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Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. Synder

 
howitallstarted

Kelly: A month or two ago, I was browsing the website for one of the local bookstores in NYC I frequent when I saw three words that made me gasp out loud: MARIA V. SNYDER.

I immediately proceeded to go on twitter and type out in all caps “MARIA V. SNYDER IS COMING TO NYC. OMG.” I was shocked to see that several people had no clue what I was talking about. They didn’t know who Maria V. Snyder was and had never read my favorite book of hers, POISON STUDY, before. (It’s a crime I’m telling you, A CRIME.)

That’s when I (finally!) found someone that shared my love for Maria and her books; this awesome person named Chiara. Together, we fangirled all over Maria, her books, and how we can’t wait for SHADOW STUDY until we finally decided on a *secret plan*…namely to ask her for an interview. I, myself, was ready to beg if I had to.

Chiara: Hello! *waves at you all happily* I’m Chiara from Books for a Delicate Eternity ^.^ And I am here to join in the lovefest for the amazingly awesome and talented Maria V Snyder :D

When I saw that Kelly was going to be able to have the chance to meet Maria V Snyder, I was instantly awed and a little envious all at the same time. I then proceeded to inform Kelly that I would be living vicariously through her and that I expected numerous updates. Because this was Maria, people. MARIA. (Kelly: YES. I APPROVE OF THIS.)

We proceeded to flail and cry and weep over many a thing (okay, let’s be honest it was mainly Valek), and then came the *drum roll please * SECRET PLAN. Of which I never truly thought would happen until we actually got a reply and a confirmation. I couldn’t believe it. Blogging life (and maybe life itself) was made.

Kelly + Chiara: So today, we’re interviewing Maria V. Snyder to learn a little bit more about herself and her books! Make sure to enter the giveaway for an ARC of STORM GLASS, courtesy of Maria V. Snyder herself! Isn’t she generous?


poisonstudyPoison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: March 1, 2007
Publisher: Mira

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison…
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust — and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear…

 
Why We Approve:
This is the book that started it all.

Enough said.

Interview with Maria V. Synder:
1. Tell us something we don’t know about you, something we won’t discover from a simple Google search.
When I was growing up in Philadelphia, I took gymnastic classes at the local Police Athletic League (a.k.a. PAL), and while I was pretty good on the mat, I once was “stuck” on the uneven parallel bars. I was too afraid to let go of the upper bar so I could swing down and dismount. Two of the coaches had to help me down! While gymnastics wasn’t quite my thing, I did use the experience when writing about Yelena’s acrobatic exploits in Poison Study.

2. Out of all your published novels, which story was the first to present itself to you as an author? How did you get the idea?
Poison Study is my first novel and the first idea I had for a novel-length story. 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. Of course things changed as I worked on the story with the Commander and Valek assassinating the King.

And the reason I thought of a food taster is because of my husband. He works with chocolate and had to taste it as part of his job so I heard a lot about tasting and chocolate.

3. Did you have to do any research for Poison Study and if yes, what was the creepiest/weirdest/most gross thing you had to research about?
I did a great deal of research for Poison Study. Among the things I learned were how to properly taste foods—there’s a science behind it. I also learned how to pick a lock and took fencing classes. The grossest thing was learning all about the tongue and all its parts, including the taste buds. It was way more information that I really needed to know. Yuck!

4. Why did you decide to write three more books in the Study series? (Not like we’re complaining, the more Valek, the better. ;D)
The biggest reason was because of my readers! They weren’t content with the short stories I’ve written, and they’ve been begging me to write more about Yelena and Valek since Fire Study was published in 2008. The next reason was I finally had a great story idea. I wasn’t going to write more novels if I didn’t have a complex plot with conflict, tension, and interesting antagonists.

5. Are there any romantic moments between Yelena and Valek we can look forward to in Shadow Study?
Yes. Although I will admit they spend most of the book apart. In Night Study, book #5 they’ll be together more and there should be a number of romantic moments.


maria

About the Author

Website | Facebook

Meteorologist turned novelist, Maria’s been writing fantasy and science fiction since she was bored at work and needed something creative to do. A dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her MA degree in Writing from Seton Hill University where she’s been happily sharing her knowledge with the current crop of MFA students. She also enjoys creating new worlds where horses and swords rule, ’cause let’s face it, they’re cool, although she’s been known to trap her poor characters in a giant metal cube and let them figure out how to get out. Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule on her website.

