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Guest blog & giveaway with Joan Swan

During the construction of every novel, I learn the most amazing things.  Trivia mostly, but still…entertaining to say the least. Here are some fun things I learned while writing BLAZE:

  • More than I ever wanted to know about Area 51
  • How snipers are tested and ranked in marksmanship
  • The stipple pattern a bullet makes on the skin when it enters the body
  • A heck of a lot of Greek!
  • More than I ever wanted to know about swingers clubs
  • How official biological reports are written and that the Method pages hold the key information
  • How much an anatomical model of a penis and testicles would cost
  • The sexual position ‘reverse cowboy’ (no I really didn’t know it was called that!)
  • That the paranormal ability of remote is actually based on a theory in quantum physics
  • The different makes, sizes and amenities to various private planes
  • Different areas of the brain and what they control in our bodies
  • That brain-computer interfaces are utilized today to enable people to mobilize prosthetic limbs.
  • All the different nerves of the eye
  • Details of Joseph Mengeley’s gruesome tests on human patients during WWII
  • Construction of different types of military helicopters
  • That vasectomy’s can be performed in a doctor’s office!

Aren’t those…um…fun??? What is something memorable you’ve learned while reading (or writing) a book?

Lets take a look at the Phoenix Rising Series

 

FEVER

Book 1

Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…

But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with a ripped body, a determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…

Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.

Purchase Links:

Kensington / Amazon / Amazon Canada / Barnes & Noble / B-A-M Book Depository / Chapters / IndieBound / Powell’s 

Add to your Goodreads Shelf

BLAZE

Book 2

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal… Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. Sheneeds to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Amazon Canada / Barnes & Noble / B-A-M / Book Depository Chapters / IndieBound / Powell’s

 Add to your Goodreads Shelf

Want a chance to win a signed copy of BLAZE?

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

*US/Canada only*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to check out Joan’s other stops?  

Here is a list of the BLAZE Tour

September 17 – Grave Tells – http://gravetells.com/

September 18 – Book Reader Addicts – http://bookreaderaddictsgiveaways.blogspot.com/

September 19 – Pearl’s World of Romance – http://pearlsworldofromance.wordpress.com/

September 20 – Under The Covers – http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.ca

September 21 – Reading Between The Wines – http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

September 22 – Riverina Romantics  – http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

September 23 – Reading on The Wild Side – http://readingonthewildside.blogspot.com/

September 24 – United By Books – http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

September 25 – My Keeper Shelf – http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/

September 25 –  The Reading Café  – http://thereadingcafe.com/

September 26 – Ramblings From This Chick – http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

September 27 – I Smell Sheep – http://www.ismellsheep.com/

September 28 – Paranormal Haven – http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

September 29 – Just Romantic Suspense – http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/

September 30 – Just Romantic Suspense – http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/

October 1 – Close Encounters With The Night Kind – http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

October 2 – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction –

                Book Monster – http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/

                Literal Addiction – http://www.literaladdiction.com/

October 3 – Books-n-Kisses – https://books-n-kisses.com/

October 4 – Readers Confession – http://www.readersconfession.com/

October 5 – Book Lovin’ Mamas – http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

October 6 – Cocktails & Books – http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

77 Responses to Guest blog & giveaway with Joan Swan

  1. pam howell October 3, 2012 at 6:33 am #

    NICE covers – very intrigued – would love to win & read!!!
    PICK ME!!!

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:38 am #

      Thanks Pam! Good luck in the giveaway!

  2. allison motherway October 3, 2012 at 7:29 am #

    I heard this is an amazing series and would love to read them. Love the ocver art
    amotherway@ aol(dot)com

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:38 am #

      Oh, that is so exciting to hear! I love knowing people are talking about the books! 🙂

  3. Jennifer Bielman October 3, 2012 at 7:32 am #

    I have learned through reading and writing how important Show don’t Tell is.

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:40 am #

      Good one Jennifer. Showing is so powerful!

  4. Viki S. October 3, 2012 at 7:38 am #

    I want this SO bad. I really enjoy the way Joan writes. Very true to life. Thank you.

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:40 am #

      Thank you Viki! That’s the BEST compliment!

  5. Eric Townsend October 3, 2012 at 7:43 am #

    When I read Malcolm Gladwell’s books I was finding out a plethora of information I had never even considered. I find new ways of thinking in any kind of book though and being open to that new line of thought can expand how you see the world.

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:41 am #

      Well said! I love finding new ways to look at the world!

  6. Heather @ Red Headed Bookworm October 3, 2012 at 7:47 am #

    I learned you can mild a chinchilla! LOL Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  7. Betty Hamilton October 3, 2012 at 7:49 am #

    I sometimes read about subjects that catch my attention. Many years before he ran for President I heard part of John McCain’s story as a POW. I read mabe 25 or 30 books after that to try to better understand the Viet Nam war and how it affected our young men, particularly those who were POWs. This took me into the Korean War and WWII. These are areas that women usually don’t spend much time reading. However, I found it fascinating and the more I read the more I needed to learn more. I finally returned to my normal Historical and Contemporary Romances.

