June 18, 2009

Anne McDonald: Let's get started. I'll open up in prayer, go over protocol, and then introduce tonight's guest. Hopefully those in severe thunderstorm areas are able to log on safely 

Lord, thank You so much for loving us so much; for Your grace and mercy. Please be with us tonight as we learn more about our craft. Bless each participant and especially tonight's guest. Please take our gifts and use them for Your purposes. Please be with those in the path of severe weather; keep them safe. In Jesus' name, Amen 

Protocol reminder: When the floor is open to questions, please raise your hand by typing ? for questions, ! for comments and wait to be called on in turn. To keep us from stepping on each others' toes, please type ga when you have finished entering your text. ga = go ahead 

Tonight's guest has quite a colorful background that has given her a unique voice in her books. Please welcome Jeanette Windle. Jeanette, so glad you could come tonight.  

*Annie leads the applause 

Jeanette Windle: It's a pleasure to be here with you. First time on chat. 

Anne McDonald: Jeanette, could you give us a brief glimpse into your international experiences? 

Jeanette Windle: Sure. I am a missionary kid, missionary, journalist and suspense novelist. I've lived in 6 countries, traveled in 30+ just about to add my last continent going to Kenya. Currently in Lancaster, PA, where husband is president of international mission which is adding many new countries to our lives. 

Anne McDonald: Your latest release is set in Afghanistan. How long did it take you to research Veiled Freedom?  

Jeanette Windle: It took about three months to start, then constant research while writing. A trip to Afghanistan, more research. Am still researching now as I am writing the sequel. I have constant communication on the ground as well as news alerts, blogs, and other research items will keep quiet.  

Anne McDonald: What is the biggest challenge in researching your stories? 

Jeanette Windle: In Afghanistan the biggest challenge was the country itself. The story is so huge, the problems so great, and the spiritual warfare of writing the hardest I have ever encountered. I think the research and getting a country right, understanding the issues, the people, the pain, and the hope is always a huge challenge. And getting under the surface, which has taken me a lot of strange places, and allowed me to meet and interview some very strange characters.