Norman Gilliland began his first book at age 11 and has set it aside temporarily to work on some other things.

Now it’s done! It’s called IF YOU HAVE TIME. Pick it up and it will set you down in a place where centuries collide.

He has written five other books: The award-winning historical novel SAND MANSIONS; its stand-alone suspense sequel, MIDNIGHT CATCH; plus the adventure romance DOWNEAST LEDGE. He’s also written two books about classical music, GRACE NOTES FOR A YEAR, and SCORES TO SETTLE.

He’s also produced the first dramatized audio version of the complete BEOWULF as well as an audio drama version of OEDIPUS REX that recreates the musical theater aspects of the original.

He was in the seven-member cast of Eric Simonson’s film A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin, which won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Short Documentary.

Since 1983, he’s been a producer at Wisconsin Public Radio.

Some “highlights” along the way:

Being deported from Czechoslovakia. A feat never to be repeated since that country no longer exists, although he did finally make it to Prague in October 2016. It was worth the wait!

Being registered as a vagrant in the city of St. Louis.

Canoeing the entire Mississippi River without falling in once.

Cooking dinner for the Vice President of the United States.