TJ Bennett's May news and events

Well, my second novel, THE PROMISE, is officially in book stores now. I’ve got a busy month ahead promoting the book, and thought I’d let you know some key dates on my schedule. (BTW, if any of you spot the book in your local bookstore, I'd love to know where you found it. Distribution was spotty for THE LEGACY, but I'm hearing more people are able to find copies of THE PROMISE on book store shelves).

On May 4, I’ll be visiting with the Jaunty Quills and talking about what inspired me to write Günter’s story in THE PROMISE. You might be very surprised to learn what former soap star and pop singer had an impact on my decision. Come leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of my debut novel, THE LEGACY, from Medallion Press.

On May 10, I’m heading over to the Unusual Historicals blog, where I discuss THE PROMISE again and post an excerpt of the book. Here, too, you’ll have a chance to win a copy of THE LEGACY, so be sure to leave a comment.

On May 29, I’m at PASIC’s To Be Read blog, giving my thoughts and musings on the state of the romance industry. You’ll be competing for a copy of THE PROMISE, so if you haven’t bought it by then, leave a comment for a chance to win.

On May 30, I’ll be at Houston’s Read It Again & Again independent bookstore where I’ll be signing my books alongside two other wonderful historical romance authors, Sophie Jordan and Kim Lenox. Come join us May 30th, 2009, 2 - 4 pm, at 38 Braeswood Square, Houston, TX 77096, Ph: 713-283-9188.You can even call to reserve your books ahead of time, and Grace the bookseller will ship them to you personally if you aren’t in the local area but would like to get a signed book.

New contest for May!
“Mother May I?”
If all this isn’t enough to keep you busy, on May 6 I’m beginning a new monthly gift basket contest here at IMHO featuring four guest hosts extraordinaire. I’m calling this one the “Mother May I?” gift basket in honor of Mother’s Day. Check out the schedule below and remember to visit during the entire month of May (guest posts go up on Wednesdays) and leave a comment for at least two of my hosts (the more comments you leave, the more chances to win) to be eligible to win this month’s wonderful gift basket. The basket will include autographed books by Deanna Raybourn, Catherine Kean, Tera Lynn Childs, Monica McCarty, and me, TJ Bennett, as well as a $20 gift certificate to Barnes & Nobles and other goodies. (This time I'll put a copy of THE PROMISE in the basket.) Details of how to win will be up on my website contest page soon.

The theme at IMHO for May is “Dark Knights in Shining Armor,” so the guests will be discussing the darker side of their heroes and how that makes them so much more interesting and complex. Not to be missed! Here is the lineup:

May 6 Deanna Raybourn, RITA (Strong Romantic Elements category) award-winning author of the Julia Grey mystery series (Silent on the Moor).

May 13 Catherine Kean, award-winning Medallion Press author of medieval romances (A Knight’s Temptation).

May 20 Tera Lynn Childs, RITA nominated debut author of YA romantic fiction (Oh.My.Gods.).

May 26 Monica McCarty, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of Scottish historical romances (Highland Scoundrel).

That’s it for now. Whew!

Take care,

TJ Bennett