Nina Snyder

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a freelance writer for many years, but I just recently started writing children’s books. I have written five children’s books, but “Good day, Broncos” is the first one to be published. I started writing children’s books to entertain my son, and he is still my favorite audience.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Good day, Broncos” was inspired by the Denver Broncos’ AFC Championship win in January 2014. I live in Denver, and my husband is a huge Broncos fan. He even proposed to me after a Denver Broncos game we went to together. I wrote the book as homage to “Goodnight Moon.” It was originally titled “Goodnight, Broncos” but the images that went with the book were during the daytime. The energy of the game also seemed better suited to a daytime story than a bedtime story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I usually begin writing at 6 a.m. before my son wakes up in the morning. Although I don’t consider myself a morning person, it helps me to start the day fresh and focused. As long as I have a few cups of coffee, of course! Sometimes, if I’m feeling stuck, I also take out a few sheets of paper and start writing longhand. Sitting in front of the computer facing a blank screen is often more intimidating than scribbling on a sheet of paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child, I loved “Flower Fairies of the Garden” by Cicely Mary Barker. The charming illustrations and text even helped me learn the names of flowers. More recent inspirations include “Do Princesess Wear Hiking Boots?” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and “A Troop is a Group of Monkeys” by Julie Hedlund. Both picture books are by Colorado authors, which inspired me to focus on the local market.

What are you working on now?
I am working on “The ABCs of Balls,” an ABC book with photos of balls in all different shapes and sizes. I plan to publish both an e-book and a print edition for this title after getting my feet wet with “Good day, Broncos.” Due to the differences in British and American English over the word “football,” I plan to release different editions for the two markets.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have promoted my book on my blog, and also through the tools that Kindle offers for free books. Social media has helped me get the word out to my friends and family. I also write a blog about Denver, which helps me to reach the Denver market.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, but be open to constructive criticism. Writers need to develop a thick skin due to the sheer amount of rejection involved. However, accept criticism that is helpful when it comes to your work. Although children’s books look like they are easy to write, I have revised my work much more than I thought I would.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“To thine own self be true” — William Shakespeare . Writers especially need to be true to themselves and find their unique voice. I think it’s difficult to remember that everyone has a story to tell, and to not worry about an audience until you’ve find your voice.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a murder mystery, “Spiced to Death” by British author Peter King, which features the adventures of the Gourmet Detective. The intrepid detective travels around the world investigating cases related to gourmet food. The latest adventure involves the discovery of Ko Feng, an ancient spice thought to have died out thousands of years ago. I love the series, although I admit it usually makes me hungry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on two picture book manuscripts that require illustrations. I hope to either submit them to a traditional publishing house, or contract with freelance illustrators to complete the work. One picture book is nonfiction, and the other book is fiction, so I have to switch gears a little bit when working on both of them at the same time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring “The Life of Pi” to keep me occupied, and also for survival tips! I would also bring “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers and “Tender is the Night” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nina Snyder Website

Nina Snyder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account