Loading ...Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Maria V. Snyder
Hello All!
Thanks to Rachel and everyone at Bitten by Books for having me back! I’m thrilled to be here again, and this time we’re celebrating my latest release, Sea Glass
Sea Glass
Blood magic is similar to Opal’s glass magic. Instead of trapping magic in glass, it traps magic in the magician’s own blood. Then the blood can be drawn and when it is injected into another, that person can become a magician. If they are already a magician, then the blood will make them more powerful. The Daviian Warpers mixed the blood with ink and tattoo it into their skin to increase their magic. Eventually, and with enough blood, a person could achieve enough power to be a Master Magician.
So why are there only three Master Magicians in Sitia? Blood magic is very addictive. Once a person starts using it, he desires more and will do anything to get it. Outlawed long ago, the various rituals needed to use blood magic were eventually forgotten. Until a Daviian Warper learned the steps from the Fire Warper, who had been banished to the fire world a long time ago.
It wasn’t until after I had created this blood magic that I realized how closely the addictive nature of it resembles today’s illegal drugs. But unlike drugs, blood magic gives a person the ability to do magic.
If blood magic wasn’t addictive – would you want to have magic? If so, what would you do with your power?
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Learn more about Maria V. Snyder
Read Reviews of her work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
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CONTEST: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW CONTEST EMAIL ADDRESS TO SEND YOUR ENTRIES TO BELOW. There are also revisions to the rules for this contest, please read them all carefully. Also, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME in your comment/post so we can give you the proper credit for your entries.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each thing you do will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. REMEMBER you have Until 9/7/09 at 11:59 pm PDT to do the different things that YOU choose to do. Contest is open to readers worldwide except where noted.
Maria is giving away FIFTEEN autographed copies of Sea Glass
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Maria’s books.
From Amazon:
Books in the Study Series in the order they should be read:
Poison Study
Magic Study
Fire Study
Books in the Glass Series in the order they should be read:
Storm Glass
Sea Glass
Stand Alone Titles:
The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance
From Barnes & Noble:
Click here to purchase titles from the complete list at Barnes & Noble.
Good for 300 entries per book you purchase by using the links above.
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase of ANY kind of merchandise during the contest. You can also use the Amazon search box or this link HERE to shop as well. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH item you purchase. Not valid on past purchases.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Maria a question or leave a comment. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through 9/7/09 and ask Maria your questions. Good for 10 entries. (max 2 questions that count towards entries)
3. Spread the word! Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=10436 on twitter, at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 100 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
4. Be friends with Maria by joining her here:
- Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mariavsnyder
- Myspace blog: http://blog.myspace.com/mariavsnyder
- Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/445303.Maria_V_Snyder
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=33763514321
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 9/7/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted via email. You will receive your prize bag directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide except where noted. The prizes are shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(5 votes, average: 4.8 out of 5)
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if your books were to become movies who would be the actors?
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Maria, I’m not sure I would want to have magic, addictive or not. Of course, that would likely depend upon how prevalent the magic was, how many other people had it. I would not want to be in the ten percent of people who did not have any magical ability.
I did RSVP.
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I RSVPED
What is your young adult science fiction thriller “Inside Out” about?
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Thank you for stopping by again. In response to your question, I would love the ability to do magic. I would love to have healing magic or defensive magic be my specialty.
I have a question for you - if you could be a superhero what super powers would you have? What kind of superhero uniform would you like? (I know I wouldn’t choose spandex
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If I had magic, I would want to be able to control time so I had enough of it to read everything on my TBR list and all the additional books coming out in series that are on my TBR list.
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I haven’t had a chance to read the Glass series yet but I enjoyed your Study series.
I RSVPD, am freinds with BBB on Goodreads and subscribe to the BBB newsletter
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Hey Maria!! Jessica again!! LOVED Sea Glass, as I told you earlier!! Can’t wait for more of Opal and it is next year!! Yea!!!!
I would sooooo love to have magic. I think it would be cool to be able to have some kind of power. Yelena’s talents are awesome and so are Opal’s. I don’t know what kind of power I would want, but I think it would be cool to wield magic!
I heard about your new YA series, only in name, but I was wondering what that series was going to be about. If you can tell us!
Be back later! Class is about to start!
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I would like to Start Storm Glass. Do I need to read the Study Series first or can I jump into Storm Glass?
I RSVPd.
I’m a fan through GoodReads.
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I was interested to learn that you were a Meteorologist. Did that background help you to write your books?
I consider myself a chocolate expert too, though probably not as expert as your honey. What is his favorite kind? (I know this has nothing to do with the books, but hey, its in the name of science!!)
Lastly, what would your readers be shocked to learn about you?
I have been waiting for this release to start your books so I could read them together. I have heard great reviews, I am excited! It sounds like an exciting, original idea for a story.
I rsvpd
I posted a link at my blog… http://ellzreadz.blogspot.com/
I requested friends at myspace
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Both the Study and Glass Series sound wonderful. I can’t wait to start reading them.
I’ve RSVP’d and belong to GoodReads, too.
Thanks.
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Hi Marja! I haven’t read the Glass books yet, but they are on my list! I like asking people this - if you could time travel… Where/when would you go & why? Anyone famous you would like to meet?
Great minds think alike! Lisa posted exactly what I would do with magic. Having more time to read is something I crave. One can never have enough reading time. I need an extra hundred years at this point!
So, let me think… I would use the magic to be able to teleport anywhere I want. I would *love* to snap my fingers & be in London for the day! or a day in Venice. Dinner? Go off to Italy. I could keep going wiith more places! More keep popping into my head
Hope everyone is having a great day!
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Good morning Maria,
Of course I would want to use magic! I would love to use telekinesis, to make commuting less hazardous by slowing down the more scarier drivers, and by moving the already wrecked vehicles to the side of the road.
My question is what are you currently reading right now?
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I almost forgot to answer your question from the interview. If I had magic powers, I would grant the wishes of my closest friends and loved ones.
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If I had magical powers I’d want to be able to create anything I want from thin air (possibly by twitching my nose!).
My question is, as someone who has seen your books but never read one, which one would you recommend I start with?
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Hi Maria!
I haven’t read your “glass” books, but they sound wonderful and Ive put them on my “Must Buy” list. I would love to do magic- I would make my son’s college bills disappear!
I love the idea of magic captured in glass- and especially sea-glass. I love finding polished glass on the beach- it does seem magical.
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I RSVP’ed.
Hiya Maria! Thank you for coming an answering questions!
I always like to ask authors what their muse is and what inspires them to write when they get stuck or need inspiring?
I really LOVED your Study series and I look forward getting my hands on the glass series! Whatever you use as a muse, keep it up! I love your work!
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Hi Maria! I’ve read Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study and LOVED them!!! Haven’t read the Glass books yet, but they’re definitely going on to my TBR pile. Great post!
~Paige
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To Maria, I am so happy to have the opportunity to participate in this blog with you. I have all your Study books and just finished your Storm Glass. And am looking forward to Sea Glass. I really enjoy the interaction with your characters and the storylines that enchant and enthrall you. Keep up the good work. If I had magic, I would use it to make people lives better - to provide or do little things for people that are out of my realm to provide. But nothing too big of a major change. You know random acts kind of thing. Now my question is What do you hope people will take away from your books?
I RSVPd on facebook, I have Maria as a friend on Facebook, and my review of Storm Glass comes out on my blog later today.
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Hello Everyone! Wow lots of comments and questions already
I’ll try and answer them all ;>
Claire - Actors for the books. I really haven’t casted the movie, but I think Summer Glau would be perfect as Yelena. Valek is harder as I haven’t found the perfect actor. Val Kilmer when he was young and in the movie Top Gun - would have been perfect with longer black hair. There’s a discussion about this going on over at Goodreads - in the Study Buddies group - you can access it through my goodreads page (link above).
Lisa and Jessica asked about INSIDE OUT (which I’m working on line edits now!) It’s about Trella. She lives in Inside - a metal cube of a world with lots of pipes. She hates her life - she’s a scrub and she is one of many. In order to escape the noise and presence of so many scrubs, Trella prefers to be by herself in the ductwork. She has explored almost every region of Inside and has the ability to go to any level without being detected by the Pop Cops (Population Control Police). Because of her expertise, she is recruited by a prophet to seek a Gateway - a possible doorway to Outside.
As she searches for Gateway, she’s pursued by Pop Cops, and upper level workers (those who control the government and mechanical systems), but she’s also aided by a few unlikely sources which make her realize she’s been a little too critical of her world.
