Last week, I was informed that my latest book, Fool’s Gold Folly, has climbed up the Goodreads Listopia chart to #1! This novella tells the story of one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. It describes what happens to him when he decides to uproot his family and take them to Colorado Territory after the Civil War in search of gold. The novella started out at #343, but it is now at #1 in the Great Historical Fiction division.
My most recent novella, Fool’s Gold Folly, has received the Award of Excellence by Spring Arbor University. The novella tells the story of a minor character in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan, and what happens to him and his family once he decides to uproot them and take them out west to Colorado Territory in search of gold. The award is a very special honor, and I am so proud to share it with you! Thank you again for all of your ongoing support!
And third, I have a new cinematic book trailer for A Beautiful Glittering Lie, the first book in the Renegade Series. Let me know what you think! And thanks again for all your ongoing support!
Last week, I received a wonderful review from Kirkus Reviews for my novella, Fool’s Gold Folly. This book accompanies the Renegade Series and tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan. Thank you so much, Kirkus Reviews, for your awesome review!
Despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope.
In 1869, an Irish immigrant couple move to Colorado with hopes of making their fortune in gold. Hawkins’ novel centers on Patrick Mulligan, his wife of two years, Briana, and the widowed Briana’s two children from a previous marriage (10-year-old Keegan and 8-year-old Kathleen).
As the novel opens, this Irish immigrant family is staying at a small hotel in Denver while patriarch Patrick looks for a job. They’ve recently arrived from Pennsylvania, and their hotel room is paid up only until the end of the week. But, as readers soon find out, bigotry against the Irish is keeping him from finding employment. They get by for the next few weeks until it’s time to move west to the town of Breckenridge, where Patrick stakes his claim for a parcel of land. Briana is offered a job as housekeeper for the widow Mrs. Tydings, in exchange for room and board for the family. Mrs. Tydings seems sweet at the beginning, but she is a harsh taskmistress, even putting the children to work. Meanwhile, Patrick secures a job tending bar. Every day he toils in his search for gold and then returns to work in the evening, serving drinks to customers. It’s a tough existence, but despite the hardships and disappointments, the Mulligans never give up hope. Patrick at one point befriends Silas Garvey, an elderly former prospector who’s dying from consumption, and the friendship leads to a pivotal turning point in Patrick’s life.
Hawkins’ gentle novella ambles along at a moderate pace, perked up with a bit of adventure: There’s a raucous bar fight and a dangerous standoff when Patrick must defend his family against “Runnin’ Wolf,” a renegade Native American. Simple prose, lavishly sprinkled with an Irish lilt, conveys bittersweet remembrances from the old country. The descriptions of the heat, dust, and back-breaking work of mining are evocative of the best tales of the Old West. Silas turns out to be a wily old-timer with a couple of surprises up his sleeve, giving the narrative a bit of a concluding twist through which Patrick learns the real meaning of a “rich” life.
A pleasant enough read … a bonanza of literary riches.
I have several things I’d like to share with you. First of all, my novellla, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, has climbed to number 12 on Goodreads Listopia rankings. This is such exciting news! Here is the link for you to check out:
The book was originally listed at number 476 but climbed all the way up to number twelve. Here’s special thanks to my assistant, Marla P., for making it happen!
Second, the A+ content on my Amazon has all been updated, and it looks amazing! I’d like to give a special shout out to my assistant, Olivia W., for assisting me with this. Here is the link so you can see it for yourself!
A few weeks ago, I was invited to record a podcast with Books4Guys reading group. This is an amazing organization that strives to get men and boys to read more. I was more than happy to participate. Below is the manuscript, as well as the links for the podcast. I hope you enjoy it!
Chris sits down with historical fiction author J.D.R. Hawkins to discuss the Civil War, historical storytelling, writing fiction inspired by real events, the Victorian era, research, creativity, publishing, and the inspiration behind her popular Renegade Series.
J.D.R. Hawkins shares her fascinating journey from growing up fascinated by history and storytelling to becoming one of the few female authors writing Civil War fiction from the Southern perspective. The conversation dives deep into American history, historical research, battlefield experiences, family history, creativity, and the process of building a long running historical fiction series.
