Today I’m having someone very special on the Blog – Sabrina Elkins who just released her Debut YA/NA Contemporary Stir Me Up with Harlequin Teen. I loved this book so much and gave it 5 glowing stars and so I was excited when I got the opportunity to chat with Sabrina about her debut!
Please welcome now, Sabrina on the Blog and enter below a Giveaway where you can win 5 copies of Stir Me Up!
Welcome to the Bewitched Bookworms today Sabrina! I’m very excited having you here as I am a big fan of yours after reading and loving Stir Me Up. You just told me that this is your first Interview, I feel especially honored hosting you today! J
So, let’s first start with how you ended up with HarlequinTEEN and especially their Digital First Line?
My amazing agent, Laura Bradford, told me my future Harlequin TEEN editor Margo Lipschultz missed her train stop the first time she read my novel. I must admit, I did really love hearing this! Laura spoke very highly of Margo. Also, I was thrilled to learn Margo is Katie McGarry’s editor. Additionally, I was extremely excited about the idea of launching the Digital First line for Harlequin Teen and being part of a new program from the ground up.
As I am a big fan of eReaders I prefer reading my books on my Kindle or iPad (I know I might be the minority here). How do you prefer reading and what do you think about Harlequin’s new Digital Line?
I strongly prefer eBooks because I can read them on my phone. I love this function. I’m waiting in line somewhere, and reading on my iPhone. It’s fantastic! I have a Kindle as well, but between my husband and kids, I almost never get a shot at the iPad.
In terms of Harlequin’s new Digital Line, I think first and foremost, it’s a great way for readers to discover new authors. I personally am increasingly hesitant to buy a book the more expensive it is. With the new Digital Line, there’s greater flexibility to keep prices low enough to help build a new author fan base.
HarlequinTEEN has some amazing editors and I especially love Margo Lipschultz who is also the editor of Katie McGarry. Would you mind sharing how was working with Margo, and did Stir Me Up change from your earliest draft?
Margo is a phenomenal editor. She’s overwhelmingly gifted at every stage of the writing process, whether it’s reworking an entire theme or a tweaking a sentence. She’s very kind and supportive, but she also knows just how hard to push to get the very best out of me. I consider myself extremely fortunate, particularly as a new author, to be able to work with her. In terms of revisions, Stir Me Up has seen some big ones. I think back on those early drafts now and smile.
Let’s talk about Stir Me Up a little. I absolutely loved how Cami was so driven and determined to become a Chef one day. Why cooking?:)
Ahh… well, I have a background in cooking and in working with chefs, but beyond this I made Cami an aspiring chef because I think food can be very sensual and romantic. Cami doesn’t necessarily realize this at first, but she tends to convey her feelings for Julian through the recipes she makes for him. Also, I went with cooking because restaurant kitchens are interesting places. I wanted to capture some of that.
I was especially moved and touched by what Julian had to go through both physically and emotionally. And even though I have no experience with soldiers who came back broken from war, or with people suffering from PTSD, I found that you dealed with it very bravely and realistically. What kind of research did you do to describe Julian’s situation and emotional vulnerability the best?
I’m so glad this element of the novel worked for you! One of my main goals was to make sure I portrayed Julian’s situation as accurately and sensitively as I could. To that end, I first did a good amount of research on my own. Then after I was signed with Harlequin TEEN, I felt brave enough to approach numerous people who know and work with Marines, amputees, and amputee vets. Their expertise was essential to me, and I called several of them repeatedly. I remember feeling so surprised and thrilled whenever any of them would take the time to call me back.
Stir Me Up could be labeled both YA and New Adult in my mind. Was it difficult for you especially with the more steamier scenes to fit into one or the other genre?
The steamier scenes in the book were a risk for me, but one I decided to take. I wanted a lot more heat than most YA novels. Fortunately, one of the great things about being a Digital First eBook is that you don’t have to tailor your work so that it can sit on a certain shelf. A digital format is perfect for a book like mine, that is breaking a boundary between two genres.
Do you have any plans for future novels? We would love to hear if you have some ideas you could share or tease us with todayJ
Well, I can’t say much yet. But I can tell you this… My next book will be about (little drumroll here, please…) Cami’s BFF, Taryn!
Thank you so much for stopping by today and I wish you so much success with Stir Me Up!
