Small Town Author

by John R. Erickson

Genres: Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

John R. Erickson, a former cowboy and ranch manager, is gifted with a storyteller's knack for spinning a yarn. Through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, a smelly, smart-aleck Head of Ranch Security, Erickson gives readers a glimpse of daily life on a ranch in the West Texas Panhandle. This series of books and tapes is in school libraries across the country, has sold more than 7.6 million copies, is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and is the winner of the 1993 Audie for Outstanding Children's Series from the Audio Publisher's Association. Publishers Weekly calls Hank a "grassroots publishing phenomena," and USA Today says this is "the best family entertainment in years."

Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.

When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.

Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first halfish of the book, which deals with Erickson's experiences in college and getting started as a writer, was absolutely five stars. The later chapters, which cover different Texas writers and which are largely adapted from previous publications, were more hit or miss with me, probably because I'm not very familiar with them and their works; another reader with a wider experience of Texana might find them delightful. The book also includes Erickson's first short story in what would evolve into his "Hank" voice and style, which I found tremendously enjoyable.

[Natalie Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical John Erickson book, once you start reading you can't stop. Erickson brings readers a reflection of a life well-lived, although a bit harsh in his self-evaluation of situations he might have handled differently. He also explores the western genre in depth. A great look into the mind of a writer by the creator of Hank, The Cowdog. A treat from cover to cover.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very random read (for me), somewhat interesting, especially for its insight into writing/publishing, but overall a bit tedious. A favorite quote (ironically another author's): "Religion and art both fight, on different fronts, against the dull rust that habit puts on the wonder of things." (Herman Wouk)