A WRITER from Penarth has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's (RNA) 2020 Romantic Novel Awards which are celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year.

Laura Kemp, who moved to Penarth from England 20 years ago, is one of 5 finalists in the Romantic Comedy Novel Award category with her novel Bring Me Sunshine, published by Orion Fiction.

Writer and performer Jenny Eclair will present the awards during a ceremony at Leonardo Royal London City Hotel on Monday 2nd March.

The RNA’s awards are the only national literary prizes that recognise excellence in the genre of romantic fiction. In 2020 they comprise the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Goldsboro Books Historical Romantic Novel Award, the Romantic Comedy Novel Award, the Sapere Books Popular Romantic Fiction Award, the Jackie Collins Award for Romantic Thrillers, the Fantasy Romantic Novel Award, the Libertà Shorter Romantic Novel Award, and the Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award.

Commenting on the award, Laura said: "I'm absolutely thrilled at being shortlisted. I have always dreamed of being nominated but never thought it would happen.

"It's enough for me to be on the list, it already feels like a massive win. And it's a joy to be in such great company too."

The RNA was formed in 1960 to promote romantic fiction and encourage good writing. It now represents 1000 writers, agents, editors, and other publishing professionals. RNA Chair, Alison May, said: “The shortlists this year show the fantastic range of romantic fiction being produced by hugely talented authors.

"In the RNA’s 60th year it’s heartening to see the genre in such good health, and to see such an exciting mix of established and up-and-coming writers taking romantic fiction forward into the next sixty years.”