Karen Swan: the Hidden Beach (Author Event #1)

Earlier this week (22 July 2020), I had the privilege of sitting in on an interview between the famous author (one of my favorites) Karen Swan and Woman&Home book club. They discussed factors ranging from her newest release, The Hidden Beach, to a more deeper insight into her life as an author. I thought I’d share some topics that piqued my interest.

Karen Swan, author of 19 books to date, lives with her husband, three children and two dogs in beautiful Sussex. She initially had a career in fashion journalism before pursuing her dream to become a writer. She writes two novels a year – one for the summer time and one for the Christmas season. I have unfortunately only read two of her books thus far, but look forward to reading many more!

Many, including myself are curious to why Swan writes two books a year. She delved into a story, and mentioned that upon completing the manuscript for her fourth novel, her agent had been notified that a movie with the same backstory as her book was about to be released very soon. She was given the verdict that in order to stay on schedule, she had to scrap majority of said book and re-write a new one in just six weeks! She goes on to explain that this was very difficult for her as she had just spent an entire year completing this story. However, she was able to complete it! Because of this, her editor proposed the idea that she write two books in a year. Swan then realized that she had done a lot of “faffing” before, and that being under pressure really pushed her to complete a novel, as she was capable of completing one in such a short period. At the moment, her summer time book has just released a few weeks back, her Christmas period novel is completed and she is now focused on her next summer novel; of which she plans to set in Costa Rica.

Karen Swan sets most of her books in different cities, and emphasizes that travelling to said places is mandatory for research. Having read two of her novels, I can safely say that I was captured into the story instantaneously and felt as if I was at the place! It definitely pays off. Unfortunately, due to the situation at the moment, her trip had to be cancelled, and Swan will have to direct her attention towards books and websites for research.

Many of Karen Swan’s books are romance novels, and so when asked if she’d do a genre ‘hop’, she chose historical fiction. This genre was seen in her last year’s summer novel, The Spanish Promise, as it told two stories simultaneously; one of them being based in the Spanish civil war. She mentioned that she definitely enjoyed writing this genre, but does not have any intention to write a novel solely based on such a genre.

Having visited many places for research, Swan must have been witness to very beautiful sights. When asked by a listener what her favorite location is, she chose two; one for her summer books and the other for her Christmas ones. Them being Stockholm, the city that The Hidden Beach was set in, and the other Islay, the island that The Christmas Secret was based in. she chose the former because it was the most beautiful for her, and even goes on to say that she is disappointed by the fact that she was only able to visit the place in her mid-40’s. The latter was chosen mainly because it brought many childhood memories for her. Her father is Scottish, and so has spent many holiday’s there; it holds a very special place in her heart.

Her newest book, The Hidden Beach is already the talk of the town. My copy will be delivered soon, and I can attest that I will not stand up from my spot before I complete it!

During the interview, Karen Swan had read a short extract from the book. Knowing nothing besides having read the blurb, I was instantly taken and yearned for more.

Be sure to read my blog reviews on her other novels, The Rome Affair and The Spanish Promise, which is on the same platform!

(Attached image taken from: booktime584.wordpress.com)