2/29/2012

Get Lost with Joan Swan and FEVER!!!

Get Lost in This Story…


When Dr. Alyssa Foster is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she's in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razor-sharp pang of need...

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn't, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever...

I’m thrilled to host Kensington Brava author, Joan Swan, to the blog today!  Her much anticipated debut, FEVER, (what a cover!) is getting rave reviews all over the blogosphere, and I, for one, have been dying to read it!  It just came out yesterday, and Joan is here to tell us not only about it, but more about her!

Here’s a bit about Joan:



Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist.  Her debut novel with Kensington Brava, FEVER, releases February 28, 2012.  Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012.

In her day job, she works as a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives on the California central coast in beautiful wine country with her husband and two daughters.



Joan: Hi Heather!!  First I want to say congratulations on YOUR release this month – SWEET ENEMY!  Your cover is gorgeous and you’ve gotten awesome reviews!  As soon as I have time to breathe, I’m going to pick it up!  Can wait to sink into a good historical!

And second, thanks so much to everyone at Get Lost In A Story for having me today!

Heather:  Thanks so much, Joan!  We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the release of FEVER with you!  It seems like you and I have been waiting forever to get a hold of each other’s books.  I’m honored to share a release month with you!  Now…let’s get to the Get Lost Interview!

Heather: How often to you get lost in a story?
Joan: Not as often as I’d like.  Since I’ve started writing, my ability to lose myself in a story has been forever altered.  Even though I read often, I’m constantly searching for craft and voice and that intangible element that makes every book special.  Occasionally, something—either an author’s storytelling ability or a character or the story itself—will suck me in and I’ll get lost and forget all about searching for craft.  But not nearly as often as I wish it would.

Heather: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?
Joan: I read thrillers, mainstream suspense and many subgenres of romance—contemporary, suspense, thriller, paranormal, historical and of course mixtures.  I think my favorite is either a romantic suspense or a romantic thriller.

Heather: What’s the first book you remember reading?
Joan: Actually, I remember the first book that was read to me.  Where the Red Fern Grows.  My sixth grade teacher used to read to us everyday after lunch.  She’d have us come in, put our heads down on our desks and read a scene or a chapter.  It remains the most vivid story in my mind today.

Heather: Where do you read and how often?
Joan: I read in the car, while I’m driving. J  Yes, I wrote that correctly.
I work out of town, so during my one-way 4 hour drive, I listen to audiobooks.  It has become time I look forward to, time I nearly covet.  I have two subscriptions to audiobook services – Audible and another which works much like Netflix where I rent the CD’s.  So, in my 8 hour drive, I can get through between ½ or 1 ½ books – depends on their length.

Heather: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?
Joan: I didn’t used to, but more recently, I subscribed to Pandora’s upgraded service where there are no commercials.  They also have preset channels with themes or you can set up your very own channel with only your favorite artists.  Right now I listen to either Movie Tracks, Classics or Country.  When I get more time, I want to set up channels that suit particular scenes – like love scenes or action scenes.

Heather: Is writing or story-telling easier for you?
Joan: Writing.  Please don’t make me tell you about the story.  I’ll do anything if you don’t make me tell you the story.  I have really been pushing myself over the last year to step up to the plate when it comes to public speaking.  I know it’s important to my career as an author.  Even more, I want to be able to share my knowledge of craft with other writers, my enthusiasm for my work and the works of others.  But the more I practice and the harder I try, the worse it gets.  I’m not sure public speaking is for me.  I think I’ll leave it to the teachers out there – they rock at public speaking!!


Heather: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?
Joan: I’d be an independent publicist—someone who helps authors get the word out about their books.  Set up blog tours, speaking engagements, ads, websites, social media…etc.  I have to admit, I have really enjoyed the process…I just wish it didn’t compete for my writing time.  Doing it for other writers would be a great alternative … but only if I couldn’t be a writer anymore.

Heather’s GOTTA  ASK – Joan’s GOTTA  ANSWER  J.

Heather: So, congratulations on your debut that came out yesterday!  Such an exciting time.  Can you tell us what you did to celebrate? 

Joan: Thank you!!  I had a live interview with blog talk radio very early in the morning, which was really fun.  Then my husband took me to breakfast at the place that has my favorite French toast and I hit a movie in the afternoon!  Then I got back to revising the book coming out in April.  It was a great day.

Now, Joan asks YOU:
Joan: If you couldn’t read romance (any subgenre) what would you read and why?


Comment below for chances at these great GIVEAWAYS!
·         A print copy of FEVER, US/Canada shipping.
·         All comments are eligible for tour grand prize of either a COLOR NOOK or KINDLE FIRE. Enter: http://joanswan.com/giveaways/blog-tour-ereader/

Can’t wait to get your hands on FEVER?  You can buy now:  Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Booksamillion

Want to learn more about Joan?  You can find here HEREWebsite | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

60 comments:

  1. I would read paranormal's or sic fi - I like to escape normal everyday life in the books I read.

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    1. I agree Becky - escape is one of the primary goals of fiction readers!

