Wednesday 22 May 2013

Blog Tour, Interview & Giveaway: Spirit (Elemental #3) by Brigid Kemmerer


Hello readers! Today I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer because both Jasprit and I are huge fans of this series!  With five SMOKING HOT boys, who can blame us?!! Spirit release May 28th, just a few short days away and we were lucky enough to have Brigid stop by and answer some of our most pressing questions! But that's not all, we have a giveaway, and some additional fun to kick off Spirit's release. All of this awesome was organized by the lovely Wendy at  The Midnight Garden. Thank you for allowing us to participate!


Rachel: Hi Brigid! I’m so excited to have you on the blog because I’m a huge fan of those HOT Merrick Boys The Elemental Series!!

I read that you came up with the idea of writing about four brothers while you were in high school.  Which of the Merrick boys or Hunter would you have been drawn to while there?  Someone like Nick: smart, responsible, good-guy or someone like Gabriel: cocky, hot tempered jock with a soft heart underneath, or someone like Hunter: tattooed, pierced, and intense? 

Brigid: Oh wow, this is a great question! When I was in high school, I probably would have been terrified by an intense guy like Hunter, especially with the tattoos and piercings. Then again, I probably would have been intrigued by him, too. I went to an all-girls Catholic high school, so I would have wanted to bring him home, just to see what my mother would say. I totally would have gone for a guy like Gabriel, just because I think he would have called me on my BS. I worked on a horse farm and I used to challenge guys to arm wrestling matches. I imagine a guy like Gabriel would have been like, “Bring it on.” And then he would have won. And that would have been HOT.

Rachel: Are any of the characters inspired by or based on real people?  If so, can you make some introductions? Lol! Just kidding.  Well, mostly….

Brigid: Haha, not the guys. They’re all straight out of my head. Becca’s mother was very loosely based on my mom, who is a night nurse.

Rachel: Spirit, in my opinion, was a lot darker, emotional, and intense than the other books in the series.  Was it hard on you to write in that mind set? 

Brigid: Hunter’s book was so hard for me to write. Both Hunter and Kate are struggling with who they are and who they want to be. There’s a lot of indecision and fear on both sides of the table. I was so emotionally wrung out by the end of Hunter’s book that I wasn’t sure I even wanted to continue the series. Then I wrote Nick’s novella and I realized that I wasn’t tired of the series, I was just exhausted from Hunter’s and Kate’s inner struggles – not to mention what happened to them in the end.

Rachel: Gabriel and Layne are my favorite couple in the series.  I just love that Gabriel’s reaction and feelings for Layne exposes his big heart, as does his relationship with her younger brother, Simon.  Do you have a favorite couple?  Or maybe a couple that’s easiest to write?

Brigid: Well, until I wrote Nick’s book, I would have agreed with you. I loved writing Gabriel and Layne’s relationship. But then I wrote Nick’s book, which actually features two couples: Nick and Adam, and Quinn and Tyler. I loved both their developing relationships so much that I’m actually mourning the story. I might need to write a few extra chapters just to fully get them out of my system.

Rachel: I have to say I was surprised by Nick’s story in Breathless.  I did NOT see that coming, but maybe I’ve been a little dense, lol!  Did you know from the start about Nick or is it something that came to the surface as his character developed?

Brigid: When I first wrote Storm, I had an inkling about it. It was definitely in the back of my head, and it was always Nick. I wasn’t thinking, “I should make one of these guys gay.” It was always him. I just didn’t know if I could pull it off. But then a friend (who is gay) asked me if I’d consider making Nick a gay character. Even though it was in the back of my head, I was initially resistant to the idea. I was scared, honestly. I wasn’t worried about backlash or anything like that. I didn’t want to do it wrong, you know what I mean? But I had a third novella under contract, and I knew I wanted to write it from Nick’s point of view. I sat down to write, and I put a guy in front of him, wanting to see what would happen. Well, Adam happened, and he’s one of my favorite characters to introduce to the series.

Rachel: I’ve noticed you’re very accessible to your readers, and I appreciate that you answer so many questions about the series on your website.  What would be the one of the more interesting question/comment you’ve received?  Have they ever given you ideas for your stories?

Brigid: I love talking to readers! I always feel badly when people start off an email or a tweet with, “I’m sorry to bother you…” It’s never a bother! Seriously, I’ve met so many awesome people since beginning this writing journey. I can’t imagine turning off the social media. It’s so much fun.

