Q&A with Jonathan Hawker – Author Interview
In this exclusive Q&A, I chat with Jonathan Hawker to uncover the inspiration behind his writing, his creative process, and the themes that bring his stories to life. Known for his gripping narratives and rich character development, Jonathan shares insights into his latest book, offers valuable advice for aspiring authors, and gives us a glimpse into what’s next on his literary journey. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of today’s most captivating authors!
About The Author – Jonathan Hawker
Tell us more about you
Well, I’ve been dreaming up stories since I was in elementary school. I remember sitting on the bus to and from school with silly ideas playing out in my head like movies. It was only in middle school that I began writing them down. I’m an artist and a gamer, I sing, though I haven’t done so in front of an audience in years, and I am a cat dad through and through.
What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?
A hefty notebook, a box of pencils, and some form of music… maybe my guitar?
Who is your biggest role model?
Only the man I dream of becoming. There are people I admire, but they’re still people, fallible and unknowable at the end of the day.
What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?
Too hard. Big question. I absolutely cannot pick a favourite author, and books I would say it’s a toss-up between Rainbow Rowell’s – Carry On and FT Luken’s – So This is Ever After.
Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobooks?
Physical books all the way. Specifically, hardcovers. What if I love it and it gets damaged? It requires armor.
Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?
It is my full-time passion, but not yet my full-time profession. I currently work a security job for a large automotive company until I can realise that dream.
What social media platform do you like and use the most?
Like is a strong word. Social media and keeping up with it is a constant struggle. I lurk on Instagram and TikTok the most, though!
TikTok – @jonathan.hawker
Instagram – @jonathanhawker_author
The Writing Process
How do you go about starting a new novel?
I read the same way I write. I plan, everything goes to hell, and I just do what my heart pleases. There is no rhyme or reason. Only chaos.
Where do you like to write?
In my office, surrounded by endless coffee and total silence.
What do you like most about writing?
The moments when my own writing makes me cry. I know it’s done exactly what I intended it to when I go back and it still pulls that emotion out of me. Also reader feedback. Any time I can make a reader cry or squeal with joy, I’ve done my job.
What do you find stops you from writing more?
My own thoughts. I waited far too long to make my dreams a reality because I believed that someone else needed to validate me first. That notion is hard to shake even now, but it only holds me up instead of crippling me.
What genres do you like to write and why?
Fantasy and paranormal. I’ve considered a few contemporary WIPs, but I don’t know that they would hold my focus. I live and breathe a contemporary world. Give me the wild and fantastical.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?
You are not going to please everyone with your book. Do not try. Write the book you want to read. Get feedback so that the story you’re telling has the same effect on others as it does to you. That’s your story, though. Once it’s out there and it brings you joy, don’t let anyone else tell you what it should be.
Showcase Your Books!
How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?
Technically two? Only one released so far. Awakening in Sapphire was my debut, and it still brings me endless joy. Veiled in Argent’s first draft has been completed and it is still being polished, but it is a wild ride that makes my heart smile.
How long did Awakening In Sapphire take you to write?
I started writing Sapphire at the end of 2022. I was not happy with its initial draft, so I scrapped it, world-built for a couple of weeks and started over. That second draft took me a total of three months to finish, add in the time alpha and beta reads took and the home stretch to release, and I’d say it was about a thirteen-month process.
Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?
Putting my stories out in the world. I spent years with so much pent-up creative energy and no direction. Pouring my heart into my characters and their world and finding readers that find even a little piece of happiness there… there’s nothing else like it.
Awakeninig In Sapphire Book Review
Check out my review of Awakening in Sapphire by Jonathon Hawker and see what I thought of the book.
