PHOTO: J.D.R. Hawkins, bestselling author of the Renegade Series, photographed as she continues preserving overlooked Civil War stories with empathy and precision.
A Look Into A Unique Confederate Perspective
This interview explores J.D.R. Hawkins’ meticulous research, her Renegade Series, and her dedication to portraying overlooked Southern experiences and emotional truths from the American Civil War through compelling historical fiction.
J.D.R. Hawkins, bestselling historical fiction author and creator of the acclaimed Renegade Series, offers a compelling and emotionally rich lens on the American Civil War—one shaped by meticulous research, lived landscapes, and a deep interest in the overlooked stories of the South. As one of the few female authors writing from a Confederate perspective, her work stands out not only for its historical depth but for its vivid portrayal of ordinary families enduring extraordinary upheaval.
Hawkins’ fiction blends accuracy and artistry, drawing readers directly into the lived experience of the 1860s. Central to her work is the Summers family of Alabama, whose trials, struggles, and fleeting hopes anchor the Renegade Series—from A Beautiful Glittering Lie to Double-Edged Sword. Their journey mirrors the untold experiences of countless families whose lives were irrevocably shaped by the war. Although her characters are fictional, the events surrounding them—from major battles to intimate moments of loss—are grounded in authentic historical record.
A remarkable author blending meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling, bringing forgotten Civil War perspectives to life with emotional depth and striking authenticity.
Her writing is fueled by research that spans hundreds of nonfiction books, journals, letters, and firsthand accounts. Hawkins also travels extensively to historic sites and battlefields, walking the ground her characters would have known. A Beautiful Glittering Lie, for example, draws inspiration from the journal of R.T. Cole, an adjutant in the 4th Alabama Volunteer Infantry. This dedication to accuracy ensures her stories carry not only emotional weight but historical integrity.
Beyond the battlefield, Hawkins explores lesser-known facets of Civil War life. Her nonfiction work Horses in Gray examines the vital and often overlooked role of warhorses, a topic she pursued after discovering just how many stories risked being lost to time. Through short fiction such as A Becharmed Callie Christmas and Fool’s Gold Folly, she brings forward quieter, more personal perspectives—stories of childhood, family, and resilience that enrich the broader tapestry of the Renegade universe.
Among her characters, David Summers remains the most challenging for Hawkins to write. Introduced at just sixteen years old, David’s arc spans innocence, trauma, and forced maturity as he confronts the escalating horrors of war. His evolution is shaped not only by conflict but by Hawkins’ own artistic background; David is a musician and woodworker, mirroring the author’s love for music and creative expression. His enlistment in J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry reflects both historical accuracy and a personal connection to the artistic culture of the era.
While her novels are rooted in the past, Hawkins hopes readers take away themes that resonate far beyond history: the human cost of conflict, the resilience of ordinary people, and the ways in which creativity and courage persist even in the darkest seasons. She reminds readers that the Civil War reshaped every layer of society—women, children, immigrants, and Native Americans alike—and its consequences shaped America’s future, from the fate of slavery to westward expansion.
For aspiring historical fiction writers, Hawkins emphasizes the importance of research and authenticity. Readers, she notes, can recognize when an author truly understands the period. Her goal is always to craft stories that feel alive—novels that inform without reading like textbooks and characters whose experiences illuminate something essential about humanity and history.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
