John Twelve Hawks
The story doesn’t end on the last page…
Latest Essays
New writing every few weeks — AI, surveillance, and what it costs to stay free.
The Moment of Creation
A novelist creates fiction, but often the characters, settings, and emotions come from our own lives.
Why a Stuffed Harp Seal?
A stuffed animal isn’t a toy. It can be form of protection: a way to feel safe.
Why Do You Write Fiction?
That’s when I understood something simple: fiction can tell the truth in ways journalism can’t.
What’s Real…Becomes Fiction
Many readers have noticed that the violent scenes in my work are described in detail but rarely paired with overt emotion.
Free essays, reading group guides, and behind-the-book extras. Click any title to read or download.
- Against Authority — free essay →
- Life in the Shadows — free read →
- Machine Thinking — free download →
- Certainty Reading Group Guide — for book clubs →
- Spark Reading Group Guide — for book clubs →
- Spark: The Film — adaptation updates →
Personal
Over the years, John Twelve Hawks has received hundreds of emails from readers wanting to know about the experiences that inspired his books. As a dedicated Buddhist and former war correspondent, he has lived a life shaped by his beliefs. More ›