I tell people it’s the CITY OF EMBER meets LOGAN’S RUN ;> It’s coming out April 2010!
MarnieColette - I would be a super healer - and my costume would be doctor’s scrubs cause they’re comfortable and I can hide my idenity with one of those surgical masks
Tina and Claire - you can read STORM GLASS first - you don’t need to read the Study books to understand what’s going on. However, if you’re brand new to my books, I would recommend POISON STUDY first - the books do go in chronological order and some events are referenced in the later books.
Elie - Yes, my meteorology background was helpful when I wrote STORM GLASS. I’m not sure which chocolate is my husband’s favorite - I’ll have to ask him - I’m guessing it’s Dove Dark chocolate. And I’m pretty boring - I don’t think anything I do would be shocking to my readers - sorry!
Libby - I have no real desire to go back in time and meet anyone in particular - but I would love to go back and be me again around 5th grade - of course I would want all my memories etc.. I’d just like to go back and say a few choice words ;> A famous person I’d like to meet would be JK Rowling.
Cyd - I’m reading an advance reading copy (ARC) of 13 TO LIFE, A WEREWOLF’S TALE, by a new author. It’s a YA book due out next year and the author wants me to blurb it
It’s pretty good and I hope to invite the author on my blog for an interview.
I think I answered them all - I’m sure as I was writing this more people have commented - I’ll stop by later.
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Hi Maria,
I’d like to have healing magic.
When you have time, what do you read for entertainment?
I RSVPd
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Here are my questions!
1- what is your favorite genre?
2-what is your least favorite genre?
My current fav seems to be paranormal romances and least fav seems to be historicals right now (it seems to change with my moods too).
Your book sounds great. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
ps I RSVP’d.
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Hi Maria! I haven’t read your books yet but I have Storm Glass on my shelf waiting for me to get to it. I really enjoyed your website and added a link to your advice page on my blog (http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com)under Helpful Author Sites. Thanks for sharing advice. Budding fiction authors like myself really appreciate it. I read on your site that you began writing when you discovered meteorology wasn’t your forte. What made you decide to start writing?
Chris C
ursuladrake@rocketmail.com
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Maria, I’m really enjoying this series. I’m even please to say I loaned my books to a friend. Now she’s hooked and ready to buy her own set for her keeper shelf. Thank you so much for creating the Study and Glass worlds.
I RSVP’d.
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It would be nice to have magic to be able to heal with. I’m sure there would be drawbacks, but it might be worth it at times.
I’m a follower at Facebook
follower of BBB newletter
can’t remember if I rsvp’d
I’ll be looking for this book next time I’m book shopping
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Out of curiosity once the Glass series is done, what’s next? Will there be more stories in this same world with Yelena and Opal or will you do something else? In terms of adult reading level, even though both series can be read at YA as well!
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rsvp here and at facebook i keep thinking the english actor sean bean for valek and as i am on the last study book i now cant get sean out of my head when valek is about is there going to be more from our fave two
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rsvp here and at facebook out of the study books which is your fave
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Having read the Study series (many times) and Storm Glass (twice), I just have to ask: Where to next? There are many characters that I feel are just screaming to have *their* stories told. Do you have another Ixia/Sitia series in the wings? Who would you write?
Also, you stated you’d like to meet J K Rowling. Knowing this is entirely possible, why not? Are there any other authors you’d like to meet? Who do you read?
For the magic question, I’m one that believes we are magic. Maybe not the way tv/books portray but everything we do affects the world around us for better or worse. A random heartfelt compliment to a stranger makes their day and yours. So I guess I’d just want people to be more aware of their words and actions before they act/react. That’s magic enough for me.
Done the goodreads, facebook, myspace friends requests…
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Oh I forgot to mention I RSVP’d.
Chris C.
ursuladrake@rocketmail.com
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I had the same question as Jessica, what’s next? Something about Valek, maybe? Or Ari and Janco?
I rsvp’d!
Britt C.
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Hi Maria!!! Thanks for stopping by. What first got you interested in world of urban fantasy?
PS - I RSVPed
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Maria,
I am a fan of the Goodreads website and follow your posts. (We are “friends.” I have read all three Study books and could not wait for the Glass series. I have ordered Storm Glass and would love to win a copy of Sea Glass.
Now, for my question. Are you going to write a book with Valek as the main character/narrator? If you are not planning this now, would you at least consider it? I would like to know more about him as a character, including his pas and his training.
I sent my RSVP yesterday.
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Maria, I really enjoyed Poison Study, and was upset to learn that Yelena’s story would end after three books! I now see the method to your madness.
I look forward to delving into the “Glass” series.
Do you have any plans to write books in a different genre?
Thank you so much for hanging out here today!
RSVP’d, added Maria to FB and Goodreads.
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Hi Maria! Thanks for being here w/ us today!
To answer your questions I definitely would want magical powers. I think it would be awesome to be able to heal, teleport, or have telekinetic powers.
Who are your favorite authors?
Do you believe in the paranormal existing in our world?
-I RSVP’d
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Hi Maria =)
THanks for stopping by!
I was wondering how you got the idea for your referral program? It’s truly awesome =)
I RSVPed
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Well, if it wasn’t addictive, I might not mind it. I’d use magic to heal. And starting a fire just like that sounds like a great party trick. Voila! The candles on the cake are lit!
Two questions:
1)In your latest newsletter, you mentioned that in Sea Glass, the acknowledgments are missing and the map’s not labelled. Oh dear, will future printings include them?
2)I love the Study series and the Glass series. After Opal’s story cycle has finished, might there be any more books set in the same world?
I blogged about this: http://unpissenlit.livejournal.com/29046.html
RSVP’d
I guess I should mention that I live in Canada so I guess I only qualify for one of the 2 international drawings.
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Maria, do you ever attend fan conventions? What genres do you like to read in?
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I just finished reading Storm Glass and am eagerly waiting for Sea Glass to arrive in my mailbox :D!
I’ve got to admit I was very disappointed when the study series ended and when I realized I’d have to say goodbye to Yelena and Valek. I honestly thought Opal could never be a good main character, but you really surprised me there and even exceeded my expectations. I don’t even know anymore wheter I like Yelena and Valek more than Opal and Kade! Still, I’m hoping we’ll see more of Valek in the coming Glass books (:
All rightey, so on to my question! Was the Study series always planned as a trilogy or was it at first only meant to be a single book?
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Joined her fan page on Facebook and added as friend on MySpace.
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any chance of a signed picture
i rsvp on here and facebook
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Once again, youve outdone yourself with Sea Glass, although the next one wont be out for some time and its killing me. XD Anyhow, did you always want to be an author when you were younger or something else and how did you get noticed?
added on facebook <3
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My question, if you could pick and choose a song (or songs) to describe your characters, what song and artist would it be?
Mm, not sure what magic ability I would like. There’s many out there that just seems wonderful to do. I guess I would wish to have some sort of nature ability (hey I’m soo into druids) or shape changing. (that’s what you get when you have variety of role playing characters with special ability.)
* RSVPed
* Bittenbybooks is a permanent link on my link’s section (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
* Just posted on my blogger (visionarydruid.blogspot.com)
* Just subscribed to her myspace blog
* Twittered about it (RaonaidLuckwell)
* Just posted something on my myspace bullentin and blog (www.myspace.com/visionarydruid)
* Posted on my livejournal (morriga.livejournal.com)
* posted about it on facebook (RachelFlesher/Raonaid Luckwell)
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HI Maria! So good to see you here! I’ve read and enjoyed all four of your books, and always recommend them to friends!
Your system of magic is so detailed and well thought out. Did you have it all planned out when you started the Study series, or has it been developing as the series grows? And what is the inspiration behind the YA novel? It sounds great!
I’d like to have magic, but it kind of depends on how magic fit into the world. What if you had magic, but most of the world didn’t know it existed? You might have some really awkward explanations to make when you healed someone who was supposedly beyond help. Thus I’d try to keep my magic very subtle.
Or else, you know, I’d do the whole Samantha Stevens thing and use magic to clean my house!
I just became Maria’s fan on facebook.
I already am Maria’s fan on Goodreads (and Bittenbybooks’s friend, too).
I am Maria’s fan on Myspace.
I think that’s it!
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Maria, I loved all of the Study books and am reading Storm Glass right now.
Here is my question, for your character Valek, is he perhaps based on anyone you know or have met in your life?
