Chatting with my Editor Part 2

I'm chatting with my editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, who's been working with me for the last nine years.  If you haven't read it, check out Part 1 here:  http://officialmariavsnyder.blogspot.com/2013/05/chatting-with-my-editor-part-1.html

MTH: Maria--how do you see the revision process going?

MVS: The revision process is easier for me.  My first draft is always the hardest to write.  It's when I discover all the story elements and plot.  I start with a character, a situation, and a vague ending, but what happens along the way is usually unplanned.  Once the first draft is finished, then comes the fun part.  I'll do a revision and send it to Mary-Theresa.  When you returns it to me with your comments, I open the file and read through them all.  Then I need a day to calm down!  It's funny how when I first read them, I'll be annoyed, impatient, exasperated, depressed, and excited (when I get that rare smiley face).  These emotions don't happen at the same time--it's like a rollercoaster ride, depending on the comment.

But after a day, I realize you're right about everything and what you're not "getting" I need to explain/show it better.  And there are times I will ask for more details about why you don't like something and you always have a good explanation (grumble - more work for me).  It's very rare when we don't agree. Opal's choice in SPY GLASS is one example. And Kerrick's actions in the beginning of TOUCH OF POWER is another (I actually toned him down a bit!). I think we work well together. Your comments always improves the story.  Always.

Mary-Theresa--since my story proposals tend to be vague and I never follow them, I'm curious about your reaction to my first drafts.  For example, what was your first impression when TOUCH OF POWER arrived?

MTH: I have learned that you tend to follow the story more than the synopsis, but as long as it makes for something stronger, I'm all for it!

Usually I'll first read the manuscript through fairly quickly, just to enjoy the story and to read it as a reader will. But I'll also note places where I got confused or lost or the characters didn't seem consistent. Then I'll go through more slowly, this time making more detailed notes as I go along, and perhaps revising the first ones as things are revealed later. It used to be scribbles in the margins, but now I can type comments on the document, which makes transferring things much easier--though I do occasionally miss curling up in a chair with a manuscript and pencil! I did find that when I switched to commenting on screen it lost some of the immediacy of the good marginalia at first, but that comes back as I stop and "hear" the lines sing, or the endings twist. I then like to let it sit in my mind for another day or so while some things get fleshed out and other concerns come to the forefront. As it settles, the themes and overall structural issues fall into place. Then I will get ready to send back the manuscript with an overview about the larger issues that stopped me.

I always keep in mind the author's intentions and goals, but she is so close to the story that she doesn't always put onto the pages exactly what is meant by this or that. I try to pose my concerns as questions or the occasional what if you did this scenario, but I trust the author to come up with the answers that suit her story best.

TOUCH OF POWER was one of the stories I just gobbled up! The freshness of Avry's world, and her dilemmas was compelling. I still don't think I'd be as willing to take on the pains and scars of others though--the Healers have more generosity of spirit and body than I do! The differences in the Realms went beyond Ixia and Sitia, and I saw that you were creating a new world that was vivid and grounded in different ways. And though I had a couple of issues with the hero, he balanced out Avry's selflessness nicely!

Throughout the manuscript there were shadings of familiar elements as Avry struggled to understand her powers and place in the world, but the situations were so different, and her voice was all her own, that it just felt really new and exciting. I've always looked forward to Maria's stories, and seeing where she's going with them, but TOUCH OF POWER brought me back to some of the early excitement of my first loves--Yelena and Valek--and the wonder of discovering their worlds.

Asking around the office, you'll find that I was saying it was like when we first read POISON STUDY and were captured by that emotion all over again!

And while the manuscript bits are happening, we're also trying to find the perfect cover and copy to represent the book.

Maria -- How do you find that process?

Find out my answer in Part 3!

Chatting with my Editor Part 1

I’ve been working with my editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey of Harlequin pretty much from the beginning of my writing career.  My very first editor, Helen French (out of the UK office) who made the call and bought POISON STUDY and MAGIC STUDY worked with me for about six months before leaving the company.  And, as a brand new author, still shiny, I was immediately worried because I’ve heard stories of orphaned authors, where the editor who loved her story leaves, and no one else in the company is interested at all.