  8. Texas Book Lover October 3, 2012 at 7:53 am #

    I’ve learned lots of Greek myths while reading.

    Gotta say that I already wanted to read Blaze because I loved Fever but after reading your facts I am really curious how a few of those fit into the story now! Very curious!

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:46 am #

      I’ve learned about Greek mythology through my CP’s books — Eternal Guardian series.

      BLAZE is a very fun book! 🙂

  9. orchid7 October 3, 2012 at 7:57 am #

    I learned what a Prince Albert piercing was! >_<
    Thanks for the giveaway- the book looks great!

    • Joan Swan October 3, 2012 at 9:47 am #

      LOLOL, well, I guess I’ll have to Google that now!

  10. Elizabeth H. October 3, 2012 at 9:56 am #

    I love your covers! While reading I’ve learned there are a lot of talented, imaginative authors out there 🙂

  11. susan platt October 3, 2012 at 10:40 am #

    I have put both books on my wishlist! I can’t wait to read them. I learn so many things while reading books, I can’t pinpoint any one thing, I just know I have a huge knowledge of strange information. It is funny, this information only comes to mind when playing trivia games or watching trivia shows.

    susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 8:55 pm #

      I love all that trivia floating around in my head!

  12. Phoenix Carvelli October 3, 2012 at 10:42 am #

    I have learned so many tidbits of information…hmm…

    From the historicals, I learned that platform shoes were common (8″-12″) since the roadways were often where chamber pots were dumped.

    Me + platform shoes + muddy/nasty road or clear/level road for that matter = Disaster! LOL

  13. Mina De Caro October 3, 2012 at 11:14 am #

    There is a wealth of information in Blaze…the most memorable was the reverse cowboy thing 😉 I have learned a lot about women fashion in HRN.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 8:56 pm #

      Yes, CP Elisabeth Naughton was floored when I didn’t “get” the reverse cowboy title. But then, Elisabeth knows a lot of things I don’t know. 🙂

  14. Sophia Rose October 3, 2012 at 11:15 am #

    From my own writing and reading posts from many authors, I have learned that much of the time the characters determine their own story.

    Looking forward to reading Blaze. Thanks for the post and for the giveaway opportunity.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 8:57 pm #

      Oh, Lord is that true! Sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse!

  15. Charity Costa October 3, 2012 at 12:21 pm #

    Love this post, the list have me laughing and saying OMG really?!?!? at the same time. Congratz Joan on the release of the 2nd book in the series and I love the covers 🙂

  16. Raonaid Luckwell October 3, 2012 at 12:28 pm #

    What I learned is that writing a book is not as simple as people believes!! I learned why authors don’t have much time to read while writing. I learned that the hard way! Though I heard of reverse cowboy but didn’t know what it actually was.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 8:58 pm #

      LOL, I was the opposite. I knew was it was but not what it was called. 🙂

  17. Raonaid Luckwell October 3, 2012 at 12:45 pm #

    raffecopter doesn’t like me. It won’t load so I can say that I commented to the blog…

  18. infinitieh October 3, 2012 at 1:04 pm #

    I was moved to learn more about the second pommel on the sidesaddle while reading historical romances. Any story in which the heroine could stay on a horse during a gallop or jumping had to have the second pommel and I wanted to find out if it was in common use during the Regency era. Apparently it was invented by a Frenchman in 1830 and was popular in England by the 1860’s (according to The Sidesaddle Museum).

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:00 pm #

      Always good to have in the memory banks! Never know when you’ll need that little tidbit!

  19. Phyllis Marshall October 3, 2012 at 3:14 pm #

    Well, I have learned about a myriad of places….especially when the authors have done in depth research. I find it really allows me to go places I have not been. I have also learned a good deal about FIREMEN (clears throat), Wicca practices, Wolves habits and all such things. Even reading for enjoyment can be a learning experience! 🙂

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:01 pm #

      LOLOL. I agree Phyllis, I’ve learned a lot from reading fiction!

  20. Mandy October 3, 2012 at 3:28 pm #

    I’ve learned so much about wolves and wolf packs while doing research for something I’m working on. I do know what a reverse cowgirl is, but I didn’t know what a Prince Albert piercing is… I do now.

    FEVER is a fantastic novel and I’m sure BLAZE is as well!! I just haven’t had a chance to read it yet! I’ve got it on my Kindle, but I would LOVE a hard copy to sit next to Teague’s book!

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:01 pm #

      Hi Mandy! Good luck in the giveaway!

  21. elizabeth gray October 3, 2012 at 3:34 pm #

    I have learned many things over the years of my reading. The most I have learned is what other countries look like, what the language is, the history of the country. Also, the areas of the United States as well. Gives me an idea of where I would like to go one day.

    Thanks for the giveaway,

    Elizabeth Gray
    elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:02 pm #

      I love learning about new locations!

  22. Maria D. October 3, 2012 at 4:51 pm #

    Congratulations on the new release to Joan. I’m trying to think of things I’ve discovered while reading books – and I have found things out – mostly having to do with forensics while reading mystery books and I’ve also learned some minor physics while reading fantasy books and sci-fi and I’ve learned a lot about the different historical periods while reading historical romance.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:02 pm #

      I love books with forensics…but then I’m a thriller lover 🙂

  23. nanee mcgee October 3, 2012 at 6:08 pm #

    Sexy covers, love romance and a sexy read!!!!

