Did you know STORM was released in the US on Tuesday? You have permission to run like a lunatic to your nearest bookstore and greedily snatch up a copy! And to make things better, for a limited time, ELEMENTAL, the short story prequel is FREE to download from Amazon!
Welcome to day 4 of the Storm Blog Tour! Having endured three days of swoon already, you now have the chance to probe the woman who brought these amazing characters and their story to life. What makes Brigid Kemmerer tick? Why is she so damn talented? She has graciously answered a few of my own questions, but then I am promptly handing the reigns over to YOU GUYS to probe the mind of the hottest YA author of 2012.
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If could spend one day with any character from STORM, who would it be and why?
But probably Michael. I like his devotion to his family and his sense of responsibility.
Did you have an easier time writing Chris or Becca's POV?
When I first started Storm, it was entirely written from Becca’s POV. Then I realized I was missing the opportunity to show more of the brothers’ relationship. I went back and rewrote the first three chapters to include Chris’s point of view, and it took off from there. It was very difficult to start (I kept wondering how a guy would think about everything he was going through), but once I found Chris’s voice, it just took off from there.
How did you react when you were told you were going to be published?
When I got the call from my agent, it was five minutes before I was supposed to be presenting on a national conference call for my day job. It took everything I had to keep composed on the conference call, and actually talk about business-y things, when all I wanted to do was scream, “I JUST SOLD MY FIRST NOVEL!”
When I called my husband on the way home from work, he was all harried because he’d been home with a sick kid all day long. He was telling me all about his day, and I didn’t want to interrupt him. When he finally stopped and said, “Anyway, how was your day?” I said, “It’s great, because my agent just called with an offer on the book.” You could have heard a pin drop on the line. He said. “Wait. What?”
The sad thing is that I’m a pretty boring person. I’d probably find a quiet corner and read -- because with my kids, it’s tough to find quiet time. Or maybe I’d go find a well trained horse and ride the 4-star course at Kentucky Horse Park. That’s always been a dream, but I’m pretty sure I’d need the guaranteed immortality before attempting something like that.
Now it's your turn!
Do you have a burning question for Brigid? Want to know more about Storm? The boys? Publishing? Her favourite music? Her plans for the zombiepocalypse? Whatever your topic of choice, here's your chance to learn more about the amazing woman behind our new favourite series!
Brigid will be stopping by throughout the day to respond your questions. So just leave them in the comments and check back later to read her answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Brigid! <3
For stalking purposes:
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Schedule:
Monday 23rd April: Chris/Becca/Hunter Interview - Read Me Love Me Bookmark Me
Tuesday 24th April: This or That with the Boys of Storm - Shiirleyy’s Bookshelf
Wednesday 25th April: Fantasy Casting - saz101
Thursday 26th April: Brigid Q&A: YOU ask the questions! - Eleusinian Mysteries
Friday 27th April: Keeping up with the Merrick Twins + Review Roundup - Badass Bookie
Saturday 28th April: Storm Excerpt - Forget-Me-Not
Sunday 29th April: Video chat - Book Probe
Monday 30 April: Chris Interview - Reading Wishes
Tuesday 1st May: Guest Post by Brigid: Five Secrets of the Elemental Series - Amaterasu Reads
Tuesday 1st May: Guest Post by Brigid: Five Secrets of the Elemental Series - Amaterasu Reads
These posts are all so amazing, make sure you tune in each day!!
Giveaways!
You can fill out this form for EACH of the blog posts outlined below during the tour. 9 days, 9 bloggers, 9 chances to get extra entries in to win some AMAZING prize packs!!
International Prize Pack 1:
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark preorder
International Prize Pack 2:
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark ARC
International Prize Pack 3:
Storm + Spark preorder
Australian Prize Pack:
Storm ARC + Spark preorder
Australia/New Zealand Prize Packs (10 winners):
1 copy of STORM + 1 STORM book jacket + 1 SPARK book jacket
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Brigid!!
