Daniel Serafin Lliteras (born July 13, 1949) is an
American author best known for his spiritual novels.
Early life
Lliteras was born in the Bronx,
New York on July 13, 1949, to Serafin (Frank) and America (Mecca) Lliteras. Originally from
Puerto Rico, his father received a bachelor's degree from
Emory University (LaGuardia Aeronautical School) in aircraft design in 1959 and worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1971. His mother, also from Puerto Rico, received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the
University of Miami in 1965 and worked for the state of Florida until her retirement in 1991 as the Rehabilitation Nurse Supervisor of
Dade and
Monroe County, Florida
Workers' Compensation.
Lliteras attended
St. Athanasius in the South Bronx until 1959 at which time his family relocated to Miami, Florida. His interest in the theater was sparked by Robin Werner, a teacher at Riviera Junior High School, who encouraged him to join the cast of the University of Miami
Shakespeare Festival, where he served as a member during the summers of 1964 and 1965. He graduated from
Southwest Miami High School in 1967. During his teen years, Lliteras worked evenings as an orderly at Baptist Hospital. His extra-curricular activities included wrestling, track, and gymnastics. He was offered a gymnastics scholarship to the
U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, but instead enlisted in the
U. S. Navy and volunteered for Medical Service Duty (
Hospital Corpsman).[1][2][3]
Vietnam
After completing Navy
basic training and the U.S.
Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois, he served aboard the
USS Canopus (AS-34), home-ported in
Rota, Spain from February 1968 to June 1968. He attended Field Medical Service School in
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in June and July 1968. In May 1969, he was ordered to the
First Marine Division,
FMF, Vietnam. Upon arrival in Vietnam in July 1969, he volunteered to join the
1st Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division, where he served as a
combat corpsman and
diver until July 1970. Midway through his tour, he attended diver training in
Subic Bay, Philippines. During his tour in Vietnam, Lliteras participated in twenty long-range
reconnaissance patrols deep within enemy-held territory. He also participated in eighty combat dives, eighty bridge checks, three river sweeps, five
body recoveries, and three weapons recoveries. He was awarded a
Bronze Star Medal (with
combat “V”).[1][2][3]
Education and employment
After his discharge from the Navy, Lliteras attended
Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida on the
GI bill, majoring in theater. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. Upon being awarded an
assistantship at the School of Theater's publicity department, he entered the Masters of Fine Arts program at Florida State University School of Theatre. A member of
Phi Kappa Phi honor society, he graduated in 1976 with a Masters of Fine Arts in directing. Afterward, he briefly served on the faculty, where he taught courses in acting, directing, and
William Shakespeare's style.[1][2][3]
In 1979, Lliteras was admitted into the U. S. Merchant Marines' Calhoun MEBA Engineering School in Baltimore, Maryland and subsequently served aboard Edgar M. Queeny. In 1980, he taught at Rutledge College (now
University of South Carolina) in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a proprietary business school. In 1981, he received a commission in the U.S. Navy and became a
deep sea diving and
marine salvage officer. He attended the
Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida in September 1981, and later served aboard
USS Preserver, sailing from
Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia. In 1985, he resigned his commission to become a firefighter for the city of Norfolk, graduating academically at the top of his firefighting class in 1986. He received the Medal of Honor from the Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services in February, 1998 for exceptional action in the line of duty in the saving of life and retired in 2000 after suffering a heart attack on a fire scene.[1][2][3]
Written works
Lliteras's
Haiku,
poetry, and
short stories have appeared in many national and international
journals and
anthologies. His first book
publication, In a Warrior’s Romance (1991), includes Haiku and photographs reflecting his experiences in Vietnam.[8] A source of its originality stems from it being the first major application of Haiku to the subject of war.[9] His first three novels, collectively known as the Llewellen Trilogy, trace the spiritual journey of Robert Llewellen, a man who learns how to escape, not from life, but into life.[10] The trilogy includes In the Heart of Things (1992),[11]Into the Ashes (1993),[12] and Half Hidden by Twilight (1994).[13] In his novel 613 West Jefferson (2001), Lliteras revisited the theme of Vietnam through the character of Richard Santos, a returning veteran who encounters fringe elements of the
counter-culture in a north Florida town.[14]
Lliteras is best known for his
biblical novels,[15] which include The Thieves of Golgotha (1998),[16]Judas the Gentile (1999),[17]Jerusalem’s Rain (2003),[18]The Silence of John (2005),[19] and The Master of Secrets (2007).[20]
A book about his firefighting experiences, Flames and Smoke Visible: A Fire Fighter’s Tale, was published in 2012.[21]
In 2015, his novel entitled Viet Man was published.[22]
Personal life
In 1971, Lliteras married Kathleen Touchstone, a retired educator and author of numerous scholarly works. She dedicated her book, Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics, to her husband.[23]
Publications
Books
In a Warrior’s Romance (1991) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., poetry-photography, trade paper
ISBN1878901052
In the Heart of Things (1992) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper
In the Heart of Things (2006) (Russian) Moscow, Russia: Gayatri Publishing, fiction, trade paper
Into the Ashes (1993) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper
Half Hidden by Twilight (1994) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper (Kindle, Nook)
The Thieves of Golgotha (1998) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Nook)
Judas the Gentile (1999) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Kindle, Nook)
Judas (2001) (Italian) São Paulo Edizioni, Italy, fiction, trade paper
613 West Jefferson (2001) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Kindle, Nook)
Happy 10, The Happy Organization Publisher, New York (1998) “Under the Rain”
In Good Company, Live Wire Press (1999) “The Cleansing Ritual”; (2000) “Big Cities Have Many Colors” (2001) “Turning Things Off”; (2002) “An Abstract Heretic”; (2005) “In a Dream”; (2008) “The Theatre”; (2009) “The Left Ascension” and “Monkey Man”; (2010) “The Horseshoe Crab”
Ruehlmann, Bill (2001). “As This Book Tells All of Us, We’re a Collection of Stories [In Good Company (2000)]” The Virginian-Pilot, Aug. 26.
