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Story Craft: Reflections on Faith, Culture, and Writing
In his book, Story Craft, John R. Erickson says that one of the biggest challenges he faced as a young author was figuring out, "What is a story, and what is it supposed to do?" Those were simple questions, he says, but they didn't have simple answers. We could say that he found his answers when he wrote and self-published the first Hank the Cowdog book in 1983. The series now stands at 54 books with over 7.5 million copies sold. For 26 years, Erickson was content to leave it there. But after receiving hundreds of letters from teachers and parents, he began to realize that his actual business was not books, but "spiritual nourishment." Good stories nourish the human spirit, and it doesn't happen by accident. Part 1 of the book describes Erickson's experiences as an apprentice writer and publisher. In Part 2, he attempts to defiine what a story should be and how it relates to culture and religious faith. And in Part 3, he gives helpful, practical advice to aspiring writers.
168 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
John R. Erickson
231 books342 followersJohn 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."
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."
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 1, 2023
This quote sums up so much of Erickson’s book:
“Before we write, we should live… Most of us need to spend some time accumulating experience, and maybe wisdom too, from some sort of activity outside of ourselves: building a house, punching cows, baking bread, comforting a sick child, burying loved ones, raising a garden, laughing at dogs, gazing at the stars, keeping a marriage strong. The easy part of writing is the writing. The hard part is finding something to say that is worth a reader’s time.”
“Before we write, we should live… Most of us need to spend some time accumulating experience, and maybe wisdom too, from some sort of activity outside of ourselves: building a house, punching cows, baking bread, comforting a sick child, burying loved ones, raising a garden, laughing at dogs, gazing at the stars, keeping a marriage strong. The easy part of writing is the writing. The hard part is finding something to say that is worth a reader’s time.”
December 14, 2020
Every storyteller should read this!
February 19, 2025
A lot of wisdom in these pages! I would recommend this to just about every artist/storyteller.
Some of my favorite parts I'll most likely be returning to were the chapter on justice, beauty, and fun; and the part about writer's block. I love John R. Erickson's approach to Christian storytelling—or, more accurately, telling stories as a Christian—and seeing how he infuses his writing with truth and goodness. Excellent and inspirational.
Some of my favorite parts I'll most likely be returning to were the chapter on justice, beauty, and fun; and the part about writer's block. I love John R. Erickson's approach to Christian storytelling—or, more accurately, telling stories as a Christian—and seeing how he infuses his writing with truth and goodness. Excellent and inspirational.
September 9, 2016
This is a great no nonsense book on writing as a Christian. Erickson doesn't pull any punches about the hard work of writing and publishing. He doesn't hold back on his condemnation for much of the 'artistic' world. I don't read many books about writing, but this one was exactly what I need to hear. It reminded me of many of the articles I've read by Larry Correia about writing: quite treating it like magic and treat it like work.
I had a few issues with his theology, mainly with his view of the church. I also wondered how well we'd get along overall. I love heavy metal, action flicks, and war movies. I felt like my stuff might not be as clean as he thinks they should be. Maybe I'll find out some day.
This was a great book for writers especially if you're more of the straight-shooter type. It'd be very good for anyone who has kids who write, or might want to write someday, as well.
I had a few issues with his theology, mainly with his view of the church. I also wondered how well we'd get along overall. I love heavy metal, action flicks, and war movies. I felt like my stuff might not be as clean as he thinks they should be. Maybe I'll find out some day.
This was a great book for writers especially if you're more of the straight-shooter type. It'd be very good for anyone who has kids who write, or might want to write someday, as well.
June 11, 2023
Was pretty fast read, definitely was more of a collection of essays than a coherent book with chapters building off past chapters. I would also say that its very much one man’s experience and opinions about writing and what stories should be. There were some thoughts and options I agreed with and some not as much :)
January 2, 2019
Erickson is the author of the popular Hank the Cowdog books, of which I have read none. Yet. Now I want to. I became aware of Story Craft on the pages of World Magazine, and added it to my Christmas wish list, a wish happily fulfilled.
