I have been married for over 40 years. My husband and I have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons.

I am very detail oriented, which I feel is an essential ingredient when writing a series. For example, a character can’t have blue eyes in one book and brown eyes in another.

My favorite quote is by Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I think that pretty much says it all. If you want something to change, make it start with you.

I am very proud of my kids, and I’m proud of being honored with several awards for my writing.

Blue

I have several – seafood, Mexican, and Italian.

I have several favorite places, including the beach and the mountains, but I’d have to say that Ireland is my absolute favorite. I love everything about it. My ancestors came from Ireland, and when I’m there, it feels like home. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

My parents were always extremely supportive of my artistic pursuits. They insisted that I go to college, and now I’m glad they did.

I started writing at a very young age, beginning with poetry, expanding to songwriting, and then moving on to articles, short stories, picture books, and novellas.

I began writing when I was in the third or fourth grade. I loved challenging myself by using words to describe things in a colorful, poetic way.

I think since I was eight or nine. A long time!

I knew I was pretty good at it when I started getting recognition in grade school. Some of my poems got published in the school newsletter.

I get inspiration from nature, museums, music, and other writers. Because I write about the Civil War, getting outside and imagining what soldiers experienced helps me to visualize various scenes. I also listen to period music, visit museums to get a feel for what it was like to live in Victorian America, and read the works of other Civil War authors to see how they interpret that time as well.

 I’m comfortable writing many genres, but I find that writing historical fiction is challenging and interesting. However, I recently completed a murder mystery, and that was a lot of fun to write.

I went to Gettysburg and saw the battlefield for myself. I had never seen a battlefield of that enormity before, and the experience effected me so profoundly that it inspired me to write a book from a typical Confederate soldier’s perspective.

I had some supportive college instructors who saw my potential and helped me to develop it.

My family influenced me, as well as personal experiences. To me, human interaction is one of the most fascinating things to write about.

I wanted to become a writer because I enjoy describing things and telling a compelling story.

Keeping details strait, and editing. It can be tedious at times, but it is rewarding to see the finished product.

I learned about what the 4thAlabama went through, the horrors they witnessed, and the strength they displayed in order to survive. I also learned much about the Confederate cavalry, and the flamboyant J.E.B. Stuart, as well the suffering that took place in POW camps.

Absolutely

I think that interpreting character interaction and dialogue is my greatest strength. Or at least, that’s what some critics have told me.

I have on occasion, but to cure it, I go to a quiet place where I can concentrate on the plot without any distractions. I usually get through it pretty quickly.

It is the fifth book in the Renegade Series.

A Beautiful Glittering Lieis based on one of my favorite quotes. Confederate soldier Henry Morton Stanley explained the war by stating that it was a “glittering lie,” and I added the word “beautiful” because the War Between the States began as a wonderful, delusional exploit for both sides. No one had any idea that it would last four years and cost so many lives. A Beckoning Hellfirejust came to mind when I thought of how the protagonist, David, was lured into the war.A Rebel Among Uswas part ofA Beckoning Hellfire, but when the book got to be too long, I split it in half. And my son, Jeremy, came up with the title forDouble-Edged Sword.

He is a Southern farm boy who is trying to become a man. After enlisting in the Confederate cavalry, he experiences suffering and loss, and he is conflicted between his obligation to his family and his desire for adventure.

Because I wanted to focus on a young Confederate soldier, I started with the main character, built his family around him, and added his home and friends. The first book I wrote in the Renegade Series isA Beckoning Hellfire. That story expanded into two sequels:A Rebel Among UsandDouble-Edged Sword. I then went back and wrote a prequel, which isA Beautiful Glittering Lie.A Becharmed Callie Christmasis a short story involving one of the minor characters in the series. It takes place during the winter of 1862.

My publisher, Westwood Books Publishing, LLC, provided the cover art for the Renegade Series. Stanford Books assisted in creating the cover for A Becharmed Callie Christmas. Mr. Dan Nance painted the cover art forHorses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses.

Westwood Books Publishing, LLC published the Renegade Series, which includesA Beautiful Glittering Lie,A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us,andDouble-Edged Sword, and Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. publishedHorses in Gray.

I wanted to tell the story of typical Confederate soldiers, and how the war impacted them and their family. Many Southern states did not want to secede from the Union, and this story explains how a typical farm family got drawn into the conflict.

The battle scenes and POW camp scenes were the most difficult to write. I wanted to make them as realistic as possible, which meant I had to go into detail about graphic gore and emotional trauma.

Besides writing my own blog,http://jdrhawkins.com/blog, I participate on other blogs, and post frequently on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and some other social media outlets. I attend conferences, do speaking engagements, participate in reenactments, and hold book signings. Because my advertising budget is limited, I have done a little bit of display advertising, but mostly, I have promoted it through local media. I have also entered the book in several contests.

I am writing another sequel to the Renegade Series. I will probably write more books about this time period since, to me, it is one of the most fascinating in American History.

The main message is that, even though terrible things happen, the power of the human spirit will always prevail.

A Beautiful Glittering Lieis based on the journal of adjutant R. T. Cole, who was a soldier with the 4thAlabama Infantry Regiment. Most of the situations and characters described in my books are based on real people and events. The main characters are fictitious, but their experiences are also based on fact.

Yes. I think that every writer incorporates personal experiences, and my writing is no exception. The main character, David, and his best friend, Jake, are loosely based on my son, Jeremy, and his best friend, Ben.

I think they are critical to the suspense of a story. Every great novel has a great villain to go with it.

My primary goals are to entertain, teach, and tell a good story.

I make it a point to visit the places I write about in my books in order to make them authentic. Getting the terrain right and imagining the placement of armies on various battlefields helps me to visualize what actually took place at these sacred places.

Black Beauty, Gone with the Wind andCold Mountain. I love reading inspirational stories, classics, stories featuring strong character arcs, and books that affect my psyche.

Yes. I am writing another sequel to the Renegade Series.

I have started several. Some are ready for publication, and some are still in the works

I see myself as a more experienced author with several more titles under my belt.

I am working on another short story to go with the Renegade Series, as well as a young adult novel about Prohibition and my hometown, Sioux City, Iowa.

In my opinion, perseverance, marketing, getting out and meeting people, blogging, and attending conferences.

Take criticism with a grain of salt. Most reviews are just opinions. Expect to receive both good and bad reviews, and use constructive criticism to improve your writing skills.

You won’t succeed unless you never give up.

I swim, walk, sing, play guitar, and garden.

I have met some wonderful people that have become lifelong friends, and I have advanced my writing career by winning several prestigious awards.

Always strive to become a better writer. Attend classes. Seek professional advice. Read other authors who write in your genre. And keep going!