The Read Well Podcast: Meet J.D. Barker: The Author Continuing Dracula’s Legacy | Ep. 108

Release Date: August 11, 2025

Host: Eddy Hood
Guest: J.D. Barker

Introduction and Background

In Episode 108 of The Read Well Podcast, host Eddy Hood welcomes J.D. Barker, a prominent figure in the fiction writing space, known for continuing the legacy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Eddy expresses his enthusiasm for having J.D. on the show, highlighting his reputation as a captivating storyteller and his appearance at various writing conferences.

Eddy Hood [00:04]: "I've actually seen this gentleman speak live at writing conferences. He's one of the most fascinating storytellers in the fiction space right now."

Transition from Corporate to Writing

J.D. Barker shares his extensive background in the corporate world, having served as the chief compliance officer at a brokerage firm for 23 years—a role he describes as "horrible." Despite the high salary and job stability, he found solace in writing, which he used as a means to maintain his sanity amidst the corporate grind.

J.D. Barker [03:13]: "I honestly, I hated every second of it. It's like being an air traffic controller or being responsible for lost luggage at the airport…"

Eddy relates to J.D.’s experience, drawing parallels to his own career as an accountant and the need to escape into books to preserve his mental well-being.

Reading Habits and Philosophies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around reading habits. Both Eddy and J.D. advocate for slow, immersive reading over speed reading, emphasizing the importance of savoring each word to fully engage with the story.

J.D. Barker [01:01]: "It's the first time anybody's ever brought up, you know, just like, taking a breather, reading a book a little bit slower and actually enjoying it."

J.D. elaborates on his disdain for speed reading, likening it to the temporary rush of running and the subsequent need to wind down.

J.D. Barker [02:13]: "I can't speed read before bed for sure, but you can't really see it. But off to the side here in my office, I've got a couch. There's a stack of books there, and I try to get a good hour or two of reading in every day and just get lost and kind of block out the rest of the world."

Writing Process and Routine

J.D. details his disciplined writing routine, which begins early in the morning. He wakes up at 7:00 AM, prepares for the day, and then dedicates uninterrupted time to writing, aiming for 2,000 to 3,000 words daily.

J.D. Barker [16:56]: "Seven. Well, my alarm goes off at seven. I told myself when I left the corporate world I'd never set an alarm before 7 o'. Clock."

He emphasizes the importance of achieving his word count before engaging with the internet or business-related tasks, ensuring that writing remains his primary focus.

J.D. Barker [17:09]: "I turn off the Internet when I first sit down. I don't want to see anything online. I don't want to see emails come in, nothing. Yeah, knock, knock the words out."

Collaboration with James Patterson

One of the highlights of the episode is J.D.’s collaboration with renowned author James Patterson. He discusses the dynamic of their partnership, highlighting the blend of Patterson’s outlining expertise with his own pantser approach.

J.D. Barker [19:02]: "He's fun. So if you've ever taken his master class online, he's got one you can take to learn how to write. It's basically just like that, except he calls you and tells you everything you're doing wrong."

Their collaborative process involves rapid back-and-forth writing, resulting in some of J.D.’s most intricate and twist-filled novels.

J.D. Barker [19:13]: "We went back and forth like that. And it was by far the craziest novel I've ever written. The twistiest."

Reception and Feedback

J.D. values reader feedback, actively engaging with reviews on platforms like Goodreads to refine his craft and marketing strategies. He maintains a positive reception, with many of his books, including collaborations with Patterson, receiving high ratings.

J.D. Barker [24:33]: "I think our latest one with Patterson the writer, I think it's like 4.67 or something, average rating, which is insane."

He leverages reviews to adjust advertising approaches, ensuring his books reach the appropriate audiences.

Thoughts on Classics and Storytelling

A passionate admirer of classic literature, J.D. delves into his love for Charles Dickens, particularly Great Expectations. He appreciates the timeless storytelling and complex character development that classics offer, drawing inspiration for his own writing.

J.D. Barker [26:15]: "Still my all time favorite book. You know, I read it at first when I was a kid. I was probably, I don't know, maybe six or seven or something when I read it the first time, read it a bunch of times, you know…"

He also discusses the epistolary form, praising its ability to delve deep into character psyches.

J.D. Barker [28:29]: "We did that with Dracula mainly just because Dracula is written that way. But if you're a writer, it gives you the chance to really get into a character's head, not just their point of view."

