Author, Crazy Hawk

This week, Ira spoke with R.J. Stewart, author of Crazy Hawk, a dystopian, post-apocalyptic thriller about a resilient and fierce woman named Deirdre. In this post-apocalyptic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” R.J. talks about starting as a writer in Hollywood (but working first as a Teamster driver); writing for “Remington Steele”; how he became head writer of  “Xena,Warrior Princess”; working with “Leading Man” types and appreciating star power; why he wasn’t star struck at first; why you can always say no to a movie, but there’s a limit to how many times you can say no to television; why he chose to write a book as opposed to a film or TV script; how he came up with the idea for the book; expecting a reaction from “woke” Hollywood for writing about a female lead; how long it took him to develop the lead character; how he was influenced by the death of his daughter; his unique writing schedule; why he likes to revise his work; and what he wants people to take away from reading his book.

R.J. Stewart is best known for writing the Duane Johnson movie, “The Rundown,” the Pierce Brosnan classic series, “Remington Steele,” and developing, writing and producing the Lucy Lawless ground-breaking series, “Xena, Warrior Princess.” He’s worked with Kevin Costner, James Garner, Charlie Sheen and Rebecca DeMornay.

He presently lives on a San Diego County horse ranch with his wife, Kat O’Connor. Various horses and dogs have been kind enough to share their ranch with R.J. and Kat, including Danny, a beautiful palomino who inspired the creation of the buckskin character in Crazy Hawk, R.J.’s first novel.

R.J. Stewart Website