THE FREDERICK POST

“Golden Ring” author to do book signing in Frederick Dec. 22

John Snyder’s family hails from the small town of Meyersdale, Pa., in the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania, and his family roots there run deep. His recollection of a family tale is the subject of “The Golden Ring”, a Christmas story set in Meyersdale and Brunswick. Mr. Snyder will be signing the book at Borders Books and Music this evening from 5 to 9 p.m.

The story focuses on a particular Christmas his grandmother recalled which took place in the early years of the 20^th century. Mr. Snyder, who lives in Annapolis, had a conversation with his grandmother a few years ago when she was 89. Out of that conversation came the book “The Golden Ring”, which was published last year.

It started out as a short story, but after a few years of writing and rewriting, the finished product is a 164-page hardcover book that he self-published through his company, Mountain Breeze Publishing. Some of the story is true and some is fiction, Mr. Snyder said.

He printed 5,000 copies last year and sold 2,500 in a five-week period in November and December 1999. He printed 32,000 copies of the hardcover book in anticipation of this Christmas season, and since October, he has sold 23,500 to distributors, wholesalers, bookstores and individuals. People can buy the book directly through the web site, www.thegoldenring.com. The book sells for $15.95.

Mr. Snyder published the book just days before his grandmother died. A copy of the book was buried with her.