Inspiration

Elling Halvorson had lost count of how many people told him he should write a book. He knew they were probably right, but he had better things to do than sit all day and copy down his stories. Then around the year 2010, his friend Gerry Gawne joined the chorus. “You’ve had such a fascinating life, you should write a book!”

Elling started to brush the idea aside until he remembered Gerry wrote narration for all the videos he produced. “Well,” Elling said, “if you’re so convinced I should write a book, I’ll let you help me write it.”

 How This Book Came About

Gerry compiled stories, gathered photos, and added his creative touch to the narrative. When a change in his health required him to step down, I was contacted about moving the project forward, as I’d done for dozens of other authors.

My first step was to Google “Elling Halvorson.” I quickly learned what a legend he is in the fields of aviation, construction, and philanthropy. His name and picture were everywhere. But then, if you own or are the principal of some 20 companies, that’s bound to happen. When I finally met him and started to read the first few chapters, I knew his story needed to be published.

Although Gerry and I typed the words, Elling directed the project. Often, when attempting to explain an engineering concept or an invention he’d created, he would grab a pen and sketch the item on whatever piece of paper was handy so I could describe it accurately.

The end result is a fascinating memoir by an amazing man. And when you read it, no doubt you’ll be inspired to turn your own detours into highways to destiny.

– Diana Savage, MTS
Savage Creative Services, LLC