Throughout the episode, J.D.R. discusses: • Her fascination with the Victorian era and Civil War history • Visiting Gettysburg for the first time • Why she chose to write from the Southern perspective • The inspiration behind the Renegade Series • Historical misconceptions surrounding the Civil War • The role of family, economics, and regional conflict during the war • Researching cavalry units, battlefields, and historical events • How her characters and storylines evolved naturally over time • Writing historical fiction that balances education and entertainment • Why readers connect emotionally with family sagas and historical stories
Chris and J.D.R. also explore: • The emotional realities of war and division • Historical fiction versus traditional history books • The challenge of writing Civil War fiction as a female author • The importance of storytelling in preserving history • The publishing process and building a multi book series • Creativity, songwriting, and artistic expression • The connection between reading, writing, and imagination
One of the most interesting moments of the episode comes when J.D.R. explains how visiting Gettysburg completely changed her understanding of the Civil War and inspired her to begin writing stories that explored perspectives and experiences she felt were often overlooked in traditional education.
Books discussed during the episode include: • The Renegade Series • Gone With the Wind • Animal Farm • The Outsiders • Old Yeller • The Yearling
If you are interested in books, American history, historical fiction, Civil War history, writing, storytelling, publishing, creativity, leadership, or learning how fiction can help bring history to life, this episode is packed with fascinating insight and conversation.
Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, storytelling, leadership, history, entrepreneurship, mindset, creativity, personal growth, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.
I was recently featured in an article published by Park Magazine NY. This is very flattering and I can’t express enough how much I appreciate it. Thank you so much, Brian Meyer, for your feature!
Tracing lives, loyalties, and legacies through immersive Civil War storytelling
In the evolving world of literature, historical fiction has undergone a quiet transformation. No longer confined to retelling well-known events, modern writers approach history as something fluid, layered, and deeply personal. These authors reconstruct the past not just through dates and documents, but through voices that feel intimate and immediate. Their stories breathe life into forgotten corners of history, offering perspectives that challenge, expand, and sometimes complicate traditional narratives.
This new wave of storytelling has inspired both readers and writers alike, encouraging a deeper emotional connection to history. It has also opened the door for voices willing to explore viewpoints that are less commonly represented. Among these voices is J.D.R. Hawkins, a writer whose work stands out for its immersive detail and its focus on the human experience during the American Civil War. Through her novels, Hawkins contributes to a broader literary movement that seeks not only to remember history, but to understand it.
J.D.R. Hawkins’ path to becoming a novelist was shaped by a gradual and deliberate journey through the written word. Like many writers, she began modestly, crafting short stories, articles, and children’s books. These early works served as a training ground, allowing her to develop a narrative voice that would later define her longer fiction.
Her early writing reflects a curiosity about people and their experiences, a trait that would become central to her later work. Over time, Hawkins moved toward more expansive storytelling, drawn by a desire to explore history through the lens of individual lives. This transition marked the beginning of her evolution into a historical fiction author.
Hawkins found her creative focus in one of the most defining periods in American history, the Civil War. Rather than approaching the era from a distant or purely analytical perspective, she chose to center her stories on the lived experiences of individuals navigating its upheaval. Her work often reflects a Southern viewpoint, and she has become recognized as one of the relatively few female authors writing from a Confederate perspective.
This choice distinguishes her within the genre. By exploring narratives that are less frequently told, Hawkins adds depth to the literary conversation surrounding the Civil War. Her stories do not attempt to simplify history, but instead present it as complex and multifaceted, shaped by personal choices, loyalties, and circumstances.
The Renegade Series and Literary Breakthrough
At the heart of Hawkins’ literary career lies the Renegade Series, a collection of novels that follows a Confederate cavalryman and his family through the trials of war and its aftermath. The series serves as both a sweeping historical narrative and an intimate family saga, capturing the emotional and physical toll of conflict.
The series begins with A Beautiful Glittering Lie, a novel that introduces readers to a world on the brink of transformation. The story reflects the optimism and uncertainty that characterized the early days of the war, gradually revealing the harsh realities that follow. Its success marked a turning point in Hawkins’ career, establishing her as a significant voice in historical fiction.
Subsequent installments, including A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, and Double-Edged Sword, expand the narrative, exploring not only the progression of the war but also the challenges of Reconstruction. Together, these works create a layered and continuous story that traces the enduring impact of the conflict on individuals and families.
Critical Recognition and Awards
Hawkins’ work has received consistent recognition within the historical fiction community. Her novels have earned multiple honors, reflecting both their literary merit and their resonance with readers.