I get a lot of interesting emails. Sometimes people send me fanfiction, which is incredibly flattering, but it’s really, really difficult for me to read. It’s like hearing someone else animate my children. It’s just … jarring, you know? I’ve also had people ask very detailed questions as if the characters were real people. Like … “If Gabriel and Layne ended up getting married and having a child, would the baby be a Fire elemental? Or …” I love questions like those because even though they’re sometimes tough to answer, I know it means someone has grown close enough to the Merrick boys to feel like they’re a part of their lives.

Rachel: Are you currently working on Nick’s book?

Brigid: Just finished! It’s off to my editor! Cross your fingers for me, ‘kay?

Rachel: Can you give us any teasers for the upcoming books? 

Brigid: Of course! How’s this: someone we thought was dead will make a reappearance at the end of Nick’s book. 

Rachel: Oh my goodness, Brigid!! What a teaser!!  Now I have all sorts of speculations (and hope) running through my brain!

Thank you so much, Brigid for stopping by.  I can't believe Spirit will just be releasing because I'm already primed and excited for the next story!  




 

Publication Date: May 28th 2013
Publisher: Kensington Publishing 
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…




Brigid Kemmerer started writing in high school, and her first real “novel” was about four vampire brothers causing a ruckus in the suburbs. Those four brothers are the same boys living in the pages of The Elemental Series, so Brigid likes to say she’s had four teenage boys taking up space in her head for the last seventeen years!

Connect with Brigid on her:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads




Check out the other tour stops for more features and goodies: 



Tour Stops: 
5/20  The Midnight Garden  
5/23  Hobbitsies 
5/27  Saz101
5/28  Realm of Fiction 
5/29  Stuck in Books 
5/31  Cuddlebuggery





Kensington Publishing has generously provided a free download for Elemental (Elementals #0.5) where we first meet the Merrick brothers!  Click HERE and enter promo code: VCARD


Make sure you cast your vote below for favorite Elemental boy before entering the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a copy of Spirit generously provided by Kensington Publishing! Thank you for stopping by and good luck!










a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

45 comments:

Siiri said...

I have yet to read a book in this series, but I have the first two novels and I want to read them so bad, it's not even funny. I love the first question and the answer to that, ha! Made me all smiley with that one you two :-) I like an author who is active with their fans as well. I mean.. You don't have to be 24/7 on social media etc, but it's just nice to know that one can always reach an author if necessary. And they actually care! That's awesome!! I thought you did a wonderful job with the questions, Rachel :-) Nicely done, girl!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this interview, but it's always so great to read into the minds of the writers who create your favourite reads. And I can't believe that teaser for Nick's book. Now my mind's working overtime, lol.

nurmawati djuhawan said...

i don't know what best about elemental series because i haven't read this series before..but i am looking forward to read them...
thx u...

The Cover Contessa said...

Well, I have heard great things about his story, so I want to read it! Everyone seems to love this series :)

PuttPutt1198Eve said...

I especially like the idea that each brother gets his own book. That way the characters can really be well developed.

Rachel said...

Yay! Time for more speculation, thanks for the last question and answer (and every part of the interview) Rachel and Brigid!

It does sound difficult to read the fanfiction out your own book.

Unknown said...

I have not read this series but it sounds very interesting. thanks

xXJackoXxT said...

I love that the Elemental series revolves around brothers because you get to see how the actions of one brother effect the other also the love they share for each other and the girls they fall in love with and when you read the next book you still get to see what is going on with the brother you just read about. Thanks for the chance to win : )

Jenni said...

GAH! I must get started on this series. With this blog tour going on and seeing how many of my blogging friends are fans I know I will definitely be a fan too! Thanks for sharing the interview!

Blogger said...

I just can't wait to read the series!! It sounds sooooooo good :) my email is kellee926@hotmail.com

Jenny said...

LOVED this interview Rachel! I particularly loved you angling for an introduction to the Merrick boys...if you'd gotten one I was going to show up randomly at your door in a completely stalker-like way so I could be there when it happens ;-) It would make our book-reading and hand-holding easier if we were together too. So there's that.

But back to this series. I'm so excited for Nick's book, and I love that we get a story for Quinn mixed in there as well:)

Tanja - Tanychy said...

I can't wait to start with this series! The interview was amazing and this series sounds like something else! :) It looks like there are some boys that I'm yet to meet and I'm so happy for that. Great interview! :)

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

That's definitely a cruel little teaser that Brigid offered up, huh?! But seriously, Rachel, this was such a fun and engaging interview. I could definitely learn a few things from you. I haven't started this series, but you definitely have me sold :)

Dorky Girl said...

I haven't read any of them but I would so love to. I love the idea of Elementals.

katetaan said...