^Barry, Julian (1975). “Lenny”. Florida Flambeau, Oct. 31, p. 9.
^Oppenheim, Rick (1975). “Lenny: The Second Coming”. New Look: Entertainment News, Vol. 1 No. 6, pp. 16-18.
^Schweitzer, Leonard (1976). “Studio Theatre Adapts Williams Play Well”. Florida Flambeau, Feb 23, p. 6.
“Tennessee Williams Play Opens Tonight at Studio Theatre” (1976). Florida Flambeau, Feb 18, p.5.
Oppenheim, Rick (1976). “Theatre Review [Two for the Seesaw]”. Tallahassee Democrat, Aug 7, p. 17.
^Helm, Christopher (1974). “Houston-Keyed Steambath Another Reunion Winner” Bayou City Banner, Sep 20-26, p. 9.
Holmes, Ann (1974). “Steambath Washes Well After First Act”. Houston Chronicle, p. 8, section 3.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). The New York Times, Dec 4, p. 37D.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). Voice, Dec 19, p. 108.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). New York Magazine, Dec 19, p. 22.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1991). In a Warrior’s Romance. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN978-1878901057
Need, Robert S. (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Vietnam Magazine, Oct: pp. 50, 52.
“Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]” (1991). Zen Mountain Monastery, New York: Mountain Record, Fall: p. 82.
“Fire Fighter, Soldier, Poet” (1992). International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO/CLC: International Fire Fighter, June–July Vol. 75 (4): p. 34.
“D. S. Lliteras [In a Warrior’s Romance]” (1992). Viet Nam Generation, Summer-Fall Vol. 4 (3-4): p. 21.
Bartlett, Tom (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Leatherneck, May Vol. LXXIV (5): p. 75.
Leepson, Marc (1991). “Arts of War [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. The VVA Veteran, Apr: p. 22.
Leepson, Marc (1993). “Norfolk’s Verbal Theme Park [Interview]”. The VVA Veteran, Sep: pp. 41-42.
Buchanan, Rosemarie (1993). “Writing Helps Some Veterans Come to Terms with War”. The Virginian-Pilot, Aug 8: pp. A1, A8.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1991). “Between the Violence [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star, February 24: pp. J1, J2.
Turner, Vernon (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. New Frontier, Jul-Aug: p. 36.
Hammond, Margo (1991). “The Voices of Soldiers Echo across Many Wars [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. St. Petersburg Times, Jan 27: p. 7D.
Perez-Cotto, Marilyn (1991). “Los Veteranos del Vietnam Ahora Comienzan A Contar Sus Experiencias” El Diario, Junio 10: pp. 8A, 12A.
Perry, Clarke (1992). “FSU Grad’s War Memoir is a Collection of Moving Images”. Florida Flambeau, June 25: p. 11.
Lindstrom, Andy (1992). “Snapshots and Verse Tell His War Story [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Tallahassee Democrat, May 3: pp. 1G, 9G.
^Reichhold, Jane (1991). “Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Modern Haiku, Fall, Vol. XXII (3).
Bittle-DeLapa, Mary Lou (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Nagoya, Japan: Ko Journal: p. 34.
Reichhold, Jane (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Mirrors-in the spirit of haiku-, Winter.
^Jones, Walter (2002). “Analysis of D. S. Lliteras’ Trilogy: In the Heart of Things; Into the Ashes; Half Hidden by Twilight”. Viet Nam War Generation Journal, Apr, Vol. 1 (4): pp. 110-16.
