Barbara Vartanian
Barbara Vartanian asked Heather Dune Macadam:

Thank you so much for writing 999. I thank you for the incredible work you did to research these young women and the facts surrounding their lives and their fate. How did you find the strength to do this work?

Heather Dune Macadam Oh, what an interesting question but you imply that I had the strength myself, and I think the strength came from Edith and the families connected with this amazing story. Edith is a force of nature. She pulses with energy and she had such confidence in me that I had to!
In fact, I tried to avoid writing this story for almost 10 years before my husband looked at me and said, "This isn't just a documentary. You have to write the book!"
I rarely do what he tells me to, but I am grateful I did (for once!).
I do get a bit like a hound dog around research and find it very hard to let go once I find the scent, not sure that is strength either. I might just be stubborn! The hardest part was letting it go to press because even now there is information coming in that enhances the story. I have actually been contacted by three more women, who survived and are alive today! And other families have contacted me with information and photos of girls who did not survive. That takes strength for sure. Thank you again for your kind words and for appreciating the hard work that went into 999. Bless you and your family. Did you see the website for the documentary? We are editing now! HDx

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more