Part One is a fascinating memoir, detailing Erickson’s journey of becoming a writer. He developed a highly disciplined approach to writing daily, stuck with it through over a thousand rejections and some number of (still) unpublished novels, and finally found success submitting stories to magazines. Erickson then decided to self-publish in the days before print-on-demand and Createspace. What I drew from this section of the book is how unlikely it is that I will ever see financial success as an author. Those are just the cold, hard facts of the publishing world. This would have discouraged me—except for Part Two.
“Faith, Culture, and the Craft of Writing” is the title and subject matter of Part Two. This is the best part of the book. Erickson approaches culture, writing, and art from a straightforward, unadorned West Texas philosophical perspective. He examines what makes good art good (beauty, structure, content, justice, and often humor) and anchors his thinking in the Christian worldview. He is decidedly opinionated (and admits it), but I find his opinions decidedly biblical. It was in Part Two that I heard most clearly the call to keep writing, no matter whether I am ever “successful” at getting published. This section of the book contains tremendous encouragement for the Christian artist to be true to the call, the vocation, without getting overly caught up in the reception of his work—or lack thereof. Erickson’s basic message here is that if God has gifted you to write, then write.
Erickson offers twenty specific tips on writing in Part Three, some of which you’ve heard before (don’t use too many adverbs, don’t write in the passive voice), some of which are practical (have a skill that will support you), and some of which are a plea for preserving the culture (don’t write anything that will shame your mother).
This is an excellent and encouraging book for aspiring writers. The most valuable part is his philosophy on art and culture expressed in the second section of the book. Highly recommended.
Part One is a fascinating memoir, detailing Erickson’s journey of becoming a writer. He developed a highly disciplined approach to writing daily, stuck with it through over a thousand rejections and some number of (still) unpublished novels, and finally found success submitting stories to magazines. Erickson then decided to self-publish in the days before print-on-demand and Createspace. What I drew from this section of the book is how unlikely it is that I will ever see financial success as an author. Those are just the cold, hard facts of the publishing world. This would have discouraged me—except for Part Two.
“Faith, Culture, and the Craft of Writing” is the title and subject matter of Part Two. This is the best part of the book. Erickson approaches culture, writing, and art from a straightforward, unadorned West Texas philosophical perspective. He examines what makes good art good (beauty, structure, content, justice, and often humor) and anchors his thinking in the Christian worldview. He is decidedly opinionated (and admits it), but I find his opinions decidedly biblical. It was in Part Two that I heard most clearly the call to keep writing, no matter whether I am ever “successful” at getting published. This section of the book contains tremendous encouragement for the Christian artist to be true to the call, the vocation, without getting overly caught up in the reception of his work—or lack thereof. Erickson’s basic message here is that if God has gifted you to write, then write.
Erickson offers twenty specific tips on writing in Part Three, some of which you’ve heard before (don’t use too many adverbs, don’t write in the passive voice), some of which are practical (have a skill that will support you), and some of which are a plea for preserving the culture (don’t write anything that will shame your mother).
This is an excellent and encouraging book for aspiring writers. The most valuable part is his philosophy on art and culture expressed in the second section of the book. Highly recommended.
November 30, 2020
Erickson writes here as three persons who seem distinct to me.
On the first hand, he writes as the author of Hank the Cowdog.
On the other hand, he writes as a Christian talking to Christian writers and artists in general.
On the gripping hand, he writes as a harsh critic of modern culture and of “Capital-A Artists” most of all.
The portions of this book, sometimes portioned out and sometimes mixed in a stinking, rancid roux, deserve very different ratings.
The first part of the book is Erickson’s incredible memoir of his self-publishing journey. He’s a man who was self-pubbing decades before the modern indie boom, and who found pretty cool corners of success in the house of his career. His run-in with Disney alone is almost worth the price of admission. This section merits four stars.
The remaining parts of the book are a combination of both Erickson’s other aspects as he tries to make sense of the modern artistic world and tell people how to be artists of conviction within it.
When Erickson is humble, full of wonder and genuine awe at the idea that a dying or autistic child might have found comfort in his books, he makes me think he could have been another C.S. Lewis. When he calls people in his faction (Christian artistry) to task for their mediocrity, I cheer for him. I believe Erickson holds himself to what he considers to be a high standard, moving beyond the common Christian artist’s argument that God will use our imperfection and lack of skill for His work no matter what.
