Tony Hillerman Inspired Me to Write The Amish-Country Mysteries

My wife and I had lunch once with author Tony Hillerman.  He was as friendly and helpful as any author I’ve met.  I credit him with igniting my interest in fiction because when I commented to him that I had written scientific books and articles (I was a college chemistry professor for 31 years), he remarked that if I really wanted a challenge I should “try my hand at fiction.”  I took that challenge seriously and began writing what became The Amish-Country Mysteries as a way to illuminate Amish culture just as Hillerman had done for Navajo culture. 

Hillerman was right.  Not only is fiction more difficult than science, it is also more engaging.  I think that if more people knew how much fun it is, we’d have more authors of fiction.  In my opinion, fiction is an author’s grandest journey and highest accomplishment.  If you’ve been thinking you’d like to “try your hand at fiction,” my advice is to get started right away.  The journey is as satisfying as the destination.