Midland Reporter-Telegram Interviews John R. Erickson about Finding Hank
Thursday, October 03, 2019
Howdy, Hank fans!
We hope you enjoy this GREAT interview with the Midland Reporter-Telegram about the upcoming Hank event AND John Erickson's thoughts on Finding Hank:
From the interview:
Erickson: “Finding Hank” will be coming out in about two weeks. This is more of a collectible book. Over the years, I’ve had so many questions by fans about the books, and I’ve never had the chance to answer those in the details they deserve. I wanted to do a book where I had the time to talk about the subject people want to hear about and give some of my own biography and illustrator’s Gerald Holmes story who passed just recently.
MRT: Why was now the time to do that book?
Erickson: I would get real letters and answer by hand, and I took pride in that. But with all the questions, I’ve never been able to go into great length. I actually wrote this about two, three years ago. But I hadn’t done this kind of book before and now, after 37 years, we’re into second- and third-generation readers.
MRT: What one question do you always get?
Erickson: They ask if Hank was a real dog or my dog. He was an Australian shepherd who lived on a ranch when I was working as a cowboy, and he really thought he was head of ranch security.
MRT: Do you see or think Hank has changed over the course of all your books?
Erickson: What an interesting question. I don’t know if the character has changed, but I think my way of writing has. I’m more conscious of timing and placing that can increase the interest and drama, and I’ve added an awful lot of characters.
(Click the HERE to read the rest of the interview.)