This aspect of Erickson deserves a good three and a half to four stars. I just wish there was a lot more of it.
And that’s the thing. Depending on your political philosophy, you might find a lot more to love in this book than I did, or you might scrunch up your nose in disgust. Do you believe it’s philisophically impossible for a feminist to make a good children’s book because they actively want to destroy the traditional family? Do you believe Babe and Milo and Otis are subversive lies of leftist Hollywood created to make us loath humanity? Do you believe the academic world of literature actually, literally, really wants to poison the minds of Western readers to convince them of postmodern nihilism because of their own internalized self-loathing?
Whether or not you love the sound of that, it’s present in almost every nook and cranny of this book, including the memoir, in which we learn how CBS tried to subvert and poison the wholesome, traditional family values of Hank the Cowdog by replacing parents and child with a ranch boss in the single animated episode they adapted. “The Hank cartoon that appeared on national television expressed a different worldview, a brand of secular thought that could probably be traced back to the writings of Marx, Freud, Nietzsche, Darwin, and Rousseau. The people who altered my story might have thought they were improving it, scrubbing out a backwoods approach to marriage and family.” (Erickson, loc 1242)
The politics turn me off, in case that wasn’t obvious, but they don’t insult me as much as the artistic arguments.
You see, Erickson usually has no idea what he’s talking about when he gives artistic advice.
The problem arises largely from illiteracy. He speaks of structure and style without knowing what most people mean when they say those words. He dismisses “style” as the invention of self-indulgent High Artists who want to make the reading experience all about themselves at the expense of the reader. He expresses frustration with C.S. Lewis’s dense essay style, in fact, saying one specific instance where Lewis used frank rawness is free of style and how all writing should be.
Erickson says in a different section that clarity and communication is paramount. I agree. Most craft books, in fact, do. They also understand they’re talking about style, unlike Erickson.
As for structure, the pattern repeats itself. Erickson laughs at big wig Hollywood types who insist he use story structure (in as many words) because he says he doesn’t need it, while later insisting that story structure basically means adhering to poetic justice and recognizing the beauty of Western logic and order based on reverence to God.
I’ll close on two notes which finalize why I believe this aspect of Erickson deserves one or zero stars.
First, Erickson, as of the time of this book’s publication, had not read a fiction book in twenty-six years. I haven’t checked to see if he later took up the practice, but if his convictions have remained unchanged in that regard, Erickson has not read a fiction book in almost four decades, during almost each year of which he’s published about two fiction books.
Erickson is not a believer in refilling the well through creative content. He describes how authors must be creators, not consumers who watch TV and movies or, in his case, read books, for fear we’ll be polluted by the ideas of other writers and fail to be original individuals. I share Erickson’s belief that your creative produce comes only from the compost pile of what you take in, but he and I have very different ideas about what deserves to go in that pile.
And second, he and I have very different ideas about what deserves to come out of that pile. I’m going to end with the quote that spiked my blood pressure more than three pounds of bacon.
“But what about a movie such as Schindler’s List? It was a very ambitious film that attempted to capture the magnitude of the Nazi atrocities during World War II. It included scenes of appalling violence—and I don’t want to watch it again. The inclusion of graphic violence diminished the aesthetic value of the film and detracted from the story. The subject overwhelmed Stephen Spielberg’s attempts to describe it in a framed work of art. In my view, Schindler’s List might have succeeded as a documentary but not as a story ... Perhaps the same principle applies to the kind of unfathomable evil that engulfed Nazi Germany. If we try to describe the horror in a direct manner, our stories fall apart under the stress.” (Erickson, loc 2045-2054)
On the first hand, he writes as the author of Hank the Cowdog.
On the other hand, he writes as a Christian talking to Christian writers and artists in general.
On the gripping hand, he writes as a harsh critic of modern culture and of “Capital-A Artists” most of all.
The portions of this book, sometimes portioned out and sometimes mixed in a stinking, rancid roux, deserve very different ratings.
The first part of the book is Erickson’s incredible memoir of his self-publishing journey. He’s a man who was self-pubbing decades before the modern indie boom, and who found pretty cool corners of success in the house of his career. His run-in with Disney alone is almost worth the price of admission. This section merits four stars.