Thanks, Danny! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you and greatly appreciate your support!
About Stir Me Up
by Sabrina Elkins (Website, Facebook,Twitter)
Published by Harlequin, HarlequinTEENon October 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary,New Adult, Romance, Young Adult
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Amazon • Goodreads
Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She’ll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father’s French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami’s family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.
Julian’s all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami’s starting to feel. And Cami can’t stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He’s got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated….
Quote from my Review
Sabrina Elkins gave us a wonderful, beautiful and very sexy love story that all fans of mature Young Adult will devour in one sitting. Stir Me Up is perfect for fans of Katie McGarry as we find the same careful development of strong, yet vulnerable characters that will melt our hearts!
About Sabrina Elkins
SABRINA ELKINS, author of STIR ME UP, has also worked as a journalist, movie copywriter and prep cook. She grew up in Vermont, graduated from USC, and now lives in Southern California with her husband and three kids.
Sabrina loves hearing from fans and encourages you to visit her website, sabrinaelkins.com, and find her on Twitter @sabrina_elkins, Facebook, and here at Goodreads.
And now, what would you like to ask Sabrina? She will be around today, so ask whatever you’d like to know!
and, please enter the Giveaway to win one of 5 Copies! Woot!
Latest posts by Danny (see all)
- INTENSITY by Sherrilyn Kenyon – Excerpt & Giveaway - September 8, 2017
- Locked in Temptation – Q&A withBrenda Jackson & Giveaway - August 4, 2017
- Locked in Temptation by Brenda Jackson – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway - July 26, 2017
I can relate to wanting to change things and have a feeling I’ll love the book.
Reply »
Thanks, I hope you do! 🙂
Reply »
It is so awesome that she included PTSD in the book – it’s so prevalent now, and it needs to be addressed! Glad she got a good response from veterans who gave her all the research she needed:)
This sounds like a perfect story, both because of the characters and the plot:)
Thank you:)
Reply »
I’m so glad you like this element of the story. It was an extremely important one to me! I’m also very glad the book sounds like something that appeals to you! 🙂
Reply »
I like to alternate genres and sometimes I just want a light romantic read. This sounds perfect!
Reply »
Thanks, I hope you like it!! 🙂
Reply »
[…] P.S. I’ve pretty much already begged the author for more over twitter. Her next book is here. […]
Congrats on you recent release, Sabrina! *throws confetti in the air* I’m so glad you scored a deal with Harlequin Teen, they definitely know how to promote their authors (and the cover art is always so beautiful!).
Thank you for the beautiful post, Danny. Love the interview questions you asked. Especially about scoring the deal with HT and their Digital First line – very informative! Ever since I got my Kobo Aura, I actually prefer reading on my ereader too. it’s way more convenient and the fantastic new screen is very easy on my eyes, which I just LOVE. so yes, I’m with you on that one – e-readers ROCK! 🙂
If I could ask Sabrina one question, it would be “what do you hope your readers will take away from reading STIR ME?” It sounds like a poignant story that tackles some truly difficult themes! I love stories like that!
Thank you for the great post!
Reply »
Thanks for the congrats!! I’m definitely delighted to be with Harlequin Teen! I’ve been thinking about your excellent question. What I’d like is for a part or element of the story to resonate with readers in some way. Beyond that, I think each person’s experience reading a book is very different. Thanks for making me think about this, and I’m glad it sounds like Stir Me Up might appeal to you! 🙂
Reply »
Love the interview. I am an eReader fan also and would much prefer to read on my Kindle. I am a little of halfway through Stir Me Up and I love it. I especially love the steamier scenes you referenced above and would like to see more of that in books classified as YA or mature YA – I mean let’s face it, that’s reality, and it also adds a lot to the book. I am excited that Taryn is getting a book also!!
Reply »
So glad you’re enjoying the book! It was a big decision, like I said, for me to go with the steamier scenes, so I’m very glad you like them — and are excited about Taryn’s story! Thanks!! 🙂
Reply »
great interview and looking forward reading the book 🙂 i have a soft spot for ex-marine 🙂
Reply »
Me too! 😉 Glad you’re looking forward to reading the book! I hope you enjoy it!
Reply »
SO excited for this one Danny! You’re review had me sold and now all this talk of steamy scenes has me downright desperate to get my hands on this book! I’m probably most excited for Julian, I can never get enough of stories with military heroes and their struggles, I think they deserve as much attention as possible so people understand just how great their duty and sacrifice is.