I actually haven't read any of the series as my library does not carry them. They have been on my TBR pile for a while and I'm hoping my library picks them up soon

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I can't vote on my fav boy because I am still an Elemental virgin. I have the books and I need to find the time to read them ASAP. I was interested to find that the boys all came straight from Brigid's head! Great giveaway!

Cali W. said...

Great interview!!! I can't wait to read Spirit and I love Hunter!

Unknown said...

I wonder who the dead person will be. Maybe EMILY! OR The Merricks Mom or Dad!!!!!!! Oh My God, the ideas running through my head are like, unbearable. And Quinn and Tyler? Totally unexpected. I can't wait to read about Nick and Adam. I LOVE gay couples. They're just some of the best people you'll ever know I guess.

DeeDee Griffin said...

I loved Elemental and Storm, and I'm excited to read Spark and Spirit! I really want to find out who will be returning from the 'dead'.

Rachel said...

Thank you, Melissa! I'm currently racking my brain trying to figure who is NOT dead! Wow! :)

Rachel said...

If I was able to arrange a meeting with one of the Merrick boys, it better be with Michael because I think those other ones are underage and I'm not real fond of jail time, lol! I'd love for you to show up at my door, I'm always in need of hand-holding with my reads! :)

Rachel said...

Thank you Siiri! Personally my answer to the first question would be: ALL THREE! Do I have to choose just one?!! Lol! :)

I hope you enjoy this series when you pick it up!

Rachel said...

Thank you, Aman! I think it's a tie between Gabriel and Michael for me, Aman. I can't wait to find out who your favorite turns out to be. :)

Vivien said...

Spark was where I really started to believe in this series. Now I fear I'm addicted!

The Cover Contessa said...

I've heard great things about this story!

pineapplechochipcookies said...

Seriously can't wait to read Spirit! Loved Storm, Spark and all the novellas

Lisa @ Lost in Literature said...

Can't wait to read this series!! Loved the interview! Thanks for sharing. :)

Wendy Darling said...

Personally, I still think Brigid sits around at that coffee shop everyday because there are hot guys who regularly flirt with her outrageously. "All in her head" indeed! ;)

Thanks for being part of the tour, ladies! Fun interview.

Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

Holly said...

I loved this interview! :) And I love this series.

erin said...

Ooooohhh... sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing ;)

Sandy said...

Great interview. I discovered this series through another promotion of Elemental at KOBO last year and now I am a fan of the Merrick brothers.

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I'm already really intrigued by Adam's character, so I definitely can't wait to get Nick's book. I'm glad Brigid didn't hesitate to take his character in that direction in the end. :) I also have to admit that I'd probably be intimidated by Hunter's character during my school years. ;)

Really great interview! Thanks so much for sharing.

Imel Cullen said...

although I haven't read the book yet and there's chance to win this series especially grand prizes, I'm sooo exciting... thanks for the chance :)

Ashley @ Book Labyrinth said...

Oooh I just love this series! Can't wait for Nick's book. =)

Stephanie said...

I haven't read this series yet, but I must say that the cover is really awesome. The stories sound really great and I'm even more intrigued by the idea of someone thought to be dead returning. Can't wait to read!
Stephanie
steph0828 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Such a great interview!

And now, I am even more hyped to read the next book in the series.

aparajita said...

i have read all the books in the series in e-galley format but i totally want to own this series because it deserves to be owned and just because of those swoon-worthy boys on the cover…..

Le' Grande Codex

Sam said...

I CANNOT FREAKIN' WAIT FOR NICK'S BOOK!!! After reading Breathless? I need. I always had a hunch about Nick being gay. But, yes! Cannot wait to learn more about Adam as well.

Jo said...

Oh, wow! Someone who was dead is alive?! THAT COULD BE SO MANY PEOPLE! I am even more excited to read Spirit now! Oooh, it's going to be good! Thanks for the interview! :)

Annaiss @SMW said...

OMG! Someone who we thought was dead is alive?! I just finished Spirit and I'm freaking out about that teaser!

Krista said...

I love the Merrick boys because they are yummy and hilarious!

Krazzyme(Young Readers) said...

OMG! Does that teaser imply what I think it implies?? LET IT BE SO!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have not read any of these books yet, so I am really excited about this giveaway...This series has been on my list for a long time now, so its good to know that once I get started on the first one, there are several left to keep me going!!

Thanks sos the giveaway!!

Tayyaba Shah said...

I haven't read any of the books in the Elementals series yet, but I'm looking forward to it because I haven't read any excellent Paranormal YA in quite a while, and this sounds absolutely brilliant!

Unknown said...

I want to win this giveaway because I really didn't like Hunter in the first book and I feel like giving him a chance.

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