Thank you, Cyndi N.
cyndinorwood@mac.com
I added this chat to my Goodread group.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/190671-maria-v-snyder
I RSVP’d here.
I have emailed my Amazon receipt for the Poison Study. I do own all of the Study books as well as The Storm Glass, but I don’t have those receipts.
Posted to Facebook Visual bookshelf as well, link below.
http://apps.facebook.com/facebookshelf/books/237647-maria-v-snyder-poison-study-study-book-1?just_reviewed=true
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Hello, Maria! Congratulations on the release of Sea Glass. Finally! w00t!
I really enjoyed the Study series, and the Glass books are no different— I love them!
Now I wonder… You write well-crafted stories that builds a seamless magical world the rings real (at least in MY head– LOL), do you have to learn the things your characters do in order to write them?
And I’m curious, what sort of books do you read/enjoy? What is in your nightstand? Any recent book/work that caught your attention?
Again, congratulations Maria!
Summer Ivy G.
RSVP’d and joined Maria on Facebook
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I think I could handle being magical. I would love to have the ability to shift reality to something better for everyone involved whether it by procurring things or changing events.
What food is boosts your muse when writing.? Are you a pantser or a plotser?
Great to see you back here again… I love seeing your updates on Goodreads and Facebook. I have RSVPd for this event and will continue to twitter the link… thanks Shell the Hockeyvampiress
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Hello Maria,
We’ve really enjoyed having you featured as one of the Take Ten With authors at Cover Cafe. Let me know if you want to update your article with your latest release.
http://www.covercafe.com/features.shtml
Linnae
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Hey Maria,
I would like magic for healing or helping others. Questions:
1) How do you make time for writing? and
2) How do you beat writer’s block?
I haven’t read Storm Glass yet but I will soon in anticipation for Sea Glass! Thanks for the great blog and contest!
Contest stuff:
I RSVP’d, became a fan of Maria on FB, Friends with Maria on MySpace, posted the link in my FB here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67510&id=673354071&saved#/profile.php?id=673354071&ref=profile, and my 2 questions above! Thanks
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I can’t wait to read this series! I’m so excited. I love the Study series and am sure I will love this one as well. Is this series going to be 3 books as well?
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http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=508289492
I posted on myspace
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Just so everyone knows, I met Maria at the RWA National convention, and she is just as sweet as you think she is
I’ve read all the books except Sea Glass, which is next up on my TBR shelf as soon as I finish C. E. Murphy’s latest. I honestly think that you are one of the most talented writers I have ever read.Your world-building is amazing and inspiring.
As for the magic questions: well, I’m a Witch…so I already do magic! Of course, nothing as dramatic as what’s in your books, alas.
And I’ve read 13 to Life: A Werewolf’s Tale (it was written by one of my CP’s) and I agreed–it’s pretty darned good! I can’t wait until it comes out in print. And I look forward to your YA books, as well.
We danced up a storm at the Harlequin party in DC, so I’ll ask what your favorite kind of music is? And do you play music while you write, like so many other authors, or do you need peace and quiet?
Happy to see you here!
I RSVP’d, I’m friends with Maria and BBB on Facebook, and all that other good stuff
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Maria,
I’m so glad you’re here and getting such a wonderful reception for your work.
Getting here late it looks like most of the things I would have asked or commented on have already been covered. I wanted to mention how much I enjoyed your recent article in RWR about Promotions, Poisons and Purple Cows. It definitely gave RWA members things to think about.
And, the author of that ARC (13 to Life: A Werewolf’s Tale) that you’re currently reading–I’ll bet she’d be THRILLED to be interviewed by an author of your caliber. Wait. Lemme ask… Yep. She’ll clear her schedule to meet your needs.
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Maria - thanks for the books and the post. Loved all the “Study” books and am looking forward to the “Glass” series. If I had magic, I’d hope to have some kind of healing power. I too am curious how you came up with this world and its system of magic. Thanks again!
I RSVP’d
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Wow - you all have such great questions! This might take me awhile
Chey, Carol and Summer - I enjoy reading a variety of speculative fiction books, fantasy, science fiction and some horror. I also like mysteries and suspense novels and some non-fiction as well.
Chris - my favorite genre is fantasy and my least-favorite would be pure romance (the kind that just focuses on two people and their relationship - I like romance, but also need other things going - I can’t take all that angst
)
Medievalgrrl - I started writing stories because I was bored at work. I needed to look busy and well, writing out a story seemed like fun. Shhh…don’t tell my former boss ;>
Jessica, Nena, and Britt - Good question - I’m not sure what’s next after the Glass series. I always say both the Study books and Glass books are a series and not a trilogy as I hope to add on to them. I’d like to dabble in another fantasy world before coming back to Ixia and Sitia. But if I was to come back ;> I would either focus on Heli the young Stormdancer in the Glass books, or on the Commander and Valek in their early years before the take over (which answers Elizabeth’s question).
Claire - It’s hard for to pick a favorite of the Study books, but if I had too, I’d say POISON STUDY since it was my first
And Sean Bean is a good actor and could be Valek - although he might be a little too old - Valek’s around 33.
Nena - Other authors I’d like to meet: Harlan Coben, Sebastin Junger, Scott Westerfeld, Stephenie Meyer and Connie Willis.
Heather - I became interested in fantasy when my future brother-in-law gave me Piers Anthony’s A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON and ON A PALE HORSE - since I enjoy reading the genre so much, it’s only natural to want to write in it.
Terri - INSIDE OUT is considered a science fiction (mostly the setting), and I would also like to write mysteries and some horror.
Amanda - my favorite authors to read are Harlan Coben, Dick Francis, Barbara Hambly, Sebastin Junger, Connie Willis, Kate Elliott, Mindy Klasky, Jeri Smith-Ready, Scott Westerfeld, Barbara Kingsolver and I’m sure I’m missing a whole bunch! As for the paranormal existing - I haven’t seen anything myself to suggest it does, but I’ve heard lots of stories that make me wonder.
Tynga - I got the idea for the referral program when my editor sent me 3 boxes of ARCs for POISON STUDY a year after the book was published. I wondered what I would do with them all and I remembered someone saying that the best form of marketing is word of mouth - so I started a program that if people recommeneded my books to their friends etc.. I would send them a signed ARC. It has proven so popular, that I now include all my books and those first 90 books are long gone
Jacqueline - yes, future printings of SEA GLASS should have all the corrections in it.
Carol - I do go to a couple fan conventions. Balticon in MD is one. Also Capclave in DC.
Aurora - the Study books weren’t planned out. I was going to write one book, POISON STUDY and it just kept going
I’m what is known as a “seat of the pants” writer (aka pantser). Which also answers Kimberley’s one question about the magic system - it evolved as the books did.
Elise - I wanted to be a storm chaser when I was younger
But I wasn’t very good at predicting where the tornados will form so I switched to writing (less guess work!)
Raonaid - I haven’t really thought about matching a song to my characters, but a recent review of POISON STUDY did and you can read it here: http://fantastyfreak.blogspot.com
Kimberley - the inspiration behind INSIDE OUT came to me in a dream - the whole book, characters, setting, and twists - all in one dream. Never happened before and hasn’t since.
Cyndi - Valek isn’t based on anyone I know - but my husband tells everyone I based Valek on him ;>
Summer - I do a lot of hands on research for my books. I learned how to ride a horse, blow glass and I have a brown belt in Isshinrye Karate, which includes fighting with weapons and self-defense.
I started this reply after Summer’s Comment #45 - I wonder how many more have posted since I’ve been typing away
I’ll stop back again tonight to answer more questions!!
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Maria-
I absolutely love your books!
My questions has to do with your characters. I think your characters are really well fleshed out. They are very rich.
-I was wondering how you went about getting to know your own characters. What process do you use?
-How do you translate that knowledge to your writing (or does that part come naturally)?
Thanks for writing! Your book are ones that I recommend to all my friends :).
(I RSVP’d)
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I haven’t read either series but I will put them next on my list. I’m looking forward to the Glass series, it sounds interesting!
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Hi! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!
My answer to your question is…. YES! I would love to have a magic ability. I would love if I could use a spell or power to travel wherever I wanted to, with the least amount of effort. Airplanes are a hassle! I’m ready to just teleport somewhere now!
I saw on Facebook that you do a fair amount of book signings. My question to you is this, do you plan on showing up at conventions like Comic con or Dragoncon? I’d love to see you there!
I tweeted the word on Twitter! http://twitter.com/YesterdayIsHere
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Hi Maria!