Great post, Brodie! One day . . . I would love to get that phonecall of "You sold a book" one day. What a dream that would be!
ReplyDeleteAaaaah! I love it I love it I love iiiiit! BLURGH! *keeps mouth shut so not to ask spoilery questions* ...and I'm sure someone else is ALREADY going to ask 'Why am I so beautiful?' so...
ReplyDeleteAre you working on anything else at the moment? Can we expect more delicious Storminess post-Spirit, or something completely different?
Right now, my primary focus is on finishing SPIRIT, because the deadline seems crazy close, and I have a few things going on. :-P I would love to write more books in the series, so I'll do more if given the chance. I also have a few other ideas waiting in the wings, like a modern retelling of a shapeshifting version of Beauty and the Beast (say that three times fast), something to do with time traveling pony express riders (don't roll your eyes; it would be HOT) and maybe something to do with music or dance.
DeleteI am a WORLD of so not rolling my eyes.
DeleteYOU SAID TIME TRAVEL.
You *DO* know I'm an EPIC Doctor Who, nut, right? TIME TRAVELLING PONY EXPRESS HELL TO THE YES!
That call totally made her day! And she managed to get through the conference. Amazing discipline! A question for Brigid: What inspired you to start the popular Elemental series? :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Michelle!! The four brothers have been in my head since high school. They were originally vampires, but I couldn't make it work. I loved the dynamics between the brothers, so I knew I wanted to write another book about them. I played with ideas that would work with the number four. Elements just seemed to stick.
DeleteThat's really awesome. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to reading Storm and Spark. All the best! <3
DeleteI'm soooo excited to read this! Brigid, do you have a playlist for the books or you have a song for each characters? :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I do actually have a playlist. Another blogger had me do a guest post yesterday on this exact thing, and she's running a contest on her blog for a copy of Storm: http://booksmakemehappyreviews.com/2012/04/23/words-music-monday-with-brigid-kemmerer/
DeleteHi Brigid! Were you a writer and/or bookworm when you were growing up? Do you have anything in common with any of your characters?
ReplyDelete(And thanks Brodie for hosting - best tour ever! Soooo excited to read Storm now!)
Hi, Alexandra! I was TOTALLY a writer and a bookworm when I was growing up. My mom is a night nurse who works weekends, so when we were young, on Saturdays my dad would always take me and my brother to the bookstore and then to the movies. He'd always get mad that I'd read half a book before we even got home. :-)
DeleteI'm probably a healthy combination of all of my characters. My husband says I'm most like Quinn, but I disagree. I'm not a drama queen at all. :-)
Oooh, so you're a hot dancer, as well? :D
DeleteOh god no. He just meant the piss and vinegar. :-P
DeleteOooh, best way to kill a Slitheen... vinegar, that is... I'm not sure the piss'll help... sorry... me and my Doctor Who references will just be going over here now...
DeleteI REALLY loved Quinn, and that she's not afraid to call her BFF on the fact she's not being a great BFF. Also love the realism of how Becca thought of her, and always being around?
Sorry... onto third caffeine unit in 4 hours... err.. *backs away*
Thank you for the great interview- I am really looking forward to reading this series!
ReplyDeleteYay! Thank you!
DeleteWas it hard planning and writing a full-length novel and series?
ReplyDeleteI often try writing in my spare time, but I've never actually finished a full-length novel because I either run out of ideas or get bored.
I don't plan out the entire novel ahead of time -- I'd probably get bored too. I knew what the climax of the book was going to be, and a general idea of how we'd get there, but other than that, I just sat down and started writing.
DeleteThanks for the lovely interview!
ReplyDeleteI have a question for Brigid: what is the best book you've read lately, or ever? (no matter the genre)
The *best* book I've read lately would be a toss-up between "I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella and "Under the Never Sky" by Veronica Rossi.
