Meet Maria

Maria V. Snyder is a New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five fantasy and science fiction novels and numerous short stories, best known for her Chronicles of Ixia & Sitia, Healer, and Sentinels of the Galaxy series.

Before becoming an author, Maria studied meteorology at Penn State University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She worked as an environmental meteorologist for several years before turning to fiction writing. Her career pivot came during slow days at work, when she began crafting her first story out of boredom. That story eventually became Poison Study, launching her career and captivating readers around the globe.

Maria later earned a Master of Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where she is now a professor and mentors aspiring writers in their low-residency MFA program.

Her background in science heavily influences her writing. Weather plays a significant role in the Glass books, environmental ethics surface in the Insider series, and healing magic takes on biological realism in the Healer books. Her stories are known for strong female leads, high-stakes adventures, immersive worldbuilding, and a dash of romance.

Maria’s commitment to realism and accuracy extends beyond bookshelves—she’s taken fencing lessons, glassblowing classes, and even learned how to pick locks in the name of research. She’s traveled to all seven continents (including Antarctica!) and draws inspiration from every corner of the world.

When she’s not writing, teaching, or touring, Maria enjoys playing pickleball, Mah Jongg, traveling, photography, and reading. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family and a library full of stories still waiting to be written.