If blood magic wasn’t addictive,I’d definitely want to have magic. I’d want to do a lot of mundane things with it like fix my hair & appearance easily without all the morning fuss,lol. But I’d also like to use it to heal pain, communicate w/animals and with the universe/spirits.
*RSVP’d
*2 questions:
1) how do you feel that getting a graduate degree in writing helps you become a better writer versus just writing without ever having taken a writing class?
I’m interested in writing and wondered how a class/school might help.
2) Does your science background ever interfere with your fiction writing? Like, do you ever feel like you want something theoretically impossible by our science standards to happen in one of your stories, and yet your logical side feels it might sound to silly so you self edit?
* Added as Friend, Following, and became a Fan on Goodreads(iroquois.girl)
* Facebook Fan (Veronica F.)
* Posted about contest on Facebook (Veronica F.)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1375986550&ref=profile
* Twitter: tweeted about chat/contest (@bellafranco)
thanks again
~Veronica F.
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Thanks for taking time to talk! Big fan of your books, even though I’ve only found the one in my book store so far. It was amazing.
I would love to have the ability to do magic, and I’d probably use it to go where ever I wanted, help the world, all that fun stuff. But I’d use it for myself as well, maybe making it so that my sister couldn’t talk for a while [loud, obnoxious, AND she talks to much], fixing my car, and walking the dogs. Much easier when you don’t have to do it yourself.
Thanks again, and I’m getting the Storm Glass when it’s available at my book store.
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Greetings, Maria & Rachel!
I RSVP’d and I’ve read the whole series up to Storm Glass. I’m looking forward Sea Glass. I’ll have to look for it at the library and I’m going to look for the other two books I haven’t read yet that aren’t in the series. I need to pick them up for Mum eventually as they are larger print too.
Gmail isn’t working today for some reason which is hampering my employment search so I hope it doesn’t mess up your contest, Rachel.
As far as having blood magic, I still wouldn’t want it. As far as having magic in general, mine would be for healing or helping/enhancing or communicating in some way or another.
My question is do you have a fear of horses or just a general appreciation of them after learning how to ride when researching Magic Study? Some people never want to get back on them after their riding lessons are done. I grew up on horseback so it wasn’t an option when a horse dumped me off because I wasn’t paying attention or I got us into a situation where we shouldn’t have been in the first place. I’ll never forget my now deceased brother-in-law who climbed into the saddle for the first time and asked “where’s the steering wheel and the brake pedal”. He didn’t care for horses but he tolerated them because of his wife. lol
Requested being friends on MySpace, Goodreads, and became a fan on Facebook.
I posted the contest in the areas below:
Retweeted the contest as it didn’t give me a new short cut when I tweeted it. http://twitter.com/wynterose
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/Wynterose?ref=nf
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=508309028
Thank you for having the contest, Maria, and thank you for hosting it, Rachel!
{*hugs*}
Sandy M/Wynterose
aset13 @ yahoo.com
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Hi there - have not read your books, but your great description of them really has piqued my curiosity. I will be getting Storm Glass on my next bookstore or online buying venture. Thanks for sharing your time and all your answers with us and looking forward to reading your books. : )
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I love the idea of trapping magic in the magicians own blood. Really sounds different. Can’t wait to pick up a copy.
Thank you for entering me in the contest.
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Would you ever write something more along the lines of Paranormal again? I read your story in The Mammoth book of Paranormal Romance, and LOVED it! It was so different and awesome! Would you ever write a novel like that or just stick to short stories along those lines.
I still have to get a copy of Eternal Kiss, where I believe you have another supernatural like story.
So would you give the supernatural more of a go, or stick to the fantasy? Both turned out great! I was just wondering.
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I always like the notion that there’s a cost for magic to work — otherwise it feels like getting something for nothing! So whether or not it was addictive, I’d only like to do the sort of magic that was worth the cost of doing it. Each little bit might have to be weighed individually!
I’m so glad you guest blogged, Maria — I’ve been meaning to check out Storm Glass, and it had slipped from my radar! Now I’ve got it ordered from my local library.
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I cannot wait to read these books. They sound very interesting.
I think that I would use the magic to do some good for my family and friends.
Thanks for being here.
I Twittered, Facebooked, MySpaced, and became a fan on Facebook.
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I RSVPed.
Love her books! Can’t wait to read Sea Glass.
1. Maria - How did you come up with the world the study series and glass series is in?
2. Maria - Who would you cast as Valek if Poison study was made into a movie?
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/bookgoil/status/3700524538
I blogged: http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2009/09/maria-v-snyder.html
Became friends with Maria on Goodreads (Kristen Nielsen)
Became a fan of Maria on Facebook. (Kristen Nielsen)
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I RSVP’d through FB! I just recently purchased the Study series and cannot wait to start it! Now I must go out and get the Glass series! Thanks ever so much!
Amy S.
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Ms. Snyder! Wow how great of you to be here!
What is the most difficult part of writing this world?
I twittered- user name nicholandria
I bought a kindle copy of Storm Glass and Sea Glass and forwarded the receipts! I really hope to win, my oldest daughter and husband read the paper copies I have, and I am missing the newest one!
I subscribe to BBB already
I am following Maria on GoodReads now
I asked to be friends with MAria on GoodReads
I am a fan of hers on goodread now
I am a fan on FaceBook and left a comment
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Oh and I RSVPed! Can’t forget that!
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I’m a new fan!
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I haven’t read the first book in the Glass series but the talk of the different types of magic is very interesting. I plan on checking these books out. Thank you for the interesting chat here.
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Maria - welcome!
I love your website! The page for showing vs. telling is great!!!! My question for you is - Did you ever have a hard time showing? And if so, how did you overcome this - as it can be challenging to show for some writers.
I am following om MySpace & MySpace blog, Facebook, & good reads. I also tweeted
And of course RSVP’d
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Hello Maria,
Ooooo … I’m so intrigued by Sea Glass already!
My question: Looking back at your journey as a writer so far, what are some of the things you could have done differently in order to become a better writer quicker? Thanks.
I RSVPed.
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I’m so impressed, Maria! Hand-to-hand combat (&weapons) training, are you just too cool or what!
Kudos to BBB for hosting a fantastic event!
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Hello again
Another round of great questions - this is fun!! Okay I started right after reading #69 
Shell - I don’t have any particular foods that help me with my writing or any that I noticed.
Liz - Writing is my full time job so it’s easier for me to find time to write - although since I’m home, many of my friends and family think I’m available 24/7
When I’m stuck, I’ll take a walk to think things over or I’ll call a writing friend and talk it out - those things work for me.
Jenn - There will be 3 books in the Glass series…for now
Saoirse is the author of the 13 TO LIFE book
I didn’t know how to spell her first name and I didn’t want to go upstairs to get the ARC. Glad you’re interested in being on my blog!
Robert… - Once Poison Study was written, I realized the world of Ixia was a combination of my 12 years attending Catholic School, where we all wore uniforms, and the business practices of the company my husband works for. In his company everyone wears a uniform, even upper management, and everyone sits in a large open-spaced room. There’s no “good-old boy” network or special treatment to anyone. I really admired their way of treating their employees.
Sitia is a more a standard fantasy convention, with the clans making up a council. And the magic is probably a hybrid of all the fantasy books I’ve read over the years. I liked the idea of a blanket of power covering the world - and could be from my meteorology background - the atmosphere is like a blanket
Alisa - My characters tend to develop like a Polaroid picture - as I write the story they come into focus. I’m not sure what you’re asking in your second question - do you mean how do I translate say glass blowing knowledge to Opal? The story comes from Opal and what she does and sees, if she is working with glass, then I’ll include details that are important to the story - but not too many as I don’t want to sound like a non fiction book
Ami - I’d like to go to ComicCon and DragonCon - it’s just I don’t have the time right now.
Veronica - you don’t need a degree in writing or to take classes to write -he best thing to do is to write, write and write some more, and read, read, and read some more
The classes can help with motivation - nothing like hanging around a bunch of writers to get you excited about writing 
They can also help you see the weak parts of your writing and give you some technical advice like how to format dialogue etc.. I really enjoyed getting my Masters at Seton Hill, I made a ton of friends and learned a lot!
