Author Interview with Anna McShane

  1. Tell us something fun about yourself that is not in your author bio.

 

My daughters currently live in three different countries and I’m often in a fourth. We have a WhatsApp family group that often buzzes and pings with lighthearted, fun chit-chat. Morning and evening are the busy times when we’re all awake – and it never ceases to amaze me that we can chat in real time, around the world.

 

  1. What’s one thing you miss from North America when you are on the field, and one thing you miss from the field when you are in North America?

 

Probably the biggest thing I miss when I’m not in North America is clean tap water. I get so tired of boiling or buying bottled water. When I’m back in North America I miss genuine Chinese food – in fact, we rarely eat in Chinese restaurants in the US because we can’t handle how different the food is from REAL Chinese food.

 

  1. What do you think is the benefit of writing and sharing your story?

 

Writing has always been a way to let my mind explore. I write when I’m excited, when I’m angry, when I am sad and lonely, when I’m feeling extremely sarcastic and don’t want to offend someone in person. Writing is a constant companion where I get to do all the talking. As an introvert, writing gives me a voice.

 

  1. How do you create time/space in your life to write?

 

Finding space to write has never been an issue. Much of my adult life I have worked as a writer/editor. I don’t sew, I don’t garden, I don’t do crafts. But I create in my mind while I am working other jobs and then let it flow when my hands hit the computer. Some of my best “writing” happens while I cook, clean house, mow the lawn, or when I’m driving.

 

  1. Where besides Connection can our readers read your writing?

 

www.themissionsblog.org/ SEND International’s blogspot, especially under Missionary life, Short-term missions, and Sending churches

 

  1. What are you reading/listening to now? (especially something that is a helpful resource)

 

  • Insanity of Obedience by Nik Ripkin
  • Why the Rest Hate the West, by Meic Pearse
  • The Daily Walk One Year Bible
  • A Boy’s War by David Michell (reading this on Face Time to grands in Mexico)
  • Stones of Fire by Isabel Kuhn

 

  1. What do you think is the best kept secret out there (in terms of an organization or resource that is useful to global workers)?

 

THRIVE! I’m amazed how many women have never heard of THRIVE.

 

  1. Who (dead or alive) would you want as a mentor for life and ministry?

 

I lost my dad when I was in my 30’s. I still miss his wisdom and conversation. He’d been in ministry 60 years when he died and he was a great resource and sounding board.

 

  1. If you could choose a kitchen utensil or appliance that best described YOU, what would you choose and why?

 

I have a very large, very old, cooking spoon in my kitchen that I use every single day. It has teaspoon and tablespoon measures in the bowl of the spoon, is just the right weight, and feels wonderful in your hand. It has traveled around the world. I like the fact that it is solid, sturdy, and multi-functional, and has lasted the test of time. That’s what I want to be!

 

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