DeleteI've been sitting here for the last 30 minutes trying to come up with a question and failing. But I'm really enjoying reading the answers to everyone else's questions (awesome questions)
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us the opportunity to get answers Brodie and thanks for responding to them Brigid.
Can't wait to get my hands on Storm.
Thank you so much, Kimberley!
DeleteAwesome Interview! I'm really enjoying 'Storm' its so fresh and exciting and new and I love the characters, they're so real! I love how the story just jumps out of the page and you really get into it! :) I can't wait till 'Spark' comes out! I like how the character's different personality really shows through, you don't find that in a lot of books. My Question for you Brigid is how did you come up with each characters personality? Did it just come naturally or did you plan it?
ReplyDeleteAwesome Giveaway by the way! :)
Thank you so much!!! I'm glad you're liking the characters! Honestly, I just kind of let the boys' personalities evolve. I kept trying to make Nick more of a player, and it just wasn't working. He wanted to be a nice guy, and he kept fighting me every time I made him edgy. So I had to go back and make him nicer.
DeleteThanks you a lot for the interview. Could i know how many books are in the serie ( contracted already and/or planned)when it will be complete
ReplyDeleteall the best
Right now, here's the order:
DeleteElemental (novella) available now - FREE!
Storm (novel) available now
Fearless (novella) available probably July
Spark (novel) available late August
Spirit (novel) available May 2013
I'd love to write more, but that's all that's currently contracted.
Awesome Interview! I'm really enjoying 'Storm' its so fresh and exciting and new and I love the characters, they're so real! I love how the story just jumps out of the page and you really get into it! :) I can't wait till 'Spark' comes out! I like how the character's different personality really shows through, you don't find that in a lot of books. My Question for you Brigid is how did you come up with each characters personality? Did it just come naturally or did you plan it?
ReplyDeleteAwesome Giveaway by the way! :)
Thanks for letting us get to know more about you Brigid! My Q: How many family and friends have read your book?
ReplyDeleteMy husband, my mom, my sisters-in-law all read it early on. I have three close writer friends who all read it early on too.
DeleteEEEEE BRODIE and BRIGID, what an awesome post! ♥ I've read it in the google doc but still, it's even more awesome to read it live on the blog! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd loving the questions and answers in the comments! I hope Lisa (Badass Bookie) does not make an entrance and asks: Why am I so beautiful? LOL
Bahahaha! Sounds like something she'd ask, ay? :P
DeleteMahaha! It *IS* something she's asked.
DeleteOver.
and over.
and over.
and...
Over and over
Deleteand over and
over and
over..
times a trillion
How come Lisa hasn't replied to this yet? >:( It's no fun if she doesn't acknowledge it!
DeleteI KNOW! But it's still fun to talk about when she's not listening :P
DeleteHey Brigid! I'm still reading Storm right now but oh wow! I'm not much of a fan of the paranormal genre, but yours is so unique and I love the brother interactions, not to mention that Becca and Quinn are AWESOME! No Bellas here, that's for sure! Anyway, I'll just ask some random questions...
ReplyDelete- What element are you?
- Which of the Merrick brothers would you love to be your own brother?
- Can we expect Becca to kick some more ass in the following books? I loved how she stood up to the guys at the beginning of Storm. :) Since I haven't finished it yet, maybe she does have more cool moments, I don't know...
- I love the scenes with Casper, Hunter's incredibly intelligent, strong and handsome German Shepard! Was he inspired by, er, anyone?
- What is your all-time favourite childhood book?
Brodie, as for that last question you asked in the interview...I'd probably go jump out of a plane. Or scuba diving and travel deep deep below. By immortal, I'm sure you mean I can't suffocate or be squished by the pressure. Also, no electrocution by...things, or being eaten by other things. Knowing these things can't hurt me? Awesome.
Hi, Cass! I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Thank you so much!
