J.D. Barker discusses his early influences, career milestones, and the creative processes behind his bestselling novels, offering insights into his journey from a bookish child to a renowned author.
New York Times Bestselling author J.D. Barker’s journey from a bookish child in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to a bestselling author is nothing short of extraordinary. Born on January 7, 1971, Barker’s early years were steeped in the eerie ambiance of his English Tudor-styled home, nestled in a dense oak forest. This setting, coupled with his voracious reading habits, ignited a lifelong fascination with the supernatural, leading him to craft his own ghostly tales. At fourteen, a family move to Englewood, Florida, marked a pivotal shift in his life, pushing him deeper into his writing as he navigated the challenges of a new environment.
Barker’s career took a significant turn during his college years at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where a writing assignment caught the attention of Paul Gallotta of Circus Magazine. This opportunity led him to 25th Parallel Magazine, where he worked alongside future rock star Marilyn Manson. These early experiences in journalism and ghostwriting honed his skills, providing a crash course in the mechanics of storytelling and the publishing industry.
His debut novel, Forsaken, garnered the attention of none other than Stephen King, who granted Barker permission to use a character from Needful Things. This endorsement catapulted Forsaken to significant success, including a Bram Stoker Award nomination. Barker’s collaboration with Bram Stoker’s family on Dracul further cemented his reputation, blending historical intrigue with his signature style.
Barker’s transition to traditional publishing with The Fourth Monkey showcased his versatility and appeal, leading to international acclaim and adaptations for film and television. His frequent collaborations with James Patterson highlight his ability to balance solo projects with joint ventures, continually pushing the boundaries of thriller and horror genres.
Now splitting his time between Englewood, FL, and New Castle, NH, Barker continues to captivate readers worldwide. His latest works, including the bestselling Behind A Closed Door, reflect his keen ability to weave contemporary issues with gripping narratives, ensuring his place as a master storyteller. In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Barker delves into the influences, experiences, and creative processes that have shaped his remarkable career.
How did your early life in Crystal Lake, Illinois, influence your writing, especially your fascination with witches and ghosts?
I grew up in an English Tudor-styled home built by my father at the end of a long, winding drive that cut through the middle of a large oak forest. You couldn’t see any of the neighbors and the house sat up on a hill. Although it had been newly constructed, there was something ominous about it. Local kids claimed the woods were haunted and when those stories began to include our house my sister and I did little to dispel the rumors. I think we liked the attention. We were both avid readers and had no trouble coming up with ghostly stories to help fuel the fire. Where there’s ghosts, there must be a witch, and for that we pointed at the little old lady who lived up the street in an equally creepy abode. As children, our imaginations can run away with us. They’re near impossible to contain. I like to think I’ve managed to hold onto that, if only a little bit.
Can you describe the impact of relocating to Englewood, Florida, on your creative process and career development?
My father was a contractor and could no longer handle the harsh Illinois winters. I was thirteen when my family made the move. I did not adapt well. I missed having seasons. I missed my friends. I missed the spooky house in the woods. In many ways, I felt alone and I retreated into myself. Looking back, it was clearly a catalyst. It was when I began taking writing seriously. Had we not made that move, it’s very possible I might not have started my first book. I might have gone down a very different career path. All things happen for a reason. I firmly believe that.
What was it like working alongside Marilyn Manson at 25th Parallel Magazine, and how did that experience shape your writing style?
This may come as a shock but he was honestly one of the smartest, nicest people I knew. A fantastic writer too. I still remember sitting with him in a bar called Squeeze when he told me a guy named Trent Reznor had agreed to come by and check out his band. I had no idea how big things would soon get for him but he deserved every second of it. Don’t believe the negative things you read in the press. Scandal tends to sell more papers than the truth and they’re in the business of making money. 25th Parallel actually sent me on my first writing assignment—I interviewed Davy Jones of the Monkeys. From there I branched off and spoke to countless other celebrities. Everyone from Madonna to Guns n Roses. I Also quickly learned everyone working in media had a novel in a desk drawer somewhere. It was “nearly” done and they’d ask me for my input. That turned into a side-hustle as a book doctor and ghostwriter.
