Saturday, 17 December 2011

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - MARIA V SNYDER




  1. What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?
A) Maria V. Snyder.  I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and still live in Pennsylvania.
  1. Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
A) Nope.  I wanted to be a meteorologist and chase tornados.  I even have a university degree in meteorology.
  1. When did you first consider yourself as a "writer"?
A) When I was home with my young son and still wanted to write despite lack of sleep or a social life.
  1. Did it take a long time to get your first book published?
A) Yes, it took me two years to find a publisher and then had to wait another 2 years before they published/printed Poison Study.  I have the story of my road to publication on my website if anyone is interested in reading it:  http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice/rejections.php
  1. Do you work another job as well as your writing work?
A) No.  I’m a full time writer.
  1. What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
A) Touch of Power is my soon-to-be latest (it’s due out December 20).  Avry’s healing powers can save the Fifteen Realms, but other plot to stop her.
  1. Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
A) All my novels are published with Harlequin Books.  I’ve a bunch of short stories in various anthologies and also have free ones you can read on my website: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.php
  1. How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
A) From start to printed, it takes about 12-18 months, depending on the book.  But that’s not a all the time.  There is some down time between when I send my book to my editor and then she reads it and returns it for revisions.  If you take out that down time, it’s more like 6-8 months.
  1. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
A) I’m working on the second book of my new Healer Series, Scent of Magic.  It’s due out January 2013.
  1. What genre would you place your books into?
A) Most of my books are Fantasy, but my Insider books (Inside Out and Outside In) are dystopian.
  1. Where do you get your book plot ideas from?
A) I get them from everywhere! All my experiences, all the people I’ve met, all the classes I took – it all is fuel for the fire of my imagination. I advise aspiring writers to go out and experience life, take classes on anything that interests them and talk to people. I have a notebook full of notes and ideas from my various experiences. I don’t lack for ideas, but for time.
  1. Do you have anybody read your books and give you reviews before you officially release them?
A) Yes.  My daughter and husband both read my books and give me feedback.  I also have a critique partner who provides excellent advice.  Then my editor, a copy editor, and my agent get a crack at them before they’re printed.
  1. What do you do to unwind and relax?
A) I love to read and watch movies.  I also play volleyball twice a week and I enjoy photography.
  1. Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?
A) I read a ton of mystery novels growing up. My favorite mystery author is Dick Francis and his books have influenced my writing style. I also use first person point of view and try to keep the story’s pace moving. My cliff hanger endings are a direct result from his books; I can never stop reading one of his books at a chapter break. My favorite fantasy writers all have strong female protagonists and interesting characters in common. Barbara Hambly’s books have a nice mix of action, character and humor - all essential elements to what I consider good fiction.
  1. Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace printed books?
A) No.  I think people will still want to hold and read a printed book. There might not be huge print runs in the future as more people convert over, but there will always be books.
Where can readers follow you?

Website:  http://www.mariavsnyder.com

Blog:  http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans &  http://www.facebook.com/maria.v.snyder 

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/445303.Maria_V_Snyder


And any other information you wish to supply?

If your readers would like more info about me and my books, I have the first chapter of all my books on my website as well as a number of free short stories they can read.  Plus I have a bunch of writing advice articles for aspiring authors on my site as well.




WIN A SIGNED COPY OF 
TOUCH OF POWER BY MARIA V SNYDER


*******************************
THE WINNER IS SOPHIA ROSE
she has 48 hours to reply to my email with her full postal address to be passed on to Maria.
If after 48 hours she has not contacted me a new winner will be chosen.
****************************


Rules of Entry;
Giveaway only open to US or Canada residents
(Sorry! Maria has done lots of giveaways and wants to keep the P&P costs down)
Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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2 comments:

  1. Rainy of the Dark (Rainy Kaye)18 December 2011 at 02:06

    Nice interview. I agree, taking classes or just going out and experiencing life can be a great way to beat writer's block. =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sophia Rose20 December 2011 at 21:52

    I enjoyed reading the interview. Always fun getting to know an author and the background of the books.

    Thanks for the post and for the giveaway opportunity.

    ReplyDelete

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