DeleteI'd probably be fire or water, for my element. And which Merrick brother would I like to have as my own brother? ALL OF THEM. But probably Michael.
You can definitely expect Becca to kick more ass in the following books. She stands up to more people in STORM, too. One of my favorite scenes happens on a soccer field... Becca isn't a main character in SPARK, but she has two major scenes where she definitely doesn't back down from anyone.
Oops, I hit reply to fast.
DeleteCasper wasn't inspired by anyone in particular. I just love smart dogs. :-)
My all time favorite childhood book?? That's SO HARD!! When I was a kid, I loved Christopher Pike and Lois Duncan.
This was a pretty awesome interview, guys, so thanks for that and for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnd Hi Brigid! <3 I just wanted to ask if you had any plans for books after the Elemental Series (and how many books are planned in the Elemental Series).
Hi, Cassie! I answered something similar up above, so I'm going to copy and paste, if that's okay:
DeleteRight now, my primary focus is on finishing SPIRIT, because the deadline seems crazy close, and I have a few things going on. :-P I would love to write more books in the series, so I'll do more if given the chance. I also have a few other ideas waiting in the wings, like a modern retelling of a shapeshifting version of Beauty and the Beast (say that three times fast), something to do with time traveling pony express riders (don't roll your eyes; it would be HOT) and maybe something to do with music or dance.
Also, in the Elemental series:
Elemental (novella) available now - FREE!
Storm (novel) available now
Fearless (novella) available probably July
Spark (novel) available late August
Spirit (novel) available May 2013
Hmmm.....which covers of your books do you like better? Is that how you pictured the boys?
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
I love all the covers, but none of them are how I pictured the boys. (Check out this post for my fantasy casting: http://saz101.blogspot.com/2012/04/storm-blog-tour-people-of-storm-fantasy.html)
DeleteI don't think covers ever *exactly* match how the author pictured her characters, because that's just impossible. :-D
If I had to pick a favorite of them all, I think it's the US Cover for SPARK.
Hiiiiiiii, Brigid!!!! <3 I'm reading Storm right now and I'm LOVING it to death so far (especially Chris, although I have to admit that Hunter is really awesome too!), and I have a million gazillion questions for you about how awesome you are! :D But to be fair, I'll only ask two for now. (I make no promises about later, of course!)
ReplyDeleteIs Michael ever going to get his own full book? (I feel so bad for him! *hugs*)
If you went to the same high school as your characters did, which character would you be most likely to date/have a crush on/drool over? x)
YAY! Thanks so much for doing this, Brigid! <3
Hi, Mimi! Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it!! :-D
DeleteI've talked to my editor about doing a full book on Michael. I love him as a character, but because he's 23, it's hard to write a YA novel about him. He has a HUGE role in SPARK, and another huge role in SPIRIT. You definitely haven't seen the last of Michael. And maybe there's a little romance in store for him...
I would probably have an insane crush on Gabriel (hello, bad boy), but I'd probably be more likely to date Nick. Or Michael, because I love the name and I could call him out on being a jackass. :-P
Brigid! RE Michael novel - it could be cross over! Plenty of teens read adult books, and adults read teen books *sticks up hand* If your editor lets you, I say you should just write it and let your publishers decide whether it's adult or YA. As you have several books in the series set up already, if there was to be a Michael book, the fanbase would already be set up, so the fans would buy it whatever age group it's classified under. I would! :D
DeleteThis was a great interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteI'd scream too if someone wanted to publish a book I wrote.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, even with the physical book in my hands, I still can't believe it's real.
DeleteEeee, I am loving this! Fun fun fun! Still waiting for my copy! :(
ReplyDeleteBrigid! Hi! :) A number of book bloggers have interviewed yout characters on their blogs. Is it any more difficult to do those kind of interviews as opposed to interviews like this, where you're asked questions? Also, what do you think of the reaction of bloggers/blog readers when your characters (read: Nick & Gabriel) flirt with the interviewers?