Need, Robert Stanley (1995). “From the Bookshelf [Llewellyn Trilogy]”. The Paperback Forum March: p. 35.
“Interview with D. S. Lliteras” (1995). The Paperback Forum, Nov: p. 3.
Pinkham, Laurie Joy (1996). “Visionary Fiction: A Conversation with Four Authors [Interview]”. Convergence Summer: pp. 24-27.
Newman, John (1996). Vietnam War Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Imaginative Works about Americans Fighting in Vietnam 3rd Edition, Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
ISBN0810831848.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1992). In the Heart of Things Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781878901224.
Lliteras, D. S. (2006). In the Heart of Things (Russian) Moscow, Russia: Gayatri Publishing.
Morton, James (1992). “Book Review [In the Heart of Things]”. The Kerouac Connection, Winter (34) 1992: 33-35.
Reichhold, Jane (1992). “Book Review [In the Heart of Things]”. Mirrors: International Haiku Spirit, Summer.
Lourie, Iven (1996). “Winter’s Tale, or Seeking Visions in Fiction [In the Heart of Things]”. Inner Journeys: The Small Press Literary Review, Winter-Spring Vol. VI (1-2): p. 18.
Sjoerdsma, Ann G. (1992). “Book Briefs [In the Heart of Things]”. The Baltimore Sun, Sep 13: p. 8C.
Squire, Phil (1993). “Media Reviews [In the Heart of Things]”. Mountain Record, Fall, Vol. XII (1): p. 92.
Ude, Wayne (1992). “Local Firefighter Uses Unique Form to Get at The Heart of Things”. Ghent Magazine September: p. 7.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1992). “Love, Zen, Wildlife and Gardens, Virginia-style”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star, Sep 6: p. C2.
“Book Reviews and News [In the Heart of Things]” (1992). Japanophile, Fall, Vol. 16: pp. 44-45.
Anderson, Betsy (1992). “The Heart of Things”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star: The Virginia Beach Beacon, Aug 5, Vol. 35 (81): pp. 1, 8-9.
Keener, J. Kyle (1993). “Male Call [Interview]”. Inquirer: The Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, Mar 7: pp. 9-10.
Reichhold, Jane (1993). “Mirrors Interview with Danny Lliteras”. Mirrors: International Haiku Spirit, Winter.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1993). Into the Ashes Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781878901774.
Holback, Loretta (1995). “Loretta’s Literary Whorl [Into the Ashes ”. New Age Retailer, Jan-Feb: p. 111.
Ray, Chuck (1993). “Classic Reader Reviews [Into the Ashes]”. Hazelton, PA, The Paperback Trader.
Leepson, Marc (1994). “Arts of War: Books [Into the Ashes]”. The VVA Veteran March.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1994). “Serious Undertakings from Local Authors [Into the Ashes]”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star, Mar 6: p. C2.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1994). Half Hidden by Twilight Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571740007.
Need, Robert Stanley (1995). “Half Hidden by Twilight Book Review”. Mirrors: International Haiku Form, Winter.
Smith, Lodeen (1994). “Book Review [Half Hidden by Twilight]”. The Paperback Forum, Sep: p. 11.
Leepson, Marc (1995). “Books in Review [Half Hidden by Twilight]”. The VVA Veteran, Feb: p. 30.
Moore, Ken (1995). “Half Hidden by Twilight Wraps up Trilogy”. Naples Daily News, Jul 23: p. 5B.
“Books in Brief [Half Hidden by Twilight]” (1995). The Roanoke Times, Nov 26: p. G6.
Hatcher, Judith (1995). “Llewellen is Back: Norfolk Fireman Publishes the Third Book in His Trilogy”. Norfolk Community News, Jan: p. 22.
^Lliteras, D. S. (2001). 613 West Jefferson Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571742667.
Mort, John (2001). “Book Review [613 West Jefferson]”. Booklist, Mar 15, Vol. 97, Issue 14: p. 1354.
Zaleski, Jeff (2001). “Book Review [613 West Jefferson]”. Publishers Weekly, Feb 26, Vol. 248, Issue 9: p. 60.
Jones, Walter (2001). “Review of D. S. Lliteras’ 613 West Jefferson”. Viet Nam War Generation Journal, Aug, Vol. 1, No. 2: pp. 88-89.
Leepson, Marc (2001). “D. S. Lliteras’ Torrid Tale of a Corpsman’s Return [613 West Jefferson]”. VVA Veteran, Feb/Mar 2001: p. 39.
Nelson, Christian (2001). “Zen and the Art of Writing about Viewnam [613 West Jefferson]”. VietNow: pp. 1-11.
“Book Review [613 West Jefferson]” (2001). The Veteran’s View, Jul 2001: p. 5.
