Jodie Pierce's Ink Slinger's Blog: Author Ann Snizek & The Jewel of Nirel (book 3)

Hi all!

Please help me welcome Author Ann Snizek to my blog today!

Book Title: The Jewel of Nirel

Author: Ann Snizek

Release Date: July 27, 2013

Genre: YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Length: Over 86,000 Words

Publisher: Snow Flower Enterprises

Presented by: As You Wish Tours

Tour Schedule: The Jewel of Nirel

Interview with Ann Snizek

Tell me a bit about yourself: Hi! I’m Ann and I’m addicted to books. I learned to read at a

young age and if I had more space, I’d have a larger library than my county. Writing has been

a passion for most of my life and I pushed it aside as a simple hobby until about four years ago

when I couldn’t stop writing. At that point, I started sending out query letters to everyone I

could find. Now I have over a dozen books out and I’m loving it.

Tell me about your latest? My latest release on the novel front is The Jewel of Nirel. It is the

third book in its series, but not the last. I’m working on book four and have several others lined

up in my head. I also have another series that I’ve started (To Eris Human – Payton Chronicles

book 1) and I will be working more on the second of that series soon too.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story? When I was young, books

were impressed upon me as very important. My dad was an English major and teacher, and my

mom an avid reader. My grandfather had been a playwright and director that also wrote several

books and my grandmother was a stage actress. So, a good story has always been important.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way? I learned to read using

Dick & Jane and Dr. Seuss. So, you could say they affected my life in a big way. A Wind in

The Door by Madeline L’Engle made a big impression during elementary school. The librarian

made it come to life as she read it to us. Anne McCaffrey’s writing has always had an impact.

She has been a family favorite since I can remember.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career? To start with, I had a difficult time

finding people that would give me feedback. I am the type of person that thrives on feedback. It

doesn’t take much, but it triggers something in my brain. After that, it was difficult to find a way

to publish. I tried the traditional method with no success. I understand and appreciate more how

difficult it must be for agents with the myriad of submissions they receive.

What has been your best moment as a writer? Wow! I have a couple: the first sale of my first

book (Tunuftol’s Fortress of Light)… and then the reviews. I love hearing what people think

about my books. I write YA books. So far most of the readers have been adults, but I love to

hear when a young person picks up my books and can’t put them down. That just means the

Who is your author idol? I would have to say that Anne McCaffrey will always hold that spot

for me. With the number of books she wrote with such quality for so many years… I only hope I

What do you do when you’re not writing? NOT WRITE!? LOL Well, I edit, read, review,

promote, listen to music, visit with friends, homeschool – of course (I’m down to one!), watch

movies, think about writing, plan stories, research, and I also facilitate a writing club at our local

adult learning center where I’m a volunteer and tutor.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer? I have no idea. I think a

little bit of insanity is required. I guess the key to not get overwhelmed is to keep a focus. If

things get too much, step back and think about your focus and why you are writing in the first

Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer? I’ve been a writer for

so long, but to become an author… I realized I had to publish about 3-4 years ago.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do? Both. I have had

dreams come true, but I continue to dream. So, there are always more things to work toward.

For the people of Tunuftol, and other countries on the planet Nyssa, names found them starting

at twelve months old… at the earliest. Along with the names came certain skills or powers.

Depending on what you did with your powers determined what type of person you were, and

sometimes affected future names. Therefore, names had great importance in Tunuftol, and Krissa

had more than a few… nine to be exact. Her full name was Krissa Lysandra Rue Alverna Harley

Mya Magryta Freya Wittek, which is quite a mouthful.

The dangers haven't ended for our friends yet. The weather is starting to warm and the war

started last fall is under way. Journey with Krissa and the crew as they struggle to keep their

world safe and find their place in it.

I grew up in Vermont mostly and now live in Virginia with my family (those still at home). My

husband and I have a blended family of seven kids. My childhood was spent moving around

a lot. (non-military) About five years ago, we started home-schooling our youngest children.

Now there are only two remaining in home-school. I have tried to nurture the love of books in

our children and now our grandchildren -- always nurturing their imaginations. Recently, I have

become active in our community with literacy, starting a local (and online) creative writing club

and volunteer tutoring at the Adult Learning Center.

I struggle with Fibromyalgia and PTSD. So, have to be careful not to overdo things... I don't

always listen to my own advice. I have a dry, sarcastic and corny sense of humor and always try

to look at things optimistically. (again not always successful) However, I feel that if I don't give

up -- for long -- then things will work out for the best eventually.