The remaining parts of the book are a combination of both Erickson’s other aspects as he tries to make sense of the modern artistic world and tell people how to be artists of conviction within it.
When Erickson is humble, full of wonder and genuine awe at the idea that a dying or autistic child might have found comfort in his books, he makes me think he could have been another C.S. Lewis. When he calls people in his faction (Christian artistry) to task for their mediocrity, I cheer for him. I believe Erickson holds himself to what he considers to be a high standard, moving beyond the common Christian artist’s argument that God will use our imperfection and lack of skill for His work no matter what.
This aspect of Erickson deserves a good three and a half to four stars. I just wish there was a lot more of it.
And that’s the thing. Depending on your political philosophy, you might find a lot more to love in this book than I did, or you might scrunch up your nose in disgust. Do you believe it’s philisophically impossible for a feminist to make a good children’s book because they actively want to destroy the traditional family? Do you believe Babe and Milo and Otis are subversive lies of leftist Hollywood created to make us loath humanity? Do you believe the academic world of literature actually, literally, really wants to poison the minds of Western readers to convince them of postmodern nihilism because of their own internalized self-loathing?
Whether or not you love the sound of that, it’s present in almost every nook and cranny of this book, including the memoir, in which we learn how CBS tried to subvert and poison the wholesome, traditional family values of Hank the Cowdog by replacing parents and child with a ranch boss in the single animated episode they adapted. “The Hank cartoon that appeared on national television expressed a different worldview, a brand of secular thought that could probably be traced back to the writings of Marx, Freud, Nietzsche, Darwin, and Rousseau. The people who altered my story might have thought they were improving it, scrubbing out a backwoods approach to marriage and family.” (Erickson, loc 1242)
The politics turn me off, in case that wasn’t obvious, but they don’t insult me as much as the artistic arguments.
You see, Erickson usually has no idea what he’s talking about when he gives artistic advice.
The problem arises largely from illiteracy. He speaks of structure and style without knowing what most people mean when they say those words. He dismisses “style” as the invention of self-indulgent High Artists who want to make the reading experience all about themselves at the expense of the reader. He expresses frustration with C.S. Lewis’s dense essay style, in fact, saying one specific instance where Lewis used frank rawness is free of style and how all writing should be.
Erickson says in a different section that clarity and communication is paramount. I agree. Most craft books, in fact, do. They also understand they’re talking about style, unlike Erickson.
As for structure, the pattern repeats itself. Erickson laughs at big wig Hollywood types who insist he use story structure (in as many words) because he says he doesn’t need it, while later insisting that story structure basically means adhering to poetic justice and recognizing the beauty of Western logic and order based on reverence to God.
I’ll close on two notes which finalize why I believe this aspect of Erickson deserves one or zero stars.
First, Erickson, as of the time of this book’s publication, had not read a fiction book in twenty-six years. I haven’t checked to see if he later took up the practice, but if his convictions have remained unchanged in that regard, Erickson has not read a fiction book in almost four decades, during almost each year of which he’s published about two fiction books.
Erickson is not a believer in refilling the well through creative content. He describes how authors must be creators, not consumers who watch TV and movies or, in his case, read books, for fear we’ll be polluted by the ideas of other writers and fail to be original individuals. I share Erickson’s belief that your creative produce comes only from the compost pile of what you take in, but he and I have very different ideas about what deserves to go in that pile.
And second, he and I have very different ideas about what deserves to come out of that pile. I’m going to end with the quote that spiked my blood pressure more than three pounds of bacon.
“But what about a movie such as Schindler’s List? It was a very ambitious film that attempted to capture the magnitude of the Nazi atrocities during World War II. It included scenes of appalling violence—and I don’t want to watch it again. The inclusion of graphic violence diminished the aesthetic value of the film and detracted from the story. The subject overwhelmed Stephen Spielberg’s attempts to describe it in a framed work of art. In my view, Schindler’s List might have succeeded as a documentary but not as a story ... Perhaps the same principle applies to the kind of unfathomable evil that engulfed Nazi Germany. If we try to describe the horror in a direct manner, our stories fall apart under the stress.” (Erickson, loc 2045-2054)
October 28, 2021
This is a really good book. I'm not cut from the same cloth as John Erickson but that doesn't mean that the truth he discusses in this book isn't true. I really appreciated this book (Christmas present too!) and even though I am exactly terrible at everything Erickson is good at, I am still trying my hardest to emulate what he talks about :) Read it in an hour and a half too.
