On tour: Maria V Snyder

US fantasy author Maria V Snyder is best known for her YA-crossover ‘Study’ series. Her latest book is Night Study (Harlequin). She will be travelling to the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne in April

What would you put on a shelf-talker for your latest book? 

Be prepared to stay up ALL NIGHT! The action never ends as Yelena and Valek battle to save the southern lands from a greedy cartel and a powerful military dictator.

What are you reading right now?

Wickedly Powerful by Deborah Blake (Penguin)—the third in an urban-fantasy/paranormal-romance series about the mythical Russian witch Baba Yaga. I’m also reading Threader by Rebekah Turner, an Australian author (Harlequin). It’s about a dystopian society and I’m loving it so far!

What are you planning to read next?

I’ve been reading the urban-fantasy series ‘Kate Daniels’ by Ilona Andrews (Orion). I really like the characters and world in this series. The main protagonist Kate is strong and smart and stubborn, but not so stubborn she’s stupid (do you know the type? Some UFs can be like that). And it has romance as well—I always like a touch of romance in the books I read and write.

Which book do you always recommend? 

To those who enjoy science-fiction and fantasy, I recommend Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (Little, Brown). I’ll also recommend The Gate to Women’s Country by Sheri S Tepper (Orion) to my female friends—it’s the ultimate girl power book!

What was the defining book of your childhood?

The ‘Nancy Drew’ books. I loved reading about a teenage girl who solved mysteries. Those stories influenced my books.

If you were a literary character you’d be …

Hermione Granger. She’s smart and powerful. Although if I was her, I’d ditch Ron—I think she needs some adventures on her own before she settles down.

What’s your favourite book adaptation (film, television or theatre)?

One of my favorite movies is The Princess Bride and that was adapted from the book by William Goldman. I can watch that movie over and over and still laugh. And I’m always quoting from it, which embarrasses my kids.

What’s your favourite books website or blog?

I enjoy reading www.twochicksonbooks.com. They have a ton of author interviews, book reviews, and they host giveaways as part of blog tours.

Hardback, paperback or digital?

I prefer trade-sized paperbacks, but will read hardback and the smaller mass-market size. And I do read some digital books. I find it convenient when I’m travelling and for reading at night.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook! I only have so much time to spend on social media and never really got into Twitter.

In 50 years’ time books will be …

I’m not the best at predicting future trends. I think stories will always be around in some format and that for each new twist of technology there will always be a way to read those stories. I think publishers will have to change how they work with authors. Self-publishing, also known as indie publishing, is becoming a legitimate format as more and more professionally edited and written stories are being offered directly to the consumer.

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