J.D.R. Hawkins

Tag: author interview

  • Featured on Books4Guys Podcast

    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. 

    https://www.books4guys.com

    The Untold Side of the Civil W… – Books4Guys – Apple Podcasts

    The Untold Side of the Civil War | J.D.R Hawkins on History, Writing, and the Renegade Series • Books4Guys

    The Untold Side of the Civil War | J.D.R Hawkins on History, Writing, and the Renegade Series

  • Featured in The Relatable Voice Magazine

    This month, I am one of the featured authors in The Relatable Voice Magazine. My story is a unique one, and I hope you will get a chance to read the article and tell me what you think! My story is on pages 22 and 23. Here is the link:

    https://www.relatable-media.com/

    I was also featured on their podcast! You can listen to the interview here:

    I had a lot of fun in the interview! It was a wonderful opportunity for me to discuss my books, as well as my writing process. Thank you again, Lucia and Relatable Voice, for featuring me this month!

    Home

  • Happy New Year!

    I’d like to wish you a very happy New Year! I’d also like to share a few things with you that I have coming up in 2026.

    This spring, all four books in the Renegade Series (pictured above) will be available on audio! Right now the two side stories that go along with the series are available on audio, A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly. I’ve been working hard to get the books ready, so I’m very excited that I’m getting close to the finish line! Once that’s done, I will set to work on book number five of the series, which has yet to be titled.

    Both A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly are on sale right now for only 99 cents on Kindle e-books. Now is the perfect time to grab this deal!

    I’d also like to share more exciting news in that I have numerous book trailers in the works, which should be done over the next few months. You can see some of the book trailers now on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw. I will be posting new trailers for A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, Double-Edged Sword, and Horses in Gray as they become available.

    My interview with Author Essence is now online! Here is the link, so please check it out!

    J.D.R. Hawkins

    I also received a very special honor from Book and Brunch. Not only did they give A Becharmed Callie Christmas the 2025 Best Historical Christmas Fiction Award, but they gave me an award as well! Thank you so much for the award!

    As always, please visit my website, like, share and follow me on my links, and most of all, have a very happy, safe, and prosperous New Year!

    https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins

    https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw

    https://www.amazon.com/Becharmed-Callie-Christmas-Story-Renegade-ebook/dp/B0CLKZ7WVS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UWRPHG97WO0F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sio1XLdeQCyHa80Li5IcVQ.f9YfKDPCDJ29Umq-MeyQPLWCzbx0jYfXSkphN6t8phg&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+becharmed+callie+christmas&qid=1767222678&sprefix=a+becharmed+%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-1

  • Award and Recognition

    Last week, I received the Award of Literary Excellence given by Reader’s House Magazine. This is a prestigious honor, and I am very humbled to accept it.

    I am also being featured in this month’s edition of Reader’s House Magazine. Please check out my interview! Here is the link:

    Issue 59
    J.D.R. Hawkins Shares Her Passion for Civil War Historical Fiction

    And I was featured on MSN as well! Here is the link to that article:

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/jdr-hawkins-journey-of-passion-purpose-and-perseverance/ar-AA1QqGKS?disableErrorRedirect=true&infiniteContentCount=0

    As always, thank you so much for your continued support. I couldn’t do any of this without you! Please remember to check out my website and social media links, like, follow and share!

    jdrhawkins.com

    https://allauthor.com/author/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.facebook.com/jdrhawkins/?ref=hl

    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1238370.J_D_R_Hawkins

    https://www.instagram.com/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdrhawkins/

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12gW5kbv5FLDH6Qxd9duzw

    https://www.amazon.com/Becharmed-Callie-Christmas-Story-Renegade/dp/B0CN2D4YMW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

  • Recently Featured on Podcast

    I was recently interviewed for a podcast by P English Literature in Britain. Here is the link to that podcast: https://youtu.be/egmL1slHmIc?si=EVFKueH5PUko-k7-

    Here is some information about the host, Peter Okonkwo, and the show.

    About the Host
    Peter Okonkwo is a Nigerian writer, poet, fatalist, literary critic, chorister, spiritual philosopher, violinist, editor, publisher, songwriter, soon–to be–novelist of Etean’s Destiny, certified orator, and show presenter at PEL.
    He is the author of six poetry collections: Ecstasy of the Dead; Fate, In the Dungeon of Doom; Whose Fault, Kismet or Impediment? and Escape from the Unseen Dungeons book series. Peter is gifted with
    the aptitude to explore and demystify certain difficult life issues through his thought-provoking, raw–arresting transcendent poetry.
    His works have been reviewed to critical acclaim (locally and internationally) and featured in notable literary magazines, newspapers, and TV stations including the Australian Plumwood Mountain Journal, The Lagos Review, Writers Space Africa, Afreecan Reads, Sevhage, Ngiga Review, Con-Scio, The Nigeria Review, Daily Trust Newspaper, Journal of African Youth Literature among others. He was an exhibit author at Africa’s second-largest international book fair, NIBF, 2024 Edition. Peter was in November of 2024 endorsed by the Art Council of England as an “Exceptional Promise” in the field of literature.
    He is the founder of P. English Literature (PEL), a literary organization dedicated to the promotion of literature in all genres. Since its inception in 2020, PEL has featured over 700 authors in interviews, and over 1000 in total of literature works. It was recognized as the first-ever international BookTube show in Africa that features authors from around the world. Peter is also the community founder of the Akure
    Book Club, a fast-growing society of book enthusiasts to promote literature in the city of Akure, Nigeria, and internationally through diverse literary events.

    About P English Literature (PEL)

    Founded in 2020 (RC: 7923553) and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, P English Literature is a Literary and Art organization dedicated to the promotion of English Literature regardless of genre.
    Our publication of book reviews, author interviews, book festivals, opinion commentaries, literary criticism, writer’s conferences, book club meetings, open mics, and other literary activities are explicitly done to publicize and incite authors and writers of different backgrounds, heritages, and cultures.
    Originally focused on promoting self-published authors and their works, we have expanded to traditional books and authors as well. We are the first-ever international BookTube show in Africa that features
    authors from around the world.

    Thank you so much, P English Literature, for having me on your show!

  • Please Vote for My Cover!

    My new book, Fool’s Gold Folly, has been nominated for the best cover of the month by AllAuthor, but I need your help. Please vote for the cover! Here is the link to vote: https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/19730/

    In other news, I am being featured on Awesomegang.com. Here is the link so that you can read the interview: https://awesomegang.com/j-d-r-hawkins-2/

    And in final news for the week, I recorded a podcast with host Yaya Diamond. Thank you so much, Yaya, for having me on your show! Here is the link: https://youtu.be/2CT6woOZs7k

    As always, thank you all so very much for supporting me on my author journey! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you. Stay tuned for more news, updates, and excerpts.

    https://www.amazon.com/Fools-Gold-Folly-Resilience-Renegade/dp/B0DZP24XXM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0