“Book Review [613 West Jefferson]” (2001). NAPRA ReView, May/Jun 2001: p. 65.
“Review on New Book [613 West Jefferson]” (2001) Virginia Viet Nam Veteran, Vol. 9, No. 2: p. 12.
Evans, Katrina (2001). “Read Books, Even Though You’re Busy [613 West Jefferson]”. Lake City Reporter, Dec 14.
“An Interview with 613 West Jefferson Author D. S. Lliteras” (2001). Insights, Mar 19: p. 12.
“Danny Lliteras: By the Book [613 West Jefferson]” (2002). Callboard: News from FSU School of Theatre, Spring, Issue 7: pp. 8-9.
^Mort, John (2002). Christian Fiction: A Guide to the Genre Greenwood Village, CO: Libraries Unlimited, pp. 14, 43 (Starred titles)
ISBN978-1563088711.
Walk, Barbara J. (2005). The Librarian’s Guide to Developing Christian Fiction Collections for Adults New York: Schuman Publishers, p. 71 (Key Book Titles)
ISBN978-1555705220.
Butler, Tamara (2007). “Christian Fiction: Q & A [Interview]”. Library Journal, Feb 1, p. 58.
Stroh, Lucille (2000). “Books in Review [The Thieves of Golgotha]”. Spiritual Frontiers Fall/Winter, Vol. 32.
“Reviewers’ Bookwatch [The Thieves of Golgotha]” (1998). Midwest Book Review, Oct: p.3.
“Good God! Books that Question Faith, Summer Specters, and Conjure Spirits” (1998) Gallery: p. 22.
De Deyn Kirk, Kristen (1998). “Imagination on Fire”. Port Folio Weekly, Jun 9-25: pp. 21-22.
Molineux, Will (1998). “Book Notes [The Thieves of Golgotha]”. Daily Press, May 24: p. H5.
Jordan, Ida Kay (1998). “Local Writer Believes Time for a Best-seller is Close”. The Virginian-Pilot: The Portsmouth Currents July 19 and The Beacon, Jul 24.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1998). “Thieves Ponder Spiritual Path to Redemption”. The Virginian-Pilot, May 3.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1999). Judas the Gentile Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571741448.
Lliteras, D. S. (2001). Judas (Italian) San Paolo Edizioni, Italy,
ISBN9788821544125.
Mort, John (1999). “Christian Fiction [Judas the Gentile] (Starred Review)”. Booklist, Oct 1, p. 326.
“Fiction Notes [Judas the Gentile]” (1999) Publishers Weekly, Jul 26: p. 66.
Winston, Kimberly (1999). “At Hampton, All Roads Lead to the Visionary”. Publishers Weekly Show Daily: All the Buzz on Book Expo America, Apr 30.
Mort, John (2000). “Top 10 Christian Fiction [Judas the Gentile]”. Booklist, Oct 1: p. 302.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999) ForeWord Monthly News & Reviews: The Magazine of Independent Publishing, Oct, Vol. 2, No. 10.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). The Midwest Book Review: Wisconsin Bookwatch, Oct: p.6.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). Rapport: The Modern Guide to Books, Music & More, Oct.
“News Briefs [Judas the Gentile]” (2000). The Little Professor Book Center, Jun 2, Vol. 23, Issue 23: p. 2.
Friend, Susan (1999). “Radar [Judas the Gentile]”. Daily Press, Sep 4: p. C1.
“Books: Best Sellers [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). “Locally: Top 10 Best-Selling Books at Waldenbooks, Chesapeake”. The Virginian Pilot, Aug 29: p. E4.
Markham, Deborah (1999). “Beach Author to Sign Copies of Book [Judas the Gentile] at Pembroke Mall Today [Interview]”. The Virginian Pilot: The Beacon, Aug 15: p. 12.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1999). “Trio of Books Provides Food for Thought”. The Virginian Pilot, Aug 15: p. E4.
Draughan, John (2000). “Dynamic Speaker at Thalia UMM”. Catch the Spirit: The Norfolk District United Methodist Men’s Newsletter, First Quarter, Vol. 5, No. 1: p. 4.
^Lliteras, D. S. Flames and Smoke Visible: A Fire Fighter's Tale. Faber, Va: Rainbow Ridge Books, 2013.
ISBN1937907090
^Lliteras, D. S. Viet Man: A Novel. Faber, VA: Rainbow Ridge Books, 2015.
ISBN9781937907327
^Touchstone, Kathleen (2006). Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics. Lanham, MD: University Press of America. p. 448.
ISBN9780761835196.
Daniel Serafin Lliteras (born July 13, 1949) is an
American author best known for his spiritual novels.
