J.D.R. Hawkins

One bullet can make a man a hero… or a casualty.

Archive for the tag “novels”

In Search of the Perfect Agent

After completing a short story earlier this year, which goes along with the Renegade Series, I decided to switch gears and focus on finding an agent. Well, I’m here to tell you this is no small feat! In fact, it seems almost impossible. So far, I have sent query letters out to approximately 60 different agents, and gotten rejection letters from half of them. Some haven’t bothered responding at all. It’s very frustrating, to say the least. I’ve even received form letter rejections like this one:

“Thank you so much for querying me with your project. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel it was a good fit for my current list. As I’m sure you know, publishing is a subjective business and what isn’t right for me may be perfect for another agent or publisher. Please know I wish you all the best with your future endeavors.”

Are you kidding me? It makes me wonder if this agent even read my query and sample chapter. Although it’s less common, I have received reject letters with helpful (or what the agent thinks is helpful) suggestions on how to snag an agent.

I realize that getting rejections is all part of the process. That’s why I have been self-published for so long. As I’m sure you know, many famous authors got rejected at first, including Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Ray Bradbury, Judy Blume, J. K. Rowling, and Margaret Mitchell, just to name a few. Of course, they all eventually got picked up by an agent or publisher, and the rest is history.

My husband knew an author in Ft. Collins, Colorado, who had received so many reject letters that he said he wallpapered his bathroom with them. Not a bad idea! After much perseverance, he participated in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, made millions, and started his own newspaper. Now that’s inspiring!

Even though it is ego deflating and exasperating at times, I’m still determined to persist with the hope that, some day, I’ll find an agent. Wish me luck! (And thanks for allowing me to vent.)

Double-Edged Sword Wins Award

I’m very excited and happy to announce that my new novel, Double-Edged Sword, has received the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion! This is the fourth book in the Renegade Series, and now all four books have received this distinguished award!

According to their website, “BRAGMedallion.com is owned and operated by indieBRAG, LLC, a privately held organization that has brought together a large group of readers, both individuals and members of book clubs, located throughout the United States and in ten other countries around the globe. The word “indie” refers to self-published books, while B.R.A.G. is an acronym for Book Readers Appreciation Group. The name “indieBRAG” and the B.R.A.G. logos are trademarks of indieBRAG, LLC. The B.R.A.G. Medallion is a certification trademark owned and controlled by indieBRAG, LLC.”

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to receive this award! Thank you, indieBRAG, for giving my book the distinction it deserves!

Author Interview Featured

I was recently featured on AllAuthor. Here is the interview. Thanks for checking it out!

Tell us a little bit about your childhood and where you grew up.

I was born in Sioux City, Iowa. When I was one, my parents and I moved to Phoenix, but we moved back to Sioux City when I was six. I have one sister who is two years younger than me.Were you a big reader as a kid too?

I was not much of a reader when I was a kid, although I did like some books that are banned now, like Animal Farm and The Outsiders.At what age did you begin writing your first story?

I started writing stories when I was in junior high, and they were mostly about my friends. Before that, I wrote poems and songs.Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?

Believe it or not, I wanted to be a jockey because I love horses. But my family lived in the city and I ended up being way too tall.Who all are a part of your family?

I have a wonderful husband who I have been married to for over 40 years. We have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. My husband and youngest son are not really readers, but my older son has helped me out tremendously with my books. He helps to edit them, helped me come up with catch phrases, and even came up with the title for my most recent book.How did you come up with the idea for your book, A Beckoning Hellfire?

The idea came to me as I thought about what my protagonist must have felt, experiencing his first battle. He wants to be part of the excitement, but once he is in it, he realizes it is hell.What are the challenges of writing a nonfiction book?

Lots of research and precise descriptions. I try to incorporate dialogue where I can, so it is not such a boring, textbook read.As a writer, what consumes most of your time?

Research and plotting out the story lines.What is the best review you have gotten for your book, Rebel Among Us?

I have received numerous five-star reviews for this book, as well as some very flattering reviews from editorial reviewers.What is your writing dream? How close do you think you are to achieving it?

I recently became a bestseller, which was a dream. I would like to find an agent so that I can potentially sell more books.How many hours in a day do you write? Typically, 3-6 hours. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter writing?

YesWhat did being an author mean to you as a child?

It meant being an exceptional storyteller. What does it mean to you now? The same thing, only being able to incorporate elaborate detail and character arcs.Do you ever leave book reviews on other authors’ books?

Yes. What do reviews mean to you? They help the ranking of my books, and give me insight into what my readers think.How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written?

So many! Can you tell us about one? I am in the process of writing the fifth and final book in the Renegade Series. The story will open with my protagonist traveling out west in search of his pot of gold.When did you join AllAuthor? Several years ago. What has your experience been like?

My experience with AllAuthor has been fantastic. They support authors and provide tools that help us get the word out about our books.

Bestselling author Julie Hawkins was born in Sioux City, Iowa. She started writing stories when she was in junior high. She is one of a few female Civil War authors. Her Renegade Series includes A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us, and Double-Edged Sword. She is also an artist and singer/songwriter. Read full interview…

Another Wonderful Review for A Rebel Among Us

I just received another great review for my novel, A Rebel Among Us. This is the third book in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Pacific Book Review, for your wonderful review!

