Hey everyone! I am so happy to welcome to the blog today Author Maria V. Snyder!
Maria has been so awesome to answer my questions and offer a signed copy of Outside In for a giveaway! Details at the bottom of the post =)
Enjoy…
When did you first start writing?
A: I started after I graduated from university and was working full time. Some days at work just dragged so in order to look busy, I started writing!
Have you always enjoyed Fantasy and Science Fiction?
A: I use to read mysteries, but I started reading fantasy and science fiction when I was at the university. For a while, all I read was fantasy, but now I’ll read any fiction that has a good story and characters.
Why writing Fantasy and Science Fiction?
A: I enjoy the challenge of fantasy, plus I like using horses and swords. Creating an entire new world is a ton of fun and I like how there isn’t a limit to what I can do, but I do need to set limits in my world and stick to them. Otherwise there is no structure or rules and therefore no conflict. Science Fiction is also a challenge to write as the science has to be accurate and logical even if you’ve created the science J Inside Out is considered a dystopian tale as the society is segregated into Uppers and Lowers and not based on our world, but the world they’re living in, Inside could exist today.
Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
A: The mystery writer, Dick Francis inspired my use of first person point of view and ending chapters with cliff-hangers. I’m also a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show by Joss Whedon and I think he inspired my use of strong female characters for my fiction. Also the movie Alien and Aliens features a very strong lady and I really enjoyed seeing her fight the aliens.
What is your favorite subject in the Fantasy/Science Fiction Realm?
A: I don’t have any favorite subjects, what I have are favorite characters. For example, I really like Meghan Chase from the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. Meghan really learns how to take care of herself and grows so much over the three books. I also enjoyed the brothers in Jonathan Maberry’sRot & Ruin. It’s a zombie novel, which I normally don’t read, but it’s well written and the two brothers are the focus of the story, not the zombies.
I just love the chemistry between Trella and Riley. Was that planned out?
A: I wish I could say yes, but like all my novels, the characters in Inside Out developed as I wrote the story. I had dreamt the whole plot, world, the Pop Cops and the twists one night (hasn’t happened before or since!), but I didn’t know the characters other than where they were living and what was going to happen in the end. So they showed themselves as I wrote the story and put them through the paces.
Favorites:
Favorite Movie? The Princess Bride
Favorite TV Show? Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Favorite Book? Jaran by Kate Elliott
Favorite Author? Rachel Caine
Favorite Genre that is NOT your own? Mystery
Favorite one of your Books? Poison Study – my first one will always have a special place in my heart.
Who is your favorite of your own characters?
Valek – a skilled swordsman, assassin, and all around cool dude!
Which was the hardest to write?
Spy Glass – Opal had to make a difficult choice and I couldn’t decide.
What would you be if not a writer?
A criminal psychologist. I find the criminal mind to be utterly fascinating.
If you Could be a Paranormal Being, Who would you be?
A vampire – I’m already a night owl and the idea of being immortal is very appealing.
If you could meet any Fantasy Character out there, Who would you like to meet?
Prince Ash of the Iron Fey books.
Quickies:
Reading or Writing? Reading (although I love the feeling after I had a good writing session!)
Print or eBook? Print
Hardback or Paperback? Trade-sized paperbacks
YA novels or Adult novels? YA novels
Library or Bookstore? Bookstore – I like to own my books
Summer or Winter? Winter
The Movie or The Book? Book – (best T-shirt saying I ever saw: “Don’t judge a book by its movie”)
PNR or UF? PNR
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: I like it when my characters surprise me.
What is your least favorite part?
A: Writing descriptions. If it was up to me, my books would be all action and dialogue!
The Inside Out Series in your own words?
A: The story is about Trella. She’s a scrub responsible for cleaning the air and water pipes that criss-cross their world and keep everyone alive. She’s one of thousands of scrubs who live in overcrowded barracks in the lower levels and she hates everyone. Trella has a reputation for being the “queen of the pipes” and so she is recruited to help find the location of the legendary Gateway to Outside. A Gateway the Uppers, who run the world don’t want her or anyone to find. The world has forgotten what is beyond their metal walls. At first, she considers it a challenge, but then she realizes it’s the key to a revolution. During the story, Trella learns she had underestimated her fellow scrubs and not everything is as it seems.
Any plans for more Books in the series?
A: Outside In is the second book and that’s all that is planned for now.
What is coming up next for you?
A: A fantasy about a healer called, Touch of Power. It’s due out in the US in January 2012. Here’s the cover copy:
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.
Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....
What are you working on right now?
A: Right now I’m between projects so I’m trying to get caught up on my email, update my website, and clean my office. But soon I’ll be working on Book 2 of the healer story, Taste of Death.
