Originally from Los Angeles, Russell Snyder has spent the last 30+ years writing articles, publishing books, copywriting and giving lectures for a living. His latest ebook I, Helsinki – A Finland Visitor’s Guide has just been published. The author explained what the book is all about.

Klaava Media: Tell us about your new book.
Russell Snyder: Well, I thought the best way to enlighten people about Helsinki was to give her a voice. So she tells visitors a bit about herself, and then informs travelers what to see and do. It’s a sort of idea book.

KL: Is the book meant to inform or entertain?
RS: A bit of both. The information is there, of course, but hopefully Helsinki explains things in an amusing way. She suggests 99 ideas, and there are over 100 photos.

KL: What other books have you published?
RS: My other ebooks are: The Lighter Side of Finland (The world’s funniest Finnish guidebook), and Analysis of the Finnish Tango (flash fiction about Finland). I’ve also published textbooks and several Finnish guidebooks, including a coffee table book called Finland – It Works.

KL: What has it been like living in Finland?
RS: There have been ups and downs. Fortunately, more ups than downs. I’ve had the opportunity to travel around Finland and experience a great deal of what this country has to offer. I’ve found that if you make the effort and are willing to get out of your comfort zone, Finland will not disappoint you.

KL: What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in the Helsinki region?
RS: I enjoy cycling, walking, hiking, picnicking, swimming in the sea, and barbequing during the summer. Skiing, indoor swimming, going to the gym, and visiting museums during the other months. And I like going to parties and celebrations anytime of the year.

KL: You have recently got a Kindle Fire tablet. How do you like it?
RS: I previously owned a very simple Kindle ereader, and at first the Kindle Fire confused me a bit. But now I love the color images, and appreciate being able to surf the Internet or check my email in between reading a book.

KL: How about your next book?
RS: Most probably another book about Finland. Let’s see.

More details about the book and sample chapters available here.