A Beautiful Glittering Lie received the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award as well as the B.R.A.G Medallion. A Rebel Among Us also earned the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and a B.R.A.G Medallion, while A Beckoning Hellfire and Double-Edged Sword were similarly recognized with B.R.A.G Medallions. The latter also received the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award, reinforcing Hawkins’ reputation for producing consistently acclaimed work.
In addition to these honors, her books have achieved bestseller status on major platforms, including Amazon, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal, further demonstrating their broad appeal.
While the Renegade Series remains central to her body of work, Hawkins has demonstrated versatility through a range of other projects. Her nonfiction book, Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses, explores a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War, focusing on the crucial role horses played in military strategy and daily operations.
She has also written A Becharmed Callie Christmas, a short story connected to the Renegade Series. This work offers a more intimate and seasonal perspective, blending the hardships of war with moments of warmth and reflection.
In a departure from historical fiction, Hawkins authored a chapter in the anthology Success Mindsets: How Top Entrepreneurs Succeed in Business and Life, a book that reflects her interest in personal development and contemporary themes. This shift highlights her ability to engage with different genres while maintaining a clear and accessible writing style.
In 2025, Hawkins expanded her storytelling beyond the American South with the publication of Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience. Released on March 17, the novel explores themes of endurance, identity, and cultural heritage within an Irish context.
This work represents a significant step in her career, demonstrating her willingness to explore new historical settings while retaining her focus on character-driven narratives. It also signals a broader creative direction, suggesting that her interest in history extends beyond a single era or region.
Hawkins’ contributions to literature are complemented by her active involvement in the writing community. She is a member of several organizations that support writers and promote literary engagement, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the International Women’s Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. She is also associated with the Historical Novel Society.
These affiliations reflect her commitment not only to her own work but also to the broader literary community. Through these networks, she engages with other writers, contributes to discussions about the craft, and remains connected to ongoing developments within the genre.
Style, Themes, and Historical Perspective
Hawkins’ writing is distinguished by its combination of detailed research and emotional depth. Her narratives are grounded in historical accuracy, yet they remain accessible and engaging, driven by strong character development and a clear sense of place.
A defining feature of her work is its focus on personal experience within larger historical events. Rather than emphasizing grand strategy or political discourse, she centers her stories on individuals and families, allowing readers to connect with history on a human level. Her exploration of Southern perspectives during the Civil War adds another layer of complexity, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the period.
As historical fiction continues to evolve, J.D.R. Hawkins occupies a distinct place within the genre. Her work reflects a broader shift toward storytelling that values perspective, empathy, and narrative depth. By focusing on the human dimensions of history, she invites readers to engage with the past in a meaningful and reflective way.
Brian Meyer
brianmeyer.com@gmail.com An SEO expert & outreach specialist having vast experience of three years in the search engine optimization industry. He Assisted various agencies and businesses by enhancing their online visibility. He works on niches i.e. Marketing, business, finance, fashion, news, technology, lifestyle etc. He is eager to collaborate with businesses and agencies; by utilizing his knowledge and skills to make them appear online & make them profitable.
I have recently been receiving numerous offers from people who would like to create cinematic book trailers for me. I think it’s a lot of fun to see what they come up with. Although my son, Jesse, is my primary creator, some of these folks might be giving him a run for his money! Here is a book trailer I just received for Horses in Gray, my nonfiction book about Confederate warhorses in the Civil War. Thank you so much, Elizabeth Kate, for your creative input!
I also received another five-star review for the book. Here is that review, posted on Goodreads. Thank you, Bolally, for your five-star review!
Horses in Gray is a well-researched and engaging history book that shines a light on the important role of horses during the Civil War. J.D.R. Hawkins brings famous Confederate warhorses to life through detailed stories, historical facts, and fascinating background information.
The book does an excellent job exploring the bond between soldiers and their horses, while also explaining the hardships these animals faced during wartime. Readers will especially enjoy learning about famous horses connected to figures like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
Easy to read and full of interesting details, this book is perfect for Civil War enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
Occasionally, I like to share posts from other writers when I think the content relates to my site. This article was written by Derek Cannon. Thank you very much, Derek, for your contribution.
The Author’s Business Guide: Simple Systems for a Sustainable Creative Career
Writing a book is one thing. Building a sustainable business around being an author is something else entirely. Most authors figure out the creative side naturally—the writing, the research, the revision—but the business side tends to get pieced together on the fly. Pricing speaking engagements, tracking royalties and income, protecting your work with the right agreements, marketing without feeling like a salesperson; none of it comes with an instruction manual. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple systems, built once and maintained consistently, can keep the business side running smoothly so your energy stays where it belongs.
