PHOTO: Author J.D.R. Hawkins, bestselling writer of the acclaimed Renegade Series and award-winning historical works on the American Civil War.
Exploring History Through Heartfelt Storytelling
J.D.R. Hawkins, bestselling historical fiction author, reflects on writing the Renegade Series, blending meticulous research with emotional depth to illuminate the Civil War through overlooked Southern perspectives and unforgettable characters.
J.D.R. Hawkins stands as a distinctive voice in historical fiction, weaving narratives that uncover the human cost of war with both precision and empathy. As one of the few female authors writing from a Confederate perspective, she brings a unique lens to the American Civil War, capturing not only the clash of armies but the intimate struggles of families and individuals caught in its devastating wake. Her work is steeped in meticulous research, yet it is the depth of characterisation and emotional resonance that sets it apart.
Through her acclaimed Renegade Series—from A Beautiful Glittering Lie to Double-Edged Sword—Hawkins chronicles the journey of the Summers family of Alabama, ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Their trials, heartbreaks, and fleeting moments of hope reflect the lived reality of countless others whose lives were forever altered by conflict. By grounding her fiction in authentic historical detail, Hawkins ensures that her readers not only witness events but feel them with immediacy.
Her exploration of history extends beyond soldiers and battles. In Horses in Gray, she turns attention to the role of warhorses, preserving stories that might otherwise fade into obscurity. Similarly, her short stories, including A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly, bring forward quieter, personal perspectives that deepen the tapestry of the series. Whether through the eyes of a young girl or the bond between man and horse, Hawkins demonstrates that history is not only about grand narratives but about the tender, fragile moments that shape lives.
At the heart of her work lies a profound desire to illuminate the human spirit amid suffering. By blending artistry, music, and storytelling, J.D.R. Hawkins transforms history from dry record into lived experience, reminding us that even in the darkest times, creativity and resilience endure.
What initially drew you to writing about the Civil War from a Confederate perspective, particularly as one of the few female authors in this field?
After visiting the Gettysburg battlefield, I was so impressed that I wanted to write a book about the Civil War, but something different from the ones I had read. Most of those bookswere about officers or Union army soldiers, so I decided to write from the Southern perspective, since that is something often overlooked. I wanted to write about a typical Southern soldier. Hence, my protagonist, David Summers, is a farm boy whose family doesn’t own any slaves. The first book I wrote was A Beckoning Hellfire, but it was too long, so I split it into two books, thus creating A Rebel Among Us. After that, I wrote a sequel, Double-Edged Sword, and then I went back and wrote the prequel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. There will be one more book in the Renegade Series, which I have yet to write.
How did you approach balancing historical accuracy with fictional storytelling in the Renegade Series?
Each book generally took me six months to research and six months to write. Because of the required research, I read hundreds of old nonfiction books. In fact, A Beautiful Glittering Lie is based on the journal of R.T. Cole, who served as an adjutant in the 4th Regiment, Alabama Volunteer Infantry. The main characters in the series are fictitious, but nearly everything they went through, such as battles, really happened, and some of the characters surrounding them were real people.
Which character in your series has been the most challenging for you to write, and why?
My protagonist, David Summers, has been the most difficult to write, because at the onset of the Civil War, he is only sixteen years old. As the series progresses, his character arc changes dramatically and he is forced to grow up quickly. The horrors and losses that he experiences were difficult to write about but essential to his story.
Your book Horses in Gray explores a unique aspect of the war. What inspired you to focus on the role of warhorses?
After hearing someone give a talk about these horses, I did some research and learned that there was enough information to fill an entire book. Their stories are so fascinating that I wanted to write about them so that they wouldn’t be lost to history.
Your short story, A Becharmed Callie Christmas, delves into the experiences of a young girl during the Civil War. What inspired you to explore the war from a younger, more personal perspective, and how does this story complement the broader narrative of the ‘Renegade Series’?
I wanted to write a Christmas story to go with the series, and I felt Callie’s story needed to be told. Although her character arc doesn’t change much in A Becharmed Callie Christmas, the book still explains how the Civil War impacts her. The story falls between the first two books in the series. I have also recently published another short story, Fool’s Gold Folly, to go along with the series. This novella takes place after Double-Edged Sword and will tie in to the fifth book in the Renegade Series.
How do you research your novels to ensure authenticity in the details of battles, settings, and daily life?
I visited many museums, read hundreds of old books, journals, letters, etc., and visited the battlefields to ensure that I was getting everything right. I even visited areas such as the Pennsylvania countryside, as well as various old buildings like courthouses, etc.
What themes do you hope readers will take away from your books beyond the historical events themselves?
Since the series is a family saga, I want readers to understand what life was like in the 1860’s during America’s most devasting war. Every member of society was impacted, including women, children, immigrants, and native Americans. The war also decided the outcome of what was to follow, which dictated the use of slavery, the transcontinental railroad, and Westward expansion.
Has being both an artist and a songwriter influenced your writing style or the way you develop your narratives?
Absolutely! One of the reasons why I chose David to enlist with J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry is because David is a musician and plays guitar, as do I, and General Stuart was a music lover. All of the books include music from that era. David is also artistic in that he is a creative woodworker, and his friend, Patrick Mulligan, is a talented artist.
What advice would you offer to other authors who wish to write compelling historical fiction?
Make sure you do your research. I learned a lot while I was exploring that time in American history. Since then, I have participated in many book signings, and the people I meet always want to know more about the Civil War, the southern perspective, and what inspired me. There are many people who are knowledgeable about the Civil War, so if I didn’t know what I was talking about, they would definitely call me out on it. I also strive to tell compelling stories so that the novels don’t read like dry history books. It is my goal to bring my characters, and the times and experiences they went through, to life.