April 12, 2017
When I read that Mr. Erickson and his wife recently lost their home in the Panhandle wildfires, it prompted me both to pray for them and to finish this book I bought years ago. My sympathies go out to them in the loss of their home and lifetime possessions. A former Harvard Divinity school student, Mr. Erickson's religious response to media was to quote Job, "Naked came I into this world, and naked shall I leave it." He added, "But we sure will miss that house."
A few years ago, this author actually came in person and spoke to our students at our tiny, rural school. He seemed a little nervous at first (most writers are not public speakers) and later admitted that in the past he had met with school audiences whose manners could do with some improvement. This was after an hour of holding enthralled--absolutely riveted attention--his audience of approximately 150 junior high kids, many of whom could not sit still in class if their lives depended on it. What he learned was that Hank was the favorite character of many, boys and girls alike (plus some of the teachers, and, who knows, maybe the principal). Mr. Erickson graciously praised our students, both to their face and later to their teachers and administrators for their enthusiasm and engaged attention. We all just loved him.
I found this book and bought it that very day and picked at reading random quotes and sharing writing advice with my students. I finished it this past week (now that I am retired and have time). Not only does he offer seasoned and practical advice on the craft of writing, he inspires writers to strive to create stories that nourish and help readers.
He writes from a Christian worldview which includes characters Before the Fall (more interesting) who do find redemption (story resolution). I do so agree with his statement that many "Christian" works are too simplistic, presenting characters who "smile a lot" and are bland and uninteresting because conflict is not included. He contrasts these with many popular culture works which are all conflict, much of which is needless. He points out that none of the great writers(Shakespeare, Dickens, the Apostle Paul, to name a few) needed expletives to reinforce the violence of their topics.
Loved this book, and good luck to the Ericksons in their future!
A few years ago, this author actually came in person and spoke to our students at our tiny, rural school. He seemed a little nervous at first (most writers are not public speakers) and later admitted that in the past he had met with school audiences whose manners could do with some improvement. This was after an hour of holding enthralled--absolutely riveted attention--his audience of approximately 150 junior high kids, many of whom could not sit still in class if their lives depended on it. What he learned was that Hank was the favorite character of many, boys and girls alike (plus some of the teachers, and, who knows, maybe the principal). Mr. Erickson graciously praised our students, both to their face and later to their teachers and administrators for their enthusiasm and engaged attention. We all just loved him.
I found this book and bought it that very day and picked at reading random quotes and sharing writing advice with my students. I finished it this past week (now that I am retired and have time). Not only does he offer seasoned and practical advice on the craft of writing, he inspires writers to strive to create stories that nourish and help readers.
He writes from a Christian worldview which includes characters Before the Fall (more interesting) who do find redemption (story resolution). I do so agree with his statement that many "Christian" works are too simplistic, presenting characters who "smile a lot" and are bland and uninteresting because conflict is not included. He contrasts these with many popular culture works which are all conflict, much of which is needless. He points out that none of the great writers(Shakespeare, Dickens, the Apostle Paul, to name a few) needed expletives to reinforce the violence of their topics.
Loved this book, and good luck to the Ericksons in their future!
March 21, 2025
This was just what I needed in my life right now. It was like sitting down for a cup of coffee with an old friend and him telling you his life story with some tips on writing and worldview thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed what he had to say about how the best writing reflects the beauty and order in creation:
“A structured story says, without saying it, that there is order in the universe, and in this crazy postmodern world, that becomes a profoundly positive religious statement, an affirmation of the divine act of creation.
Kids are drawn to it by instinct because they have a natural craving for structure and meaning. We all do.
And yet popular culture offers just the opposite: frantic television images that have no coherence, movies that can't distinguish between heroes and villains, art that seems to have lost all vision of form and beauty, books with characters we would never invite into our homes, and jagged
"music" that offers neither a melody nor harmony.