Do you have any advice or tip to those that want to become a published Author someday?
A: Persistence! Keep writing, keep submitting, and don’t give up! I also agree with Stephen King in his book, On Writing in order to improve as a writer you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. I do have a whole page of writing advice on my website – aspiring authors are welcome to go to the page at: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice.php.
Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
A: Thank you for continuing to read my books. If any of your blog 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. Here’s the link: http://www.mariavsnyder.com And my blog is:http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for being here!
A: Thank you for inviting me!
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yay!!! thanks!!
americangirlie1991 AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for the giveaway! These covers are all seriously gorgeous!
Thanks for the chance, sounds great!
Thanks for the giveaway! I really want to read SNYDER's books.
Thanks you so much for the giveaway and interview! LoL I just finished reading Inside Out today, so it'll be nice to have a signed copy of the second book.
*SQUUEE!!!* I cannot believe you got an interview with Maria V. Snyder!!! She is one of my favorite authors!! I loved her Study Series and INside Out!!! LOVED the interview! Thank you so much for posting this!!!!
Princess Bride is one awesome movie, and definitely one of my favorites too. The books pretty good as well.
Thanks for the great giveaway. ^_^
Orchid
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
I'm waiting for my copy of Inside Out to arrive and I'd love a copy of Outside In to read right after.
Thanks for the contest!
Buffy and Rachel Caine rock they are my favs too!
Thank you!
Wonderful interview here! :) I have this new series on my want list to get. I think I could really enjoy it. Thank you!
What a lovely interview! I haven't read Inside Out but I'm planning to. I've heard a lot of great things about this series and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the giveaway!
I love that she loves Rachel Caine too! Great interview :)
Thanks for the giveaway!
I didn't know about the upcoming fantasy- I'll definitely be looking out for it!
I haven't read the first book in the series, but I look forward to reading it! ;)
Sounds very interesting, thanks for the interview!
cris_mv at hotmail dot com
Read the Study series which I quite liked. Keeping my fingers crossed to win!
I have heard so many great things about this author, I can't wait to read one of her books, my sister already adores her.
korra_950(at)hotmail(dot)com
I really want to win this one! yay~ goodluck to all! ;) nice interview btw.
Great Book1 I have read the Glass series but not this one I would love to be entered thank you.
what a great interview!!! thank you so much for the giveaway and for making it international
I read Inside Out and I really want to read Outside In! I love all her other series as well. Thanks for the great giveaway!
I think being a criminal psychologist would be cool too. A dark mind would be very interesting to get into. Thanks for the giveaway.
Being a vampire would be awesome! I really loved Inside Out and can't wait to start the next one!
Stephanie- thegirlonfire27
thegirlofire27 at gmail dot com
Hi Maria and Larissa
Thanks for the interview and giveaway. I know your books because Storm Glass will be published in my country, and I can't wait to read it :).
But I'm more interested to your new series about healer, after all fantasy is my favorite genre :D
Ren
sawamura_foxman at yahoo dot com
Another interesting read, enter me please, thank you.
yumihamano@gmail.com
Thanks to you and the author for the giveaway and especially for opening it to worldwide entries.
Much appreciated.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Thanks sooo much for this giveaway and for making it international too!!
danaan at gmx dot at
I've been dying to read Inside out and Outside In for ages now.
I adore Maria Snyder. Her work is amazing. I fell in love with Inside Out!
I love dystopian so I would love to read Inside Out! Thanks for the giveaway:)
Great interview!
I loved Poison Study and within a week or two I guess, I'll start in Fire Study to conclude that trilogy and I can't wait to start the Glass books. The new novel seems promising, too bad it's almost a year away from my eyes =(
Great interview! And thanks for the giveaway! I love this series :)
I enjoyed the interview. I would love to have the tshirt that said that. I will have to try to find one.
I like Rachel Caine too! Thank you for the giveaway :)
Fantastic interview and insight into this wonderful author. I love the fact she would be a vampire. That would be my choice. x
Great interview! Thanks for the great giveaway.
To be a criminal psychologist is so cool! And great to know that she's a lover of The Iron Fey series too!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I Love Maria V. Synder! I Love Velena and Trella. I can't wait for her new series. Thanks , Larrisa for featuring her in your blog.
Sigorney Weaver was bad ass in Alien(s)....I have to agree!
Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
I loved Inside Out and I am looking forward to reading Outside In. I just hope that there'll be a third book :)
Thanks a lot for making this contest International :)
Maria is a new author for me, so thanks for the chance to read one of her stories.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Fantastic interview. It must be so fun when a character can surprise it's author!
Many thanks for the interesting interview with Maria V. Snyder...
