Page 34 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Continued from page 32
BEHIND THE BESTSELLER
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 ref- erence. 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 encyclo- pedia 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 vam- pires 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
“A talented writer w“ith a delightfully devious mind!”
—Jeffery Deaver, NY Times Bestselling Author
“I don’t say this ligh“tly: J.D. Barker is a force to be reckoned with.”
—Tosca Lee, NY Times Bestselling Author
“JD Barker is an“author to watch in the coming years.”
—Rolling Stone
“Barker’s mastery o“f character and dialogue is noteworthy.”
—Booklist
J.D. Barker crafts unf“orgettable stories with brilli- ance, depth, and imagination.
— Reader’s House
“Barker is the M“ozart of thrillers!” — Goodreads
34 II NOVELIST POST
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 honest-
ly 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