Ruth L. Snyder, Bestselling Author, International Speaker, Creativity and Book Coach, RLS Creativity
Ruth is on a mission, determined to help entrepreneurs, coaches, and other "knowledgepreneurs" get clients and build their community. She guides entrepreneurs along the book writing journey, providing a framework and time-saving tips to help them get a quality book written, published, and into the hands of readers.
Ruth has shared her expertise on platforms like Thrive Global, Women in Publishing, Authority Magazine, The Write Coach, and Author Audience Academy. In addition, she guides people through practical steps that make writing a book an attainable goal.
She is dedicated to making sure her clients are in the eight percent of people who successfully get their books written, published, and into the hands of eager readers.
Ruth's clients write their book outline in a day. Then, they go on to write their first draft in 30 days. In six months or less, powerful books are birthed, and authors are holding their published books in their hands. "Ruth makes the seemingly impossible feel attainable with her easy-to-follow steps." Ruth's own childhood experiences of living and growing up in southern Africa and learning from her parents, who served as missionaries, is why she is so passionate about helping people find their unique message and turning it into a book.
During her time in Africa, she attended school in three different countries – South Africa, Botswana, and Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe). Her favourite childhood memories include camping in Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park, visiting Victoria Falls, and falling asleep to the rhythm of rain pelting their tin roof. In 1977, her family moved to Canada, settling in Three Hills, Alberta.
Ruth enjoyed her years as a "staff kid" at Prairie and is grateful for the biblical grounding she received there while attending Prairie Junior High and Prairie High School. She returned to attend Prairie Bible College, graduating with a Bachelor of Religious Education degree.
She now resides close to Bonnyville, Alberta. Ruth enjoys writing articles, devotionals, short stories, and Christian fiction. She has had pieces published in.
Testimony.
Chicken Soup for the Soul.
The Upper Room.
FellowScript.
Her publication credits also include three novelettes:
Cecile's Christmas Miracle.
Shadows and Sunshine.
Life Lessons.
A devotional booklet:
Uplifting Devotionals for Parents.
A devotional equipped:
Ephesians 6 Devotionals to Empower and Make You Victorious in Everyday Struggles.
And some books on using Twitter effectively:
Learn Twitter: 10 Beginning Steps.
Learn Twitter: 10 Intermediate Steps.
Twitter Decoded.
Ruth currently serves on the executive of InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship. Ruth's children have taught her many things about living with special needs. She is a strong advocate and spent several years serving as a school board trustee on the local public school board. Her work experience includes Chamber Maid at Bow View Motor Lodge, Customer Service Representative and Assistant Manager of Prairie Book Room, Legal Secretary, Educational Assistant, Customer Service Representative at Debby's Nook, School Board Trustee, Editor for the Alberta Piano Teacher's Association, Editor for Region 7 Child and Family Services, Piano Teacher, Writer, Workshop Leader, and Speaker.
Her volunteer experience includes work with: Ross Haven Bible Camp, AWANA, and Whitney Lake Bible Camp. In addition, teaching Sunday School, church pianist and choir director, Glendon Catering Club, Glendon School Council, Glendon Playground and Park Society, InScribe Christian Writers' Fellowship, and Foster/Adopt Children Today (FACT).
Ruth loved her job teaching Music for Young Children. She is fascinated by children's imaginations and enjoys helping young children learn the basics of music through play.
Ruth enjoys speaking and sharing about writing, about what she’s learning in her walk with God, and about her experiences as a parent of children with special needs. Ruth enjoys reading, crafts, volunteering in her local community, photography, and travel in her spare time. Several years ago, Ruth and her family travelled through 28 States in 30 days!
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Twitter and Facebook are my favourites. I initially used Twitter as my mini-blog when my five children were ages one to eleven, and I didn't have much time for writing. Twitter taught me how to communicate clearly and succinctly. I also discovered Twitter could be powerful for connection building and political advocacy. Learn Twitter is the first book I wrote.
I started on Facebook because it was easy to connect with my family members who literally live worldwide. Facebook Pages and Facebook Groups are powerful ways to connect with people and share information.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I currently help entrepreneurs write, publish, and profit from their books. The publishing world has changed drastically since I signed my first publishing contract. At that time, most authors submitted proposals by mail and waited months for an answer. Since then, self-publishing has exploded, offering more options (and more pitfalls) for writers.