One thing about being a scientist is it helps my ploting. It allows me to see all the plot holes and inconsistencies in the plot. If a solution doesn’t make sense or if a fight scene isn’t physically possible, I’m not including it in my book! However, with fantasy, I’m allowed a certain amount of magic
and I can create things that don’t exist - like all the poisons in POISON STUDY. I couldn’t find read poisons to do what I wanted them to do (the nerve!), so I created them. But I couldn’t just let them do one thing on page 1 and something different on page 28 - they had to follow rules and have limits.
Jessica - I’m glad you liked my story in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF PARANORMAL ROMANCE (long title!). I’d like to do more with that genre and have a couple story ideas that my editor might like
The story in THE ETERNAL KISS is about vampires and a young lady who wants to become an Olympic Fencer 
Nicole - the most difficult part of writing for me is all the details. The setting details, the world building details, the physical details of all my characters… If it was up to me the books would have nothing but dialogue and action ;>
I think I’m caught up
I’ll stop by again in the morning!
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Hi Maria, I commented on your facebook page and became a fan. This is a great marketing idea, do you find you have to do a lot of self-promotions when you would rather be writing? I love your Study series by the way, I have yet to pick up the Glass series, but it is on my TBR list. The world you created is very dynamic and thought out, how long did it take to develop, was it a story you carried around in your head for a long time until it manifested on paper, or did it just come to you???
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Hi Maria,
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why.
Thanks,
Bridget
Shared:
blog section - http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie
http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbittenbybooks.com%2F%3Fp%3D10436&t=Guest%20Blog%2C%20Chat%20and%20Contest%20with%20Author%20Maria%20V.%20Snyder#/posted.php?id=1084897775&share_id=124094339419&comments=1&ref=share#div_story_124094339419_124094339419
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/3703878474
http://digg.com/odd_stuff/Guest_Blog_Chat_and_Contest_with_Author_Maria_V_Snyder - bridget3420
http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/bittenbybooks.com/%253Fp%253D10436 - bridget3420
http://technorati.com/faves/bridget3420
Sent Maria a GoodReads friend request
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My question is: Seeing as to the fact that Opal a secondary character from the study books is now the main character in the glass books, is there any other secondary characters that we can look forward to seeing featured in their own books?
I am a huge fan. I already am a fan of yours on Goodreads and Facebook.
I have posted about this contest at the following locations
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/203530-win-1-of-15-copies-of-sea-glass-by-maria-v-snyder
http://www.librarything.com/topic/66254&newpost=1#lastmsg
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1127907168&ref=mf
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I RSVP’d for this contest.
I have not yet read your books, but the premise is interesting. To not use your talent/magic and bottle it for someone else’s use is a different concept. Would I want magic if I could get it this way? I don’t know. The thought of having magic powers is appealing. Think of all the good you could do. The fear of something going wrong or my doing something that could cause big problems would probably hold me back.
Where did you get the idea for this plot direction? If you have already answered it, I’ll go back through more of the entries to look for it.
Need to get some sleep.
Good luck with the book release.
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Hi Maria,
glad to have you here. Congratulations on the book release.
My question is which was the hardest to write, your first book or your latest?
If I was able to do magic, I would want to be able to let abusers live through what they did to their victims. To live it as the victim did, every emotional, mental, physical and spiritual feeling that went with the abuse, be the victim human or animal. And for them to vividly remember the experience for the rest of their lives.
I RSVPed & Twittered
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Hi Maria
*if I had magic I would want to heal people not hert them so if its addictive then I don’t think it would be good for people.
have not read your books but that is some thing diffrent to think about that for shur.
* I spread the word on my myspace and on myface book here are the link.
http://www.myspace.com/sasluvbooks facebook.com/sasluvbooks
And I RSVPed
From Stacey S
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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I enjoyed poison study and want to know where did u get the idea from?
Being a scientist must be interesting but how do you find the time for both writing and research? How did you first become involved in writing? Do you feel any of the stories that you have written could have been better if…..
Which one is your favourite? Your favourite character?
RSVP’d
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You really have come up with some out of the box ideas in your novels. Hats off to you. If you have already answered any of my questions then sorry, I still need to go through the earlier posts
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Hello Maria,
I’d choose the ability to orb like Paige in Charmed. How much do you base your settings on reality vs. make believe? Who (dead or alive, real or fiction) would you mosat like to meet?
I RSVPed.
Permament link on myspace page http://www.myspace.com/littlemisshugs
Have retweeted at least once http://www.twitter.com/littlemisshugs
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i rsvp on face book and here
thank you maria for taking the time to talk to your fans
its been great
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I love your books and I’m dying to read Sea Glass and the next one in the series. My question is there any other types of magic in the world you have created are you thinking about writing a series about?
I RSVP’d here and I am friends with bitten by books and maria on myspace.I am friends with maria and bitten by books on goodreads too. I also posted this interview on my myspace blog, here is the link:
http://www.myspace.com/ice_83
Heather F.
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I have always wanted to have magic, as in Sabrina the Teenage Witch type magic. It seemed so close to real life but with *magic* If I could have one magical power, I think I’d want to read minds but also have the ability to turn it off or else time travel (I’m a history major and I love historical fiction and I would love to see some of the events described).
RSVPed
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So what will you do next? After the Glass series and the YA one?
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Sorry! I forgot I already asked that! Ignore that one!
Do you know if you’ll go to RT 2010 next year? I plan on going as a graduation gift to myself, even though technically graduation and finals are the week of RT, I’ll have to miss that last week of school, shouldn’t be a problem!
What do you say Maria?
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I haven’t read any of your books yet but these are definitely being added to my wish list!
Magic is definitely tempting but I’d honestly want just little bits - like to clean my house and cook my dinner. I don’t want the powers to hurt people or anything like that.
I’d like to turn that question around on you - would you like to have magical powers if it wasn’t addictive?
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Thank you for the replyMaria!
Here is another one for you!
If you were a “one trick wonder” What would you want your trick to be?
Mine? I would want to be a StormDancer! I love storms, the way the wind whistles through the air making the leaves, water, even the dirt dance!
I forwarded the goodreads acceptance!
I twittered again! User-nicholandria
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I am fascinated by publishing journeys. Could you tell us about yours? What was the timeline from original idea to publication to series development?
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I love the cover of the book.What book of your has your favorite cover work?
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Hello Maria, what is your favorite book?
I am a friend of yours on facebook.
I posted your contest on my website dancealertreads.blogspot.com
Thanks!
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I really loved your Study series! I also didn’t know you had any other books out so I am so glad I found this giveaway I’ll be getting all your books when I can!
Questions:
Which of your characters has been your favorite to write?
Would you like to have a movie made from your books?
I put this contest on my twitter here: http://twitter.com/KristaCarmen
Thank you so much!
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Just added “Inside Out” to my 2010 MUST READ LIST. Can’t wait!
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love to have this one mverno@roadrunner.com
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Question for Maria: Would you consider your Glass series to be adult or young adult and why?
Also, when writing a book, do you already know the conclusion? If so, does it ever change during the writing process?
Thanks!
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hi maria! hope you remember me…
my daughter remembers you. we met you at RWA in DC. anyway, congratulations on sea glass! haven’t started it yet, but will do soon. my favorite is still your study series. i just love the yelena and valek story line. pls keep going with ice study. it’s nice to get little doses of yelena and valek as opposed to none at all. i look forward to getting your emails regularly for this reason. i guess my question to you is, how do you come up with these story lines? they are so detailed and intricate. it’s simly amazing. (i don’t want to ask too many questions because i just love enjoying your characters for who and what they are.) hope to see you again soon!
jocelyn
RSVP’d
fan on FB
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If blood magic wasn’t addictive - Yes, I would want to have the power to help people see the effects of the choices they make. It might lead them down the right path of life. What a different world this would be, don’t ya think?
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Guess I shouldn’t have slept in this morning
(I’m dealing with a beginning of school year cold 
On to questions!
Deborah - sorry I missed yours - it was fun dancing with you and Saoirse at the Harlequin party
I don’t listen to music when I write - it’s too distracting, but I’ll listen when I’m doing revisions. Mostly pop music - some of my favorite groups are Maroon 5, Matchbox 20, and 3 Doors Down.
Kristen - I mentioned actors etc… in my first comment - I really don’t have anyone picked for Valek - but the goodreads group has some great suggestions.
Michele - The writing techinque of showing vs. telling is difficult - trying to come up with fresh language to convey emotion is hard for me as well.
Rachel - Yes - I do a TON of self-promotion. Most writers do - the publisher only has a set amount of money to promote books and they choose which ones to market each month. I’m lucky as Harlequin does do some promotion for my titles, but I need to fill in the rest.
