BOWIE BLADE-NEWS
Local businessman showcases his first book at area stores

By Jennifer Martin   
Staff Writer

John Snyder is a man who believes in risks.  Which is why after 18 years of owning a successful advertising and public relations firm, the Gambrills resident took a leap of faith and wrote a Christmas novel based on the childhood memories of his grandmother.  The book, “The Golden Ring.” is a light story meant to touch your heart, said Snyder.  “It’s brought some of my golf buddies to tears and they usually cry only after a bad putt,” he added.

Snyder tape-recorded his grandmother’s stories, but was particularly touched by a Christmas memory his 87-year-old grandmother experienced years before.  In fact, Snyder was so moved by her tale that on the way back from his visit, he took a side-trip to his grandmother’s hometown of Meyersdale, Pa.  While there, Snyder realized the magic of her story and decided to turn it into a Christmas novel.

It took Snyder close to three years to complete the 164-page novel that he calls a “quick read.”  “It started out as a short story for my family, but I enhanced it and added to it,” said Snyder who added that he had always wanted to write but never had time for it.  “I thought that I better do it now because I’m not getting any younger.  Snyder just celebrated his 23^rd wedding anniversary to his wife Ruth Ellen, and they have two daughters Nikki, 20 and Carli, 8.

Since the time he was inspired by the story, Snyder as scaled back his business to concentrate more fully on the novel which he says is about the good that comes from giving.  “It’s also about the value of the family,” he said.

The book, which came out in print three weeks ago, is set in Meyersdale in 1918, a time, says Snyder,  “that was simpler, when people were more genuine.” Snyder, who enjoys playing golf and spending time with his daughters, said it’s a story for all ages.  “It’s a good clean story that has family appeal.”

The fictional story, which has a thread of truth, is about a 9-year-old Anna, who has a close relationship with her father, Joseph, an engineer on the B&O Railroad.  Anna and her father experience a series of mystifying dreams and while searching for their meaning, they share an emotional and bonding Christmas experience.  The experience, said Snyder, change their feeling toward the holiday and each other. 

“These stories of the early lives of our parent and grandparents are being lost.  Every time an older person dies, they take a piece of history with them.  We need to get these stories out so we can pass them along to our children.  That was one of the reasons why I wrote this book,” said Snyder.  “I believed in the story and I am confident that readers will like it.”

Snyder said, though, that getting the book out was the most difficult thing he has ever had to do.  “I’ve dealt with half million dollars deals, but people in this business told me that I could never do it,” said Snyder.  “But how can you tell a story wrong?”  Snyder said that writing the book gave him something to pass on to his children.

Snyder has released the book on a limited basis this Christmas and it can be picked up at any Baltimore and Washington area Borders Book & Music Stores for $15.95.  Snyder plans to release the novel nationally next year.  He would also like to see the book made into a major motion picture or TV movie.  Additionally, Snyder has ideas for three more novels which include another Christmas theme and stories based on his ancestry.

Snyder graduated from the University of Maryland in 1973 with a degree in sociology and political science.  He spent some of his time writing poetry which he says was “a great release for emotions.”  After college, Snyder worked as a parole officer and in 1976  he ran for the House of Delegates because of  his interest in politics.  But he said he learned that he didn’t want to be an elected official.

Snyder said that he has dealt with the spotlight before, writing articles and doing talk shows with clients such as the Washington Capitals and Bullets, but he says that he is flattered being on the opposite end of the spotlight.  This time though Snyder is “writing from the emotion.”

Snyder will sign copies of his book Dec. 19 at Borders in Bowie from 2 to5 p.m.  His book is also available at Amaxon.com or by visiting his web site at www.thegoldenring.comm.

Sadly, Snyder’s grandmother, who inspired him to write his novel passed away the day this interview was conducted.  She was 90.