Entertainment Editor/Digital Director

Erik Pedersen

A native Southern Californian who graduated from Cal Poly Pomona and Claremont Graduate University, Erik has worked as a digital and print journalist in the area for more than two decades.

Location: Monrovia, California, USA

Ruta Sepetys is the author of “Salt to the Sea,” “Ashes in the Snow,” and, most recently, “A Fortune of Sand.” (Photo by Laura Smith / Courtesy of Ballantine)

‘A Fortune of Sand’ author Ruta Sepetys dug up old secrets for new novel

May 30, 2026 at 11:03 a.m.

It took more than a decade to research the files and details needed to build the story behind "A Fortune of Sand."

Kealie Mardell-Carrera, executive director and board president of Underdog Bookstore, discusses plans for the first-ever Monrovia Pride Book Festival in Downtown Monrovia, which is set for Saturday, June 20. (Photo by Erik Pedersen/SCNG)

Underdog Bookstore is launching Monrovia’s first-ever Pride book festival

May 29, 2026 at 4:22 p.m.

On June 20, Downtown Monrovia will host the inaugural Monrovia Pride Book Festival with authors, vendors and performers.

There are 100 Southern California independent bookstores on our 2026 map. (Illustration: Getty Images)

Map: 100 Southern California independent bookstores to visit in 2026

May 28, 2026 at 1:27 p.m.

Bookmark and save the updated map to find bookshops in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire and beyond.

Willy Vlautin’s new book is “The Left and the Lucky.” (Photo credit Bobby Abrahamson / Courtesy of Harper)

Willy Vlautin reveals the story behind his novel ‘The Left and the Lucky’

May 19, 2026 at 8:33 a.m.

The author and musician talks about nearly joining a cult and the 'jackassery' involved with being a house painter.

Jordan Harper is the author of “A Violent Masterpiece.” (Photo credit Brian Hennigan / Courtesy of Mulholland Books)

Why Jordan Harper spent late nights out in LA for ‘A Violent Masterpiece’

May 21, 2026 at 5:41 p.m.

The TV veteran and novelist prowled the city's streets listening to a police scanner to research his Hollywood novel.

At the opening of”Visualizing the Future” at North Figueroa Bookshop on May 9, 2026, the artists and vendors included (L-R) Eduardo Chavez, Gizelle Lopez, Dominic Garcia, Gaby Hidalgo, Daniele Cortes and Adam Ceron. (Photo by Erik Pedersen/SCNG)

Highland Park’s North Figueroa Bookshop teams up with Homeboy Art Academy

May 11, 2026 at 5:24 p.m.

The exhibition 'Visualizing the Future' features photography, cyanotype and graphic arts by artists and creators aged 18 to 25.

15 novels and nonfiction books to add to your TBR pile. (Covers courtesy of the publishers)

15 novels and nonfiction books to read and add to your May TBR pile

May 8, 2026 at 10:53 a.m.

From both independent California publishers and the Big Five, these titles have plenty to offer readers.

Rhae Lynn Barnes is the author of “Darkology: Blackface and the American Way of Entertainment.” (Courtesy of the author / Liveright)

Rhae Lynn Barnes delves into America’s embrace of blackface in ‘Darkology’

May 8, 2026 at 9:03 a.m.

The book traces how amateur blackface minstrelsy wasn't just a fleeting theatrical phase, but the hidden operating system of American pop culture, politics, and capitalism.

“Between Two Fires” by Christopher Buehlman and some spaghetti. (Courtesy of Tor Nightfire / Getty Images)

The Book Pages: Would you like lunch with your horror novel?

May 1, 2026 at 1:58 p.m.

'Between Two Fires' pairs nicely with Barbara W. Tuchman's 'A Distant Mirror,' though not as well with a bowl of spaghetti.

Lillian Li is the author of “Bad Asians.” (Photo credit Alice Liu / The Michigan Daily / Courtesy of Henry Holt Co.)

‘Bad Asians’ author Lillian Li says a bookstore helped her choose where to live

May 1, 2026 at 1:52 p.m.

The author takes the Book Pages Q&A and shares the one book that she gives out to friends and rereads each year.

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