Interview: Dean John Eadie and Director of Michigan State University's American Studies Program, James McClintock, introduce author Tony Hillerman. McClintock discusses Hillerman’s past occupations and some of his literary works, including mystery novel, A Thief of Time (1988). Hillerman expands upon this discussion with an explanation of his writing process and the origins of some of his ideas for the novel. He explains the development of the characters, plot, and setting, much of which was derived from Hillerman’s experiences with real people and places. The author reads from passages of A Thief of Time to further illustrate his writing process. Upon a question posed from the audience, Hillerman voices his reaction to the transition of his novels to film. He responds to a question on the issue of alcoholism among Native Americans, saying that the solution lies in resolving the underlying economic difficulties of the Native American people. He also clarifies some terminology used earlier in his lecture, including “desert varnish” and “sweat baths.” Hillerman discusses the “Blessing Way,” a Navajo religious ceremony, clarifies how journalism affected his ability to write fiction, and finally, responds to a question concerning up and coming authors.