Raven C. Eckman

Author & Editor

Interview with Maria V. Snyder + Giveaway

Meet Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder.jpg

Meteorologist turned novelist, Maria’s been writing fantasy and science fiction since her son was born. Twenty-one years, fourteen published novels, and seventeen short stories later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her MA degree in Writing from Seton Hill University where she’s been happily sharing her knowledge with the current crop of MFA students. She also enjoys creating new worlds where horses and swords rule, ’cause let’s face it, they’re cool, although she’s been known to trap her poor characters in a giant metal cube and let them figure out how to get out. Traveling is one of her biggest distractions from writing and Maria hasn’t said no to a trip yet. She has visited China, Dubai, Malaysia, Europe, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada — all provided wonderful fodder for her stories.

 

Now onto the interview…

Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realize it was time to write stories and lead to you career change from meteorologist to fantasy novelist?

“I was working as an environmental meteorologist for a consulting firm and the work came in waves—months of crazy long hours followed by weeks of nothing. So it was during those lulls that I started jotting down story ideas and writing short stories. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and wanted to learn how to improve. At first, it was just a hobby, something creative to do when I was home with my young kids. Only when I finished Poison Study and thought it had potential did I start thinking of a career change.”

 

From reading your bio, you spend a fair amount of time researching for your novels. How does research shape your stories and overall experience as a writer?

“I find research can spark ideas and twists in a story that I’m working on. I think it’s very important to get the details right even in fantasy. If I have a character who is going to work with molten glass, then she needs to know the correct terms for the equipment and the proper way to “gather a slug.” Otherwise, readers who know a bit about glass blowing will be thrown out of the story when they read something that is wrong. Now, if I say she was a “thlass” (a made up substance) blower, then I can create what is correct for melting and working with thlass.

Hands-on research also helps me translated the experience of say working with glass to readers. I’ve felt the heat pulsing from the kilns. I’ve peered into the cauldron of melted glass glowing bright orange. And I think that helps me create scenes that are more vivid and real for the readers. I’ve had many happy emails from readers who have visited glass factories and impressed their friends with their knowledge. That’s so cool!”

 

On your website it mentions you write for anthologies. Do you have a particular anthology short story that you could see as a novel?

“I think I have a couple of short stories that could be extended into a novel. My story, Mongrel from Running with the Pack, is one. The main character has such a strong, unique voice, that I’d love to continue with her story. Sword Point in The Eternal Kiss is another – I think that world was interesting and I’d love to explore more. Also Berserker Eyes in Brave New Love needs a part 2 at least. Writing short fiction is hard for me – all my ideas tend to be novel sized .”

 

Do you have a particular scene that you tend to avoid writing?

“I’m not that comfortable writing sex scenes in detail. I definitely tend to fade to black when two characters start to get intimate. The problem is I know my son and daughter and her friends are going to read the book. However, they are getting older and I’m including a few more details since I’ve heard from readers that they want MORE.”

 

Your novels tend towards fantasy. Why? What about fantasy really inspires you?

“Basically I love swords and horses! Plus I enjoy creating new worlds and having magic to add to the conflict and tension of a story. Fantasy is a true escape from the “real” world, while still focusing on real problems.”

 

Is there anything else you want to share with us?

“Thank you for inviting me to your blog! If your readers are interested in my books, they are welcome to read the first chapter of all of them on my website at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books.php and I’ve a couple free short stories that they can read as well here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.php

Where else to find Maria:

Website: http://www.mariavsnyder.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/maria_v_snyder

Blog: http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com


There is also a giveaway!!

Leave a comment below to win a signed copy one of her novels for a holiday treat!

Giveaway is now closed! Thank you!

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50 responses to “Interview with Maria V. Snyder + Giveaway”

  2. Maria Victor. Synder is one of my favorite authors! When I can I recommended all of her books to people. If you are interested in being taken away to a magical world with danger, magic, and suspense, she’s the author for you!

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  4. You are such a talented writer and if I could not do anything more than read your books a few dozen times, I’d be happy!

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  5. I love Maria’s books! Gotta say, pretty glad she decided on a career change! Reading about Yelena and Valek — just one of the few books I know I’m ALWAYS in the mood for. Which is hard to come by. I have very few books I feel that way about. These are definitely one of them. Ultimate all time forever favorites ❤

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  6. I stumbled upon poison study and now have read the entire series along with the short stories. I can’t wait for Dawn Study! I love the short stories to give the reader more details on the amazing characters we grow to love.

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  7. Maria’s novels are wonderful! Been reading them since I worked at a book store when Poison Study was released. So excited for Dawn Study!

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    • Stacey congratulations! You are the winner of the contest! Please email me (fabula.vocis@gmail.con) your address and what book you’d like to receive of Marias! You have until December 16 to claim your prize.

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  8. I love Maria’s books! Specially the “Study” series. She has a unique way of creating captivating characters and a fantastic world that soakes you right in. Thank you for sharing your imagination with us readers!

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  9. I agree with Maria V. Snyder! Fantasy worlds do allow us to enter a whole new world! So thank you for creating such vividly and imaginative worlds for us to visit! 😊

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  14. You are such an inspiration. I reread your books constantly because they, and their characters, inspire me to be who I want to be- I confident girl and a publish author. Thank you for giving these world’s to dive into, can wait the remaining 57 days until Dawn Study!

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  17. I think it’s so cool that she actually goes and does some of the things she writes about like the glass blowing! I found Inside Out & Outside In by her on accident and I’m so glad I found the rest of her series! They are amazing!

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  18. You can always tell how loved a story is by the books spine…. unfortunately, I’ve had to buy a new copy of poison study; due to the book being literally loved to pieces! Keep writing these incredible stories

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  20. It’s been days since I first read Poison Study and still I can’t describe how much I loved it. I’ve already sent an e-mail to Mrs. Snyder telling her how much Yelena and Valek inspires me (and also how much I’m in love with them) and I hope she remembers me. I’m Aline, from Brazil ♡. Btw, the friend I mentioned in the e-mail was brought to your world with my recomendation, and already finished Fire Study (I CAN’T WITH HER), while I’m still waiting for money to buy the physical book (you don’t have idea how much it means to me to have it). Well, still no problems, I’m a very patient person. Lots of love from Brazil ❤

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  22. Books that I can never put down until I have finished. Awaiting the new one, one wouldn’t normally wish the days away! Thank you for a great interview to read.

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  29. Ironically I have become a devoted study series reader (and my interest in glass blowing has spiked!) whilst also becoming a terrible student! But university comes second to this series because I am just so obsessed! I can not wait for more books by this extraordinary writer!!!!

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  33. Every time I open a new book about Yelena or Opal. It is like being reunited with old friends. Cant wait for the new book but sad because it is the last of a great series.

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  34. Wow, that is so cool! Congrats on the interview. 🙂 And wait, ohmygosh, are you really Rae? (Shameless blog surfing of about me page). I’m Rae too! How crazy XD Haha. Anyway, Maria V. Snyder is a great author. I have her Glass series and love her other books too!

    Also, I love your layout of your blog. It’s very cozy. 🙂

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  36. Omg I love Maria’s books they are amazing I can’t put them down and even after they have finished I find myself thinking of the characters months later and constantly refresh her Facebook page for new snippets.

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  37. Maria V. Snyder is a truely amazing author. As a Dyslexic, I found it quite hard to read and concentrate on books, then my sister gave me her book Poison Study and I fell in love, I could not stop reading it. Since then I have read and fallen in love with all of her books and have recommended them to everyone I know!
    Her next book is to be released to the UK on my birthday so I am VERY excited for that. Keep it up Maria!!!

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  40. I love the Study series! Maria makes amazing characters and worlds. Maybe one day I will too bit until then I’ll just enjoy ho she makes fantasy come to life!

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  44. I liked A Scent of Magic the best out of all of the books that I have read, behind Poison Study. Thank you for creating such amazing worlds for us!

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  46. She is amazing! She was lovely and agreed to meet me the day after one of her book lauches for Shadow Study. Couldn’t believe it. Was amazing getting to discuss some of her characters with her – especially how she and I said different names. Janco being the main difference!

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  47. I had no idea you were interviewing Ms. Snyder! I am a huge fan of the Study series. I should stalk you more often for juicy surprises like this one. I am so proud of what you’re accomplishing. Keep up the amazing work!

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  49. Love your work! No other words are needed to describe how much I enjoy reading your books.
    RE-reading both the studies and glass series right now in preparation for Dawn Study 🙂

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