Seldom Disappointed

1. From Oklahoma farm boy to Navajo Tribal Police novelist

"Mama's philosophy kicked in. Just a test, after all. Something to endure. Make the best of it. It doesn't last forever. And then comes the Last Great Adventure."

Humble beginnings: Tony Hillerman grew up on a farm in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, during the Great Depression. His childhood was marked by poverty but also by a strong sense of family and community. The Hillerman household, though financially strained, was rich in love, storytelling, and resilience.

Formative experiences: Hillerman's early life exposed him to Native American culture, particularly through his education at St. Mary's Academy, where he interacted with Potawatomi students. This early exposure, combined with his parents' teachings about respect for all people, laid the foundation for his later interest in and sensitivity to Native American cultures, especially the Navajo.

Journey to writing: Hillerman's path to becoming a novelist was indirect. He served in World War II, worked as a journalist, and taught at the University of New Mexico before publishing his first Navajo Tribal Police novel, "The Blessing Way," in 1970. His unique background, combining rural Oklahoma upbringing with wartime experiences and journalistic training, provided a rich tapestry of experiences that would inform his writing.

2. Military service shapes worldview and writing style

"Even now as I write this it occurs to me how I had been used, with neither my knowledge nor consent, in a medical experiment."

World War II experiences: Hillerman served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was severely wounded in combat. This experience profoundly impacted his worldview and later influenced his writing.

Lessons from war:

• The fragility of life and the randomness of survival
• The complex nature of human behavior under extreme circumstances
• The importance of camaraderie and trust among comrades

Impact on writing: Hillerman's wartime experiences shaped his narrative style, characterized by:

• Attention to detail in describing landscapes and human behavior
• A nuanced understanding of violence and its consequences
• An ability to create tension and suspense in his stories

3. Journalism career hones storytelling skills

"Journalism is a small world where word spreads fast in the network."

Journalistic training: After the war, Hillerman pursued a career in journalism, working for various newspapers and eventually becoming executive editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Skills developed:

• Concise and clear writing
• Fact-checking and research
• Observing and reporting human behavior
• Meeting deadlines and working under pressure

Transition to fiction: Hillerman's journalistic background provided him with:

• A keen eye for detail and accuracy in his novels
• The ability to craft engaging, fact-based narratives
• A network of contacts and experiences to draw from in his writing

4. Academic journey leads to unexpected literary success

"I was now a student. In 1963 neither civil rights laws nor Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation covered that bottom of the barrel category of citizenship."

Return to academia: In his late thirties, Hillerman returned to university life, pursuing graduate studies in English at the University of New Mexico. This decision was partly motivated by a desire to improve his writing skills and partly by the need for a stable income to support his growing family.

Teaching career: Hillerman became a professor of journalism at the University of New Mexico, where he taught for many years. This position allowed him to:

• Refine his understanding of writing techniques
• Interact with young, diverse students
• Balance his academic work with his burgeoning career as a novelist

Unexpected success: While teaching, Hillerman began writing his Navajo Tribal Police novels. The success of these books gradually eclipsed his academic career, leading him to focus more on writing. This transition from academia to full-time novelist was not planned but evolved organically as his books gained popularity.

5. Creating Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee: Birth of iconic characters

"Thus I produce Jim Chee, younger, much less assimilated, more traditional, just the man I needed."

Joe Leaphorn: Hillerman's first Navajo detective, introduced in "The Blessing Way" (1970). Leaphorn is:

• Older, more experienced
• Educated with a master's degree in anthropology
• More assimilated into mainstream American culture
• Logical and skeptical of traditional Navajo beliefs

Jim Chee: Introduced later as a counterpoint to Leaphorn in "People of Darkness" (1980). Chee is:

• Younger, less experienced
• More traditional in his Navajo beliefs and practices
• Studying to become a Navajo medicine man
• Struggling to balance his traditional beliefs with his role as a police officer

Character dynamics: The contrasting personalities and approaches of Leaphorn and Chee allow Hillerman to explore:

• The tension between traditional and modern Navajo life
• Different perspectives on crime-solving and justice
• The complexity of Navajo culture and its interaction with the broader American society

6. Navajo culture: A central element in Hillerman's mysteries

"I set about to dent this ignorance by moving Leaphorn a hundred miles south to the Zuni Reservation."

