Featured Writer: Michael Snyder
One of the fun things about being a writer (and there are many) is the opportunity to read good books.
When I read for pleasure, I judge the success of the book on several things. My personal criteria are: How well does the book challenge me to do better in my own life? How well do the characters and their story move me spiritually and emotionally? Am I challenged to look at situations or questions I might otherwise find uncomfortable (something Geroge MacDonald and C.S. Lewis do very well). Do I end the book feeling like I am a better human being for having read it?
Generally, I’m happy if I get one or two of those things in a book. The really good ones fire on all those cylinders.
Return Policy is such a book. Although it took a few pages to get my mind set to the unique and interesting way Michael Snyder has chosen to have each of his three main characters tell their own stories, it was well worth the effort.
Return Policy is a great addition to the library of anyone who likes interesting characters, unique settings and a great ending that ties up all the loose ends.
After reading Return Policy and during the course of subsequent correspondence with Michael Snyder, I asked if he would be gracious enough to answer a few questions. He very graciously agreed and following is our electronic ‘conversation’.
CLL: What is the basic background on your writing and what led you to writing as more than a hobby?
MS: My background in writing is pretty simple, actually. Although I’ve always been compelled to create, I didn’t start writing stories until about 2002. Prior to that, my stories rattled around in my brain for my own amusement. I had a few college professors who apparently saw some talent. But frankly, I was more interested in sports and girls and becoming a guitar hero than scribbling prose.
As far as the transition from hobby to profession…I try really hard to still think of it as a hobby, regardless of how much deadlines and royalty statements conspire against me! I really do write to amuse myself first. So I practice as much self-deception as it takes to keep the pressure off. I suppose the more practical (and most direct!) answer is that getting a contract led the “more than hobby” status of my writing.
CLL: Why did you decide to become a writer?
MS: Well, the truth of the matter is it feels like writing chose me instead of the other way around. It felt less like a decision I made than simply surrendering to yet another urge to create. But I will say that my wife (who also happens to be a tremendous first reader) has been instrumental in the process, from her initial encouragement to putting up with the odd hours I sometimes keep.
CLL: Do you have a favorite genre or subject?
MS: When it’s my turn to rule the world I plan to do away with genre distinctions. I know why they exist and will reluctantly admit their value in the industry. But I think genre restrictions oftentimes limit an author’s possibilities. The litmus for me is always good writing, great characters, engaging story, and above all else…some sort of resonance.
If we count “literary” as a genre, then I suppose that would be my favorite. But there seems to be quite a lot of room under that particular umbrella—there’s humor, mystery, romance, intrigue, coming of age, and just about every other story type.
CLL: How did you learn the writing craft?
MS: That’s a great question. Truthfully, I’m still learning. We all are…or at least, we’d better be.
More specifically, I think I’ve learned the most by just reading a ton. I’ve been reading for several decades and writing for less than one. However, once I decided to try my hand at storytelling, I did read 32 books on the craft of writing in the first year alone. At last count, I have more than 80 such titles on my bookshelf.
That said, I don’t “study” them in the more conventional sense. I read, underline, ponder the ideas while driving around town. But I rarely do the prescribed writing exercises or try to memorize rules or anything remotely academic. I just fill my brain up with good writing and good writing advice, then let it percolate a while and see what comes out. I really believe that writing rules and instruction should be relegated to more diagnostic purposes and that our intuition is our best guide.
CLL: All of those writers and aspiring writers are going to want your reading list. Which titles would you recommend first for those of us who might be watching the pennies, but still want to get their hands on good resource materials?
MS: First, libraries are a wonderful resource but oftentimes don’t carry a lot of variety. Also, I’ve heard of several writer’s groups that develop their own mini-library system. Everyone chimes in with books they’re willing to lend and the swapping begins. If you have have ten writers in a group and they all have five or six “unique” books, you can practically earn a college writing degree in a year’s time.
Now on to the answer…
Classics, likely on everyone’s list:
- Stein On Writing – by Sol Stein
- On Writing – by Stephen King
- Bird By Bird – Anne Lamott
- Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
Some other, lesser known, faves:
- The Modern Library’s Workshop-A Guide to the Craft of Fiction by Stephen Koch
- Novelist’s Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes by Raymond Obstfeld
- The Half-Known World: On Writing Fiction by Robert Boswell
- Hooked by Less Edgerton
- By Cunning & Craft by Peter Selgin
- Alone With All That Could Happen by David Jauss
CLL: Has your style evolved over the years, and if so, how?
MS: I hope that I’m getting better all the time. And the evolution for me was more of a conscience decision. The first novel I penned was a mystery with doses of humor and romance. But it wasn’t me. When I finished that novel I realized two things…1) I knew what it took to write and finish a novel, and 2) I didn’t want to write to please anyone else but me.
So…I made the decision to only write exactly what I wanted to write after that. Since I’m a fairly regular guy, chances are that if something amuses or intrigues me, then it should resonate with others in similar ways. So the only criteria I employ these days are: Do I care about these people? Does this story move me? Would I recommend it to friends? Does it amuse me?
CLL: Do you have an all-time favorite story that you’ve done?
MS: It’s hard to really call one a favorite. But for the sake of really trying to answer the question, I’m going to say it’s a short story entitled All Healed Up. It was the editor’s choice in the premiere issue of Relief: A Quarterly Christian Expression. This is one of the stories that has story of its own. There was a long online discussion years ago where folks continued to lament the conversion scenes in a lot of CBA novels. At some point, a prominent CBA editor suggested that we have a contest. The only rule was that it had to be a “conversion story,” however this was never actually defined. So in my twisted little brain I heard “Christian conversion” and immediately thought, “Poison toad!” So I set off to write a funny story and amuse all my smart friends participating in the contest.
The story refused to be funny. In fact, it insisted on poignancy instead. I still really like that story quite a bit. Which is cool, since I tend to start disliking stories as soon as I get them written!
CLL: Now I have to ask if All Healed Up can be read anywhere? Is it still available somewhere?
MS: It was originally published in the premier issue of Relief: A Quarterly Christian Expression (Issue 1.1), then later anthologized in their Best Of Relief Volume 1. Back issues should be available at their website: www.reliefjournal.com
CLL: Who are some of your favorite writers (past or present)?
MS: Not necessarily in this order…Nick Hornby, Richard Russo, John Irving, Douglas Coupland, Anne Tyler, Lorrie Moore, Tony Early, Flannery O’Connor, Graham Greene, Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin!)
CLL: How would you like your work to be remembered?
MS: Great question. First and foremost, I’d just be happy if someone remembers my writing at all!
I was thinking about this recently and, although I’m not sure I’ve hit upon the correct answer, I think it’s close. I would like to write characters so real that my readers realize, as their nodding off in bed, that they’ve accidentally been praying for a person I made up.
If your curiosity about Return Policy has been piqued, take a look at the book yourself. It is currently available on Amazon.com, along with Michael’s first book, My Name is Russell Fink.