Writing Samples
On this page you can read some samples of my work—a few recent and a few favorites. Many are available for reprint. If you are interested in reprinting one of my pieces please send me an email to find out about permission, rates and availability.
Where to Stay chapter
Fodor's, 2009
From small city inns to large convention hotels, I saw it all as I wrote the “Where to Stay” chapter for Fodor’s Washington, D.C., 2009. I once again explore the world of wake-up calls and mini toiletries for the forthcoming 2010 book.
Second Home: They Build It and Now Everybody Comes
Wondertime, October 2008
At our house, it’s not the red and yellow leaves that signal the arrival of fall; it’s the sight of power tools charging in the kitchen, the Michigan pine branches that arrive on our Washington, D.C., doorstep, and, most significantly, my son’s plastic hard hat. When Gabriel, 5, starts dressing like one of the Village People, it’s time to start building.
Available for reprint
Fodor's
Fodor's, various
In addition to contributing to Fodor’s Washington, DC 2008 guide I also write hotel reviews for fodors.com. Click below to read some of my reviews for the site’s “Hot List.”
The Art of Marriage
Jewish Woman Magazine, Summer 2008
Ketubah creativity is flourishing thanks to the Internet, digital technology and the wildly creative minds of artists.
Playgroup Pitfalls
American Baby, May 2007
Should you stay or go? Here’s how to decide—and what to say if you’re going.
My newborn son, who had never fallen asleep during daylight hours, drifted off just as I pulled up. Once inside, I marveled through my sleep-deprived haze at how the other moms not only managed to arrive on time but did so showered and in spit-up-free outfits. “Welcome to playgroup,” I heard someone say. In response I tried to be polite and not burst into tears.
Available for reprint.
Why Preschool Matters
Parents, February 2007
Childhood experts agree: Attending a high-quality program prepares kids for kindergarten and beyond. But finding the best option for your child takes time and research. To get you started, we’ve answered your biggest questions…
Available for reprint.
Our Favorite Places: Pearl S. Buck House
Pages, January/February 2007
Charles Snyder credits Pearl S. Buck with leading him to his family. In 1965, Snyder and his wife moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where the Nobel-and Pulitzer-Prize winning author made her American home from 1935 to 1970. Snyder learned about the writer’s foundation and her passionate work on behalf of international children and adoption in the years before and after his move. Seven years later, the couple adopted their daughter from Korea and nine months later they had a biological son.
“I always felt Pearl Buck gave us the perfect family and, after retiring, I wanted to help tell her story,” says Snyder who also runs the organization’s book discussion group. And that is exactly what the former high-school librarian is doing…
Available for reprint