Personal Aspects: Autism and Creativity

J.D. opens up about his experience with Asperger's syndrome, highlighting how it influences his writing and reading processes. He describes a unique ability to "see" characters and dialogue in different colors, an autistic trait that enhances his narrative development.

J.D. Barker [30:14]: "I can see the characters, dialogue, and the points of view in different colors. So if I look at a page, like, one particular character will be yellow, another one is red, another one is blue."

This unique perspective aids him in maintaining high retention and deep engagement with the material he reads and writes.

Recommendations for New Readers

For newcomers to his work, J.D. recommends starting with his popular series, particularly The Fourth Monkey. He advises readers to follow the series consecutively to fully appreciate the development and suspense in his storytelling.

J.D. Barker [34:37]: "I mean, the most popular one is still the Fourth Monkey that tends to rope people in. You're going to want to pick up the other two books in the series."

He also promotes his latest solo title, Something I Keep Upstairs, encouraging readers to visit the real-life haunted house featured in the book.

Future Projects and Closing Remarks

Looking ahead, J.D. reveals plans to reboot the Dracula franchise, collaborating with screenwriter Peter Fi to bring a fresh perspective to the classic tale.

J.D. Barker [36:06]: "We're currently working on that. Our agents are out shopping that one."

He also continues to engage with audiences through speaking engagements, despite balancing family time.

In closing, J.D. invites listeners to visit the actual haunted house from his latest book, enhancing the immersive experience for his readers.

J.D. Barker [38:03]: "Yeah, I mean, when you finish up the book, come out to New England and visit the actual house. It's a whole, whole other experience."

Eddy Hood wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore J.D.’s diverse range of books and to embrace the practice of slow, intentional reading.

Eddy Hood [38:21]: "As always, remember to read slowly, take notes and apply the ideas."

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Slow Reading: Both hosts emphasize the importance of immersive, slow reading to fully engage with and enjoy literature.

• Balancing Career and Passion: J.D. Barker’s transition from a corporate compliance officer to a successful author underscores the importance of following one’s passion.

• Collaborative Writing: His partnership with James Patterson showcases the benefits of combining different writing styles and expertise.

• Value of Feedback: Actively seeking and utilizing reader feedback is crucial for continuous improvement and targeted marketing.

• Appreciation for Classics: Drawing inspiration from classic literature like Dickens enhances storytelling and character development.

• Unique Perspectives Enhance Creativity: Personal traits, such as J.D.’s experience with Asperger's syndrome, can provide unique advantages in creative endeavors.

• Interactive Experiences: Creating real-life experiences linked to books, such as haunted house tours, deepens reader engagement.

Notable Quotes

• On Slow Reading:

  J.D. Barker [01:01]: "It's the first time anybody's ever brought up, you know, just like, taking a breather, reading a book a little bit slower and actually enjoying it."

• On Writing Routine:

  J.D. Barker [16:56]: "Seven. Well, my alarm goes off at seven. I told myself when I left the corporate world I'd never set an alarm before 7 o'. Clock."

• On Collaboration with Patterson:

  J.D. Barker [19:02]: "He's fun. So if you've ever taken his master class online, he's got one you can take to learn how to write. It's basically just like that, except he calls you and tells you everything you're doing wrong."

• On Classic Literature:

  J.D. Barker [26:15]: "Still my all time favorite book. You know, I read it at first when I was a kid... because it, it just, it takes on a different meaning as times of your life."

• On Personal Traits Influencing Creativity:

  J.D. Barker [30:14]: "I can see the characters, dialogue, and the points of view in different colors."

Final Thoughts

Episode 108 offers a deep dive into the life and mind of J.D. Barker, exploring his journey from the corporate realm to becoming a celebrated author. His insights on reading habits, writing processes, and the interplay between personal experiences and creative output provide valuable lessons for both readers and aspiring writers. The conversation underscores the significance of passion, discipline, and the willingness to embrace one’s unique traits in the pursuit of creative excellence.

For those interested in enhancing their reading habits and delving into captivating fiction, J.D. Barker’s works come highly recommended. Whether you're starting with The Fourth Monkey series or exploring his latest solo endeavors, his storytelling prowess promises an enriching literary experience.

Resources:

• Website: thereadwellpodcast.com
  Access daily posts on effective reading strategies, book notes, and tools for becoming a better reader.

• Books by J.D. Barker:

  • Fourth Monkey Series
  • Something I Keep Upstairs
  • She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Shapes Should Be

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 108 of The Read Well Podcast. For the full conversation, tune in to the Read Well Podcast.