Cultural immersion: Hillerman dedicated significant time and effort to understanding Navajo culture, beliefs, and practices. This involved:

• Extensive reading of anthropological and historical texts
• Personal interactions with Navajo people
• Visits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas

Integrating culture into plots: Hillerman's mysteries are distinguished by their integration of Navajo cultural elements:

• Traditional beliefs and ceremonies
• Navajo clan system and social structures
• Landscape and geography of the Navajo Nation
• Conflicts between traditional and modern ways of life

Educational aspect: Through his novels, Hillerman aimed to:

• Educate readers about Navajo culture and history
• Challenge stereotypes about Native Americans
• Highlight the complexities of life on the reservation

7. The challenge of writing authentic Native American stories

"I have been known to claim that Chee was the product of an artistic need, and that is partly true."

Authenticity concerns: As a non-Native author writing about Navajo culture, Hillerman faced challenges in ensuring authenticity and avoiding cultural appropriation.

Research and relationships: To address these challenges, Hillerman:

• Conducted extensive research on Navajo culture and history
• Developed relationships with Navajo individuals who could provide insights and feedback
• Approached the culture with respect and humility

Balancing act: Hillerman had to navigate:

• Providing enough cultural detail to be authentic without overwhelming readers
• Respecting cultural taboos and sensitive information
• Portraying the Navajo as complex individuals rather than stereotypes

8. Balancing commercial success with cultural sensitivity

"I am sure there are writers self-confident enough to forget this. What does this old babe know? But that was not to be for me."

Commercial pressures: As Hillerman's books gained popularity, he faced pressure to:

• Produce novels more frequently
• Cater to reader expectations
• Simplify cultural elements for a broader audience

Maintaining integrity: Despite these pressures, Hillerman strived to:

• Maintain accuracy and respect for Navajo culture
• Continue learning and improving his understanding of the culture
• Address criticism and feedback from Native readers and scholars

Recognition: Hillerman's efforts were recognized by:

• The Navajo Tribal Council, which named him a "Special Friend of the Dineh"
• Critical acclaim for his portrayal of Navajo culture
• A dedicated readership that appreciated the cultural authenticity of his work

9. Hollywood adaptations: Triumphs and tribulations

"Producers of films tend to involve writers of books in the moviemaking process as little as possible, for the sensible reason that it's hard enough to make a film without having an interested amateur meddling in the process."

Film and TV adaptations: Several of Hillerman's novels were adapted for the screen, including:

• "The Dark Wind" (1991 film)
• "Skinwalkers" (2002 TV movie)
• "Coyote Waits" (2003 TV movie)
• "A Thief of Time" (2004 TV movie)

Challenges: Hillerman experienced typical author frustrations with adaptations:

• Limited input on script and casting decisions
• Changes to plot and characters to fit the visual medium
• Balancing authenticity with commercial appeal

Positive outcomes: Despite challenges, the adaptations:

• Increased visibility for Hillerman's work
• Brought Navajo culture to a wider audience
• Provided opportunities for Native American actors and crew members

10. Family life and personal experiences fuel literary inspiration

"Marie had more confidence in my writing than I did."

Supportive family: Hillerman's wife, Marie, and their six children (including five adopted) played a crucial role in his writing career:

• Marie encouraged him to pursue writing full-time
• Family experiences provided inspiration for characters and situations
• The demands of raising a large family taught him discipline and time management

Personal experiences as inspiration:

• Hillerman's wartime experiences informed his understanding of violence and human nature
• His journalism career provided a wealth of real-life stories and characters
• Living in New Mexico exposed him to the landscape and cultures that became central to his novels

Writing process: Hillerman's approach to writing was shaped by:

• The need to balance family life with his writing career
• A journalistic approach to research and fact-checking
• A commitment to continuous learning and improvement in his craft

Last updated: October 1, 2024