 
 
thegiveaway

Terms & Conditions:

  • This contest is for US OR CANADA ONLY. Sorry international people!
  • The giveaway will run until May 12, 2014.
  • You must be 18 years or older, or have parents’ permission to enter.
  • All your entries will be disqualified if you pickup entries for something you haven’t done. (I had to do this for so many of my last giveaways, please don’t make me do this again.)
  • If you only use ONE account to do all these tasks and enter under different names, they will still only constitute as ONE entry.
  • If the winner does not respond to my e-mail within 48 hours, I will have to choose another winner.
  • I am not responsible for any items lost in the mail.

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 4-27-14 · 53 Comments
Categories: author interview, giveaway

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Speak Your Mind

  1. Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity says

    4-27-14 at 6:41 AM

    Needles to say I love this post (but not only because I’m in it, haha!). Maria is amazing and everyone needs to read her books and be privy to her awesomeness :D
    And also: you’re fabulous, Kelly <3
    Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity recently posted…Simply Sunday (#45)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-27-14 at 7:33 PM

      The better question is, who won’t love this post? ;D
      YESSS. SHE IS AWESOME.
      Why thank you Chiara! <3 You are fabulous yourself. ;D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

      Reply
      • Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity says

        4-27-14 at 8:59 PM

        Damn straight. Everyone should love this post because it’s AMAZING.
        She is so great I cannot even. And so nice *flails*
        Teeeeheee <3
        Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity recently posted…Book Review: Orenda (Orenda #1) by Ruth Silver + GiveawaysMy Profile

        Reply
  2. Lotte says

    4-27-14 at 7:30 AM

    Great interview! I really want to pick up Poison Study now!
    Lotte recently posted…HAUL: April 2014 (awesomebooks.com)My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-27-14 at 7:34 PM

      Thanks Lotte!
      AND YES. PLEASE DO. YOU WON’T REGRET IT.
      Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Ri says

    4-27-14 at 9:01 AM

    Great interview!
    I borrowed poison study from the library some time ago, and I absolutely fell in love with Yelena and Valek! I definitely need to pick up copies of the books in the Studies series. I have yet to read any of her other books though, I would love to!
    Ri recently posted…Dewey’s 24 Hour #Readathon! Starting Now! + UPDATES!My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-27-14 at 7:36 PM

      Thanks Ri! (:
      Yay, hi fellow Poison Study fan! -waves-
      You HAVE TO read Maria’s other books Ri – it is SO good.
      Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Sarah says

    4-27-14 at 10:20 AM

    Yes, I’ve read Poison, Magic, and Fire Study and I’m so excited for Storm Glass! More Valek and Yelena, yay :D
    I need to read her other series too, which I’ve heard so many great things about!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      4-27-14 at 10:25 AM

      Whoops I need to keep up! Apparently Storm Glass is already out?? Going to read that right now!

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        4-27-14 at 7:44 PM

        Yep, Storm Glass is already out and so is her other series!
        And Valek and Yelena’s adventures don’t end with Fire Study, but continue on in Shadow Study, which hasn’t been released yet. :D
        Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

        Reply
  5. Caitlin Cooper says

    4-27-14 at 11:36 AM

    I read “Poison Study” years ago and I still love it. I’m glad to hear there will be more books (partly so I can read more Yelena and Valek interactions).

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-27-14 at 7:48 PM

      I read Poison Study about two years ago and I still love it too! ;D<3
      And YESS. I am SO excited for Shadow Study! :D!
      Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Danya says

    4-27-14 at 11:38 AM

    Oh my goodness, I completely understand your levels of flail. There’s just something about the level of girl power in Maria V. Snyder’s books that gets me every time. I loved the “Healer” series and I can’t wait for more Yelena/Valek in these new additions to the “Study” series!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-27-14 at 7:51 PM

      -flails with you-
      I still have to read the Healer series and will definitely read it once finals are over. I can’t wait!
      Kelly recently posted…Sip Slowly: An Interview With Maria V. SynderMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Kim @ Kimberly's Novel Notes says

    4-27-14 at 12:19 PM

    OMG!!! My poor fangirl heart is freaking out right now!! An interview with Maria V. Snyder, My day/week/month has been made!!
    Poison Study has been one of my favorite books for years now!! I can’t wait for Shadow Study to release!! It looks so amazing!!!! But why does it have to release in 2015, why not 2014!! Why!!
    A Maria V. Snyder signing in NYC?!?! Now I really wished I lived there.
    Kim @ Kimberly’s Novel Notes recently posted…Short BreakMy Profile

    Reply
    • Maria V. Snyder says

      4-27-14 at 4:41 PM

      Kim – I’m glad you’re excited for the new Study book! The reason for the wait was my publisher’s decision – the book is in it’s final stages of edits, but they have a publishing schedule to maintain. I do know they plan to re-release Poison Study in December, Magic Study in January, and Fire Study in February with all NEW covers that will match the new book Shadow Study in March 2015. I think they’re hoping to reach more readers so when Kelly and Chiara fangirl, other people know who I am :)

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        5-05-14 at 5:59 PM

        OMG, NEW COVERS?! I’ve even more excited now; December, January, and February has to be here faster! :D<3
        Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

        Reply
  8. Jess @ Such A Novel Idea says

    4-27-14 at 2:46 PM

    I LOVE MARIA V SNYDER!!!! I actually love her Inside Out series, because it was my first of her books. It was one of the first things I read after reading The Hunger Games series and has always been one of my favorite dystopian books.

