Mystery Writer Tony Hillerman Dies at 83

Tony Hillerman authored 30 novels. Five were turned into movies. Orginally from Oklahoma, Hillerman became a journalist in New Mexico after returning from World War II. He says his experience as a reporter taught him not only how to write, but how to find information.

He was attracted to the culture of the reservations and wrote about fictional Navajo lawmen Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.

He loved sharing tips on writing and said young writers should expect to write one million words before they would be taken seriously by publishers.




Sen. Pete Domenici said his longtime friend "almost singlehandly introduced the world to the magesty and spirit of the American Indian culture in the four corners area. "

I met Mr. Hillerman, not as a journalism student at UNM, where he taught for 21 years, but at my parent's church. He was always a gentlemen. I know his daughter, food critic and writing coach Anne Hillerman. This morning we send our condolences to the family and our prayers for his spirit.

Hillerman was 83.