Mary-Theresa quickly stepped in, and she’s been mine…or rather I’ve been hers ever since.  Nine years of answering all my questions, addressing my concerns, and editing my manuscripts.

I thought it would be fun to have a chat with my editor about our nine years together.



Me & Mary-Theresa

MVS:  Let’s start at the beginning.  Back in 2003, you were in charge of Harlequin's new fantasy imprint called LUNA Books and looking for fantasy novels with strong female protagonists and romantic sub-plots.  I sent you the first 3 chapters and a synopsis of POISON STUDY in June (I still have a copy of the letter) and 4 months later I get a call from Helen, asking me for the rest of the story, which she read over the weekend and bought on Monday.  Do you remember that initial submission?  What were you thinking when you sent the chapters to Helen?

 

LUNA Ladies (left to right): C.E. Murphy, Maria V. Snyder, Mary-Theresa Hussey, Michelle Sagara, Laura Anne Gilman

 

MTH: 2003 seems so long ago--and really just around the last corner! I do remember that when we were starting up LUNA we had a clear vision in our minds, but it was very hard to explain to authors and agents. So I read a lot of projects and struggled to get that balance right. I had received your proposal and really enjoyed it and marked it to ask for a complete. Then Helen French, who worked in our UK office, but was in our office for an RWA business trip, really wanted to work on LUNA, so I gave her a few projects, including POISON STUDY.

Helen's initial excitement was contagious, and we loved seeing that first glimpse of Yelena in the complete manuscript. And then when Helen left, I was happy to work with you again. So I've actually edited all of your projects for us, and it's been a treat over the years. I still remember that opening scene with Yelena in prison, awaiting execution, was dark and complex, and she was a fresh heroine! The voice and the characterization was vivid and then the twists kept coming as we met Valek, discovered the truth about Yelena's position, her past, her magic, and how the world of Ixia unfolded.

Original USA cover for POISON STUDY - Hardcover October 2005

So I've been lucky to see your career develop over the ten novels and some novellas with Harlequin
(and more to come!). Each book unfolded part of the world, and you had a great, strong grasp of your characters. Even when they make decisions I disagree with [MVS - Opal's choice being the biggest :)], you worked on motivating them so it makes sense. So we talk a little on the proposal, then at the revision stage after I've sent my notes, and then occasionally at the edits, but that's generally some minor stuff. I think we've worked ourselves into a good rhythm.

Maria--how do you see the revision process going?

 

Find out my answer in Part 2 of Chatting with my Editor!

May Madness

And I was doing so well with posting!  Then a few things converged and all my extra time for blogging disappeared.  This post will be a quick update on what's been going on and then I'm going to post a multi-part chat with my editor!

BIG News - TASTE OF DEATH has a new title.  Book 3 of the Healer Series will now be titled, TASTE OF DARKNESS.  Various reasons were given - original title too morbid, too serial-killer-ish.  At first, I wasn't too excited about the change, but I trust my publisher and they were excited about the new title and it seems my Facebook friends are in agreement. So I'm happy. The cover isn't finalized yet, but I can tell you Deep Purple - very dark!  What do you think of the new title?

I've also been working on STORM WATCHER revisions.  The book will be out in October 2013, but I'll be signing ARCs for STORM WATCHER at Book Expo America (BEA) in New York City (Javits Convention Center) on Thursday, May 30th at Table 13 from 3 to 4 pm.  Here's a link to BEA: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/

Here's the rest of my schedule for May and June:

May 18, 2013 Participating in the Lancaster County Women's Expo. (Spooky Nook Sports Complex, 2913 Spooky Nook Road, Manheim, Pennsylvania, 17545). I'll be selling and signing books from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Women's Expo is a fun-filled and information-packed event, featuring 100+ exhibitors, two fashion shows, demonstrations, shopping, free spa treatments, a Hula Hoop contest, and so much more! It's FREE if you register in advance online, and $5.00 at the door.