    Great interview and SO awesome that y’all got to do this together!
    Jess @ Such A Novel Idea recently posted…The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater — A Book ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:01 PM

      I still have to read her Inside Out series and I definitely will when it’s finally my summer break! :D
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Katrina Southern says

    4-27-14 at 3:02 PM

    Excuse me? WHO DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT MARIA V. SNYDER? I’m literally on the brink of tears right now you lucky soul! I’m really pleased for you, being a fellow Snyder lover, I know exactly how you must have felt!

    Katrina @ Chased By My Imagination
    Katrina Southern recently posted…Weekly Wishlist #10My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:02 PM

      YESSSS. THAT WAS WHAT I WAS THINKING WHEN PEOPLE ON TWITTER TOLD ME THEY HAD NO CLUE WHO SHE WAS. -shakes fist at the world-
      Ha ha, I was dancing like crazy when Maria agreed to do the interview. :P
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Bec says

    4-27-14 at 4:24 PM

    MORE MARIA V SNYDER FANS YEESSSSS. She’s such a good author, I can’t believe not many people know about her. I think we all need to get together and stage an intervention.

    I was lucky enough to meet Maria V Snyder all the way back in 2010 or so when she was in Australia. It was my first book signing and the first time I’ve met an author, I believe (out of a total of 3). Very nerve wracking.

    Anyway, this was a really good interview. And YAY FOR SNYDER LOVE!! I can’t wait for Shadow Study :D
    Bec recently posted…ARC Review: Prisoner of Night and FogMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:05 PM

      YESSSSS. We need to stage an intervention and inform EVERYONE of her awesomeness. <3<3
      Yes, Maria did mention that she went to Australia back in 2010 when I asked her if she'll ever go there again because Chiara wants to meet her.
      We need to make some GO MARIA! T-shirts! :D
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Maria V. Snyder says

    4-27-14 at 4:37 PM

    I’m blushing right now :) Thanks for all the LOVE and fangirling – it’s super sweet! I’m happy that everyone has enjoy my books. Kelly and Chiara – thanks for inviting me to do an interview with you!

    Reply
    • Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity says

      4-27-14 at 9:01 PM

      There is no need to thank us! You deserve all this fangirling, and more.
      Hopefully we have introduced your books to people through this post. :)
      And thank YOU for agreeing to do the interview – it means so much!
      Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity recently posted…Book Review: Orenda (Orenda #1) by Ruth Silver + GiveawaysMy Profile

      Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:06 PM

      Like Chiara said, thank YOU for agreeing to do the interview with us! <3
      I just can't stop smiling! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Pili says

    4-27-14 at 4:47 PM

    Great interview! I’ve read another series by Maria V Snyder that I’ve loved, but I haven’t read Poison Study, but I guess that I really need to read this one!
    Pili recently posted…Showcase Sunday #31!!My Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:08 PM

      YESS. YOU MUST READ POISON STUDY ASAP.
      And YES, that had to be in all caps. :D
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Kate Reese says

    4-27-14 at 5:21 PM

    I can’t even say for sure how many times that I have read the Study series. It stays on my Kindle at all times so that I have it with me whenever I want to read it.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:10 PM

      You need to start it Kate! I promise you, you won’t ever regret your choice!
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  14. Natalie says

    4-27-14 at 5:36 PM

    This is awesome! I’m so glad for this interview!

