When I told this idea to my agent, Robert Mecoy, he was super excited about it and has been my staunchest champion for the project. Thanks, Bob, for being my cheerleader and for all the hard work you do on my behalf.
This project also had a number of unique challenges with factoring in the time dilation and keeping track of actual time versus Earth time and all the rest of the math (ugh). Without access to the Q-net, I relied on my Chief Evil Minion, Natalie Bejin, to keep the timeline straight with one of her magical Excel spreadsheets. And as one of my beta readers, she found all the inconsistencies. Thanks, Natalie!
Speaking of beta readers, I also need to thank Lynette Noni, who took time out of her insanely busy schedule to read through my manuscript and provide fabulous feedback. I also want to thank my sensitivity readers, Tien Ha and Ningji Hu, who ensured my depiction of the Terracotta Warriors was respectful and accurate.
Being accurate is always a priority for me. As part of my research for this series, I attended Launchpad Astronomy Workshop for Writers at the University of Wyoming for a week-long intensive class (and I mean intense—long days learning about all the wonders of the universe). Thanks to Dr. Mike Brotherton and Christian Ready for teaching the workshop and to SFWA for funding the program.
This book went through several revisions, each one making the story stronger and better. For that, I have to thank my fantastic Australian editorial team: Rachael Donovan, Julia Knapman, Laurie Ormond, and Annabel Adair. You ladies made me look good. Next time I’m in town, the first round’s on me!
As for looking good, I must thank Josh Durham for that gorgeous cover! It’s perfect, Josh, thanks so much. And thanks to Louise Summerton who drew Lyra’s crinkled space graphic—I love the Big Fat Frog, he’s so cute!
Thanks to my publicity team here in the US: Michelle Haring of Cupboard Maker Books who has hand-sold a bazillion copies of my books (okay, not quite a bazillion, but close), to Sarah Weir for designing bookmarks, to Jaime Arnold for hosting my blog tours, to Carrie Miller and Mindy Klasky for helping with the daunting task of self-publishing, and to all my readers who have recommended my books to their friends/family/strangers on the street (that’s the best way to keep an author in business).
The cliché of saving the best for last is quite true when it comes to acknowledgments. My family and friends have all been so supportive of me and my books and I appreciate their help and their patience as I disappear for hours to write or fly off to yet another conference or book signing. Thanks to my daughter Jenna for her honest feedback on my stories and wardrobe. And, as always, the biggest thanks goes to my husband, Rodney. I know I’ve said this in all my books, but without him I wouldn’t be sitting here writing my sixteenth acknowledgments. Thanks so much!
Also by Maria V. Snyder
Study Series
Poison Study
Magic Study
Fire Study
Shadow Study
Night Study
Dawn Study
Ice Study (Available as an ebook)
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Glass Series
Storm Glass
Sea Glass
Spy Glass
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Healer series
Touch of Power
Scent of Magic
Taste of Darkness
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Inside Series
Inside Out
Outside In
(collected as Inside)
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Standalone Titles
Storm Watcher
Discover other titles by Maria V. Snyder at www.MariaVSnyder.com
Praise for Maria V. Snyder
"Smart, witty, and full of heart, Navigating the Stars had me hooked from the very first page!" Lynette Noni, bestselling author of Whisper
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"This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they've read it." Publishers Weekly, starred review on Poison Study
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"Snyder deftly weaves information about glassblowing into her tale of magic and murder." Library Journal on Storm Glass
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"Filled with Snyder's trademark sarcastic humor, fast-paced action, and creepy villainy, Touch of Power is a spellbinding fantasy adventure." USA TODAY
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"This deftly plotted story will engage readers of both genders with its fresh story line." Kirkus Reviews on Storm Watcher
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"A wonderful, thoughtful book full of vivid characters and a place--Inside--that is by turns alien, and breathtakingly familiar." Rachael Caine, etc.... on Inside Out
About the Author
When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting ... at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over a dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her Master of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member for their MFA program.
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When she’s not writing she’s either playing volleyball or traveling. Being a writer, though, is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study martial arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes, and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it’s not working as a meteorologist. Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at MariaVSnyder.com
Copyright © 2018 by Maria V. Snyder. All rights reserved.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.
This is a work of science fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Navigating the Stars / Maria V. Snyder—1st edition
Cover design by Design by Committee
Crinkle space graphic by Louise Summerton
Published by Maria V. Snyder
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Print ISBN 978-1-946381-01-9
Digital ISBN 978-1-946381-02-6
Navigating the Stars Page 33