Joshua Erickson grew up in the vast, wind-swept landscapes of South Dakota, where the open country shaped his view of the world. A bachelor's degree in history sharpened his eye for how the past presses on the present, and over time he developed a fascination with nature and humanity's moral standing within it. His debut novel, How Whiskey Made the Coyote Sing, follows broken people in fractured places, grappling with the timeless question: what is the purpose of all the hurt, and can there ever be healing?

When not writing, he lives in Sioux Falls with his coffee cup collection, a small library, and a large balance of student loans — reminders that even amidst life's challenges, there's always room for a little comfort and growth.