Early life
Lliteras was born in the Bronx,
New York on July 13, 1949, to Serafin (Frank) and America (Mecca) Lliteras. Originally from
Puerto Rico, his father received a bachelor's degree from
Emory University (LaGuardia Aeronautical School) in aircraft design in 1959 and worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1971. His mother, also from Puerto Rico, received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the
University of Miami in 1965 and worked for the state of Florida until her retirement in 1991 as the Rehabilitation Nurse Supervisor of
Dade and
Monroe County, Florida
Workers' Compensation.
Lliteras attended
St. Athanasius in the South Bronx until 1959 at which time his family relocated to Miami, Florida. His interest in the theater was sparked by Robin Werner, a teacher at Riviera Junior High School, who encouraged him to join the cast of the University of Miami
Shakespeare Festival, where he served as a member during the summers of 1964 and 1965. He graduated from
Southwest Miami High School in 1967. During his teen years, Lliteras worked evenings as an orderly at Baptist Hospital. His extra-curricular activities included wrestling, track, and gymnastics. He was offered a gymnastics scholarship to the
U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, but instead enlisted in the
U. S. Navy and volunteered for Medical Service Duty (
Hospital Corpsman).[1][2][3]
Vietnam
After completing Navy
basic training and the U.S.
Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois, he served aboard the
USS Canopus (AS-34), home-ported in
Rota, Spain from February 1968 to June 1968. He attended Field Medical Service School in
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in June and July 1968. In May 1969, he was ordered to the
First Marine Division,
FMF, Vietnam. Upon arrival in Vietnam in July 1969, he volunteered to join the
1st Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division, where he served as a
combat corpsman and
diver until July 1970. Midway through his tour, he attended diver training in
Subic Bay, Philippines. During his tour in Vietnam, Lliteras participated in twenty long-range
reconnaissance patrols deep within enemy-held territory. He also participated in eighty combat dives, eighty bridge checks, three river sweeps, five
body recoveries, and three weapons recoveries. He was awarded a
Bronze Star Medal (with
combat “V”).[1][2][3]
Education and employment
After his discharge from the Navy, Lliteras attended
Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida on the
GI bill, majoring in theater. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. Upon being awarded an
assistantship at the School of Theater's publicity department, he entered the Masters of Fine Arts program at Florida State University School of Theatre. A member of
Phi Kappa Phi honor society, he graduated in 1976 with a Masters of Fine Arts in directing. Afterward, he briefly served on the faculty, where he taught courses in acting, directing, and
William Shakespeare's style.[1][2][3]
In 1979, Lliteras was admitted into the U. S. Merchant Marines' Calhoun MEBA Engineering School in Baltimore, Maryland and subsequently served aboard Edgar M. Queeny. In 1980, he taught at Rutledge College (now
University of South Carolina) in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a proprietary business school. In 1981, he received a commission in the U.S. Navy and became a
deep sea diving and
marine salvage officer. He attended the
Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida in September 1981, and later served aboard
USS Preserver, sailing from
Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia. In 1985, he resigned his commission to become a firefighter for the city of Norfolk, graduating academically at the top of his firefighting class in 1986. He received the Medal of Honor from the Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services in February, 1998 for exceptional action in the line of duty in the saving of life and retired in 2000 after suffering a heart attack on a fire scene.[1][2][3]
Written works
Lliteras's
Haiku,
poetry, and
short stories have appeared in many national and international
journals and
anthologies. His first book
publication, In a Warrior’s Romance (1991), includes Haiku and photographs reflecting his experiences in Vietnam.[8] A source of its originality stems from it being the first major application of Haiku to the subject of war.[9] His first three novels, collectively known as the Llewellen Trilogy, trace the spiritual journey of Robert Llewellen, a man who learns how to escape, not from life, but into life.[10] The trilogy includes In the Heart of Things (1992),[11]Into the Ashes (1993),[12] and Half Hidden by Twilight (1994).[13] In his novel 613 West Jefferson (2001), Lliteras revisited the theme of Vietnam through the character of Richard Santos, a returning veteran who encounters fringe elements of the
counter-culture in a north Florida town.[14]
Lliteras is best known for his
biblical novels,[15] which include The Thieves of Golgotha (1998),[16]Judas the Gentile (1999),[17]Jerusalem’s Rain (2003),[18]The Silence of John (2005),[19] and The Master of Secrets (2007).[20]
A book about his firefighting experiences, Flames and Smoke Visible: A Fire Fighter’s Tale, was published in 2012.[21]
In 2015, his novel entitled Viet Man was published.[22]
Personal life
In 1971, Lliteras married Kathleen Touchstone, a retired educator and author of numerous scholarly works. She dedicated her book, Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics, to her husband.[23]
Publications
Books
In a Warrior’s Romance (1991) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., poetry-photography, trade paper
ISBN1878901052
In the Heart of Things (1992) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper
In the Heart of Things (2006) (Russian) Moscow, Russia: Gayatri Publishing, fiction, trade paper
Into the Ashes (1993) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper
Half Hidden by Twilight (1994) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, trade paper (Kindle, Nook)
The Thieves of Golgotha (1998) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Nook)
Judas the Gentile (1999) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Kindle, Nook)
Judas (2001) (Italian) São Paulo Edizioni, Italy, fiction, trade paper
613 West Jefferson (2001) Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc., fiction, hard cover (Kindle, Nook)
Happy 10, The Happy Organization Publisher, New York (1998) “Under the Rain”
In Good Company, Live Wire Press (1999) “The Cleansing Ritual”; (2000) “Big Cities Have Many Colors” (2001) “Turning Things Off”; (2002) “An Abstract Heretic”; (2005) “In a Dream”; (2008) “The Theatre”; (2009) “The Left Ascension” and “Monkey Man”; (2010) “The Horseshoe Crab”
Ruehlmann, Bill (2001). “As This Book Tells All of Us, We’re a Collection of Stories [In Good Company (2000)]” The Virginian-Pilot, Aug. 26.
