#11 - From Indie Author to NYT Bestseller - J.D. Barker

On this episode of the Creative Writing Wizard Podcast, I’m joined by J.D. Barker - New York Times and internationally bestselling author, co-writer of Dracul with Dacre Stoker, and a former ghostwriter turned thriller master.We dive deep into:- Going from ghostwriter & “book doctor” to bestselling author- How writing with James Patterson changed his process- Pantsing vs. plotting (and how blurbs guide his novels)- Lessons from Dracul, The Noise, and Flatliners: Resurrection- The rise of rapid-release publishing and hybrid author models- Advice from Dean Koontz on blending genres with a common threadJ.D. shares his journey from finance and 60+ hour workweeks to taking an all-in gamble on writing, plus what he’s learned about sustaining a creative career, paying it forward, and finding co-authors with the “storyteller gene.”📚 Explore J.D. Barker’s books & updates: https://jdbarker.com🎥 Watch more from J.D. on YouTube: @jdbarker_author✨ Like this conversation? Subscribe for more interviews with authors and writers! 💡 Support the Creative Writing Wizard efforts & indie author community:https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeWritingWizard📖 Discover more indie releases:https://creativewritingwizard.com/2024/11/18/indie-release-radarReferences & MentionsFlatliners: Resurrection – upcoming reboot & publishing buzz:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/30/3091166/0/en/J-D-Barker-s-FLATLINERS-RESURRECTION-Complete-and-Expected-to-Generate-Major-Bidding-War.htmlDracul (with Dacre Stoker) – interview via LAPL:https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/interview-author-dacre-stoker-jd-barkerEarly career as a Ghostwriter/Book Doctor – Meet the Thriller Author:https://get.thrillingreads.com/jd-barker-interview/#:~:text=cover%20when%20I%20was%20working,a%20book%20on%20my%20ownWriting with Autism & blurb-first approach – The Art of Autism interview:https://the-art-of-autism.com/new-york-times-international-bestselling-author-j-d-barkers-insight-on-writing-autism/#:~:text=16,between%20thriller%2C%20suspense%2C%20and%20horrorRolling Stone article on Pantsers vs. Plotters:https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/great-writing-divide-inside-creative-battle-between-plotters-pantsers-1235275412/@thecreativepenn Podcast – casting a wider net:https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/06/09/casting-a-wider-net-jd-barker/🎵 Intro & outro music written & recorded by Glen WeatherheadKeywordsJ.D. Barker, Creative Writing, Thriller, Suspense, Horror, Writing Process, Outlining vs. Pantsing, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Ghostwriter, Book Doctor, Dracul, Flatliners, Publishing Industry, Hybrid Author, Indie Publishing, Writing Tips, Storytelling, Character Development, Creative Career, Creative Writing Wizard Podcast

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