For over 35 years, Hank the Cowdog has patrolled farmlands in adventurous pursuits as the head of ranch security. Readers across the United States and the world investigated alongside the clever character since the Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog book, published in 1983, and countless novels published since.
The award-winning Texan author, John R. Erickson, released an insightful treat for his faithful readers. After a lifetime of writing, Erickson has written a tell all, describing the backstory of the beloved character. The new book, Finding Hank: The Most-Often Asked Questions About Hank the Cowdog, answers the burning questions asked by readers throughout the years. Erickson said the most commonly asked questions ask about his inspiration behind the books and Hank himself.
“The most common [questions] are ‘Did you have a dog named Hank?’ and ‘What inspired you to write the books?’. I answer both and many more in the book,” Erickson said.
Throughout his career, the author has sold over nine million books worldwide. What makes this one different is the demand for it. Erickson said the idea for such a book originated from years of book tours at schools and through fan mail.
“I have gotten many questions about the Hank [the Cowdog] stories over the years,” Erickson said. “Three years ago, I decided to give a more complete answer in book form.”
Erickson said his readers are naturally curious about the ins and out of the creative writing process.
“I try to answer those questions as well as I can, but, ultimately, the creative process is just as mysterious to me as to my readers,” Erickson said.
The author’s new book, deemed a collector’s item, is equipped with colorful illustrations by Gerald Holmes that readers can flip through and enjoy. Designed by Nikki Earley of Maverick Books, Inc., the book will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration of the classic tales of Hank the Cowdog. Erickson said the combination of the two made it into a very attractive book.
In March of 2016, Erickson was featured as one of Texasliving’s Legacies of Texas. Doggone Determined, written by Rebecca Canfield, highlighted the family operation Hank the Cowdog became since self-publishing the author’s first novel. Since then, the novels resonated with readers of all ages. Erickson said he considers the power behind the Hank the Cowdog an important part of his job as an author.
“If this book and the [Hank the Cowdog] series help bring families closer together, that will make me proud,” Erickson said.
The Texan author and his wife, Kristine Erickson, are currently on a national tour. The two are traveling to schools across the United States, reading excerpts from his novel and performing original songs readers have come to know and love.
The new book, Finding Hank: The Most-Often Asked Questions About Hank the Cowdog, was released on November 8, 2019. Readers can purchase the collector’s item on Amazon and at their local bookstores. For a look at the new book and an extensive collection of Hank the Cowdog products, check out hankthecowdog.com.