As for my world building, it also developed as I wrote the books. Since POISON STUDY was my first book and not under a deadline to write, I had about 5 years with the story - 5 years to let the world and setting ferment and grow
Bridget - If I could trade places with anyone…I’m assuming you mean a real person…I would say JK Rowling - she’s living the ultimate writers dream
Cheryl - If I was to take a minor character to build another series on - I would be interested in Heli, the Stormdancer or Fisk the Helper’s Guild leader.
Patricia - The idea for trapping magic in glass came to me while researching glass blowing. When you first gather motlen glass - the inner core glows with this bright orange light that flickers as if alive. It disappears as the glass cools and I thought wouldn’t it be neat if that glow stayed somehow? In the real world it won’t, but in a magical world…it can and does in Sitia
Sharon - Before this summer, I would have said the hardest book to write was STORM GLASS - but my current project, SPY GLASS is kicking my butt!
Ruckus - the idea for POISON STUDY came when I was reading Orson Scott Card’s book, How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy. In chapter 3, Card tells the writer to consider some questions before choosing the main character. He wrote, “Too often—particularly in medieval fantasy—writers think their story must be about rulers. Kings and queens, dukes and duchesses—they can be extravagantly powerful, yes, but too often they aren’t free at all. If you understand the workings of power in human societies, you’ll know that the greatest freedom to act in unpredictable ways is usually found away from the centers of power.”
This comment led me to think about a person who was close enough to the center of power to witness important events, yet not be the Prince or Princess. I thought about a food taster and a scene jumped into my mind. I saw a woman tasting food that was most likely poisoned through the eyes of the King. He watched her with heartbreaking horror because he had fallen in love with her. That led me to wonder about this woman. Who was she? Why was she there? Why would a King fall in love with her? And POISON STUDY was born.
Choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child
However, I really enjoyed writing about Valek and then Ari and Janco.
Rebecca - the setting for my books is a combination of real and make believe. Horses and castles are all real, but magic and white coal and things like that are created. I would like to meet President Obama and his family - I think that would be cool!
Heather - I would like to dig deeper in the Stormdancers magic in a future book/series. Also Fisk has an interesting life and I’m not sure if it’s magical or not
Jessica - I’m not sure if I’m going to RT in 2010 - I will be going to RWA in 2010 - that’s in Nashville, TN.
Pam - I would want to be able to heal if magical power isn’t addictive
Nicole - One-Trick Wonder? I don’t know if a Stormdancer qualifies as that or not, but that would be fun. Otherwise, some kind of healing power would be my choice.
Beth - my publishing journey is a long tale. I have most of it written in my essay on rejections on my website. Here’s a link: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice/rejections.php
Brenda - I answered before about my favorite book I wrote. As for the one I read - that’s hard as I have so many. Two do stand out in my mind - Orson Scott Card’s ENDER’S GAME - and Kate Elliott’s JAREN.
Krista - my favorite character to write is Janco - I love the way he views the world and his whole attitude
I hope I didn’t miss anyone - if I did, I’ll try and answer your questions in my next long post!
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I Would Love To Get To Know Your Characters In Storm Glass And Sea Glass. I Am Always Interested In New Stories. Visiting New Places And Getting To Know New Characters. I Have Also Became Friends On Facebook And Myspace,And Subscribed To The Blog. I Go By Raquel Vega-Grieder or Skyla11377.
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Hi from Finland!
Hmm. It would depend on what kind of powers I would have. I would love to be able to teleport myself from one place to another.
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fyi… i do enjoy janco’s character as well. it would be nice to have a spin off of him where he will find his woman as valek has… just a thought….
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After reading about this series, I want to try it.
I am not sure what kind of magic I would want to have. How about to get rid of my bills? To always have the exact amount needed for anything.
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I love your books, Maria! They are one of my top series books I’ve ever read and I’m looking forward to your future books, too.
I RSVPed, I twittered: http://twitter.com/kristinashields, I put it on my myspace blog: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.lISTaLL&bID=50843870, I subsrcibe to her blog and sent a myspace friend request.
Kristina S. spicedice45@gmail.com
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2. Comment: Love the Sea series! Love the Study Series! They are great friends to visit when I’m depressed and great friends to hear their tales of when I’m packing.
Question: Where do you come up with your names? Valek, Yelena, ect.
Also Question: I keep reading that you wish you were a Stormdancer. Does that mean you love dancing as well as writing, traveling, and meteorology?
More Question: Twitter? Eh? Eh? (I want to follow!)
(I know great giver of points that only 2 count but I’m a curious being)
3. Spreading the word:
to the RSVP:
http://annemariewrites.livejournal.com/27750.html?thread=166246#t166246
To the event:
Tweeted twice
*http://twitter.com/Axisor/status/3694799134
*http://twitter.com/Axisor/status/3713320288
4. I’m already signed up for Maria’s newsletter and stalker her on Facebook (Elizabeth G or see the list off of http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/Axisor?v=info&ref=name )
I also follow BBB on Twitter (@axisor) and facebook and get the newsletter.
I also RSVP’ed (#37) and a resident w/in the US.
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i would love to have magic… if i did, i would want to be a healer (physically and emotionally/mentally), move objects, and also teleport…
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Hi Maria!
Thanks for coming back at BBB. I haven’t read your Glass series yet, but I absolutely LOVED the Study series! To answer your question: I think I’d like to have magical powers, but only if they weren’t too dangerous to use. Maybe something like moving objects.
I’d like to ask you if:
- Do we see Yelena and Valek again in the Glass series?
- Does the Glass series have a touch of romance too, like the Study series did?
Thanks a lot.
Valentina R.
I RSVPed.
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magic to heal mverno@roadrunner.com
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Hi Maria,
Love ALL your books!!!
Question: Opal’s magic is incrediably unusual, is there anyone else in Sitia with the same power as her?
My second question is a bit cheeky but… which is your favourite heroine: Opal or Yelena?
I became a fan on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-V-Snyder/33763514321#/pages/Maria-V-Snyder/33763514321?v=info&viewas=634935574
I added a link on facebook too - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-V-Snyder/33763514321#/profile.php?id=634935574&ref=profile
Bye
Sultana
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I would love to be able to do magic. I would use it to heal the sick.
Deidre D.
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
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[...] V. Snyder is being interviewed at Bitten by Books and is giving away copies of her newest novel, Sea Glass! Bitten by Books Possibly related posts: [...]
how young were you, when you first were interesting in writing for a living (I have a 13 yr old who writes and wants to publish)
My magic would be to make healing waters
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Hi again
I’m glad so many people have stopped by these last two days! It’s been fun reading all the different things people would do with magic.
On to more questions:
Krista - I missed yours before - you asked about a movie. I would love for a movie to be made of the Study series. My agent is sending the books around LA, but Hollywood has yet to call us. If you know anyone in the business, please feel free to mention the books ;> I could also see the books as a TV series – with Joss Whedon in charge, of course.
Melissa - the Glass series can be read by adults and young adults. When the Study books were published, they were put in the adult section, but many young adults found and read them - my daughter read them when she was 9 - and I had a couple other 9 years old email me. My publisher decided to put POISON and MAGIC STUDY out with new covers and put them into the YA section - nothing in the story changed. I feel pretty safe in recommending the Glass books to anyone older than 12.
Jocelyn - Hello again! It was great to meet you and your daughter at RWA
I’m not sure how I come up with my story ideas - they usually pop up while I’m writing or I just start with a situation and go from there. Or they spark while I’m in the shower, thinking about something else.
Axison - I have an article I wrote on naming characters on my website - here’s the link: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice/naming.php
And I do love to dance - I used to dance when I was younger (in recitals and in musicals) but now I’m into DDR on the Wii ;> Stormdancers don’t actually dance, they go out into the heart of the storm and collect all the energy, bottling it in glass orbs.
Vale - Yes - Yelena has a role in both STORM and SEA GLASS - and you’ll see Valek in SPY GLASS. And there is a touch of romance in these books as well - Opal actually has a couple of guys after her ;>
Sultana - I’m not sure if anyone else in Sitia will have Opal’s glass magic - as a seat of the pants writer, I discover as I write and am usually surprised. And I can’t pick between Yelena and Opal - I like them both for different reasons.
Bina - I started writing after I graduated college - so I was about 22 years old. I didn’t get serious about it until after my son was born in 1995.
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Hi Maria, Hey Rachel!