A Rebel Among Us
Title: A Rebel Among Us
Author: J.D.R. Hawkins
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-64803-079-6
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 485
Reviewed by: Arthur Thares


Sometimes a book comes along and catches you completely off guard. A Rebel Among Us seems, on the surface, like a run-of-the-mill period romance novel, but it is so much more. By the time you finish this book, you will have a vested interest in it and its characters.


When Confederate soldier, David Summers, shows up on the Brady Farm wounded and weak, there is no way he can imagine how much his life will change. Anna and her sisters nurse David back to health, but with the Civil War raging, they know trouble is right around the corner if anyone ever finds out they are harboring a traitor. While their intentions seem generous initially, the Brady girls have a secret that spurred their kindness and generosity toward their enemy.


What starts as a relationship of convenience grows and changes, and Anna and David fall in love. As their forbidden love grows, the couple faces trial after trial until a scorned would-be lover threatens to tear the two apart forever. While the two face the most challenging times of their young lives, they learn a lot about themselves, but their happily-ever-after may not be meant to be.


Hawkins is an extraordinarily talented writer born for this work. The character building in this book is second to none. By the end of the story, you will find yourself rooting out loud for characters in a book. One of the many aspects which makes this book so appealing is, while it is a work of fiction, there is a certain realism to it, thanks to her knowledge of the civil war era.


A Rebel Among Us is a captivating story that will capture your imagination and your heart. The attention to detail in this story will subtly draw you in and not let you go until you’ve read the last word. This is far from the traditional romance story, as Hawkins trades in cheesy romance scenes for a relatable story with actual substance. Although this story takes place almost two hundred years ago, it will still resonate with readers today. A Rebel Among Us is easily a must-read title that will entertain, tug at the heartstrings, and ultimately leave the reader satisfied.

Another Five-Star Review for Double-Edged Sword

I just received another five-star review for my new novel, Double-Edged Sword. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series. Thank you so much, Celeste, for your review!

Celeste S

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent novel

Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022

In this absorbing novel, Double-Edge Sword, the author J.D.R. Hawkins has fictionalised and captured in a riveting way the main character’s journey through the turbulent waters of the Civil War in the USA and his return to his home in Alabama.


The story follows David who has survived the war and comes back home only to start struggling with the trauma of his past and enemies that are waiting to make his life really difficult.


This fascinating, powerful and thought-provoking story is very well written. The author has described with great mastery the challenges the main character has to face in order to get a normal life back after the terrible events of the war. This book is truthful and realistic in reflecting all those complex feelings and emotions. I strongly recommend it.

New Book Trailer

Here is the book trailer for my new novel, Double-Edged Sword. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series, and describes what a family goes through during Reconstruction following the Civil War. I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know what you think.

Mountain of Authors

I was invited to attend the 16th annual Mountain of Authors event last Saturday. The Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs sponsors the program. The keynote speaker for the event was none other than Craig Johnson, who is the bestselling author of the Longmire books series. The Netflix series is based on his books. I participated in the “Showcase of Authors.” It was limited to 30 participants, all of which were local authors. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other writers of all genres. It was also an opportunity to talk about and sell my books. Thank you, PPLD, for allowing me to participate!

Mr. Craig Johnson and myself.
Some of the other attendees.
Craig Johnson behind the mic. A very nice, funny guy!

Latest Happenings

Recently, three of my books were featured via my publisher, Westwood Books Publishing, at the London Book Fair. I wish I would have had the chance to attend! It was an amazing turnout, and a great opportunity for people across the pond to see my books.

In other news…

My new novel, Double-Edged Sword, is being featured on BookGoodies. Here is the link:

http://bookgoodies.com/?p=423787

For a limited time, this book is available for free on Kindle Unlimited.

(Click on book cover to see link.)

My Books Featured at L.A. Times Festival of Books

My books are displayed second row on the left.

Recently, my novels were featured at the L.A. Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California. My publisher, Westwood Books Publishing, attended the event and set up a display galley, where all four of my books in the Renegade Series were featured.

My books on display.

More than 150,000 book lovers and media members attended the event. This was the 27th annual L.A. Times Festival of Books. It is one of the largest and most prestigious book festivals in the country. Since its debut in 1996, the festival has combined literature lovers with hundreds of booksellers, publishers, and literary organizations.

Because my books were featured at the event, I will now be able to get them placed in bookstores around the country. This was an excellent event and a great opportunity for me to get my books in front of a lot of people. Thanks to my publisher for including my books in this event!

Book Teaser #2 for New Novel

As promised, I’d like to share one book teaser each week over a four-week time span. Last week, I posted the first teaser for my new novel, Double-Edged Sword, which will be available in a few weeks. This book is the fourth one in the Renegade Series. Please let me know what you think! Does it spark your interest?

Double-Edged Sword describes the perilous desecration of the South following the Civil War, and how one newlywed couple navigates through the turmoil left behind, both in the South and in the North. Sure to be a bestseller, Double-Edged Sword discusses many controversial topics. It is edgy, profound, and alarming enough to pique anyone’s curiosity. Soon available on Amazon and all online booksellers.

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