Albuquerque, NM

www.latimes.com/features/books/la-me-hillerman28-2008oct28,0,3675913.story

Just learned that Tony Hillerman, a famous “NM” writer, as he spent many years here, died last Sunday. I include the latimes link because it is a beautiful story, as well as you can watch a marvelous video about him, including interviews with Tony Hillerman. I must confess I have not read all 18 books that he has written. I did enjoy his work and all that he did for NM. I once had the fortunate adventure of going to a dinner where he gave a talk. Tony spent many years teaching and loved to discuss writing in a way that inspired many to write. I could have listened to him for hours.
After the talk we all stood in line for an elegant buffet dinner. I look beside me and Tony Hillerman was there. He made some comment about waiting, and I answered him, and then we told a few jokes.
I loved hos down to earth congeniality. He made my evening that much more special. I think he was relieved that I was conversing with him as an ordinary human. Later people waited in line for him to sign books. What I experienced was far deeper for me, merely because it was personal, and we shared a delightful moment.

Please go and read the article and watch the video. What better way to honor a great writer than to listen to him discuss his works. If you love to write, or have aspirations to write, listen to his story, and visit the additional videos on youtube.com. You may gain insight and useful tips that you can add to your secrets and perhaps even improve your writing.

Everyone else, pick up some his paperbacks and just have a great time. We lost a great man. Pray and honor him. Mary