends looking for love and finding it in each other...with the help of the magic of the Blue Moon...a second full moon that appears in the same month.

Here's what just two reviewers have said about Moondance --

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

Winners haven't been notidfied yet, but you can be sure I'll post that message!

I have to say it's an honor just to be nominated. While my story isn't overly paranormal, the majority of Blue Moon Enchantment is. I count myself lucky to be in a collection with such esteemed writers.

Wish us luck!!!

BTW, No Law Against Love is also being nominated for best new authors at PNR. So if you're a PNR member, vote for us!!!!

And don't forget, Holiday in the Heart was released the first part of December. It's still selling like hotcakes so be sure to get your copy. My story in that collection is The Power of Love, another Irish set story, this time in Limerick City. Elaine and Ethan are blessed and cursed. The power of love plays a strong part in bringing this story to a happy ever after.

Belated Happy New Years to all. Wishing you a year full of romance!

~ Kemberlee