How did your time as a book doctor and ghostwriter prepare you for writing your own novels?
I’d often get hired by agents or editors to fine-tune someone else’s manuscript and they were extremely candid with me. While an editor might wear kid gloves when speaking to an author, I was brought in as a hired gun. They told me exactly what worked in a book and what didn’t. I saw many of the same mistakes and learned to correct them. When a book hit the market, I got a clear understanding of what resonated with readers. I quickly learned what the publishing industry wanted (and didn’t want) and incorporated that knowledge into my own work.
Can you share the story of how Stephen King came to read portions of your novel Forsaken and the significance of getting his permission to use the character Leland Gaunt?
When I wrote Forsaken I had to explain where the wife in the story bought a journal and just to get the draft done, I wrote that she bought it at Needful Things, the store at the heart of King’s novel with the same name. I fully expected to have to change that but my wife suggested we attempt to get permission first. Turns out, his Florida house is about ten minutes from my mother’s house so while on vacation in the area we came up with this crazy plan—we printed the manuscript, got in the car, and figured we’d drive over. We got as far as the second No Trespassing sign before changing our minds and heading back. I then reached out to a friend who knew King and he gave me an email address and said, “Send him the book. If he likes it, you’ll probably hear back. If he doesn’t respond let it go.” I was lucky enough to get a response a few days later with King’s blessing to use the reference. I’m extremely grateful for that and I try to keep the “pay it forward” alive by helping aspiring authors whenever I can.
What was the experience of co-authoring Dracul with Bram Stoker’s family like, and what unique challenges did it present?
I’m a HUGE fan of Dracula and have been since I was a kid. When Bram Stoker’s family asked if I’d Ike to write a prequel to the iconic novel using Bram’s original notes, I couldn’t possibly say no. Dacre Stoker, Bram’s great grandnephew was instrumental in writing that book. Much of it is biographical and Dacre is like a walking encyclopedia of his family’s lore. When I needed to know what Bram’s childhood bedroom looked like, he was able to describe it perfectly. Through reading Bram’s journals, I learned he firmly believed vampires were real. Our novel, Dracul, explains why.
How do you balance collaborating with other authors, like James Patterson, with writing your own solo projects?
Personally, I love writing with others. It brings a fresh voice and new ideas into a story. Working with Jim in particular is like a masterclass in writing thrillers. We’d be knee-deep in a new book and I’d send him pages, he’d quickly call me to tell me everything I did wrong. Then he’d tell me how to make it better and dammit, he was always right. His writing is pure genius and he produces pages at a speed that rivals the pacing of his novels. He’s often told me he’s slowed down over the years. If this is Patterson in low-gear, I can only imagine what he was like at his prime.
What inspired the plot of your Bestselling novel Behind A Closed Door, and how do you think it will resonate with your readers?
The best ideas for books tend to come when you least expect them. With this one, my wife and I were having dinner one night discussing a house she’d bought in Georgia and hoped to turn into a short-term rental. It had a lot of bathrooms so I suggested a company called Bathfitters. We’ve all seen the commercials, right? They come in an renovate a bathroom in a single day. Later that night, we both started seeing ads for Bathfitters on our various devices and on television. Keep in mind, neither of us typed Bathfitters into a device, we just spoke the word aloud. I did a little research and realized our phones are listening to us. We give the manufacturers permission to do that when we agree to the Terms of Service. That sparked the “what if” gene in the writer in me. I paired that with two characters I’d recently created, Abby and Brendan Hollander. After several years of marriage, they’d hit a rough patch. The book opens and they’re in couples therapy where the therapist suggests they download an app called Sugar & Spice to help rekindle their marriage. It’s basically Truth or Dare for adults. They’re assigned a series of tasks which become increasingly more and more taboo until they find themselves caught in a dangerous web of seduction and violence with no chance of escape unless they learn to trust one another.
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