Prince William Journal
A Christmas story

By Lisa Sampson
Journal staff writer

As the owner of The Snyder Group, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm, John Snyder’s days are full without the added pressure of writing a Christmas story. 

But during the past 18 years, Snyder has managed to write articles for magazines, market sports events and work as a closet writer of poetry and short stories. 

With the publication of “The Golden Ring,” his first children’s book, the 48-year-old has come out of the closet. 

Inspiration struck after visiting his grandmother, Anna Snyder, a few years ago.

During the time he spent with her in LaVale, Md., he asked her about her childhood.

He inquired what it was like growing up in the early part of the century in her hometown of Meyersdale, Pa.

He was so intrigued by her stories that he started to tape  record her while she relived her favorite and most special memories.

Driven by his grandmother’s words, he decided to write a story about one of those memories.

“We need to listen and talk to our parents and grandparents and pass on their ideas and thoughts to our children,” said Snyder, of Gambrills, Md.  “We need to learn from them and realize what they have seen is history.”

Over the next couple of years, he wrote and rewrote different versions of the story, adding to it and elaborating on her words to make the story more appealing.

The end result is a 168-page hardcover book that was published in early November.  He dedicated it in part to his grandmother.

“The Golden Ring is a touching Christmas story about giving, faith, love and loss,” Snyder said.  “It is a good, clean story that has family appeal.”

The book was not due to be published until the year 2000, but Snyder decided to get it on the market early just in case his beloved grandmother died before its completion.

His 90-year-old grandmother did die on Nov. 22, but before she died, she was able to enjoy his book.  She would have celebrated her 91^st birthday on April 11, 2000.

John Snyder will be making appearances and signing books at area Borders Books & Music stores.  He will be at the Borders in Manassas, 11270 Bulloch Drive, on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.