If the word art has any meaning, then surely it should aspire to something higher than the disorder that any fool can perceive on so many street corners in any American city on any given day. If artists are more gifted than the rest of us (we keep hearing that they are), then let them find the order and harmony that are not so obvious to ordinary mortals.”
“A structured story says, without saying it, that there is order in the universe, and in this crazy postmodern world, that becomes a profoundly positive religious statement, an affirmation of the divine act of creation.
Kids are drawn to it by instinct because they have a natural craving for structure and meaning. We all do.
And yet popular culture offers just the opposite: frantic television images that have no coherence, movies that can't distinguish between heroes and villains, art that seems to have lost all vision of form and beauty, books with characters we would never invite into our homes, and jagged
"music" that offers neither a melody nor harmony.
If the word art has any meaning, then surely it should aspire to something higher than the disorder that any fool can perceive on so many street corners in any American city on any given day. If artists are more gifted than the rest of us (we keep hearing that they are), then let them find the order and harmony that are not so obvious to ordinary mortals.”
July 17, 2017
After several conversations with Erickson about worldviews and the like, he suggested that I might enjoy this little book. He hasn't recommended many books to me, so I thought it a good idea to take him up on it. I'm not much of an aspiring writer, certainly not of fiction. And I lack the discipline that he describes as essential to those called to this vocation. Yet I found this book insightful and profound in many ways. In addition to reading some personal stories by and about a lifelong friend, I find his insights into and criticisms of the postmodern worldview that has dominated western culture for decades insightful and refreshing. Great book, easy read, worth the time. Thanks for the recommendation, John.
February 20, 2018
This book was fine, but nothing grand or groundbreaking. Some of the issues discussed, such as the portrayal of evil and sin in literature, were not dealt with deeply enough to satisfy the many questions that surround that issue. The advice about self-publishing and/or traditional publishers is no longer relevant with the advent of print-on-demand technology and the revolution that is happening in the book publishing industry currently. The typesetting of this volume is not good (a pet peeve of mine as a book designer). The worldview basics he discusses are useful however, and, the time he takes to discuss writing as vocation and hard work vs. magical inspiration, will knock the fairy dust out of the eyes of those who imagine writing is easy and glamorous all the time.
July 27, 2022
This was an interesting look at Erickson’s story and his philosophies of storytelling and writing. It was very different from what I thought it was going to be, but I’m glad I read it because it made me think about and consider some new-to-me patterns of thinking. This author’s journey has been unique. I think this book could be good for people seeking any vocation. The conclusions help us see how we can use our talents to bring beauty to and improve the lives of others.
Now I want to listen to Hank the Cowdog.
Now I want to listen to Hank the Cowdog.
February 7, 2019
Entertaining, philisplophical and wise, giving insight on how to not just create good art but be a good artist - and not shame your mother.
April 17, 2019
This book was fun and educational at the same time. I learned about writing which will help me with my memoirs.
January 22, 2023
Great little book about writing and faith. I would have given it five stars, but there were some typos.
December 17, 2017
Candid and forthright. Story Craft contains excellent insight into what it means to write from a Christian worldview.
October 8, 2010
Reading this book dove-tailed interestingly into several others that I have recently read, Kathleen Norris' books ("Acedia and Me", "Dakota: A Spiritual Geography", "Amazing Grace", etc. ), and the letters of Flannery O'Connor. What these books have in common is an emphasis for storytelling as a craft and as a worthwhile vocation. The prevailing idea regarding poets or writers (or most artists) is that they must suffer for their art before producing it, and then be misunderstood by the non-artistic. This book provides a healthy and focused look at writing as a legitimate and healthy vocation. That this vocation of writing is hard, is work and not play, and must be practiced to improve is something the author emphasizes over and over. But he does not wait to "feel" he should write, he writes as a discipline. His work day for writing begins at 5am. He writes for no more than 4 to 4 1/2 hours per day, then leaves his office to do the work his North Texas ranch requires. As he said in a lecture I was able to attend, the rest of the day he can work "from the neck down", but he needs to give the best of his "neck up" work to his writing first thing in the morning.
I found his disciplined approach to his craft in 100% agreement with Flannery O'Connor and her diligent and disciplined approach to writing. Kathleen Norris in her books also discusses writing poetry regularly and in a disciplined way, not just when you "feel" like it.
