When to Judge a Book by Its Cover

Are you looking for an entertaining read for an adult or child?  From a seagull's antics (sure to delight the young at heart) to an exciting and realistic Pacific Northwest mystery for older readers,  look no further than the high-quality books authored by Karl Bjorn Erickson.  

Thank you to my wife and illustrator, Kimberly Erickson, for the wonderful cover art design....because sometimes it's okay to judge a book by its cover.  

(Each of the above is available as an eBook, and three of the titles are also available in traditional format.)

Tristan's Travels (Published by Rafka Press in 2010.)

Toupee Mice (Published by Rafka Press 2013.)

The Blood Cries Out (Published by Light Switch Press in 2014.)

Alcatraz Burning, Four Mind-Bending Short Stories

Oregon, My Oregon, A Photographic Journey (The Wallowas)

Orgon, My Oregon, A Photographic Journey (Mt. Jefferson Wilderness)

PS.  Be sure to catch my latest article tomorrow evening on Catholic365.  You won't want to miss it!

Introducing Karl & Kimberly's Etsy Page!

In case you haven't had a chance to drop by our sparkling new Etsy page, I invite you to do so today.  We currently are selling high resolution digital photos, as well as one signed book package, and (of course) a selection of Kimberly's original artwork.  The original plan was to also feature a selection of Kimberly's glassworks on this page, but we've decided to largely restrict those pieces to her website and the Red Raven Gallery in downtown Salem.  

I'd also like to add that nearly all of the digital images were taken in the Pacific Northwest, and Photoshop was used sparingly.  If you're looking for digital images for personal or business purposes, I also invite you to enjoy my photos on Bigstock, Flickr, as well as at karlerickson.com .  

As an added bonus, I invite you to use TRISTANSTRAVELS.  This special coupon code should save you 25% on your online purchase.

Speaking of Red Raven Gallery, here is some other news of interest for those of you in the beautiful Willamette Valley.

Don't Miss the Terrific Art Sale! (Silverton Fine Arts Festival)

My talented wife, Kimberly Erickson, is very excited this summer to have her art featured at the upcoming Silverton Arts Festival to be held on August 18th and 19th.  She plans to have about thirty original pieces available for sale on that weekend.  


The available artwork will feature paintings (including original artwork from both Tristan's Travels and Toupee Mice) as well as new sketches, and other original pieces.  We also will have signed copies of Tristan's Travels available.  We also are planning to share flyers there for our next book, Toupee Mice--coming soon from Rafka Press!

Kimberly's beautiful cover art for "Tristan's Travels."

Recently, Kimberly has especially enjoyed painting animals.  While she has always loved spending time with animals, we've noticed that a real need exists for quality painters of family pets.  For example, we hope to have at least one painting at the art festival featuring a happy Newfoundland.  (Yes, we have the "Newfoundland bug" now, but we're not sure our little place is ready for such a big dog.)  

A photo taken of Silver Falls by Karl Erickson.

Silverton is a lovely and picturesque Oregon town situated about fifteen miles northeast of Salem--not far from beautiful Silver Falls.  The weekend of August 18th and 19th is coming up fast; we hope to see you all there! (Free admission to the event.)

About the Artist

Kimberly Erickson currently resides in Salem, Oregon with her husband, Karl Erickson, and their two children.  Karl is the writer of children's stories and religious essays.  They enjoy working together on uplifting books for children. 

Kimberly comes from a family of artists.  As the daughter of acclaimed illustrator and sculptor John Carroll Collier and the granddaughter of successful landscape artist Carroll Collier, Kimberly is no stranger to the arts.  (Her uncle, Grant Collier, a great artist, too.)  Over the last few years in particular, Kimberly has experimented with a wide variety of art mediums--from "water gilding" and pastels to photography.  


She is currently concentrating on the creation of illustrations for children's books.  Her enchanting artwork captures the wonder and delight of a child's imagination.   

Children's illustrator and fine artist, Kimberly Erickson.

Kimberly Erickson Art Sale!

Super Fred

I wouldn't ordinarily use my blog for this...but we've decided to sell some original artwork this week on Ebay.  We also have one signed print for sale.  Most of the artwork is available now because of a decision not to use the pastel art medium in our next children's book.  If you click on the photo caption below, it will take you to the corresponding page on Ebay.  Happy shopping!




If you have any questions for the artist, you may contact her directly at Kimberly.  Her site can be visited HERE.

Summer Morning

Time for a Bath

Mouse on the Run

Slug's Day Out

Pier Pressure

SOLD