I’m happy to be here. I’ve read so many great people’s comments about your great books , it makes me very curious indeed
So far i haven’t had a chance to read any of your works. HOPE I can get the chance here *fingers crossed*
My Questions :
- Have you ever thought to have a collaboration with other Author on write a book? If Yes, who will you choose? Why? And on what genre?
- do you have any favorite place to write?
- are a morning or a night person?
AS to answer your question: I’d love to have a magic to heal. Healing my self and people’s around me. It seems that to be in good condition and healthy are priceless (and the cost is too expensive nowadays)
- I RSVPed in fb and BBB
- friend with Rachel and Maria on FB
- answered your question
- more than three questions asked to Maria
- live outside US and Canada
Mariska
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Ooh so the next title is Spy Glass!! Cool! So will Devlen be back in SPY GLASS?
Just out of curiosity, do you have 2 computers you work with? I know some authors say they have 1 for researching and 1 for writing so they won’t have any distraction-temptations while working. Do you do this or do you have extreme will power and avoid the internet when you are working? As an aspiring writer myself, I just have my laptop that I use for (school as well) writing and internet research for my “novels”, cause I may be in the middle of something and I want to make sure I have a detail right or need to look something up.
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Now that you’re a successful author, are you tempted to rigidly adhere to the same writing style that brought you success?
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Hey Maria! I can’t wait to pick your brain this month
Here’s my question: How do you organize all your world building stuff? Notebooks? Computer programs? Your head?
I became a fan on the Facebook page.
I blogged about it: http://christacarol.blogspot.com
I tweeted about it: http://twitter.com/christacarol
I facebooked about it: http://www.facebook.com/christacarol
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Maria, Your series sounds really good. I am putting it on my list of books to read. Love the addictive nature of blood magic. Power can be addicting.
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There are times when having a little magic seems like it would be a good idea, but since it could more than likely be misused as well as used correctly, it would likely be dangerous overall.
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Hi Maria,
I fell in love with your books. I picked up Storm Glass and can’t wait for my birthday in three weeks to go shopping with my GC’s I always get.
I am not sure I would like magic per say. I absolutly love reading about it but with magic I think if you don’t have the moral and personal strength to make sure you stay on the right path, it can corrupt though the power to heal is very nice to have since it would be great to use on my back or when my kids get hurt playing.
Question for Maris:
Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?
I blogged about this on my blog: http://authorrainedelight.com/blog
and on my loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Author_Raine_Delight
Thanks for coming by. You are one ofmy ultimate favorite authoprs.
Raine D.
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Maria - what do you think of the Twilight series? Which do you like better - Twilight or Harry Potter?
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Hello again!
I missed a question from before - Axisor asked about Twitter - I’m seriously considering joining - after this book I’m working on is handed in
Mariska - I would love to collaborate with Rachel Caine - her books are fun and she knows all about the weather
I’d think we’d write a paranormal suspense novel. My favorite place to write is my office. My husband built me my desk and built-in bookcases and it’s perfect. I’m a NIGHT person - no doubt!
Jessica - Yes Devlen will be in SPY GLASS. I have 2 computers - but they both hook up to the internet. One is a little netbook I use when traveling, the other is my desktop. The internet is a BIG distraction from writing - I have to try hard not to check email during my writing time.
Judith - My writing style is a subconscious by-product for me. When I write I don’t worry about a certain style. I am conscious about the first person point of view - I’d like to try a longer story in third, but worry my readers won’t like it.
Christa - I use notebooks to write down all the world building information. I’d like to put everything together into one big bible, but haven’t had the time.
Amber - I liked Twilight - my favorite books were the first and last. As for HP vs Twilight - I’d have to say HP. The world was more complex and the plot more intricate and the characters were wonderful.
That’s it for this post - Just when I think you have asked me everything possible, I get another batch of great questions
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Hi Maria!
Hope your are feeling better?
It’s great to meet you here
wow, there are so so many questions - I could hardly read them all before the next ones are posted *lol*
I would like to know what do you do in compensation to writing? Do you like sport?
Wish you all the best!
Greetings from Austria
Melanie S
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What about Janco in SPY GLASS? Will he be back, and Ari for that matter too. I love Janco, especially when teamed up with Ari! He’s so funny as I’ve told you before, he’s one of my favorite secondary characters!
How did you think of all those rhymes that he constantly says? I mean they’re simple, yet highly clever! I was like, man Janco’s quick to think of those while fighting. So how did you come up with all of them?
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I RSVP !!!!!
I love your books !!!! her are my question
In your newletter you give us the gift of writing Short storis of Yelena and some other character from the study series . Do you ever miss writing about yelena and her adventure ?????
Did you know that the study series would end the way it did????(I love the ending I thought It was perfect !!!!
Im friens with Maria on all her social networks !!
Denise
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RSVP!!!!
Do you think you would want your books to became a tv series or movies?
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Another late night for me - See? I’m a night owl!
I keep missing one person when I post - don’t know why…
Raine asked about characters. My characters tend to stay in the back of my mind as I go through my day - and sometimes I’ll be daydreaming a scene and will hear dialogue in my head. When I’m writing - it can be like acting and I “become” the character for that scene, trying to decide what they want and how they’re feeling. I don’t really have living role models for my characters - I take bits and pieces from different people and create my own.
Melanie - I do like to play volleyball - I’m on a couple teams throughout the year. I also enjoy kickboxing and taking walks.
Jessica - Janco will be in SPY GLASS! As for his rhymes - they don’t come to me as quick as they do to him. I have to think about them for awhile and that’s probably the reason you don’t see as many of them in the books
Denise - I do miss writing about Yelena and Valek - the short story I’m sending out to my newsletter subscribers is about them - it’s called ICE STUDY and I’m having fun writing that story. If anyone would like to subscribe to my FREE bi-monthly email newsletter - go to this page on my website: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/news.php
I had no idea how FIRE STUDY would end - I hoped for a happy ending, but I discover the story as I write. I tend to have an ending in mind, but the story doesn’t always go there
Caitlin - I actually would like to see them as a TV series, because I don’t think a movie could get all the complex plot and characters in. I would love for Joss Whedon to purchase the rights and make them into a series!
Good night everyone!
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Hi again Maria,
I combed your posts and couldn’t find the answer to my question. I would like to know now that you look back on your journey as a writer what could you have changed / done differently in order to become a better writer quicker?
Also, what are some of the aspects of writing you feel you would still like to improve on?
Thanks.
Oh and I forgot to mention that I am an international BBB fan!
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Are your books on bookstands in Canada or can we only order through the internet?
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I RSVP’d through Facebook. And became a fan of Maria’s Facebook page! I recently purchased the Study series and am about to start it shortly! Looking forward to it! YAY! I definitely have to go out and get the Glass books now!
Hmm…to have magic, but I do have magic, I have my two beautiful little boys and a wonderful husband! Every day is more magical then the last when I get to spend it with them! But I do know you were talking of a different kind of magic (lol), and what would I do with it…? Honestly I’d probably be a little selfish in the way of making mine and my family’s lives a little easier…take some of the strain off everyday life. But mostly I would love to help other people. I actually wanted to become a police officer almost all my life, why I didn’t…? Before I had enough money for school, I became pregnant with my first son (this is a good thing), and now have a second little boy, and unfortunately as life often changes, so did my financial status. Maybe someday in the future there will be a way for me to help others, unable to afford day care, I am a stay at home mom, when both my boys are in school and I have the opportunity to go to school, I may finally achieve my dream.
Now that I’ve probably bored you silly, and not really sure if I answered your question or not (hehe), I am really looking forward to reading your books!
Thank you,
Amy S.
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Forgot to mention that I did post this contest/interview/Q&A on my blog a few days ago. Back at school now, so my mind isn’t functioning the way it should!
My blog is http://www.jessica-agreatread.blogspot.com It’s under the date August 31, as an FYI.
Anyway, another question I have for you Maria, is what kind of books do you like to read in your free time? Of course I have to guess that since you’re a writer you were somewhat of a reader first? I know that’s how it works for me. I’m and reader and I hope to be a writer someday soon. Do you like to read books similar to your genre or do you read something completely different?
Also, what kind of research do you have to do for your novels? I remember you mentioning doing research on glass blowing for the Glass series, but what other kind of research have you had to do for your books? Both Study and Glass series?
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Hello - TGIF! No school today and my house is full of kids - my own two, plus my friend’s two, plus my daughter’s friend and my nephew! 6 total!