Half the time, I'm all "EEEE! Gabriel flirted with Brodie!" And then I have to remind myself he's not actually.. you know, real. Lol.
It's really difficult to write the character interviews. Like when someone asked whether they wear boxers or briefs. I had to think long and hard about how the brothers would react to that question! So yes, it's definitely a challenge, whereas talking about myself is easy. But the character interviews are so much fun when they're done! I love giving the brothers (and Becca and Hunter) a chance to shine!
DeleteIn that case, we appreciate all the effort you put into the hilarious and awesome character interviews! They're just brilliant and I love them! Though, of course, I love interviews with you too! :)
DeleteGreat interview! I would always choose to find a quiet corner to read. ;) I love Brigid's husband's reaction to her publishing news. So funny! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!! And yeah, my husband is a good guy. :-)
DeleteGreat interview and I loved getting to know the author more. The book sounds amazing too! Donna xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Donna!!!
DeleteMerrick brothers seem very interesting characters and I love their powers. Who is your favorite or you love them all the same.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway and tour!
Artemis
They're like my kids. I love them all the same. :-) Thank you so much!!
DeleteI really look forward to reading your book in the near future. ^^ And here's my very random yet very essential question: muffins versus brownies? (:
ReplyDeleteAleksandra @ Divine Secrets of a Little Bookworm
BROWNIES. OMG, there's this woman in my office who makes these inch-thick brownies that are always really moist and rich and I swear to god I could eat like FOUR of them in one sitting. BROWNIES for the win!!
Deletearghhh I'm rubbish at coming up with interview questions and everyone has already asked so many good ones! So I will just say the books sound awesome and Brigid sounds awesome and I will check them out for sure. Especially as you are so enthusiastic Brodie!!
ReplyDeleteThe Cait Files
Thank you so much, Cait! I think you sound awesome, too! :-D
DeleteI don't have a question for Brig, but I am looking forward to reading Storm!
ReplyDeleteThat's good enough for me! :-D Thank you!
DeleteIt's so intriguing that she changed who the character's POV was going to be. I bet the outcome would have been completely different if she hadn't decided to do that.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really challenge, and you're absolutely right: it would have been a completely different (and lesser) book. There's a scene where Chris is driving Becca home from the party. That scene was originally written from Becca's POV, and there's a lot of revelation in dialogue. I had to rewrite the whole scene from Chris's POV, but still keep all the dialogue the same. It was quite possibly the biggest challenge of the whole book.
DeleteThe book sounds good. Are there other genres you would like to write in?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I could write adult paranormal romance, or even a YA contemporary. I like dealing with real issues with something supernatural sprinkled on top.
Delete*claps hands in delight* THIS IS SO COOOL. Godddd I can't wait to rip into Storm. MY. BIRTHDAY. CAN'T. COME. FAST. ENOUGH. ARGH!
ReplyDeleteNOOO idea if this has already been asked, and my excuse is that I'm in Year 12 and REALLY should be hurrying up and getting back to my work, but do you have any others ideas/plans of what you'd love to write after this series?
Annnnnnnnnnd do you watch Nikita? ;)
It was, but that's okay, it's easy to copy-and-paste. :-)
DeleteRight now, my primary focus is on finishing SPIRIT, because the deadline seems crazy close, and I have a few things going on. :-P I would love to write more books in the series, so I'll do more if given the chance. I also have a few other ideas waiting in the wings, like a modern retelling of a shapeshifting version of Beauty and the Beast (say that three times fast), something to do with time traveling pony express riders (don't roll your eyes; it would be HOT) and maybe something to do with music or dance.