Quick Takes ● Set pricing for books, talks, workshops, and services with a clear strategy that reflects your value and keeps your work sustainable. ● Protect your work and your time with simple agreements that define what’s included, what isn’t, and what happens if plans change. ● Build a repeatable workflow for launches, speaking engagements, and client projects that reduces friction every time. ● Track income and expenses with a lightweight system that keeps your finances organized and tax season manageable. ● Market authentically with a strong platform, consistent branding, and outreach that builds real relationships.
Build a Simple System That Protects Your Time These steps help you price your work confidently, get agreements in writing, bill cleanly, and run projects and engagements the same way every time. Once they become a habit, the admin fades into the background. ● Set rates you can stand behind: Whether you’re pricing a speaking engagement, a workshop, a consulting call, or a book signing appearance, start with what you need to earn and work outward from there. Research what other authors at your level charge for similar work, factor in your prep time, travel, and follow-up, and settle on a number you can quote without hesitation. A one-sentence rationale like, “This rate reflects my preparation time, the length of the engagement, and the value I bring to your audience,” helps you hold the line when asked to discount.
● Define what’s included before you say yes: Scope creep happens for authors just as much as anywhere else. Before agreeing to any paid engagement or project, write down what you will deliver, what you won’t, and what happens if the scope expands. A clear one-page outline protects your time and sets the other party’s expectations before any work begins. ● Use a simple agreement for every paid engagement: You don’t need a lawyer for every speaking gig, but you do need something in writing. A basic agreement should cover: the event or deliverable, the date and format, your fee, payment terms, cancellation policy, and any usage rights (recording, livestreaming, excerpting). Send it before you start preparing, and don’t confirm until it’s signed. ● Invoice consistently and follow up without apology: Pick one invoice platform or template, add your payment terms once, and use it every time. Include the engagement details, your fee, the due date, and your preferred payment method. Send the invoice promptly, save a copy, and follow up on overdue payments without hesitation; getting paid on time is a normal part of running a business. ● Run every project through the same four stages: Whether it’s a book launch, a speaking tour, a workshop series, or a licensing deal, use a simple four-stage workflow: Planning →Execution →Review →Wrap-up This gives every project a consistent shape. Use the same folder structure each time so contracts, correspondence, and deliverables are easy to find. After each project, note one thing to do differently next time.
Use One Hub to Simplify Setup, Compliance, and Admin Once your workflow is in place, the next step is consolidating the administrative pieces that tend to scatter. Your creative business involves more moving parts than most people expect, such as entity formation, contracts, website, finances, and compliance, and managing them across a dozen different tools quietly drains the energy you need for writing and showing up for your audience. A comprehensive business platform can bring these pieces together in one place, giving you reliable systems that run in the background while your focus stays on your work. Whether you’re forming an LLC to protect your brand, managing compliance, building your website, or keeping your finances organized, this kind of platform offers both the tools and the expert support to help you feel confident that the basics are covered. ZenBusiness is one option authors can use to handle setup and ongoing admin without the overwhelm, so the business side of your career gets the same steady attention as the creative side.
Keep Finances Organized and Marketing Consistent A simple weekly rhythm keeps your business steady: you always know what you earned, what you spent, and how to talk about your work when the right opportunity appears. ● Set a 15-minute weekly money check-in: Pick the same day each week and record three things: income received, expenses paid, and what each expense was for. One spreadsheet and a folder for receipts is enough. This habit keeps your numbers current and makes tax time far less stressful. ● Separate your income streams: Track royalties, speaking fees, workshop income, and licensing revenue separately so you can see what’s growing and what needs attention. Knowing which parts of your business are generating income helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest your time. ● Keep expenses organized by category: Tag every expense as either work-related (research materials, travel to events, book production costs) or platform-building (website hosting, newsletter tools, professional development). This distinction matters at tax time and helps you see whether you’re consistently investing in your long-term presence. ● Make it tax-ready by default: Use a dedicated account for your business income and expenses so your records stay clean. Save receipts as you go, set aside a percentage of income for taxes each month, and write three sentences once a month: total income, total expenses, and any high upcoming costs. That’s your financial picture. ● Build a platform that reflects your work: Your website, newsletter, and social profiles should all tell the same story. Use the same bio, the same tone, and consistent visuals across every channel. A reader who finds you on Instagram should recognize you immediately when they land on your website. ● Let your readers and audiences do some of the talking: Collect testimonials and endorsements that speak to specific experiences, such as what a reader felt after finishing your book, what an event organizer noticed about your presentation, what a workshop participant took away. Specific, attributable praise is far more useful than general compliments. ● Show up consistently and reach out with intention: Regular, genuine engagement with your readers, fellow authors, podcast hosts, book clubs, and event organizers builds the kind of relationships that lead to opportunities. When you do reach out, lead with something specific — a relevant angle, a timely topic, a connection to their audience — rather than a general pitch.