^Barry, Julian (1975). “Lenny”. Florida Flambeau, Oct. 31, p. 9.
^Oppenheim, Rick (1975). “Lenny: The Second Coming”. New Look: Entertainment News, Vol. 1 No. 6, pp. 16-18.
^Schweitzer, Leonard (1976). “Studio Theatre Adapts Williams Play Well”. Florida Flambeau, Feb 23, p. 6.
“Tennessee Williams Play Opens Tonight at Studio Theatre” (1976). Florida Flambeau, Feb 18, p.5.
Oppenheim, Rick (1976). “Theatre Review [Two for the Seesaw]”. Tallahassee Democrat, Aug 7, p. 17.
^Helm, Christopher (1974). “Houston-Keyed Steambath Another Reunion Winner” Bayou City Banner, Sep 20-26, p. 9.
Holmes, Ann (1974). “Steambath Washes Well After First Act”. Houston Chronicle, p. 8, section 3.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). The New York Times, Dec 4, p. 37D.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). Voice, Dec 19, p. 108.
Rosmersholm [Announcement] (1977). New York Magazine, Dec 19, p. 22.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1991). In a Warrior’s Romance. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN978-1878901057
Need, Robert S. (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Vietnam Magazine, Oct: pp. 50, 52.
“Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]” (1991). Zen Mountain Monastery, New York: Mountain Record, Fall: p. 82.
“Fire Fighter, Soldier, Poet” (1992). International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO/CLC: International Fire Fighter, June–July Vol. 75 (4): p. 34.
“D. S. Lliteras [In a Warrior’s Romance]” (1992). Viet Nam Generation, Summer-Fall Vol. 4 (3-4): p. 21.
Bartlett, Tom (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Leatherneck, May Vol. LXXIV (5): p. 75.
Leepson, Marc (1991). “Arts of War [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. The VVA Veteran, Apr: p. 22.
Leepson, Marc (1993). “Norfolk’s Verbal Theme Park [Interview]”. The VVA Veteran, Sep: pp. 41-42.
Buchanan, Rosemarie (1993). “Writing Helps Some Veterans Come to Terms with War”. The Virginian-Pilot, Aug 8: pp. A1, A8.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1991). “Between the Violence [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star, February 24: pp. J1, J2.
Turner, Vernon (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. New Frontier, Jul-Aug: p. 36.
Hammond, Margo (1991). “The Voices of Soldiers Echo across Many Wars [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. St. Petersburg Times, Jan 27: p. 7D.
Perez-Cotto, Marilyn (1991). “Los Veteranos del Vietnam Ahora Comienzan A Contar Sus Experiencias” El Diario, Junio 10: pp. 8A, 12A.
Perry, Clarke (1992). “FSU Grad’s War Memoir is a Collection of Moving Images”. Florida Flambeau, June 25: p. 11.
Lindstrom, Andy (1992). “Snapshots and Verse Tell His War Story [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Tallahassee Democrat, May 3: pp. 1G, 9G.
^Reichhold, Jane (1991). “Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Modern Haiku, Fall, Vol. XXII (3).
Bittle-DeLapa, Mary Lou (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Nagoya, Japan: Ko Journal: p. 34.
Reichhold, Jane (1991). “Book Review [In a Warrior’s Romance]”. Mirrors-in the spirit of haiku-, Winter.
^Jones, Walter (2002). “Analysis of D. S. Lliteras’ Trilogy: In the Heart of Things; Into the Ashes; Half Hidden by Twilight”. Viet Nam War Generation Journal, Apr, Vol. 1 (4): pp. 110-16.
