TJ Bennett | Getting to know TJ
June 5, 2009
TJ
Bennett is the author of "Dark and Daring Romance" and a former
Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. TJ writes "outside the box"
historical romance featuring richly detailed settings and unusual subjects. Her
critically-acclaimed debut novel, THE LEGACY,
was rated a "Buried Treasure 2008" and a “Desert Isle Keeper” by the
influential reader site All About Romance. The Historical Novel Society deemed
THE
LEGACY “a solid historical romance from a promising debut author.”
THE
LEGACY, set in 16th century Reformation Germany during the Peasant
Revolution, was also a finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence
contest, the Book Buyers Best Award, and the Holt Medallion. TJ’s newest
release, THE
PROMISE, follows a mercenary during Charles V’s Italian campaigns.
THE
PROMISE was awarded TOP PICK status by Night Owl Romance and given
four stars by Romantic Times BOOKReviews, which called TJ an “author to watch.”
Eye on Romance’s Historical Romance Writers’ reviewer says TJ is a “master at
writing historical fiction.”
FF: Welcome to Fresh Fiction, TJ. Tell us a little more about
your work. TJ: I’d like to thank Fresh Fiction for
having me here today to talk about my latest release, THE PROMISE. This is a
story of love, redemption, and the power of a promise. In 1525, a German
mercenary (a Landsknecht) in the service of Emperor Charles V must
overcome his
own wounded heart and convince a reluctant widow to marry him in order to keep
a promise to a dying friend. A gypsy’s curse on every man who loves her forces
the Spanish beauty to rebuff him, but their passion for one another is stronger
than the mysterious misfortune that seems to plague any with the courage to
defy the curse. THE
PROMISE features the brother of my printer hero from THE LEGACY, my debut novel.
I was inspired to write THE
PROMISE while writing THE LEGACY. I realized my printer hero Wolf in the first book had
a middle brother, Günter, who showed up in my story demanding his own book. I
made him a Landsknecht because I could not get the harsh and yet
exciting life
of these soldiers-for-hire out of my mind. Günter was a rogue, a charmer, and
sexy beyond belief, as well as being very hard to say no to, so I started
writing THE PROMISE
almost immediately after I finished the first book. Those qualities are much on
display in his story as he pursues the woman who is afraid to love him out of
fear for his very life.
I hope you’ll take the time to check out my website,
for book excerpts, news, and photos. I also run a blog, IMHO that
features a monthly giveaway gift basket filled with autographed novels by
bestselling, emerging, and debut authors along with lots of other goodies
stuffed inside, including a copy of one of my own books. Every month is
different, so be sure to come by and check it out. July promises to be
spectacular, as I’ll be bringing over 40 RITA® nominated authors to IMHO and giving
away tote bags full of their autographed books in celebration of their
achievements. www.tjbennett.com
Comments
11 comments posted.
Re: TJ Bennett | Getting to know TJ
Congrats on The Promise, TJ! I remember when The Legacy first debuted and hearing about that! Do you have another related book planned? (I thought I recalled a trilogy?) (Fedora Chen 1:50am June 5, 2009)
Congratulations on your success! Your books sound fascinating. (Betty Cox 12:25pm June 5, 2009)
Isn't it interesting how some characters push themselves on you when you are trying to write about someone else! (Karin Tillotson 12:27pm June 5, 2009)
These books sound great! I'll have to check them out (& I usually don't read historicals!)! (Kelli Jo Calvert 12:50pm June 5, 2009)
Congrats TJ! (Gail Hurt 3:36pm June 5, 2009)
The story and setting of 'The Promise' are unique and interesting. I will definitely will make this book a summer read. (Rosemary Krejsa 7:11pm June 5, 2009)
Hi, folks! Sorry I didn't respond earlier. Been traveling today unexpectedly and just got back. Thanks for the interest in my book, THE PROMISE. And to answer Fedora's question, while I do have the third brother, Peter's story, in the back of my mind, at this time I have no plans for a trilogy. Never say never, though. I'm working on anther historical manuscript, something I'm calling a "grown up gothic fairy tale," which I'm hoping everyone will be able to enjoy soon.
Thanks for asking!
TJB (Tj Bennett 11:24pm June 5, 2009)
Have been signed up for IMHO for a month or so now. Also on your website. Love historicals and yours are a nice change of pace . You can't let Peter languish in no man's land. I'm looking forward to your "fairy tale." (Patricia Barraclough 11:42pm June 5, 2009)
Hi, I have read many wonderful reviews of your new book. (Mari M. 3:02pm June 6, 2009)
Hi TJ! Just signed up for the newsletter and checked out the blog - it's great! Haven't read any of your books yet - but will keep my eye out for them! (Martha Lawson 10:24pm June 6, 2009)
Congrats! (Bridget Hopper 12:41pm June 7, 2009)
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