May 24-26, 2013 Participating in Balticon 47. (Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 21031, 410-785-7000). I'll be teaching a couple writing workshops and sitting in on panels during this weekend-long con. Balticon has over 300 Hours of Multi-Track Programming featuring authors, publishers, editors, artists, scientists, musicians and other creative Science Fiction and Fantasy luminaries. Join over a thousand SF fans for the area's largest and longest running convention of its kind! Visit our huge art show, dealer's room, concerts, dances, gaming room, computer room and video room. Everything Science Fiction and Fantasy in one huge package.

June 27-30, 2013 Participating in In Your Write Mind Workshop. (Seton Hill University, One Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 15601). I'll be teaching a writing workshop during this weekend-long conference for writers. If you're an aspiring author this is the conference for you. Trust me! At this workshop, you'll find a variety of workshop topics, knowledgeable presenters, plenty of chances to network with agents and editors, and you'll meet fellow writers who "get" you. Register online.


Volleyball has dominated my family for the last three months.  My son, Luke is on the high school varsity team (the Bears) as an opposite hitter.  With games twice a week and tournaments on weekends, we watched a lot of great games.  The best part for me was when my son spiked the ball or had a great block, the crowd would cheer Luuuuke in a deep voice - it almost sounded like they were boo-ing. That was very fun to hear!

The Bears finished in 4th place in section 2, and then played the first place section 1 team in playoffs - needless to say, they lost that game, but not without a fight.  The highlight of the season was when the Bears won their home tournament - the boys all received Champion T-shirts and a trophy for the school!  Congrats to the entire team for all their hard work and dedication!!

My daughter Jenna also plays and she joined a club team - the Chargers this winter/spring.  And by utter coincidence both my children finished their seasons on the same day!  YAY!

As for my co-ed volleyball team - the Tornados (I picked the name - can you tell ;) - we ended our season in 5th place and didn't make the playoffs.  It's a fun church league and good exercise. I'm one of the setters - since we play on a men's net, it's harder for me to spike.

So that's the update on what's been dominating my life this spring.  I am currently re-reading my Study books to get ready for writing the next Study adventure - making notes and listing all the names so I don't re-use them in the new book ;)  I'll read the Glass books next and then get to work.

So much for my quick update!

My Readers are THE BEST! Part 4.5

Yes, I know what I said in my last post!  But technically this is part of Part 4...right?  I wanted to do this post for a special reader - those on Facebook know her as my administrator for the MVS Fans page and those on Goodreads know her as the Study Buddies moderator.  As you can see, she's very involved with my books and is one of my biggest supporters.  How big?  I'm glad you asked!

Alethea first emailed me September of 2008.  She worked at Borders (rip Borders :( at the time and told me she had two copies of my Study series books, one to keep and one to loan out.  Alethea then proceeded to tell me her goal was to hand sell 400 copies of my books by Christmas that year.  Thrilled by her email, I replied, offering to send her signed book labels and bookmarks to her store.  Of course she'd love them and asked for 200!  Yikes - but I didn't hesitate (if someone is offering to hand sell hundreds of your books - you'll send them anything! really!) - I spent one night signing 200 labels and then another 200 later when she ran out.  Because, YES she met her goal and sold 400+  copies of my books in 3 months.  Amazing! 

 

Alethea and Me (April 2009)

Alethea single-handedly hooked many readers in the Los Angeles area ;)  She gleefully related tales of recommending all the Study books to a customer, warning her she'll be back for the others.  The customer didn't believe her and only bought POISON STUDY, but when Alethea arrived at the store the next morning, there was the lady, waiting for the store to open so she could buy the other two!  Alethea reports she didn't gloat (I'm not sure I believe she didn't gloat just a little ;).  Alethea has many of these stories and through her, I learned A LOT about what goes on in a bookstore and how NOT to piss off the workers (don't plop your books on those display tables near the front - it's a big no-no).



