The Magic with Maria V. Snyder

Today is my birthday! As promised and my birthday gift to all of you, I am presenting my interview with the amazing and glorious Maria V. Snyder.

For any of you that have read her Study books than you will agree that this is one of the best outstanding fantasy series out there today. If this is your first time reading the Study books, than you are in for a treat.

I have to tell you that I don't typically read fantasy but when I discovered Poison Study a couple of years ago it was one of the best things that could have happened to me.

I ordered my copy of Fire Study and can't wait for it to arrive so I can continue the journey with Yelena but I know that it will be just as good as Poison Study and Magic Study. Plus what's not to like about these books, just check out the beautiful book covers!

Cheryl: Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions.

Maria: You’re welcome – thanks for posting this.

Cheryl: What is a day in the life of an author like? How long does it take from start to finish to complete a book?

Maria: The day in the life isn’t very exciting when I’m writing. I’m at the computer from when my kids go to school at 8:30 a.m. until they come home at 3:30 p.m. Book signings and events are more interesting – I enjoy meeting readers and interacting with people.

I’m a slow writer, so each book takes me an average of 9 months from start to finish.

Cheryl: How did you decide to choose fantasy over all the other types of genres?

Maria: I enjoy reading fantasy and have read many fantasy books, so I naturally started writing fantasy stories. With fantasy, there is that sense of wonder you don’t have in the other books, and it’s fun to read about other cultures using fantastical elements. As a writer, I like the freedom to create a different world and the freedom to invent things. For example, my poisons in Poison Study are all my own creations – because in the real world, I couldn’t find poisons to do what I needed them to do.


Cheryl: Where do you draw your inspirations from? Who are your inspirations?

Maria: Inspirations can be from anywhere. I get ideas from newspaper and magazine articles, from something I see on television, from something that comes up in conversation, from dreams, or from something my children say or do. I tend not to lack for ideas just time! I have an article about this on my website at www.mariavsnyder.com/tips titled Ideas, Influences and Inspiration.

I read a lot 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.


Cheryl: Your books are so fantastic and unique. I can’t stop reading them and seeing what new plans you have in store for Yelena. What do you think makes them so popular?

Maria: I think my novels tend to focus on characters and don’t get bogged down with a ton of detail and moralizing. They’re fast paced and accessible and I think those elements make them popular.

Cheryl: Describe your books in one sentence.

Maria: Poison Study: Escaping the noose to become the new food taster, Yelena's troubles have just begun.

Magic Study: Eager to start her magic training, Yelena’s plans take an unexpected and deadly turn.

Fire Study: Yelena's adventures heat up when she must stop a Fire Warper.

Cheryl: What do you want your readers to take from your books?

Maria: That nothing is hopeless – there is always a way out and friends to help you no matter what. To never give up and keep pushing for what you believe in.


I appreciate you answering all my questions. I want to wish you and your family the best for 2008.

Last but not least. Here is a sneek peak of Storm Glass (Fall 2008) and thank you for stopping by today and celebrating my birthday with me.

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it’s time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan’s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal’s unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she never knew she possessed...powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she’s ever known.

To read an except of this book go to http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books/storm01.php