Sure, it’s the Happiest Place on Earth, but how much do the 45 million-plus people who visit the Disney World theme parks annually really know about it? From where to find all the hidden Mickeys to the truth behind Madame Leota’s ring at the Haunted Mansion, readers learn all about the hidden magic that permeates these fabulous resorts in “The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World.”

We recently had a chance to ask a few questions of author Susan Veness about the writing process, her Disney history and a few other things we were dying to know. Veness has packed an endless list of jaw-dropping facts even the most obsessed Mousejunkie may have overlooked. Pick up this great book… But first, learn a little more about Susan Veness.

1. Can you tell me about your writing background?

I am the co-author of the best selling Brit Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World, Brit Guide to Disneyland Paris, The Silver Surfer’s Colour Guide to Travel and Holidays, and I do a lot of freelance writing about various travel destinations. I always wanted to be a writer and geared my schooling around it, but I suddenly took a different path in my mid-20s and ended up getting a PhD in Bioenergetic Medicine. I loved that line of work, but ultimately realized writing was much more fun, especially travel writing, so I switched gears again and, essentially, followed my heart.

2. Can you tell me about your background/interest in Walt Disney World?

My first trip to Walt Disney World was in 1971, with my family, and my second trip was just after Epcot opened. It was during the Epcot visit that I really got the ‘Disney bug’ and became a yearly visitor. I loved the feeling of being transported out of my normal routine and into this wonderful world of fantasy, surrounded by the most amazing creativity I had ever seen. I think I’ve always been drawn to what you might call ‘great feats of human achievement’, and the artistic, all-encompassing atmosphere in the parks really appealed to me.

3. How did the idea for "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" come about?

It really started as a passion for seeking out the ‘something extra’ factor. Disney always provides that little bit more, that ‘gilding of the lily’, and the more I noticed, the more inspired I was to keep looking. When you pick up the phone in the General Store on Main Street and suddenly realize you’re listening to a conversation, or when you notice some tiny detail that enhances the theme, you become even more absorbed into that environment. I was sure other people found that as fascinating as I did, and I was sure those who hadn’t noticed yet would be fascinated once they did!

4. When did you start writing it?

I started writing it years ago, really, but didn’t necessarily know I was writing a book. It wasn’t until my brother came to visit us in Florida and we took him around the parks that I realized I would make what I had written into a book. He wasn’t a big Disney fan, but he thoroughly enjoyed being shown all the ‘hidden secrets’, so when he said, “everyone should see the parks like this,” I knew he was right.

5. How long did it take?

Starting when I decided to write it in earnest with an eye toward making it into a book, it took about 2 years, but I had done a huge amount of research prior to that. I had a pretty good start on it when I began to submit it to publishers, but it was picked up much faster than I thought it would be, and I then had 2 months to complete it. It was absolutely manic. I made my deadline with about 3 minutes to spare!

6. Can you tell me about the writing process?

I’m sure it’s different for everyone. I tend to write in short, intense bursts. I like to segment my writing into manageable bits, which was very easy with The Hidden Magic because the parks are sectioned into specific areas. So I could work on one area for a while, then jump to another area if I needed to clear my head a bit, or if I got stuck on exactly how I wanted to say something. I find I need that time to let things rumble around in my brain for a while, and I generally feel more inspired when I come back to it.

7. How did you go about finding a publisher?

I took the most basic, text-book way of doing it and I picked up the Writer’s Guide. I made a list of every publisher who dealt with travel writing, then I narrowed that list by eliminating those who specialized in things like hiking, boating, European travel; topics that weren’t relevant to what I was writing. I narrowed further by looking at their requirements, and I ended up with a short list of about 30 publishers. I chose my top six, sent out query letters, and the fourth reply I got was from Adams Media, showing an interest in my project. I was extremely lucky. I expected it to take a year, but I had a contract in less than 3 months.

8. When did the book hit store shelves?

The publication date was supposed to be June 18, 2009, but I started hearing from people who had the book in hand by mid-May. Some places released it early, but others stuck to the June 18 date.

9. How long have you wanted to write a book about WDW?

Since about 10 minutes before I started writing Hidden Magic! But in all fairness, I was already co-authoring the Brit Guide’s to Orlando and Disneyland Paris. My husband, Simon, founded those titles and I started working as his principle researcher, then became his co-author. To be honest, I always thought I’d like to write fiction, but the big benefit to writing about Walt Disney World is that it offers the chance to help families have a more relaxed, enjoyable vacation. That’s a wonderful feeling!

10 What's the feedback been like?

It has been overwhelmingly positive. I have had emails that bring tears to my eyes when readers tell me it added to their experience in the parks, and showed them something they never knew was there. I’m especially touched by children who say they read the whole book and couldn’t wait to take their parents through the parks to find all the hidden magic. I love the idea that parents and children are sharing these experiences together.

11. Do you have your next book planned or in the works?

Always! We currently have two new titles in the works, another book ‘in negotiation’ so to speak, and 3 more strong ideas that we expect to work on further down the road.

12. Do you write for a living, full time?

Yes. I do freelance writing for magazines, some newspaper work, plus online and travel brochure writing. I’m very lucky to be able to make a living doing something I love.

13. What's been the most surprising thing about writing the book?

I would have to say, the most surprising thing about it was the fact that my teenage son seems to have paid attention to all my ramblings as I was writing and researching. We just went through the parks with two of his friends this past week and he was pointing out all sorts of details to them. And they were interested! I was delighted to see 16 year old boys paying attention to the small creative elements rather than just rushing on to the next attraction. That was a nice surprise.

14. What's the most rewarding part of having the book published?

I’m just so pleased to know the book has given visitors another way to experience the parks. When I hear from families who have enjoyed reading it together, or from readers who say it enhanced their time in the parks, that’s fantastically rewarding.

15. What have your publicity efforts been like?

I have a publicist who promotes the book, and I do a great deal of self-promotion. Simon also has a knack for creative publicity and he has been an enormous help. I do think the cover of the book is so beautifully done that it does promote itself, in a way. And, of course, my mother goes around to all the local book stores and turns The Hidden Magic so that the book faces forward on the shelf! It’s a ‘mom thing’, I think.

16. What is the single most valuable piece of advice you can give to writers?

If you have an idea you feel strongly about, keep working at it until you achieve success. It isn’t easy to get rejection letters, and frankly, it isn’t easy to open yourself up to critique, but if you know your idea is a good one, dedicate yourself to making it the best it can be, and never give up.