This book is wonderful to read, and brought up many ideas that I am still thinking over and digesting. His chapter on "Stories as Nourishment" is fascinating. Is the art you producing poisoning someone? Or is it nourishing someone? You can sue a plumber who does poor work, but what can you do with a writer who produces toxic waste in the form of a book?
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to understand that all work can be practiced as a disciplined art and should provide in some way for the betterment of others. Nourish in your writing, do not poison. This is counter to the academic emphasis on "write what you feel, no matter what happens to those who read it". But it is a very worthwhile view to take, and I found myself more respectful of those "nourishing" authors that I come across... and now know what to call those who don't nourish.
I found his disciplined approach to his craft in 100% agreement with Flannery O'Connor and her diligent and disciplined approach to writing. Kathleen Norris in her books also discusses writing poetry regularly and in a disciplined way, not just when you "feel" like it.
This book is wonderful to read, and brought up many ideas that I am still thinking over and digesting. His chapter on "Stories as Nourishment" is fascinating. Is the art you producing poisoning someone? Or is it nourishing someone? You can sue a plumber who does poor work, but what can you do with a writer who produces toxic waste in the form of a book?
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to understand that all work can be practiced as a disciplined art and should provide in some way for the betterment of others. Nourish in your writing, do not poison. This is counter to the academic emphasis on "write what you feel, no matter what happens to those who read it". But it is a very worthwhile view to take, and I found myself more respectful of those "nourishing" authors that I come across... and now know what to call those who don't nourish.
February 26, 2014
I really enjoyed reading about how John Erickson started the Hank series and about his life. He also has a section towards the end of the book where he gave tips on writing that I found very helpful. The only downside to the book, is that John seemed like he did not encourage young writers, that children should not write because they don't have enough "life experience" to write completely. I might have taken him completely wrong, but that is what I gathered from one of the chapters. Being a young writer myself, it kind of hurt my feelings to read one of my favorite authors words discouraging my writing. But, this has not stopped me from writing:-) So, I would not recommend this book to any young writers that are not confident in themselves or their writing. There are plenty of other better books that give great encouragement to young writers that you would be better off reading. However, if you have always wanted to know the history of Hank the Cowdog or anything else about Mr. Erickson, this was a great book!
November 3, 2016
At this moment in time, I can't review this book. I'm still ruminating over the author's thoughts and what they meant to me. I want my words to do his justice. My brain is still processing. I will have to "cultivate (my) subconscious mind" in hopes it clarifies everything I absorbed. Or perhaps I will read the book - No, I will read this book again. Every year probably. And next time, I'll make notes.
I have to say one last thing...
One particular subject that stood out to me was his view on motherhood. Of course, a book with reflections on culture ought to talk of motherhood but how often do they not? Motherhood in our culture is stuffed between work and other obligations. But Motherhood is actually a vocation. And what truer vocation could there be? And as I write this, I realize it is my vocation to my two children. Thank you John R. Erickson for the story of your mother. It was true. Fresh. She was your guide in early years. I desire to leave the impression your mother made on you for my own children.
And I think I wrote this post without adverbs. Hoorah!
I have to say one last thing...
One particular subject that stood out to me was his view on motherhood. Of course, a book with reflections on culture ought to talk of motherhood but how often do they not? Motherhood in our culture is stuffed between work and other obligations. But Motherhood is actually a vocation. And what truer vocation could there be? And as I write this, I realize it is my vocation to my two children. Thank you John R. Erickson for the story of your mother. It was true. Fresh. She was your guide in early years. I desire to leave the impression your mother made on you for my own children.
And I think I wrote this post without adverbs. Hoorah!
Read
February 18, 2016I've read quite a few books on writing and enjoyed almost all of them. Erickson's surprised me. How could the author of books about a crazy dog be so astute? I do not know. But Erickson's book is.
Some writing books are filled with technical things--how to's and the like. What I found entertaining and encouraging about this book was the story of how Mr Erickson got where he is today--which is more of a story about writing than a how-to.