And I don't watch Nikita, but Brodie has almost convinced me to give it a try. :-D
Almost.... *strokes imaginary beard* You know, in a few weeks time you'll be watching one less show when TVD ends, so this extra 40 minutes is just BEGGING to be filled. And I can't think of anything better that a busy mum, devoted wife and writer on a looming deadly could possibly be doing :P
DeleteAlso, I LOVE the shapeshifting Beauty and the Beast idea! And oh my god. Time traveling pony express riders. I BELIEVE you could make it hot :D
Hehe, I enjoyed reading all of these questions and answers!! And I absolutely loved how you reacted when you were first told you were published! You're such an inspiring author :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Brodie <3
Thank you!!
DeleteHa, I think I would sit in a corner and read as well! I'd pretty much do the same old stuff I usually would - just more of it. Thanks so much for this post! Can't wait to read Storm. And I'm rubbish at thinking of questions...erm. Well, here's a completely random one: who is you favourite Harry Potter character? :P
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to lost some points for this one but ... I've never read any of the Harry Potter books. But in the *movies* my favorite character was Hagrid.
DeleteHI BRIGID!!! :D
ReplyDeleteLOVE this interview as usual, Brodie :) Aww, the story about telling your husband the news was great! That must have been a nice surprise for him after a stressful day. I can't WAIT to read Storm, especially since I've been reading so many enthusiastic reviews and statuses.
OKAY, questions... hmm.
1) If you could switch places with any character (from any book/movie/etc.) for a day, who would you choose?
2) What's the predominant colour in your wardrobe? :)
Thanks so much for the interview! <333
Sonia
One of my favorite movies is "You've Got Mail" (from about 10 years ago), so I'd probably switch places with Meg Ryan in that movie. Come on -- she ran a bookstore!
DeleteThe predominant color in my wardrobe is probably black, with green a close second. :-)
I hope you like Storm when you get around to reading it! Thank you so much for commenting!
Ok, Brodie, THIS IS JUST PLAIN AMAZING. I've been wanting to learn more about the author to this series EVERYONE seems to be talking about. I love the question when you asked her her reaction to being published. That last bit with her husband had me chuckling and smiling, because that is just plain adorable.
ReplyDeleteI REALLY want to read this series. I feel like I'm totally slacking because I haven't found a way to own it *LOL*
Are you a book blogger? I can send you a copy for review. :-)
DeleteIf you are interested, shoot me an email at brigidmary@gmail.com.
DeleteThis is just a comment. Nothing is coming out of it. Except some loving. For you big sis. And for Brigid. That is all.
ReplyDeleteAw, Braiden, you're so sweet!
DeleteThat was wonderful. Aww I am a bit late to the party as I have my parents visiting and haven't seen them in 3 yrs, so I have been spending time with them, but trying to pop in and leave comments on everybodys blog. Fancy having to speak to somebody during the day..hehe!! I am used to being in my own little world until school pickup.
ReplyDeleteI am lovin everybodys enthusiasm for this series, I am just adoring everybodys efforts!!
Michelle:D
Ah, so it's going to include Chris' POV? This is going to be interesting :)No questions here, but I'm pretty sure I'll have some when I read Storm :D
ReplyDeleteAre you still answering questions? :P Are there any books you drew a lot of inspiration from when it comes to your writing?
ReplyDeleteI don't really draw inspiration from any books in particular, and I read all kinds of books. For instance, I just finished reading UNDER THE NEVER SKY, followed by 50 SHADES OF GRAY, and I'm currently working on AWKWARD, by my KTeen sister Marni Bates.
DeleteDo you think you could have survived in The Hunger Games? If so, how would you do it? Either way, what would your strategy be?
ReplyDeleteSomeone probably asked this before but my iPhone is not cooperating atm and refuses to load the rest of the comments...
ReplyDeleteWill Micheal ever have a full length book?
Even if I didn't comment before, I read it and it's so fun seeing Brigid answer more questions in the comments! It all makes me so excited to pick it up. I'm longing for Friday to be over and school's finished. Goooo.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, awesome interview as always! Storm is definitely a priority in my pile!!