NEW YORK TIMES AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Listen to Forsaken by J.D. Barker for Free on Audible!

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Listen to the debut from the author selected by the Stoker family to co-write the prequel to Dracula!

“This Bram Stoker Award finalist is a fast passed ride reminiscent of early Stephen King and Dean Koontz.”

When horror author Thad McAlister (www.thadmcalister.com) began his latest novel, a tale rooted in the witch trials of centuries past, the words flowed effortlessly. The story poured forth, filling page after page with the most frightening character ever to crawl from his imagination. It was his greatest work, one that would guarantee him a position among the legends of the craft.

But was it really fiction?

He inadvertently opened a door, one that would soon jeopardize the lives of his family.

She wants to come back.

At home, his wife struggles to keep their family alive. Secretly wondering if she inadvertently caused it all…a deal she made long ago. A deal with the Forsaken.

 

Praise for Forsaken

“Barker’s ambitious debut is aimed squarely at fans of classic horror. Witches, spells, miniature demons, and personal doubt give plenty to latch on to… the plot moves at a brisk pace… a promising start to a planned series.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

“Barker is a master wordsmith.”
– Editorial Review, AudioBookReviewer.com

“A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind!”
– International Bestselling Author, Jeffery Deaver

“Masterful storytelling.”
– Editorial Review, Bookish

“It is clear Barker is a name to watch in horror.”
– Editorial Review, The Horror Bookshelf

“J.D. Barker has conjured a modern cauldron of horrors based on historical fact.”
– Editorial Review, The Tomb of Dark Delights

“WOW if there is one horror book that you need to read this year, then this is the one.”
– Editorial Review, Wyres World

“Eerie, creepy, and frightfully good. Watch out Stephen King…J.D. Barker is hot on the trail of horror writing and will most certainly give you a run for your money!”
– Editorial Review, Best Crime Books

“Harry Potter for adults. The imagery will haunt you.”
– Author, Jack Stevenson

“A horror book that grips you from the start. I grew up reading horror by the likes of Stephen King, Dean Koontz and James Herbert, to name but a few. J.D. Barker deserves to have his name up there with them.”
– Editorial Review, By The Letter

“Classic gothic horror at its best. A truly impressive debut.”
– Author, Joan Hall Hovey

“Five stars. Perfect.”
– Editorial Review, Confessions of a Reviewer

“Scary, exciting, fun in all the right ratios, Forsaken is the right kind of book for anyone who enjoys a racing heart and a pounding pulse.”
– #1 Bestselling Author, MichaelBrant Collins

“It’s a superlative read!”
– Author, Robin Spriggs

“Incredibly atmospheric and cinematic – it would make a fabulously creepy movie. .”
– Editorial Review, Lucy Literati

“FORSAKEN is one of the best first novels I’ve read in a long time. Well written, a compelling story line. Put J.D. Barker’s name down on your must read reminder on the fridge – highly recommended.”
– Author, Gene O’Neill

“Mr. Barker may have begun by following in the footsteps of such horror royalty as Stephen King, John Saul and Dean Koontz; but he has blazed a unique path of his own with FORSAKEN.”
– Editorial Review, Fresh Fiction

“This was hands down the best novel I’ve read this year. From the first page, to the very last. This novel had me in its hold. I couldn’t wait to turn the page, yet at the same time, I was terrified to. This book is littered with heart stopping OMG moments. Toward the end of the book, the last few chapters, I was on the edge of my seat. As if this book couldn’t get any better for me. It’s not just an awesome story, but it is beautifully written as well. The flow from the first word to the last is seamless. I just love this book. I can’t wait for the next book. Without a doubt, this book deserves five stars.”
– Editorial Review, Word Gurgle

My publisher wants to do a graphic novel of Forsaken

With the print and audio versions of Forsaken coming out soon, things have been a little crazy over here. When my publisher called and suggested a graphic novel of the book, I quickly replied, “Nobody wants that, have you seen me draw? My stick figures look like accident victims. It’s sad.” I was then informed that I would not be drawing said book, they would hire someone. With much relief, I then asked just how you go about hiring a graphic artist for something like this. I was told they have a list of candidates.

Lists are great, I’m a fan of lists, but I tend to break from the norm every once in a while (such as naming characters after Twitter followers).

As a writer, I know how difficult it is to find an agent and publisher for your work. I imagine breaking into the world of graphic novels is just as difficult. I imagine there are many exceptional artists out there, their work seen only by friends and family. