Maria V Snyder is the author of multiple books including the Study trilogy and Storm Glass, the beginning to her newest trilogy. The second book, Sea Glass, is set to release on September 1 of this year.
KBB: When did you decide that you wanted to be a writer?
MVS: My first job after college was as a Meteorologist for an environmental consulting firm. The amount of work came in waves, and we were either extremely busy or very bored. During the slow times, I started writing a short story. Ideas were always floating around in my mind, but that was when I began using them and writing stories. I submitted my first short story for critique at a writing conference in Philadelphia, and when the workshop leader gave me 7 out of 10, I thought that was pretty good for a first effort and decided to stick with writing for a while. After my son was born and I only had about one hour a day to myself, I had to decide what was important enough to spend that precious time on. Most days writing won.
KBB: Is there any one person who influenced your decision to become a writer?
MVS: My husband has always been very supportive, even when we were dating. Before I was published, if I needed to go to writer’s conference or a special class, he never said no and he happily took care of the kids while I pursued this new career. And he is still wonderful. Right now I’m in Pittsburgh, teaching writing classes at Seton Hill University and he’s home taking care of the kids. If it wasn’t for his support, I wouldn’t BE a writer.
KBB: Were you a big writer or reader growing up? What about now? Do you prefer writing your own books or reading someone else’s?
MVS: I was a big reader growing up, but I hated to write in school. I remember my older sister reading to me and I was annoyed that she could read and I couldn’t! Soon after, I was reading and I started with mysteries because that is what my mother enjoyed. Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were my favorites before I graduated to Agatha Christie, Dick Francis, Robert B. Parker, Barbara Vine, and Ed McBain.
I still love to read and do enjoy other author’s books. Currently my favorite authors all have humor in their books. Since my life is so stress-filled and complicated, Iβve been enjoying light and fluffy reading with Mary Janice Davidsonβs vampire series and her new mermaid series, Connie Willis is another favorite of mine, and Iβve recently discover the mystery/suspense thrillers of Harlan Coben. I also enjoy the writing process – you need both to be a good writer.
KBB: Did you enjoy writing any of your books more than others?
MVS: I must admit I had a blast writing my new YA novel, INSIDE OUT. It’s coming out April 2010 and I didn’t write it any differently than my Study or Glass books because it’s for a YA audience, but it’s a new world with a great character and I had fun with it.
KBB: Do any of the characters from the Study trilogy reappear in the Glass trilogy?
MVS: Yes, many of them do. Yelena, Leif, Irys, Bain, Valek, Ari and Janco all appear in the Glass books.
KBB: Where did you get the ideas for the Glass books?
MVS: To tell the truth, after writing Fire Study, I wanted to write a different book – one not in the Study world. My editor suggested I write another Study book to keep up the momentum. She mentioned Opal as a potential character.
I liked Opal and she surprised me by how valuable she became in Fire Study, but I couldn’t think of a story idea with her. I was explaining this to my editor and was literally in mid-sentence when the idea for Storm Glass popped into my mind. At first we were going to title the book Glass Study or Crystal Study, but I wanted a new title since I had a new main protagonist.
KBB: Do you have a favorite character from them?
MVS: I should be diplomatic and say they’re all my favorites ;> But I must admit Valek.
KBB: Can you tell us anything about the third book in the series?
MVS: It’s still untitled at the moment, but in this book Opal has to find her place in the world and be content. So much has changed for her over a short time, and she needs to adjust to her new circumstances (I can’t tell you what they are as it will give away some things in SEA GLASS). I’m working on it now and just getting into it. The book will be out in September 2010.
KBB: Thanks so much, Maria! I can’t wait to read the whole Glass series and your new one coming out next year. They sound amazing. Readers here is your chance to win a copy of Sea Glass before it is out in stores.
+1 comment about interview
+1 become a follower
+2 already a follower
+3 link on your blog (sidebar is fine)
+4 comment on review of Poison Study or Magic Study
The contest will run until August 15 so get entering!
XD I don’t love MVS or anything. no siree! Oh Valek…though I have to admit I’m liking Kade a whole lot more then I originally thought I would. And w00t for more Ari and Janco. I want them to have their own side adventures book!
+2 already a follower
+3 gonna link in the sidebar (http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com)
+4 commented on both Poison and Magic Study
+1 Thanks for a great interview. I really like Valek too. Gosh I can’t wait for to Sea Glass.
+2 already a follower
+3 link on blog neverendingshelf.blogspot.com
Kate
neverendingshelf@gmail.com
+1 I love Maria! I know her from Goodreads and I’ve read both Poison Study and Storm Glass. (I know.. I really need to read the rest of the study series). I’m really excited for her new series after this one! How cool!
+2 already a follower
+3 Linked on blog: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/
Commented on both reviews (not sure if that’s +4 or +8)
bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com
A meteorologist! That’s really cool, and to quit to write is crazy to me lol. Wonder if she misses it. π
I’m already a follower! π
Interesting interview. I enjoyed reading about her family life and what how supportive her husband is. I’d love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway and please count me in
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a new follower
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview! It’s great that she has a supportive family π Also, I liked seeing that she hated writing in school–I’m the same way.
+1 comment about interview
+2 already a follower
+3 link on your blog (sidebar is fine)
+4 comment on review of Poison Study or Magic Study
-Allison
love-adelaide(at)hotmail(dot)com
+1 I was pleasantly surprised when Maria named Valek as her fav character – he is mine and my brother’s fav as well! π
+2 follower
+3 linked to sidebar @
http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com
grochowskis@hotmail.com
+1 I know what she means about hating to write for shcool. I hate being given a topic I must write about with this set number of words, etc. AP US was the worst! I was frequently told to stop using creative writing as the scorers for the exam don’t care about that. they want facts.
+2 already a follower
+3 linked on blog sidebar
http://www.thebookcellarx.blogspot.com
π Erica
thebookcellar@wi.rr.com
+1 Sounds really great! Great interview
+2 already a follower
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Great interview! Valek is such a cool name:D
I’m already a follower.
I linked this here:http://prodelektric.blogspot.com/2009/07/contest_28.html
I commented on review of Poison Study.
prodhi@live.com
You have nice questions that invite interesting answers. It’s good to learn that how much effort and time the author put into writing this nice work.
+1 comment on this interview
+2 already a follower
linna.hsu(at)gmail(dot)com
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway YA!!! I wan to read this book so bad!!!
+2 I am already a follower
+4 I commented on Magic study review
+1 Comment on interview:
I love how with just an name “Opal” she was able to come up with these new book how talented she is!!!!
I think it’s great that she’s a writer who hated to write in school. Maybe that means there’s hope for some of my students who hate to write!!
+2 follower
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
+1 Maria is very fortunate to have a good support system! I find that to be a writer that is key!
+2 already a follower
+4 Commented on Poison Study
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
+2 already a follower
+3 link (http://twitter.com/tdlivros/status/2921912805)
juiceb0xx at hotmail dot com
Awesome, thanks!
+1 It’s pretty cool how she started writing and stuck with it.
+2 following
+4 commented Poision Study review
adrienne2093(at)comcast(dot)net
What a great interview! I really enjoyed it. And man, a meteorologist to a writer. What a transition! I’m really looking forward to reading Maria’s work =) I’ve heard such great things about both trilogies so far.
P.S. i’m a new follower
&& I posted a link to this on my sidebar (http://creativitygone.blogspot.com)
Thanks so much,
mishtakes AT gmail DOT com
+1 I’ve been some things about Inside Out and it sounds…interesting lol
+2 I’ve been following you via google reader π
+3 Posted on sidebar
+4 Left you a comment on your review for Poison Study (http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/2009/05/poison-study.html?showComment=1248978014863#c2162088662500534069)
Good to read in the interview that the author’s husband is so supportive.
I am a follower.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
+1 – I love that Maria V. Snyder used to be a meterologist. Scientists need love too (my boyfriend is a geologist). She always has such awesome covers too.
+1 – I just became a follower!
+3 – posted a link on my sidebar.
+4 – I posted a comment on your review of Poison Study, it’s fantastic.
so all together, that adds up to +9 for me. π
I forgot to include a link to my blog where I posted a link to your contest:
http://readingisthespiceoflife.blogspot.com
Blair lewis
blairwlewis@gmail.com
+1 I just got done with the 1st book Magic Study and my oh my I loved it!!!! thanks for the chance to win this book .
+2 I am a follower of your blog ;o)
+4 I posted about the Magic book now that I finished it.
Total 7 points
+1 comment about interview
I always find it interesting when authors have degrees that are so different from writing.
+1 become a follower
+3 link on your blog (sidebar is fine). My sidebar:
http://caprubia.blogspot.com/
caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com
+1 comment about interview: I really like the question about if she liked reading growing up =) i find that so cool cause i was so the opposite, well in HS anyway I loved to write hated reading and now i like both =)
+1 became a follower
+3 sidebar on: thatchickthatreads.blogspot.com
+4 commented on review of Poison Study =) thanks for the review btw it’s one of the books on my to read shelf =P
leslie-lv at hotmail dot com
+1 It’s amazing how MVS didn’t like to write in school! I also started with Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys!
+1 New follower!
+4 Left comments on your reviews of Poison Study or Magic Study!
Count me in!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am really interested in Glass series but haven’t read the study series, do I need to read study before glass?
I am a new follower
I commented on poison study review.
Linked to this contest on my side bar (http://tyngasreviews.blogspot.com )
Thanks for the opportunity!
+1 The interview was super cute!
+2 I already am a follower
+3 It’s on my blog sidebar: http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/
+4 I commented on both reviews for Poison Study and Magic Study
Thanks!
-Eleni
lafemmereaders@yahoo.com
+1 Thanks for the great interview. I would love to read this novel soon
+2 Follower
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat – join us at CoolCanucks.ca
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
Great interview. This sounds like a good book.
I am a follower.
I posted on the sidebar here: http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
bacchus76 at myself dot com
1+ interview comment- Maria now lives in Pittsburgh and teaches writing at Seton Hill University.
+4 review- I thoght Magic Study sounded interesting that Yelena was kidnapped as a child.
You said it was confusing on what the Zaltana family went through during this time. Later on everything was more clear.
+ 2 follower
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
+1 great interview. I am surprised Valek, is her favorite, I prefer Janco.
+1 new follower
+3?? I dont have a blog, but I linked on facebook, and goodreads- does that count lol π
+4 commented on Posion Study.
Thanks for having this contest. Sept 1 can not get here fast enough, 2 sequels in one day. AHH
– Pixie
txmamaof3@gmail(dot)com
+1: I really love Valek and I hope he pops up somewhere in the Glass series.
+1: New follower
+3: I posted this on my blog with a link, here:
http://www.myspace.com/ice_83
+1 Became a new follower
+1 I love that Maria loves Valek too, can’t get enough of him π
+4 commented on Poison Study review
+1 I love Maria. She is an amazing writer and she is a such a nice person.
+1 I am now a follower
+3 you are on my sidebar now!
+4 I commented on the other reviews.
+3 Posted the link on my blog π
http://lilychild713.blogspot.com/
lilychild713AThotmailDOTcom
I love Maria’s books. I can’t wait for the new ones that’ll come out in the future. The Study series is amazing. I have them all and they are great reads.
So if Maria loves Valek, does this mean we’ll be getting more novels in the Study series or is it ending at 3? I haven’t heard either way and I am keeping my fingers crossed for more Yelena and Valek. I LOVE Valek!
I’ve linked to your contest in today’s news post on my site. I hope that counts.
I left comments on both reviews. Great reviews by the way. I can’t wait to see what you think of Fire Study.
This comment has been removed by the author.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am now a follower of your blog. Did I say it right this time?
I don’t know if I have to do all 4 things to be entered to win… maybe just a comment on here is enough π Sea Glass is coming out the day I move back in to college so if I don’t win I’ll just buy it (this and the Study series is the first series I’ve ever own ALL of teehee) and and read it fast before classes start π I can’t wait! I love the world of Ixia and Sitia SO much!
Have been a MVS fan for quite a while, loved the Study trilogy and have Storm Glass but havent read it yet. So looking forward to Sea Glass, gorgeous cover and definitely to Maria’s YA novel.
I’ve collected all of Harlan Coban’s books absolutely love them so was glad to see Maria enjoys them too!
+1 now a follower
+3 linked on sidebar of my blog The Eclectic Reader
+4 commented on Poison Study
What a great interview. I love that her husband was so supportive and helped with the kids. That always makes a big difference in what we do. Please include me in your giveaway.
+2 I am already a follower.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
Already a follower.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/dy0ulee/status/3194354363
Sidebarred: http://liveandbreathesmexily.blogspot.com/
loony_balooga_91(AT)hotmail(DOT)com
I’m a follower, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
+2 I’m a follower
missremmeres@gmail.com
Oh, WOW. I read Poison Study the other night, and stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish it because I could NOT put it down. It was so incredible that the next day I immediately went out to the bookstore to buy the next in the series. I am addicted to Maria’s writing now, and can’t believe my luck in finding your contest!
+2 already a follower
+3 linked to the sidebar in my blog
Thanks!
stephxsu at gmail dot com
Great interview! I love Maria’s books! Big FAN!!! Devoured the Study series and loving the Glass series. An ARC would be wonderful!!! I actually met Maria once in 2008 at the RT convention in Pittsburgh–best day EVER!
Read all her books as I said and I remember Poison Study left me in awe and I ate up Magic Study! And Fire Study! Whoa boy!!
So count me in for the contest!! I love her books!
+1 It was interesting to find out that the characters reappear in the glass trilogy– that’s useful to know. xD Great interview!
+2 already a follower
+3 Linked on my sidebar: http://tainted-poet.blogspot.com/
+4 Commented on Magic Study
+4? Commented on Poison Study
Great contest!
taintedpoet@gmail.com
+1 Great interview. It sounds like a great trilogy.
+1 Becoame a follower
+4 Commented on Poison Study
Thanks for entering me! mac.attack17@yahoo.com
This sounds like an awesome book! Please enter me.
+2 I am a follower.
+4 I commented on the review of Poison Study.
Shadowofwonder47[at]yahoo[dot]com
Nice interview! I have thoroughly enjoyed your books. Loved the Study books and just picked up the first Glass book. Would love the next one! I have Maria as a friend on facebook. Am follower of this blog. And I linked you on my book blog (newbie at it.
Nice interview. Maria V Snyder will be a new author for me. It is always interesting to read an interview of a new author, it helps the reader to “get to know” a new author. I love the cover art on Sea glass. This sounds like a good book. I follow your blog.
heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com
Thank you for the interview. Maria Snyder is FINALLY getting attention for her novels! When I first read POISON STUDY and told people about it, they were like “Who?” and now, I have a bunhc of friends in to her books and they’re all in love. We all love Valek, of course. I can’t wait for SEA GLASS, and to know we have to wait so long for the next book after that!
+1 Commenting
+1 Follower
barbrafl737 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Great Interview. I am glad MVS is finally getting the attention her books need. When a friend mentioned these books to me, I had a hard time finding them at B&N.
Thank you for giving this book away, its a MUST read.
+1comment
+2 follower
+3 sidebar link
http://pageturners-underthecover.blogspot.com/
+4 commented on Poison Study
– Pixie
weblogbooks[@]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for directing me to your contest in the comment you left me π I am SO excited for Sea Glass. The cover is super gorgeous and after reading the excerpt that’s up on Maria Snyder’s website, I’m anxious to see what happens.
Great interview! I didn’t realize Maria Snyder used to work as a meteorologist – it makes the Glass trilogy even more interesting. Plus I love anyone who grew up on Nancy Drew π
+I’m already a follower
+I commented on your Poison Study review
Kristin (email = dazdnconfusd@comcast.net)
Thank you for the giveaway and the interview was very interesting. Nancy Drew – didnt everyone grow up on her!!!!
Mystica from Sri Lanka
Great interview, I wish she had said something more abuot her new book Inside Out
Beautiful cover for Sea Glass
+Already a follower!
sheere.dry@gmail.com
Great interview and I love the cover! I need to read more of her books. I’ve heard such good things. Thanks for your contest!
+1 comment
+2 already a follower
+3 added to sidebar
http://www.wrightysreads.blogspot.com
+4 commented on review for Poison Study (another good one!)
5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net
I haven’t read any of Maria’s books before, but I’m really interested now.
+2 already a follower
+3 link on sidebar : http://hookedonyabooks.blogspot.com/
+4 comment on review of Poison Study
lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com
+1 This sounds so interesting. Please enter me into this giveaway. I just hope that I am not too late for entry.
+1 Became a follower.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net