Llehn - sorry I missed your question - there were so many there that first day, I was a little overwhelmed
To become a better writer quicker - I would have wrote every day and not wasted my time with…I don’t know - but I do know before I had kids, I had a lot more free time
The best way to get better is to write every day and to read a lot! When I finished POISON STUDY - the last half of the book was so much better than the first half!
Linda - I know Canada has the books in the bookstores - I’ve heard from Chapters and from the World’s Biggest Bookstore in Toronto. If they don’t have them in the store, they can order them in for you and you don’t have to pay shipping (at least that’s how they do it here).
Amy - that’s a lovely story - thanks for sharing!
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I posted the link on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/home.php?filter=app_2309869772 (I think that should show it, I hope so at least!)
My question for Maria is, what made you decide to go into meteorology in college, and what made you decide to not pursue it?
I love your books, and I can’t wait to get to read Sea Glass!!!
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I love the idea that magic isn’t an easy gimmick in your world. My question is what inspired you to use glass to tie your series together?
Thanks so much for this contest. Otherwise, I’d have never seen this series of books! They sound cool, I have them on my “to do” list.
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Hi Maria~
It sounds like some really great questions have already been asked…so, what is your favorite movie?
I would love to be entered.
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Thank you for stopping by!
I think so, yes, I would like to have magic. As to what power? Well…..help those w/PTS (of all ages and backgrounds) heal.
Which authors influenced you growing up?
RSVP’d
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If i could do magic. I would make money
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I tweeted about this contest at tweeter
http://twitter.com/DeniseMadness
I posted a link at my side bar about this contest
http://denisemadness.blogspot.com/
Thanks Maria for answering my question
I miss yelena and valek too !!!!!
I will come back with more links
Denise
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Hi Maria,
I absolutely love the titles you use for your books. How do you select these names? Do they come to you as you’re writing? Do you ponder them? They are wonderful!
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I’m glad to see this thread is still going
Alyssa - When I was in 6th grade I learned about meteorology and really liked it - and it was fun when adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I’d say a meteorologist. Many of them didn’t know what that was and thought I wanted to study meteors - which is almost correct - it is the study of hydrometeors (without looking it up - does anyone know what they are?). I did work as an environmental meteorologist for 10 years before quitting to be a mom and writer.
Kim - the glass element was a bit of a lark
When I wrote MAGIC STUDY, I had a character named Tula who was kidnapped late at night. I needed a reason for this young girl (around 16) to be up and away from her family and I thought of a glass factory - she had to keep the kilns hot by adding coal. I thought that was the end of that, but in FIRE STUDY, her sister and the glass aspect became very important and then I liked Opal and her glass magic so much (and my editor did too) I decided to write a book with her as the main character.
Lori - that is a hard question - my favorite movie depends on my mood. Romancing the Stone when I want a romantic comedy, The Princess Bride when I want humor and a great fencing match, The Original Star Wars trilogy BEFORE Lucas ruined them, when I want a good science fantasy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, when I want action/adventure and the Sixth Sense for a great creepy tale with an amazing twist!
Yvonne - I read a ton of mysteries growing up. Starting with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, I graduated to Agatha Christie, Robert B. Parker, Dick Francis, Ed McBain and Barbara Vine (aka Ruth Rendell). I still enjoy a good mystery and like Harlan Coben’s books.
Benita - When I wrote POISON STUDY, I didn’t have a title for a long time. I wanted POISON in the title, but couldn’t find the right title. I tried POISON EDUCATION and EDUCATING YELENA and THE EDUCATION OF POISON (dumb, I know). I finally came up with POISON STUDY and figured my publisher would change the title. Imagine my surprise when they didn’t and when they wanted a second book, I knew it would be MAGIC STUDY. FIRE was a bit harder - I wanted SOUL STUDY, but my editor said it sounded too spiritual and too 70s (ever hear of the show Soul Train?) When I was writing and came to the scene with the Fire Warper, I knew FIRE STUDY would be perfect.
For the glass books, we were going to name the first one CRYSTAL STUDY, but since I had a new protagonist, I didn’t want to confuse my readers and I hit on the title STORM GLASS and just loved it! SEA GLASS was easy and I wanted STAINED GLASS for the third book, but again my editor didn’t like it as stained by itself has a negative connotation. After another flurry of emails, we agreed on SPY GLASS.
I hope everyone in the US is having a great Labor day weekend - our weather here on the Northern East Coast is perfect. (okay I just doomed us East Coasters all to a sudden and unexplained rainstorm
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I RSVP’d.
2.) To answer Maria’s question… I would want to have magic, but not magic without a purpose for good. I would want the magic to be able to aid me in my own growth and gaining of knowledge.
And a question: what are some of your favorite movies?
Valorie T.
USA
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Hey I started reaing this series from the fourth book Storm Glass! IT IS EXCELLENT ! IT first in this world series in Poison Study, then Magic Study , The Fire STudy . She is a really capivating writer, I read Storm Glass it was excellent , so like anyone who really enjoys a good writer I went and got Poison study, and then I am on to the rest. Even though the first 3 are on a different person who is in Storm Glass very lttle . you will be gripped by this tale of adventure and suspense. I loved it and I don’t regret reading Storm Glass first , Then I will read Sea Glaas next.
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What inspires you to write?
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Hi Maria,
Another question for you:
Do you think of the plot before hand and then write the story or do you just start writing and let the story evolve?
Thanks for answering my last question.
Take care
Sultana.
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How do you keep track of your characters? DO you have a wall of post-it notes with storylines and ideas for future books?
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Maria, how young were you when you first started writing stories?
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Hope this isn’t too late! Ack, I had it typed up and fell asleep at my desk last night. OOPS! It is probably too late now..
I RSVP’d and commented earlier (asked 2 questions)
I receive the BBB newsletter.
I am a member of the Blood Bank. (Libby LaRue)
I am a friend on GoodReads.
I am a friend on Facebook and a member of the fan group.
I follow BBB on Twitter. (ailish79)
I sent email confirmations.
I joined Maria’s Fan page on Facebook.
I became her fan on GoodReads and sent a request to be her friend.
I posted a link on Twitter & Facebook. The Twitter link is: http://twitter.com/ailish79/status/3705054320
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You said we can either leave a question OR enter a comment. Then later on in the rules you say “no question-no entry”. So MY QuESTION to you is, which of these statements is right?
But to be on the safe side, I’m also commenting. I think this new book sounds terrific and I would LOVE to win it.
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I have one more links !!!!!
on livejournal http://beloved411.livejournal.com/4819.html
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My question is “Which modern author would you love to be able to sit down with and share writing ideas?”. Thanks!
sherri419 at gmail dot com
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When you are writing, how do you put yourself in the opposite sex’s perspective and mindset?
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Did anyone inspire you to write?
Susan S
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what is your favorite food to eat while you are writing?
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Hello Maria!
I love your books, and I have about a million questions for you.
In your newsletters you have some spin-off short stories…have you ever thought about writing spin-off books and/or series about any of the characters in your books? Because I think they would be fabulous!
Also, just out of curiosity, do you have a preference between the old and new Poison Study covers? Or do you like the cover on a foreign edition better? Did the Yelena on the cover of the old Poison Study edition match your mental image at all or were you surprised by the choice?
And because you mention chocolate on your bio. page on your site, I HAVE to bring up chocolate. Do you have a favorite chocolate? Brand or type or filling? I know…it’s a tough question!
And I have been dying to know what the V. stands for! If you’re willing to share, of course.
Okay, I’ll shut up now.
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I RSVP
What imspired you to write the Study Series? And is there any characters in any of your books you based on your family or friends?
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Maria, What advice would you give a young person still in school who is interested in a career as a writer?
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Whose writing influenced you most ?
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Maria,
You’ve said a few times you’d not mind a movie/t.v. series for the books… My question/comment/statement is about Yelena. The first series of cover art have this really amazing girl on the cover (no idea who she is but for me just LOOKS like Yelena). Is she a real person (or artistic rendition) & do you think you could get her to do the role should the movie/show come to fruition?
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Why is the word glass in all your titles?
I love Looking Glass that would make for a good title.
I know there is already a Thur the Looking Glass…………
maybe do a “On the other side………..of the Looking Glass”.
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When you were a child did you have a fascination for magic?
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Tweeted:Swtlilchick
http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/3835454700
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What is your favorite food?
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I became a fan of Maria on Facebook.
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I subscribed to Maria’s Myspace blog.
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Fan of Maria’s on Facebook (Charlene Kuser)
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Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
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