There is something wonderfully unsettling about getting inside the mind of a murderer, and few authors master this art as skillfully as JD Barker. JD Barker’s best-selling novel The Fourth Monkey captivated readers around the world. In this candid interview, Barker answers questions about the inspirations and successes that have shaped his career.
Q: Hello, Mr. JD Barker. Thank you for granting us this interview. What influences in your early life sparked your interest in writing thrillers?
JDB: I grew up surrounded by stories. That planted the seed early on. I also read a lot of books as a child – everything from Stephen King to classic horror stories like Dracula. These stories had a way of drawing me in and making me want to create worlds through words.
Q: How have your experiences as a ghostwriter shaped your approach to storytelling and character development?
JDB: Ghostwriting was like a masterclass in writing. I was able to experiment with different voices and styles without the pressure of having my name associated with them. It also taught me the importance of understanding characters and weaving complex stories. It was a great way to practice my craft before putting my work in the spotlight.
Q: Can you name any specific books or authors that have significantly influenced your writing style?
JDB: Stephen King has obviously influenced me. His ability to build suspense and develop characters is unparalleled.
Q: What motivated you to move from ghostwriting to publishing your own novels?
JDB: After years of ghostwriting, I felt it was time to tell JD Barker’s stories, my stories. I had this idea for Forsaken that wouldn’t leave me alone, and I knew I had to write it down. The transition was challenging, but the desire to create something unique was a powerful motivator.
Q: How did you deal with the challenges of self-publishing your debut novel, Forsaken?
JDB: Self-publishing was one of the steepest learning curves I’ve ever experienced in my career. I had to wear many hats. There was JD Barker the author, JD Barker the editor, and even the marketer. However, it also gave me complete creative control, which was liberating. The key was persistence and believing in the story I wanted to tell. The response to Forsaken was incredible and it opened doors I hadn’t even imagined.
Q: What inspired the concept of “The Fourth Monkey” and the structure of the novel?
JDB: The idea came from the concept of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” but I wanted to add a twist. What if there was a fourth monkey? The structure of starting with the killer’s death and using the diary entries to reveal his past was a way to hook readers and keep them constantly guessing.
Q: How did you develop the character of Detective Sam Porter and what makes him stand out in the thriller genre?
JDB: Detective Sam Porter is a complex character and I wanted him to feel real and relatable. Like all of us, he has flaws, but he is driven by a strong moral compass. His struggles add depth to his character and make his quest for justice exciting.
Q: Can you explain the role of the murderer’s diary in the narrative and how it enriches the story?
JDB: The diary was a way to give readers a glimpse into the mind of the killer without giving too much away too soon. It adds psychological depth to the book and allows readers to piece together the backstory alongside the main plot. It was a means of building suspense and keeping the narrative dynamic.
Q: How does someone like JD Barker manage to balance the elements of suspense, horror and psychodrama in his works?
JDB: It’s about pacing and knowing when to ramp up the tension. I try to create an atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, using horror elements to increase the suspense and psychological drama to heighten the emotional impact. It’s a balancing act, but when it works, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Q: What feedback from readers and critics impressed you most?
JDB: The best feedback is when readers tell me they couldn’t put the book down. Knowing that my story kept someone awake at night is the greatest compliment.
Q: What can you tell us about your involvement in the Flatliners reboot?
JDB: I’m thrilled to be part of the Flatliners reboot. It’s an opportunity to explore new dimensions of the story and bring a fresh perspective to a classic concept. I’m focusing on deepening the psychological and supernatural elements, which I think will resonate with new and long-time fans.
Q: How do you see the publishing industry changing in the future?
JDB: These are exciting times for authors! The industry is moving toward hybrid models where authors have more control over their work.
When JD Barker talks about his craft, it’s clear that his passion for storytelling is as limitless as his imagination. One thing remains certain as he explores new projects: JD Barker’s stories will haunt and captivate readers long after they turn the last page.