 

Teaching readers how to taste for poisons

(no one died....this time ;)

Her efforts did not go unnoticed by my publisher and when STORM GLASS was released in April 2009, they happily agreed I should have a book launch at Alethea's store in Glendale, CA.  It was a blast - over 60 people came to hear me talk and I signed lots of books for people who told me if it hadn't been for Alethea.... (well, let's just say they wouldn't be there).

 

Signing line in Glendale, CA

One of the best things to result from that email from Alethea is our friendship and I've gotten to know her well.  She has given me feedback/advice on a few short stories and she is also an artist.  Alethea gave me a print made from a linoleum block: 

 

Peacock 1 of 10

Beautiful - isn't it?  Alethea has a blog and she's posted a couple of our chats about my books and she also reviews books.  Check it out at: http://www.readnowsleeplater.com/  She has lots going on there - including giveaways!

Thank you for letting me showcase my fabulous readers!  This is truly the last post...for now ;>

My Readers are THE BEST! Part 4

This series could go on forever, but I'm going to cap it at four :)  This last installment brings a few pictures of Valek - he has inspired many of my readers and I've heard about a number of "book crushes" and out right "undying love."  Good thing he'll be back for more adventures in late 2014!  And there's a picture of Maren and Leif and a bookmark.

Anime Valek (Shea Crumbley)

Valek with Emily (the artist)

 

 

Maren and Leif (artist VMH)

Here's a bookmark designed by Renee V. (a.k.a. my cyber stalker):

My Readers are THE BEST! Part 3

More talented readers.  The artist of the pen and ink pictures is Amy Harlib - she sent me a bunch of pictures, but these two are my favorites:



 

And I recently found out Amy is also a contortionist! If you want to see her in action check out her website - it's just AMAZING and I think I pulled a muscle just watching the videos: http://www.reverbnation.com/amazingamycontortionistuniqueyogadancer

 

 Below is a picture of Tammy - who recently earned her BLACK BELT!  CONGRATS to Tammy!! She was inspired by my strong female protagonists and now you don't want to mess with Tammy. 

And below is a cartoon that I received right after POISON STUDY was published in 2005.  I've had it hanging on my desk for years and failed to write the artist's name on the back and it was two computers ago :(  But I wanted to share because it's one of my favorites:

Click on the picture if you can't see the whole thing.  And if you can't read the captions - here they are:
Panel 1 - Valek, "You're unbelievable."
Yelena, "Is that good or bad?"

Panel 2 - Valek, "Good. I assumed you would give the soldiers a good chase, and you did. But I never expected..."

Panel 4 - Valek, "Is that...a leaf on your head?"
Yelena, "Yes. I thought it complimented by eyes."

My Readers are THE BEST! Part 2

Part 2 of my series showcasing my fabulous and talented readers!  My readers are always asking me which actors I'd pick to play the various characters.  And I never know who to say because I'm not up on the current crop of young actors.  For Yelena I do like Summer Glau from the Sarah Conner chronicles - she played the terminator/body guard and some of you might know her as River from Firefly, but she'll probably be a grandmother by the time my books are ever made into movies.

JanYves Stewart designed wallpaper of a few of my characters and he picked a few actors to play Yelena, Ari and Janco.  Take a look:

The writing are quotes from POISON STUDY: "Yelena, I'm offering you a choice. You can either be executed, or you can be Commander Ambrose's new food taster." [Valek]

"A fool would refuse the job."

"What shall I tell the executioner?"

"I'm not a fool."

 

 

 

I'm not sure who these actors are - I think Janco is a great match.  Ari is a little different than I'd imagined - Ari is blond and muscular like a rugby player.

 

And Joy Kenney thought my short story, ICE STUDY should have a cover and she made her own (purely as fan art):

 

Pretty cool eh?

My readers have also been inspired to make videos.  Here are a couple about Yelena and Valek:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZSfvXw7c5I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_0ryruBk9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=X5hzxIGYWOM&feature=endscreen

And there's even a Spoof of POISON STUDY - which I thought was funny (apparently the high school boys were annoyed to be assigned a "chick book" to read):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR2fwObvdFE&NR=1&feature=endscreen