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    2. Escape is one of the primary reasons for reading fiction. Those would be good genres for that Becky!

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  2. I might try non-romance paranormals or sci-fi books. I mostly read romance and if I couldn't have those, I might just watch more TV instead ;)

    ~Krista
    theangrypollo{ AT }yahoo{DOT }com

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    1. Good point Krista! I'd probably watch more movies!

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  3. When I don't read romance I go with straight sci-fi or forensic detective types of novels.

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  4. I read fantasy by Terry Pratchett... He's terrific!

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  5. I would read biographies or travel books. It would be a nightmare if I couldn't read any genre of romances....LOL
    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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    1. I agree Michelle, there would be a big void in my life w/o romance.

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  6. Thrillers and Mysteries...I read along with all my romance books. I love trying to solve the puzzle.

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  7. Good morning Joan! Awesome cover and hook!

    Great idea to set up Pandora stations. I have the same concept, just playlists on my laptop (and external harddrive which pipes through the livingroom when non one's home but me :-)

    Best of luck with your release...my TBR pile's just getting wobbly now.

    ~Angi

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    1. Great idea Angi! I would love that capability. At the moment it's my laptop or the desktop when no one's home, which has better speakers ;). But to have it in the house??? Awesome!

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  8. Congratulations on the new release!!

    If I couldn't have romance, I'd have to go back to my first love - mystery/thrillers. I used to be a complete mystery junkie - everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin and everything in between.

    Love the idea of your playlists! I do those as well and run them in the library at certain times.

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    1. Thanks LIAGB! I love thrillers too. Next best thing to romance :).

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  9. Actually I started out reading fantasy books before romance. So I guess if I could not read those I would go back to them. I still enjoy a good high fantasy book like my Forgotten Realms (about the only way to get my drow and elven fix), belated David Eddings, and Mercedes Lackey.

    * Sheepish * I can spend literally hours creating playlists on my ipod. I always want the right songs when i write.

    No need to enter me for Fever since I already have and read it! Congrats on the new release hun!

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    1. Ah-ha! I've found your preferred method of procrastination! I've never been a fantasy fan, but I do love it as a touch in conjunction with other elements.

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  10. Paranormal - hands down. But I'd also add in some suspense like Shiloh Walkers or Cynthia Edens books.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Public speaking isn't for me either. I get way too nervous and then start "umming" my way or sometimes I keep talking but have no clue what I'm talking about. A wise professor once told the class: practice doesn't make perfect if you keep doing the same (wrong) thing over and over. Rather practice and adjust.

    If could read any genre except for romance (of which I love all its subgenres) I will go with general fiction. Sneaky I know, but with this genre I could throw in some fiction with romantic/historical/paranormal elements. Romance just wouldn't be the main thing.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Oh, aren't you sneaky? I actually do love a lot of mainstream fiction -- just depends on the subject matter.

      And as for public speaking...unless I'm so well versed on the topic I could speak about it without thinking, I believe I'm going to stay away from the podium as much as possible.

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  12. For fiction I also like Mysteries and Thrillers. For non-fiction I love cook books!

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    1. Oh, yummy! Cook books! See, now there's something I didn't even consider -- non fiction! Good thinking Tammy! I'm a self-help lover. Inspiration, creativity, that sort of stuff. I'd love to cook, but I don't have the patience. :(

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  13. I'd read thrillers. I love lots of suspense.

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    1. Ooo, me too Chey! Any favorite thriller authors? I love Karin Slaughter, Dean Koontz, many more! Have you tried romantic thrillers?

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    2. I love thrillers too. That non stop suspense is awesome!!

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  14. Serial Killer Bios (cause I like to kno what they are thinking when they do what they do) or Real Ghost Stories, I like hearing or reading of other peoples experiences.

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  15. I'd read fairy tales. Good romances are basically fairy tales for adults.

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    1. You're right Allison, they are. You're probably not old enough to remember that cartoon on in the mornings that was like a humorous slant on fairy tales? Shoot, can hear the theme song in my head, but can't remember the name. Loved that cartoon! "...and the moral of this story was..." always ended it.

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  16. A cereal box---if that's all I could find. I'm a reading junkie. I admit it. The books in my personal library span decades and cross all genre boundaries. Some of my reference books are favorite reads because I usually discover something new.

    Yep. I need a 12-step program. ;-)

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    1. Nope, no 12-step for you. Sounds like you'll always have something to read :)

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    2. Nope, no 12 step for you. You'll never run out of reading material!!

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  17. No need to enter me in this giveaway. I just wanted to congratulate you on your debut release, Joan.