Reply »
I’m so glad to hear this!! Thanks!! And I agree wholeheartedly with you about how important it is to read and understand about military heroes and their struggles. Their level of duty and sacrifice, as you say, is incredible.
Reply »
I wonder what Wyatt makes Cami question. hmmm
Reply »
Her relationship with her boyfriend… Her plans for the future when she graduates high school… 😉
Reply »
looks and sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Reply »
My pleasure! I’m so glad the book sounds like it appeals to you! 🙂
Reply »
Somehow I missed the memo that Harlequin Teen was going to do a digital only imprint. I suppose it’s a good time for that as more people than ever now have ereaders. I don’t buy many ebooks because I prefer physical copies, but when the price is low enough and if I see enough positive reviews I’ll always consider purchasing it.
Congrats on the new book release Sabrina!
Reply »
Thank you!! 🙂
Reply »
The marine intrigues me, but what I REALLY want to know is if there’ll be any cheating :(((
Reply »
Nope — no cheating! 🙂
Reply »
YAY awesome!!!!! Now I’m definitely reading :))))))
Reply »
Yay!! I hope you like it!!! 🙂
Okay, now I really want to read that story!! First off, Margo sounds like the perfect kind of editor and, congrats to Sabrina for landing her! Then, I love the story of how she talked to all the vets and amputees to make sure her portrayal was spot-on. So awesome.
Reply »
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the read!! 🙂
Reply »
I haven’t read anything from Sabrina Elkins! I know, very bad and I’m so behind but I know I would like to read this one. I keep hearing a lot about the series and I know it’s time to hop on that bandwagon 🙂
Reply »
I’m a brand-new author and this is my first novel, so you’re not behind at all!! I’m glad you’re hearing a lot about it!! Thanks so much for your support!! 🙂
Reply »
You’re welcome and thank you for telling me that! I’m glad I have a chance to catch up 🙂
Reply »
This would be my very first book from Sabrina Elkins. I heard about Sabrina from NY Times Jennifer L. Armentrout and when I read the synopsis, I WAS HOOKED! I wanted to read the book and was going crazy. I am really excited to see how this love story will be told. I’ve read many romance novels and have high expectations to find romance stories that will REALLY engross me and make me want to cry or be overly happy. I hope that when I read Sabrina’s book, it will meet the expectations and hopefully I will LOVE it:)
Reply »
Thanks so much for wanting to read Stir Me Up! It’s actually my first novel — and I’m so glad you heard about it from the amazing New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout! Her support means a tremendous amount to me! I’m so glad you follow her and hope you enjoy the book! 🙂
Reply »
That’ s what life is all about. Life never goes the way any of us have plan. It will gives us twists and turns to make us learn something from it.
Reply »
So true… 🙂
Reply »
Haven’t read this author yet; It sounds interesting
Reply »
Thanks!! 🙂
Reply »
New author for me and i wanna read light romantic book. This book look interesting 🙂
Reply »
Thanks — glad you think so!! 🙂
Reply »
I love how you drew on your own cooking experiences and gave these gifts to Cami.
Reply »
Thanks, I’m glad this element of the story appeals to you! There are actually a few recipes in back of the book, and also a few more on my website! 🙂
Reply »
Oh, thank you for this Giveaway! I been wanting to read this book ! 🙂
Reply »
Thanks, I’m so glad to hear this! 🙂
Reply »
The books sounds good. Heart-melting characters and steamy romance is my cup of tea. Thanks for the chance to win.
-Dannielle
Reply »
I think that this sounds like such a good read. I’ve been hesitant to try the NA genre but I love romances so much that I just have to give this one a try.
Reply »
I love cooking (well, mostly baking) and I think it’s interesting that one of the main characters was in the military and has also lost part of his leg, which I don’t see dealt with in a lot of YA/NA.
Reply »
Nice review! I’ve heard a lot about this book and I must say I’m excited to read it =)
I love all things military and stuff, I’m sure I’m gonna luv this one!
Thanks for the international giveaway 😀
Reply »
Interview* sorry. 🙂
Reply »
An Ex-marine mmmmm! I love love love men in uniform and ones with issues are even better 🙂 I look forward to reading it 🙂
Reply »