Build a Business That Supports Your Creative Life The authors who sustain long careers aren’t the ones who work the hardest; they’re the ones who build systems that work for them. A pricing structure you believe in, agreements that protect your time, finances you can read at a glance, and a platform that sounds like you. None of it has to be perfect. It just has to be consistent. Pick one thing today and build from there.
We have been working diligently to get more visibility for my books on various platforms. One project we’ve been working on is creating A+ content for Amazon with the Renegade Series. Here is what we have so far. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think. Thanks so much!
A+ CONTENT PREVIEW
The Renegade Series
J.D.R. Hawkins Civil War Historical Fiction
“A story about a family, a war, and the unbearable cost of both.”
The Renegade Series The war stories you’ve read told one side. This one tells the other. J.D.R. Hawkins is one of the very few female authors to write the Civil War from the Confederate front lines — bringing that world to life with unflinching honesty and extraordinary emotional depth. At the heart of the series is David Summers — eighteen years old, from a quiet farm in north Alabama. He owns no slaves. He has no political convictions. He only dreams of going out West. But when war reaches his family’s doorstep, he is forced to grow up in the most brutal way imaginable.
■ Amazon · USA Today · Wall Street Journal Bestseller ■ Multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award Winners ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion — All Four Books
FOUR REASONS WHY READERS CHOOSE THIS SERIES
A Rarely Told Perspective Most Civil War novels tell the Union story. J.D.R. Hawkins goes to the other side — not to glorify, but to humanise. David Summers is not a symbol. He is a boy. That distinction changes everything.
A Family Saga at Its Core The Renegade Series is, above all, a story about what war does to a family. The waiting. The letters. The losses. The silences. Readers who love character-driven historical fiction will be completely absorbed.
Award-Winning Historical Accuracy Multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award winners. B.R.A.G. Medallion across all four books. Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller. The accolades reflect what readers already know.
Four Complete Novels From enlistment to Reconstruction — the full arc of the Civil War era across four richly layered novels. Start with Book 1 and you will not stop. This is the series that gets under your skin.
MEET THE HEART OF THE STORY David Summers & Jake Kimball North Alabama · April 1863 · Confederate Volunteers They didn’t want a war. They got one anyway. David Summers is tall with shoulder length brown hair. His best friend Jake Kimball stands beside him with collar length dark brown hair. Together they are just two Southern boys from Alabama with dreams bigger than their small town. They enlist together in April 1863. They march into a war that will demand everything — their innocence, their friendship, and the futures they had barely begun to imagine. Two boys. One war. A bond that nothing — not even history — could break.
THE COMPLETE SERIES — READING ORDER
1 A Beautiful Glittering Lie A boy enlists. A family fractures. The war begins. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
2 A Beckoning Hellfire His father dies at Fredericksburg. David marches — this time for revenge. ■ Amazon Bestseller ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
3 A Rebel Among Us Survival demands impossible choices. No one walks away unchanged. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
4 Double-Edged Sword The war ends. The wounds don’t. David comes home to a world he no longer recognizes. ■ John Esten Cooke Award ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion
THE AUTHOR BEHIND THE SERIES
About J.D.R. Hawkins J.D.R. Hawkins is one of a rare few female authors writing the American Civil War from the Confederate perspective — bringing the front lines to life with a depth of research, empathy, and storytelling craft that has earned her some of the genre’s highest honors. An Amazon, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, her Renegade Series has won multiple John Esten Cooke Fiction Award winners and B.R.A.G. Medallions across all four books. Her inspiration came from a visit to the Gettysburg battlefield — and a burning question: what would drive an ordinary young man, with no stake in politics, to pick up a rifle and march into one of history’s most devastating wars? ■ Amazon · USA Today · WSJ Bestseller ■ John Esten Cooke Fiction Award Winners × 3 ■ B.R.A.G. Medallion × 4
J.D.R. Hawkins 