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  18. I would read mystery, suspense, horror. One of my favorite authors is Clive Barker. He has a very vivid and complex imagination. I also love Dean Koontz and James Patterson. I am envious of how authors are able put words together and make it work. I am not a very creative person so when I read a book and it's like a movie playing in my head, I am in awe of the author for making that happen.

    Joan, if you figure out the whole public speaking thing, please let me know. I have a phobia or something. I always stammer and get clammy not to mention my voice being very shaky. Good luck!

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    1. Tina, we can meet at the bar before hand. So far, that is my only recommendation. :)

      Many authors actually see their books like movies in their head, which is how they write it. You may not be as far off base from a writer as you think :)

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  19. If I couldn't read romance, I'd read Science Fiction or Fantasy. I love getting lost in new worlds filled with interesting characters, I especially love stories set in space.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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    1. Oooo, a space girl! I'm okay with space if it isn't too...out there (no pun intended), but not so beyond imagination that it's difficult to, well, imagine :) Gee, I'm eloquent tonight!

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  20. I do enjoy reading light mysteries such as J.D.Robb, Janet Evanovich, Elaine Viets.

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    1. I am definitely an Evanovich fan, which made me think of another genre I'd want to read -- humor!

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  21. thanks for the interview. I agree that is a yummy cover & the blurb is pretty intriguing as well :) I've been a long time fan of historical romance but have been reading more paranormal & sci-fi related romances this past year. they all offer an enjoyable escape from reality with a wonderful hea at the end :)

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    1. The escape is essential isn't it? Paranormal and sci-fi are great for that. So is historical (if we were able to read it, but we aren't) :) b/c of the different times, different customs, clothing, etc.

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  22. Just read the excerpt on your website, and wow! The action starts right away. Definitely want to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Hi TxDee,

      Yes it does. Doesn't stop there either. Just keeps GOING!! LOL, looking back I'm not sure where I got the energy to write it!

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  23. Great interview. Congrats on the release! Looking forward to reading it.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  24. If I couldn't read any form of Romance genre I would read Mysteries or Thrillers. I am a BIG fan of Stephen King and I have read a few Thomas Harris books which were great. Romance genre is my true passion but I have enjoyed the aforementioned genre on many occasions. I am so doing my best to get my hands on a copy of FEVER. I MUST HAVE IT....^_^.

    skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com

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    1. LOL, Skyla! I won't stop you! I loved Stephen King too...until I read Pet Cemetery, which freaked me out and after that I couldn't read his books anymore. :(

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  25. if i couldnt read romance *shrudders at thought* well i guess about YA or ghost and aliens since before i got into romance i would read those. it would basically be going back to then. Happy Release day. Sexy cover and awesome interview.

    babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Hi Lindsey, YA! Good one! I was just at a conference where there was a YA panel and one of the authors on the panel said they didn't feel YA was as much about an age group as it was about a style of writing, which I tend to agree with. Many YA's have a very sophisticated writing style.

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  26. I dont even begin to remember the first book I read. My parents were not readers. There was never story time or anything. So I have no idea how I became a crazy loving it reader. Then I read to my two sons, every day. Often. Took them to story time. Participated in story time. We spent loads of time at the library. Every program....And neither one of them can stand reading for pleasure. They just do not like it. Go figure .

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    1. They will probably grow to love it. Sometimes when they do it so much as kids, they need a break before they pick it up on their own. My oldest daughter struggled for years, we only found out later she was dyslexic. She HATED reading, despite me doing all the things you mentioned for her as a child. But she eventually found her own way to deal with the dyslexia, found books she loved and now reads nonstop when she's not smothered in college homework. Hang in there :)

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  27. Paranormals because the stories are always different and interesting.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  28. I think I'd go with urban fantasy and/or paranormal. That's pretty much what I read anyway, but there's always some interesting twist that keeps my attention.
    britneywyatt[at]gmail[dot]com

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  29. Hi Joan! *waves* I can't say that I am surprised that independent publicist would be your back-up career. Wait! Don't you kind of do that already a little with your blog and mad tweeting skillz? *wink* And you are in for a terrific read with Heather's new book. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to review it and LURVED it! As far as my first book? The first one I remember was in 4th grade - The Westing Game. I loved it. I even named my pet rats Theo and Turtle. LOL

    Heather, thanks so much for having Joan. I don't know her personally, but from what I know of her, she is an awesome individual and I count myself lucky to be able to follow her career as a published author from the very beginning. *whispers* Actually, I can say the same about you as well.

    Thank you both for writing such fantastic stories for my reading pleasure. Best of luck to you both and I look forward to reading more from each of you. :)

    Kendra @ Reader's Edyn

    P.S. Please do not enter me as I already have a copy of the book. :)

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  30. If I couldn't read romance to be perfectly honest I probably wouldn't read. I'm all for suspense and action packed adventure in a story but without a lil love mixed in...not really my deal. And in the end what makes a story memorable for me is the romance...and is why I fall in love with my characters too:)

    andieleah78@gmail.com

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