I’m Jackie (J.R.) Castle— an author, artist, and storyteller creating worlds filled with faith, meaning, and hidden wonders.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:33

Hello, Friends

Do you remember when you first fell in love with books?

I do.

As a child, I loved how stories carried me to places far beyond my everyday world—places filled with adventure, wonder, and meaning. While still a child, I remember the pride of finishing my first chapter book, realizing I had stepped into something new.

That love of story has never left me.

A Life Shaped by Stories

I wrote my first ‘book” in the 6th grade. It was written in longhand with a few sketchy illustrations. I loved watching mysteries like Scooby-doo and The Hardy Boys. That was my inspiration. Thinking back to when I nervously showed my teacher what I’d created, it makes me chuckle. She took it home over the weekend to read my story. The following Monday, she announced that she wanted to share my story with the whole class!

I knew, as I listened to her read my words out loud, that I wanted to be a writer.
That I was meant to tell stories.

It would take years before I returned to that calling fully.

Along the way, I worked as a hairstylist and later as a daycare teacher—one of the most meaningful seasons of my life. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas and spent years working with children and families.

In 2010, I led an after-school Young Writers Club, guiding students through the process of writing their own novels and preparing for National Novel Writing Month. That experience earned me the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Extra Mile Award, but more importantly, it reminded me just how powerful stories can be.

Not long after, I stepped fully into writing—and I haven’t looked back.

What I Do Now

I write stories that blend imagination, faith, and meaning—inviting readers into worlds that feel both expansive and deeply personal.

I’ve now published over 40 books, and each one is part of a larger journey I’m still exploring.

Alongside writing, I also:

• Design book covers for fellow authors

• Help with formatting and presentation

• Create artwork and illustrations

I love helping other authors bring their stories into the world just as much as I love creating my own.

Life Beyond the Page

When I’m not writing, I’m spending time with my husband of over 35 years, our children, and our grandchildren.

My dog Banjo is usually nearby while I work, keeping me company through long writing days.

I’m also deeply involved in my church community, where my faith continues to shape both my life and my stories.

Why I Write

Through stories, I hope to encourage others to become everything they were created to be.

Because when we begin to understand our purpose—even in small ways—we don’t just change our own lives.
We begin to change the world around us for the better, too.