Something else I came away with, though, was an sense of openness towards a wide variety of avenues to writing. Mr Erickson, though highly educated, has found a niche writing first person books about a crazy ranch dog. I mean, c'mon, have you ever read one of those books? That dog is nuts. But Erickson pulls it off. In fact, he does so brilliantly. He writes those stories from Hank's perspective, but, somehow, makes it quite plain to the reader that Hank is nuts. Using Hank's own words.
Brilliant. Entertaining. Loved this book.
Some writing books are filled with technical things--how to's and the like. What I found entertaining and encouraging about this book was the story of how Mr Erickson got where he is today--which is more of a story about writing than a how-to.
Something else I came away with, though, was an sense of openness towards a wide variety of avenues to writing. Mr Erickson, though highly educated, has found a niche writing first person books about a crazy ranch dog. I mean, c'mon, have you ever read one of those books? That dog is nuts. But Erickson pulls it off. In fact, he does so brilliantly. He writes those stories from Hank's perspective, but, somehow, makes it quite plain to the reader that Hank is nuts. Using Hank's own words.
Brilliant. Entertaining. Loved this book.
January 5, 2011
Borrowed.
Interesting autobiographical & cultural reflections from someone who has kept himself from fiction and television since he started writing. He writes both about his theory on why art labeled "Christian" is bad and why "Capitalized Artist" art is also bad. He explains how his books evidence his Christian worldview, even though Christian publishers won't have them; his section on complaints he's gotten from some Christian readers is funny.
He began writing and selling his books with adults as his target audience and the fact that he is now considered a children's author is completely unintentional. Kids started reading his books, teachers started inviting him into schools, and his books with humor "too subtle for children" are shelved in the library in the children's section.
He recommends writers diagram sentences, so he's all right in my book.
Interesting autobiographical & cultural reflections from someone who has kept himself from fiction and television since he started writing. He writes both about his theory on why art labeled "Christian" is bad and why "Capitalized Artist" art is also bad. He explains how his books evidence his Christian worldview, even though Christian publishers won't have them; his section on complaints he's gotten from some Christian readers is funny.
He began writing and selling his books with adults as his target audience and the fact that he is now considered a children's author is completely unintentional. Kids started reading his books, teachers started inviting him into schools, and his books with humor "too subtle for children" are shelved in the library in the children's section.
He recommends writers diagram sentences, so he's all right in my book.
July 25, 2013
"What we choose to see, hear and read matters greatly. People need good stories just as they need home-cooked meals, clean water, spiritual peace, and love. A good story is part of that process. It affirms divine order in the universe and justice in human affairs--and it makes people better than they were before they read it.". John Erickson's book is full of home-spun wisdom and plain speaking as he reflects on "faith, culture and writing.". In addition to the interesting story of his own journey as a writer, he is generous in sharing his insights with those who have a passion for writing and seek to become published. This book is a gold mine for all aspiring writers, young and old. His final piece of advice is worth putting on every writer's desk in a prominent place: "Don't write anything that would shame your mother.". Can I hear an "amen?".
April 22, 2016
The author of Hank the Cowdog shares his knowledge as he has walked down the publishing road for many years. He gives rationale for why he made his decisions and how it turned out.
I appreciated most the philosophy behind why he writes and his critique of today's books and entertainment. It encouraged me to continue to write 'things of beauty' in a culture that knows nothing of what it means to reflect the image of God.
I appreciated most the philosophy behind why he writes and his critique of today's books and entertainment. It encouraged me to continue to write 'things of beauty' in a culture that knows nothing of what it means to reflect the image of God.
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February 27, 2016John Erickson, creator of Hank the Cowdog, tells how his life and faith combine to produce his stories. He gives some basic writing information and a lot on the importance of quality and integrity using examples from his own publishing life. One disappointment with the book is that he chooses to generalize, criticize, and politicize certain groups he labels as "non-Christians."
February 27, 2012
This is a great inspirational book for writers, and particularly for those of us who write from a Christian perspective. He also gives support to those who self publish.
I am going slowly so that I can carefully absorb as much as possible.
I am going slowly so that I can carefully absorb as much as possible.
July 21, 2014
Read right after publication in 2009
And again July 18th & 19th 2014
And again July 18th & 19th 2014
September 12, 2016
Somewhere been "skimmed" and "DNFed." I love Hank the Cowdog and I didn't want to ruin him with Christian condescension.
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