The Capital

Gambrills man shares
 grandmother's story

December 17, 1999
By JENNIFER MARTIN, Staff Writer

John Snyder is a man who believes in risks.

That's why after 18 years of owning a success ful 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 story meant to touch your heart, said Mr. Snyder. "It's brought some of my golf buddies to tears, and they usually cry only after a bad putt," he said.

Mr. Snyder, who grew up near Cumberland, got the idea for the story while visiting his grandmother, Anna, in LaVale. "I've always been interested in family history," said Mr. Snyder, who was intrigued by his grandmother's tales. "Older people have so much to say," he said.

Mr. Snyder tape-recorded his grandmother's stories, and was particularly moved by a Christmas memory his 87-year-old grandmother experienced years before.

On the way back from his visit, he took a side trip to his grandmother's hometown of Myersdale, Pa. While there, Mr. Snyder realized the magic of her story and decided to turn it into a Christmas novel.

It took Mr. Snyder close to three years to complete the 164-page book 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 Mr. Snyder.

Sadly, Mr. Snyder's grandmother, who inspired him to write his novel, passed away in November. She was 90.

The book, which came out in print three weeks ago, is set in Myersdale in 1918. The story is about 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 meanings, share an emotional and bonding Christmas experience.

Mr. Snyder said that as much as he treasured sharing his grandmother's story, getting the book out was the most difficult thing he has ever had to do. "I've dealt with half-million-dollar deals, but people in this business told me that I could never do it," he said.

Mr. Snyder has released the book on a limited basis this Christmas. It can be picked up at Baltimore- and Washington-area Borders Books and Music Stores for $15.95.

He plans to release the novel nationally next year.

Mr. Snyder also has ideas for three more novels which would also feature a Christmas theme and stories based on his ancestry.

Mr. 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 said was "a great release for emotions." After college, Mr. Snyder worked as a parole officer and in 1976 he ran for the Maryland House of Delegates. He just celebrated his 23rd wedding anniversary to his wife, Ruth Ellen; they have two daughters, Nikki, 20, and Carli, 8. Mr. Snyder will sign copies of his book on Sunday at Borders in Bowie from 2 to 5 p.m. His book is also available at Amazon.com or by visiting his Web site at www.thegoldenring.com.