She is new to me and now I am very
enticed to read her books!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I've had so many people tell me I need to read this author. Lovely interview. I can see why!
Great interview and the book sounds wonderful!!
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Nice interview :)
I am always curious about dystopian books
I've been very interested in checking out this series. Plus, Touch of Power sounds great. I love seeing new powers being explored...besides vamps, weres, etc.
The first book blended sci-fi and dystopia together so well, I have to read what happens next!
Thanks for the giveaway Larissa!
eliweibley(at)gmail(dot)com
Touch of Power sounds great. I can't wait!
Thanks for the great giveaway! Been looking forward to this book.
iqb99@yahoo.com
I loved the Poison Study trilogy. I'm looking forward to reading Maria's YA series too!
Totally love these books! Really hope we can have a third one in the series!!
Thanks for the interview and awesome - mentioning the "Princess Bride" always makes me smile!
Thanks for the giveaway! :)
apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com
I LOVED Inside Out! It was my first book by Miss Snyder, but it won't be my last. ^_^
<3,
TL
luraj2612 AT gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
Maria is an auto-buy for me, I love all of her work and am super stocked that she is a fellow Iron Fey fan! Thanks for another great contest!
I've read her Study series and really enjoyed them! I'm looking forward to reading Stormglass and Inside Out!
thanks for the giveaway! great interview! I love her all her books.
Alice :D
I have all of her books on my TBR list, but I haven't had a chance to read any of them. I like that she said she would want to be a criminal psychologist if she wasn't a writer. It's not a common job you here about.
Awesome interview!
I'm now curious about her favorite book. I always get curious about the books that become favorites to people. Those are usually favorites for a reason :)
I think it's SO cool that she wanted to be a criminal psychologist. I would too. I'm immensely fascinated by what goes on inside the minds of people and how just a little damage here or there can change a person so much.
I love the "sound" of all of the books! TBR list is squeeling loudly at me as I grab it....OoOoOh...I think I heard it curse! hmmmm....
Criminal psychology rocks! Its something I thought about doing but my first psychology prof ruined that....lol.
Thank you for a great interview and a great giveaway!
blazesandbubbles AT gmail DOT com
I look forward to reading one of Maria's books!
Great interview! I've never heard of Maria V Snyder before this!
rootml1{AT}hotmail{DOT}com
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway. :D
Clarissa Pereira
claroxide@yahoo.co.in
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway. :D
Clarissa Pereira
claroxide@yahoo.co.in
Another excellent contest, Larissa!
Thank you!
hollyjolly89@gmail.com
Great interview!!! Thanks for making the giveaway international also :)
Great Interview! I use to read mystery books too until I discovered the paranormal genre!
Thanks so much for offering this! awesome post!! Hollybwright at comcast dot net
I love Synder--- she so rocks. The Poison books are really good, and now I'm a huge fan of Trella in the Outside books. Thanks for doing this darlin' XOXO - Parajunkee
I've heard so many great things about all Maria's books. I definitely want to win one if I can!
The Princess Bride is my favourite movie too. Such a classic :D
I am a big fan of Synders. I have read both the Study Series and Glass series several times. I have read Inside Out and just started Outside In. I am thrilled to have found her, as so far I haven't been disappointed in any of her books!
I loved Inside Out and have been wanting to read Outside In since it came out. Thanks for this giveaway!
NC
Truly Bookish
Outside in sounds like a great book. Can't wait to read it.
Awesome post! I will be adding all of these books to my to be read list as soon as I am done here. :) Thanks for the contest too!
Great Interview,
Maria Snyder's answers were all so great I'm definitely going to read more of her books!
Thanks you so much for the giveaway and interview I love Maria V.Snyder!
Oooh...please include me!
Thank you! mmafsmith(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks a lot for this interview and this giveaway. I really loved Inside Out, one of the best book I've read this year so it would be a dream to win a signed copy of Outside In.
Your interview was really interesting :D
Once again huge thanks for this giveaway and for making it international.
Best wishes from France.
I like your page. It's very fun! Thanks for the giveaway!!
OMG, thank you for the chance to win! I've wanted to read Outside In for a long time :) Can't wait!
And thank you for the interview - I really enjoyed reading it =)
mikki-mano@hotmail.com
Great interview! and thanks for the giveaway.
She looks like an interesting read. I too am a newbie author..writing my first urban fantasy book.
Heather Powers
Wolfwhisper@gmail.com
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)
I would love to read this. I really liked the study series and have read the first of Opal's books.
I also prefer bookstores to a library but sadly don't usually have enough money to buy many books.
Yay! Maria V. Snyder is one of my very favorite authors ever, and Poison Study is in my top ten fantasy books list. Thank you for the wonderful interview and giveaway!