Need, Robert Stanley (1995). “From the Bookshelf [Llewellyn Trilogy]”. The Paperback Forum March: p. 35.
“Interview with D. S. Lliteras” (1995). The Paperback Forum, Nov: p. 3.
Pinkham, Laurie Joy (1996). “Visionary Fiction: A Conversation with Four Authors [Interview]”. Convergence Summer: pp. 24-27.
Newman, John (1996). Vietnam War Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Imaginative Works about Americans Fighting in Vietnam 3rd Edition, Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
ISBN0810831848.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1992). In the Heart of Things Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781878901224.
Lliteras, D. S. (2006). In the Heart of Things (Russian) Moscow, Russia: Gayatri Publishing.
Morton, James (1992). “Book Review [In the Heart of Things]”. The Kerouac Connection, Winter (34) 1992: 33-35.
Reichhold, Jane (1992). “Book Review [In the Heart of Things]”. Mirrors: International Haiku Spirit, Summer.
Lourie, Iven (1996). “Winter’s Tale, or Seeking Visions in Fiction [In the Heart of Things]”. Inner Journeys: The Small Press Literary Review, Winter-Spring Vol. VI (1-2): p. 18.
Sjoerdsma, Ann G. (1992). “Book Briefs [In the Heart of Things]”. The Baltimore Sun, Sep 13: p. 8C.
Squire, Phil (1993). “Media Reviews [In the Heart of Things]”. Mountain Record, Fall, Vol. XII (1): p. 92.
Ude, Wayne (1992). “Local Firefighter Uses Unique Form to Get at The Heart of Things”. Ghent Magazine September: p. 7.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1992). “Love, Zen, Wildlife and Gardens, Virginia-style”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star, Sep 6: p. C2.
“Book Reviews and News [In the Heart of Things]” (1992). Japanophile, Fall, Vol. 16: pp. 44-45.
Anderson, Betsy (1992). “The Heart of Things”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star: The Virginia Beach Beacon, Aug 5, Vol. 35 (81): pp. 1, 8-9.
Keener, J. Kyle (1993). “Male Call [Interview]”. Inquirer: The Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, Mar 7: pp. 9-10.
Reichhold, Jane (1993). “Mirrors Interview with Danny Lliteras”. Mirrors: International Haiku Spirit, Winter.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1993). Into the Ashes Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781878901774.
Holback, Loretta (1995). “Loretta’s Literary Whorl [Into the Ashes ”. New Age Retailer, Jan-Feb: p. 111.
Ray, Chuck (1993). “Classic Reader Reviews [Into the Ashes]”. Hazelton, PA, The Paperback Trader.
Leepson, Marc (1994). “Arts of War: Books [Into the Ashes]”. The VVA Veteran March.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1994). “Serious Undertakings from Local Authors [Into the Ashes]”. The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star, Mar 6: p. C2.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1994). Half Hidden by Twilight Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571740007.
Need, Robert Stanley (1995). “Half Hidden by Twilight Book Review”. Mirrors: International Haiku Form, Winter.
Smith, Lodeen (1994). “Book Review [Half Hidden by Twilight]”. The Paperback Forum, Sep: p. 11.
Leepson, Marc (1995). “Books in Review [Half Hidden by Twilight]”. The VVA Veteran, Feb: p. 30.
Moore, Ken (1995). “Half Hidden by Twilight Wraps up Trilogy”. Naples Daily News, Jul 23: p. 5B.
“Books in Brief [Half Hidden by Twilight]” (1995). The Roanoke Times, Nov 26: p. G6.
Hatcher, Judith (1995). “Llewellen is Back: Norfolk Fireman Publishes the Third Book in His Trilogy”. Norfolk Community News, Jan: p. 22.
^Lliteras, D. S. (2001). 613 West Jefferson Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571742667.
Mort, John (2001). “Book Review [613 West Jefferson]”. Booklist, Mar 15, Vol. 97, Issue 14: p. 1354.
Zaleski, Jeff (2001). “Book Review [613 West Jefferson]”. Publishers Weekly, Feb 26, Vol. 248, Issue 9: p. 60.
Jones, Walter (2001). “Review of D. S. Lliteras’ 613 West Jefferson”. Viet Nam War Generation Journal, Aug, Vol. 1, No. 2: pp. 88-89.
Leepson, Marc (2001). “D. S. Lliteras’ Torrid Tale of a Corpsman’s Return [613 West Jefferson]”. VVA Veteran, Feb/Mar 2001: p. 39.
Nelson, Christian (2001). “Zen and the Art of Writing about Viewnam [613 West Jefferson]”. VietNow: pp. 1-11.
“Book Review [613 West Jefferson]” (2001). The Veteran’s View, Jul 2001: p. 5.