    Reply
  15. Sceona says

    4-27-14 at 6:53 PM

    I love Maria V. Snyder and all her books. She is such a great writer and so fan friendly.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:10 PM

      Agreed, agreed, agreed. <3
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  16. Bruna Bodas says

    4-27-14 at 7:12 PM

    Great series! School is over and I will finally have the time to read all of the Healer series, so excited!!! Poison Study is my favourite, I’ve read it so many times my book is actually falling apart! Can’ wait for the new books in the series. I <3 Ari & Janco

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-05-14 at 6:11 PM

      I need to reread Poison Study! I can’t wait until summer break is here so I can just sit down all day and readdd.
      Kelly recently posted…A Weekend Signing With Jenny Han + Morgan Matson With A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Shirley says

    4-27-14 at 8:34 PM

    Poison study is my favourite out of all her books :) Can’t wait for shadow study! ^^

    Reply
  18. Milana says

    4-27-14 at 8:49 PM

    Noooo US and Can only :( But the interview was great! You are so lucky you got to meet Maria V Snyder
    Milana recently posted…Stolen Songbird by Danielle Jensen ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Melody says

    4-27-14 at 9:18 PM

    Maria should publish audiobooks of all her books. I know people who don’t have time to read but listen to books during long commutes to work. They would love her books.

    Reply
    • Maria V. Snyder says

      4-28-14 at 1:00 AM

      Hi Melody – all my books are available as audiobooks in the US. You can get them through Audible.com and Amazon.com (maybe iTunes as well – not sure about that). The reader for the Study and Healer books is Gabra Zachman and she is fabulous! I love listening to audio books when I have long drives – makes the time fly :)

      Reply
  20. Samantha Wallace says

    4-27-14 at 9:51 PM

    I would love to read her books they sound AMAZING!! :) I loved your interview with her. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  21. Raquel M. says

    4-28-14 at 8:46 AM

    Love the excerpt and the cover is gorgeous.

    Reply
  22. Michelle says

    4-28-14 at 3:04 PM

    I am a HUGE fan of the Study series and all of Maria’s other series including the Touch of Power. Great interview. Cannot wait for the new books to come out. I mud have read Poison Study at least 6 times over, plus the audiobook. I got my book club girls into it too. I picked up Poison Study when it just came out. I loved it so much that I emailed Maria which I’ve never done after reading a book I enjoyed. Even more surprising is getting an email back from her! Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  23. Annie says

    4-28-14 at 8:01 PM

    I adore Maria V Snyder! I read Touch of Power first but then Poison Study the same week and went on a binge of as many Maria V. Snyder books as I could manage through both of those series and a few of the Storm Glass ones also.

    This is such a fun interview! In particular I like the details about how she came up with the idea for Poison Study. That’s such a great book :)
    Annie recently posted…putting plot through the pacesMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Tayler Clements says

    4-29-14 at 11:40 AM

    I love this series!! I can’t believe there is going to be a fourth book!!

    Reply
  25. Courtney says

    4-30-14 at 10:31 AM

    I JUST NOW finished Taste of Darkness (Healer #3). I think this is the first time I’ve ever read the third book in a series and thought, “WOW, she really outdid herself!” I LOVED it!!! I thought it was the best of the Healer books and I’m a little sad it’s over. I can’t wait to start Poison Study :)

    Reply
  26. Len D. says

    4-30-14 at 7:50 PM

    Hi Maria! I love your study series! I felt it was Christmas when you announced that there will be more three study books! And it will feature more on Valek! wooooohooooo!!!
    Len D. recently posted…When Google Reader is Dying.My Profile

    Reply
  27. Susan T. says

    5-03-14 at 9:59 AM

    The idea of a food taster is so creepy! How horrible would it be to know that each bite could kill you? And in this case if you run away you die by poison anyway? I haven’t started this series yet but I am definitely intrigued and want to find out how she lives with all this!

    Reply
  28. bn100 says

    5-03-14 at 11:43 PM

    Nice interview. Haven’t read this author before

    Reply
  29. Heather Robison says

    5-05-14 at 8:33 AM

    I have never read any of her books BUT I have looked at a few on Amazon and read all the reviews, and I am so excited to get my hands on my first book!

    Reply
  30. Christine says

    5-08-14 at 10:15 PM

    My goodness, I loooved Poison Study!! However, I have not yet read the following books. Thanks for this giveaway!

    Reply
  31. Ashlie says

    5-11-14 at 1:10 PM

    I haven’t read any of her books yet but I’ve been wanting to read Poison Study and Inside Out.

    Reply
  32. Fallon Vaughn says

    5-11-14 at 4:01 PM

    I love her Study series and Inside Out and Outside In. I can not wait to read more from her.
    Fallon Vaughn recently posted…Giveaway and Review of Vicious Deep by Zoraida Córdova ~ Review by FallonMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Chetana says

    6-07-14 at 12:39 PM

    Do you mean to say there are actually people that have not heard of Maria V Snyder. You are so lucky you got to interact with her. I just recently completed Fire Study and the only thing holding me together is that there are 3 more books. I LOVED the Poison study series. I also own all of the Opal Cowan trilogy so I shall get on that bandwagon soon.

    Reply

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