Joseph Hawke’s Journey from Finance to Fiction

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Joe Hawke’s career has been anything but conventional. From a background in philosophy to a thriving career in finance and venture capital, he has now emerged as a compelling storyteller. His latest book, American Justice, showcases his ability to weave real-world issues into gripping narratives, solidifying his place as an author to watch.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Hawke spent 12 years in the state’s public school system before attending Haverford College, where he studied philosophy. Though initially considering academia, he soon realized that idealism alone wouldn’t pay the bills. “I determined towards the end of my career at Haverford that my poverty was not going to save the world,” he says. This realization led him into the world of finance, beginning with a commercial credit training program at a bank and later transitioning into venture capital. Over the years, he became a major player in helicopter industry investments, funding companies that specialized in both flight operations and maintenance.

Despite his success, the passion for writing never left him. It simply took a three-decade hiatus before resurfacing. “I was always interested in writing and thought I might pursue that as part of a career in academia,” Hawke explains. “But after probably 30-plus years, I ended up coming back to it in my early to mid-50s.” His return to writing culminated in American Justice, a novella available on Amazon.

At its core, American Justice is a modern legal drama that reflects today’s socio-political climate. The story follows a Texas businessman facing a personal and professional crossroads. After a tense trip to New York to secure funding for his company, he intervenes in a robbery—only to find himself charged with manslaughter. “The inspiration came from current events, particularly the kinds of incidents we see in the news, like store robberies and self-defense cases that lead to unexpected legal consequences,” Hawke explains. The book’s premise taps into the complexities of the justice system, public perception, and the fine line between heroism and criminality. Interestingly, the book also makes a prediction about the outcome of the 2024 presidential election—a factor that pushed him to self-publish rather than wait for the traditional publishing timeline.

But American Justice is just the beginning. Hawke’s next book, On Earth As It Is In Heaven, is set for publication by Pegasus in the UK. Unlike his first work, this one is a collection of interconnected short stories, largely inspired by his own family history. “It’s fictionalized, but in many respects, it is predicated on an autobiographical set of experiences,” he says. The book follows the lives of Mary, a spirited Irish Catholic, and Muhammad, a devoted Pakistani PhD student, as they navigate love, cultural clashes, and identity in America. The title itself, pulled from the Lord’s Prayer, reflects the book’s deep exploration of faith, family, and heritage.

Hawke’s personal connection to the story runs deep. His father, an immigrant from Pakistan, was the only member of his family to move to North America. His mother, originally from Canada, played a significant role in shaping his understanding of cultural duality. “I’m decidedly American, but I have these other heritages that shaped who I am,” he explains. The book draws from his upbringing and his travels, particularly his experiences reconnecting with his father’s side of the family in Pakistan.

One of the most poignant moments in the book is based on real events from his own life. After his parents divorced, his father remarried, but when he became terminally ill, his second wife left him in Pakistan. It was Hawke’s mother—despite their divorce—who stepped in. “She basically said, ‘If you bring him to me, I will take care of him,’” he recalls. “And she did, for the last 16 months of his life.”

Hawke’s writing process is both methodical and organic. He often finds inspiration while driving, jotting down notes on his phone to develop later. Reading also plays a significant role in shaping his work. “I literally just finished reading The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky,” he says. “I do a fair amount of concurrent reading while I’m writing to inspire me.” However, finding time to write isn’t always easy. “I can have an entire month pass before I get back to a work I’m actively pursuing,” he admits. Balancing his financial career with his literary ambitions requires discipline, but he has found a way to make it work.

For those looking to explore Hawke’s work, American Justice is available now on Amazon. Meanwhile, On Earth As It Is In Heaven will soon be available both online and in physical bookstores. As Hawke continues to bridge the worlds of finance and fiction, one thing is clear—his stories are just beginning.