"Heaven Lies Here" is based on the short story "Old Ghosts" by David Donovan, a.k.a. A.J. McKenna. Mr. Donovan was kind enough to send Bob Elkins the following letter, following completion of the film:

Last night I watched a copy of Tyler Wirtanen's film "Heaven Lies Here" which was based on one of my yarns and I must drop a note and thank you so much for your wonderful performance. Like all great actors you are a magician -- you brought the older Jim instantly to life and, at the end, left my poor wife shaking with tears and me astonished with the wonder of your craft. You created Jim with such an intensity that you transformed what might have been a routine yarn into something with more grandeur and tragedy and emotional depth. Initially, I was more concerned with individual words rather than the narrative, so it was thrilling and deeply rewarding to hear you speak my lines with such bright intelligence that the character became even more illuminated than I'd hoped for in my own quiet imaginings.

At the moment my wife and I are enjoying a short holiday in Co. Wicklow and, hopefully, I'll get into Dublin City tomorrow and spend some time meandering in my home town. Though I live in the UK Dublin is always in my soul. As you will know theatre always has been held in high regard in this place and I'm so pleased you were given an award from this side of the pond. I have no doubt that you've richly deserved all honours heaped upon you.

So imagine me arriving at your doorstep with a laurel wreath in one hand and a pint of Guiness in the other and you may appreciate a little of how delighted I am with your inspired performance in "Heaven Lies Here."

May I wish you health and continued joy in your beautiful profession.

With very best wishes.

Slainte!