“Book Review [613 West Jefferson]” (2001). NAPRA ReView, May/Jun 2001: p. 65.
“Review on New Book [613 West Jefferson]” (2001) Virginia Viet Nam Veteran, Vol. 9, No. 2: p. 12.
Evans, Katrina (2001). “Read Books, Even Though You’re Busy [613 West Jefferson]”. Lake City Reporter, Dec 14.
“An Interview with 613 West Jefferson Author D. S. Lliteras” (2001). Insights, Mar 19: p. 12.
“Danny Lliteras: By the Book [613 West Jefferson]” (2002). Callboard: News from FSU School of Theatre, Spring, Issue 7: pp. 8-9.
^Mort, John (2002). Christian Fiction: A Guide to the Genre Greenwood Village, CO: Libraries Unlimited, pp. 14, 43 (Starred titles)
ISBN978-1563088711.
Walk, Barbara J. (2005). The Librarian’s Guide to Developing Christian Fiction Collections for Adults New York: Schuman Publishers, p. 71 (Key Book Titles)
ISBN978-1555705220.
Butler, Tamara (2007). “Christian Fiction: Q & A [Interview]”. Library Journal, Feb 1, p. 58.
Stroh, Lucille (2000). “Books in Review [The Thieves of Golgotha]”. Spiritual Frontiers Fall/Winter, Vol. 32.
“Reviewers’ Bookwatch [The Thieves of Golgotha]” (1998). Midwest Book Review, Oct: p.3.
“Good God! Books that Question Faith, Summer Specters, and Conjure Spirits” (1998) Gallery: p. 22.
De Deyn Kirk, Kristen (1998). “Imagination on Fire”. Port Folio Weekly, Jun 9-25: pp. 21-22.
Molineux, Will (1998). “Book Notes [The Thieves of Golgotha]”. Daily Press, May 24: p. H5.
Jordan, Ida Kay (1998). “Local Writer Believes Time for a Best-seller is Close”. The Virginian-Pilot: The Portsmouth Currents July 19 and The Beacon, Jul 24.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1998). “Thieves Ponder Spiritual Path to Redemption”. The Virginian-Pilot, May 3.
^Lliteras, D. S. (1999). Judas the Gentile Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN9781571741448.
Lliteras, D. S. (2001). Judas (Italian) San Paolo Edizioni, Italy,
ISBN9788821544125.
Mort, John (1999). “Christian Fiction [Judas the Gentile] (Starred Review)”. Booklist, Oct 1, p. 326.
“Fiction Notes [Judas the Gentile]” (1999) Publishers Weekly, Jul 26: p. 66.
Winston, Kimberly (1999). “At Hampton, All Roads Lead to the Visionary”. Publishers Weekly Show Daily: All the Buzz on Book Expo America, Apr 30.
Mort, John (2000). “Top 10 Christian Fiction [Judas the Gentile]”. Booklist, Oct 1: p. 302.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999) ForeWord Monthly News & Reviews: The Magazine of Independent Publishing, Oct, Vol. 2, No. 10.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). The Midwest Book Review: Wisconsin Bookwatch, Oct: p.6.
“Review [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). Rapport: The Modern Guide to Books, Music & More, Oct.
“News Briefs [Judas the Gentile]” (2000). The Little Professor Book Center, Jun 2, Vol. 23, Issue 23: p. 2.
Friend, Susan (1999). “Radar [Judas the Gentile]”. Daily Press, Sep 4: p. C1.
“Books: Best Sellers [Judas the Gentile]” (1999). “Locally: Top 10 Best-Selling Books at Waldenbooks, Chesapeake”. The Virginian Pilot, Aug 29: p. E4.
Markham, Deborah (1999). “Beach Author to Sign Copies of Book [Judas the Gentile] at Pembroke Mall Today [Interview]”. The Virginian Pilot: The Beacon, Aug 15: p. 12.
Ruehlmann, Bill (1999). “Trio of Books Provides Food for Thought”. The Virginian Pilot, Aug 15: p. E4.
Draughan, John (2000). “Dynamic Speaker at Thalia UMM”. Catch the Spirit: The Norfolk District United Methodist Men’s Newsletter, First Quarter, Vol. 5, No. 1: p. 4.
^Lliteras, D. S. Flames and Smoke Visible: A Fire Fighter's Tale. Faber, Va: Rainbow Ridge Books, 2013.
ISBN1937907090
^Lliteras, D. S. Viet Man: A Novel. Faber, VA: Rainbow Ridge Books, 2015.
ISBN9781937907327
^Touchstone, Kathleen (2006). Then Athena Said: Unilateral Transfers and the Transformation of Objectivist Ethics. Lanham, MD: University Press of America. p. 448.
ISBN9780761835196.