Official Maria V. Snyder Blog

Today, I'm thrilled to be hosting author Mindy Klasky!  She is launching her new Diamond Brides series this month and has written a wonderful post about how she turns a stock character into a complex and unique individual.  Since Mindy's one of my BFs, I had the pleasure of reading the first book in the series, PERFECT PITCH.  I'll admit, I'm not a fan of baseball - the game is too slow for me, but there was nothing slow about Mindy's story! After I finished this fun and entertaining read in a single day, I'd wished the Raleigh Rockets were a real team I could cheer for.  Plus I loved the humor (as I do in all Mindy's stories). Mindy Klasky: Romance.   It's a literary genre built on tropes, on familiar storylines told in unfamiliar ways.   You've probably heard the shorthand before:   Marriage of convenience.   Secret baby.   Virgin bride.   Single father.   May/December.   There are a couple...

Who, you might ask, is Duncan W. Alderson?  Well, I'll tell you!  Back when I started writing, I struggled to find information and guidance about the craft (back when there was no Internet or cell phones - a truly barbaric time ;). The universities in my area didn't offer creative writing classes to the community, and I couldn't find any local writing groups.  Then one day, I see an ad for the Rabbit's Hill Writer's Group offering writing classes.  I jumped on it and signed up right away. Duncan was the owner and teacher at Rabbit Hill.  We had classes in a barn turned art studio turned writing room.  It was wonderful.  I met other writers, received feedback on my stories, learned the craft of writing, and made a few friends.  Not only did my writing improve, but I loved the class style so much, I use it for when I teach (shhh...don't tell Duncan ;).  I credit Duncan's classes as an instrumental part of my writ...

My author page on Facebook has reached over 7000 likes and I'm celebrating by giving away 7 prizes to random commenters on my post (you have to post on Facebook to enter - ALL are welcome and the link is below). https://www.facebook.com/mvsfans/photos/a.10151147255959322.460191.33763514321/10152256754824322/?type=1&comment_id=11734143&offset=0&total_comments=394 I wasn't quite sure what to think of Facebook when it first appeared.  I was a big MySpace user (remember that?) and didn't want to add to my digital work load. My friend, Alethea created an author page for me on Facebook and was answering questions and, when she couldn't answer, she'd email me and I'd tell her.  My niece Amy also helped out from time to time.  Now I answer all the questions/comments and I have a personal page (which I post mostly the same things on - I'll post more about my family and life on my personal page and all my book news on my author page)....

Today, I've a guest on my blog.  Please welcome Jon Sprunk who is a friend of mine and you may remember when I interviewed him a few years ago when his debut fantasy novel, SHADOW'S SON was released and then again when the second book in that series SHADOW'S LURE came out.  I loved the Shadow Saga and am excited about his new book. Jon's here to tell us all about his new fantasy series and how he sparked on the idea for this epic action-filled adventure.  To celebrate the release, I'm offering a copy of his new book, BLOOD AND IRON to a random commenter (international is welcome).  Please post a comment and your email addy by March 19 to be entered to win! BLOOD AND IRON Hello. I’m Jon Sprunk, a fantasy writer living in central Pennsylvania. Thank you all for this opportunity to tell you about my new series, BOOK OF THE BLACK EARTH. The first book, BLOOD AND IRON, just came out [yesterday]. The BOOK OF THE BLACK EARTH is set in the ...

No, I'm not talking about this winter...although...we've had more snow, ice and polar vortexes than...well, ever here in Pennsylvania that I could be, but I'm not :).  I'm talking about the latest novel in Jennifer Estep's Mythos Academy series for Young Adults that was released today!  Jennifer has taken time out of her super busy schedule to answer a few questions (see below).  She is also offering one lucky winner a signed copy of her latest book, KILLER FROST. Leave a comment on my blog (and your email addy) by March 4th to be entered to win.  (US only please) KILLER FROST is book 6 set in Mythos Academy, a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids. Gwen Frost first appeared in book 1, TOUCH OF FROST where she is an outsider both to the students of the Academy and the rest of the world. But when her gift of psychometry - the ability to know an object's history just by touching it reveals dark undercurrents and danger afoot, she has no cho...

Boy it's dusty in here!  Sorry about not blogging more often, but it seems all I have time for these days is posting on my Facebook page - and if you're looking for up to date info, that's the best place to find it - here's a link: http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans Although I do have news!  We're doing a blog tour for STORM WATCHER and you can read a bunch of reviews, interviews, guest posts (I am blogging just not on my own blog).  We are also giving away 10 copies of STORM WATCHER with four of them slated for my international readers.  The tour started on Wednesday, but the give away is still on going.  Check out the blog dates and sites below:   Feb 19 – Mar 5, 2014 Hosted by readnowsleeplater.com Join us for interviews, guest posts, reviews, and giveaways! Tour Schedule Wed 2/19 – The Book Monsters  - review Thu 2/20 – I Am a Reader – interview Fri 2/21 – Unleashing Readers – guest post Mon 2/24 – Bookalicious – review Tu...

For more info on the show: http://www.cbs.com/shows/intelligence/ Here's the short version - John Dixon, debut author of PHOENIX ISLAND (out today) - the book that spark interest from Hollywood and became the premise for INTELLIGENCE a new TV series on CBS (premiers Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central).  For information on how this all happened see the Q&A with John for the long version. Reasons I hate John: The book is fantastic - it's well written, action packed, well crafted characters and satisfying ending.  He has a TV show based on his book - his FIRST book - what a brat, I've 12 books and had no interest from Hollywood.  He's a nice guy - smart, funny, kind to small animals.  He's into boxing and martial arts so he knows his stuff and it shows in the book. Reasons I love John: See above :)  I met John through the Seton Hill MFA program when he signed up for my Fantastic Fight Scenes workshop.  ...