John Twelve Hawks
The story doesn’t end on the last page…
Latest Essays (opens in new tab)
New writing every few weeks — AI, surveillance, and what it costs to stay free.
KILLING VICKI
What happens when a fictional character becomes so real to a writer that their actions touch their heart? I cried in public when I killed a crucial character in the trilogy.
THE PURPLE FLOWER
What it feels like when someone tries to kill you…
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.
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 ›