  24. Diane October 3, 2012 at 6:13 pm #

    That despite some comments from different people I still love reading romance out of every genre there is and that I will continue to read romance for as long as I enjoy the books I read.

    diane dot sadler at gmail dot com

  25. June October 3, 2012 at 6:18 pm #

    I have learned a lot about history, especially during regency times, from historical romances. Occasionally these things come in handy when watching Jeopardy. I have also learned a lot about BDSM from books, lol.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:04 pm #

      Wow, that’s a wide stretch — historicals to BDSM? LOL

  26. chris bails October 3, 2012 at 6:43 pm #

    What delicous looking covers. This is a new series for me. Thanks for the giveaway.
    I have learned history in historical genre. I have learned about mythological beings and gods & goddess.
    In the pranormal genre.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:04 pm #

      Hi Chris, The mythical info is new for me too and I love it!

  27. justpeachy36 October 3, 2012 at 7:32 pm #

    When I was a kid I first discovered I loved to read by reading the Little House on the Prairie books. There were are a lot of cool descriptions about how things were done in pioneer times but there were also a lot of life lessons about how to treat people and how to live life not worrying about what you don’t have but making the best of what you do have. I loved those books and still do.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:05 pm #

      I remember the show; didn’t know they had books!

  28. Heather E October 3, 2012 at 7:48 pm #

    It is the end of the day, my middle child is trying to watch the debate and take notes for school (keeps pausing and asking questions- this will NEVER be over) so I can’t focus on any specific thing I learned from research or from a novel. Sorry!

    But I do have to add a comment to your list. My mother-in-law was a nurse in a urologist office and she used to assist with vasectomies. I remember back when my husband and I were dating and we had dinner at her house. She had a bit too much wine and explained in detail how she assisted with a procedure. She then told me that the rumor is true, that black men really are blessed more than white men. What a memorable moment from my future MIL 🙂

    I’ve read FEVER and can’t wait to read BLAZE. I’ll read it even if I don’t win it.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:07 pm #

      LOLOL. Hi Heather. I don’t know about that. I’ve scanned my fair share of testicles…far too many for my liking, and of course their ah-hem is always in the way, so… I see as much variation as there is body type. We also do sonourethrograms where I am…and…let’s just say…it’s not the first thing I want to see in the morning. 🙂

  29. bn100 October 3, 2012 at 8:52 pm #

    I’ve learned how to properly address nobility.

  30. Yadira A. October 3, 2012 at 10:26 pm #

    I’ve learned a lot about grammar and vocabulary.

  31. Danni T October 3, 2012 at 11:50 pm #

    I love your books. I don’t know if there is something that just stands out that I remember. There has been so much history or facts that I didn’t know before that I find myself answering questions that I didn’t even realize I knew. Most the time when asked how I knew the answer I reply with I read about it in a book.

    danni0113@gmail.com

  32. JoAnna B October 4, 2012 at 6:23 pm #

    What I have learned from reading books but mostly fiction, either that or I’m not doing things right or my DH needs to get in better shape. 🙂
    Congrats on your release! I can’t wait to read Blaze.

  33. Karin Anderson October 4, 2012 at 6:36 pm #

    I learned that in the past, when people didn’t understand diseases of the mind quite so well the people suffering those conditions were considered crazy and put in asylums. Of course, the conditions were terrible and the people housed there deteriorated rapidly. It is so sad to think that the people who need the most love and care were treated so horrendously.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:10 pm #

      Insane to think of that, isn’t it?

  34. Marlene Breakfield October 4, 2012 at 6:55 pm #

    I’ve learned a lot of the social edicts of the regency period.

    • Joan Swan October 5, 2012 at 9:10 pm #

      I love that about historicals, always teaching something new!

  35. melanie J October 5, 2012 at 7:36 am #

    Great cover. Would love to get this book!

  36. donnas October 6, 2012 at 9:09 pm #

    Congrats on the release! I dont know of any one thing but I know a few books have really made me think about things around us.

  37. Megan @ Riverina Romantics October 7, 2012 at 7:13 pm #

    Something memorable that I’ve learned from a book? Um… I never thought that I wanted to see Morocco until I read Blood Spirit by Gabrielle Bisset. She set a great scene i the book and it made me want to see Morocco in real life.

    • Joan Swan October 7, 2012 at 7:57 pm #

      Oooo, Morocco…. Anything away from the craziness of life is sounding good!

  38. Cathy V October 7, 2012 at 8:58 pm #

    I have learned about experiences, places and points of view I would otherwise not have had a chance to learn about if not for reading. (I don’t know if that makes sense, but it makes sense in my head!)
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
    kitcat76(at)hotmail(dot)com

  39. Kristin October 7, 2012 at 9:03 pm #

    After reading my first BDSM book… I definitely will never look at a bandana or it’s placement the same… that’s for sure. LoL On a serious note though, with reading historical romance, I’ve learned a lot about the time era’s that I definitely didn’t grasp while in school.

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