Most writers want to write and are not interested in keeping up with current trends. Few writers think about marketing before their book is published. Twitter Spaces is one of the tools I've been focusing on lately. I'm exploring opportunities to get clients and build community through spaces. My weekly Twitter Space is titled How to Build Global Communities in 2022 Using Twitter Spaces.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I love learning, following current trends, and using technology. I also enjoy marketing/building relationships and helping meet people's needs. My children, who have special needs, have taught me how to break tasks into small achievable steps.
Whether it's helping a client write a first draft in 30 days, walking someone through the steps of getting a manuscript professionally published, or developing and executing a personalized marketing plan, I'm able to help people stay focused and reach their objectives.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is celebrating when a client holds their new book in their hands. And then listening as they tell me about lives that are changed by their book.
Time on Twitter Spaces is a treat for me. I enjoy meeting people worldwide, including my co-host from Australia, Keith Keller, and our global correspondent from Saudi Arabia, Khadeeja. Spaces offer opportunities to connect and collaborate instantly. Every week I interview a different guest. I feel like our conversations are a gift because I learn so much.
One of my goals is to help other authors and entrepreneurs discover and harness the amazing opportunities available on Twitter Spaces.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Several years ago, I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Her friend challenged her to write down three things every day for which she was grateful. I adopted that practice and have discovered gratitude transforms every day into a celebration.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Stories of people triumphing through adversity have always inspired me. My children, who all have some level of special needs, are a great inspiration to me and have motivated me to become the best I can be. They turned me into a passionate advocate and communicator. In addition, my faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ keep me grounded.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I'm proud of my children. I'm grateful I was able to advocate for and help construct two playgrounds in our community. I'm proud I was able to stand up to abuse and build a healthier life for myself and my children. Finally, I'm grateful I can participate in so many activities I enjoy and that I can empower others to share their message with the world.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I enjoy attending events, in-person and virtual. One of my favourite things to do is to listen to people's stories and learn from them.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I'm told I'm a good listener, someone who knows how to get a job done, compassionate, organized, a risk-taker, and a lifelong learner.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I wish I had known that failure is one of life's best teachers, and it's not only okay to fail, but we should try things where we will fail so that we can learn and be stretched in ways we wouldn't be otherwise. This is a lesson I'm still learning.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles, and why?
I most admire people who use their gifts, abilities, and passions to serve others while also making a living. Unfortunately, that seems to be a difficult balance to achieve.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
My children and grandchildren keep me young and laughing. In addition, I enjoy music/singing, playing the piano, capturing beauty through my camera lens (and more recently through a paintbrush), my cat, travelling, and spending time with new and old friends.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
The pandemic has forced all of us to be more creative in getting work done. I'm grateful I'm able to do most of my work virtually. However, I missed out on three wonderful travel/in-person speaking opportunities because of the pandemic. Maybe I wouldn't have invested so much time in Twitter Spaces if it weren't for the pandemic?
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I'm grateful I've had many wonderful mentors in my life. Currently, Adam Houge is my mentor. He is pushing me out of my comfort zone, including building relationships with influencers and helping me explore an opportunity to produce a film. I love mentoring others. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself."
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
I would caution people that being an entrepreneur is not an easy road. It is often lonely and discouraging, and you will work harder than if you work for someone else. However, it is well worth the effort. You will have more choices, more opportunities, and learn more about yourself.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
I think most people fail because they give up. Of course, as an entrepreneur, you will fail, but failure isn't permanent unless you give up.
Is there a phrase, quote, or a saying that you really like?
"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." - Benjamin Franklin.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like, or do you think are getting it right?
I appreciate companies like TenTree and Samsung, NEXT, and support initiatives like Operation Christmas Child. Too often, those of us in North America are selfish and lack a global perspective on issues.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I had the privilege of working with a school board trustee who defined success as being personally happy and publicly useful. I agree. In my early years, I lived among many people who barely had enough food to eat, yet they were happy and generous. I learned early in my life that money does not equal happiness.
I have learned that you can choose to turn painful life events into opportunities to serve others. I experienced infertility and miscarriage at a time when I desperately wanted children. I'm grateful for adoption and my kids with special needs, who have taught me more about love and advocacy than most people ever get to experience. They also taught me about the power of community. I could not have raised them alone.
I have learned that cooperation and collaboration take you much further in your business than the competition. Working with other authors and entrepreneurs is a privilege.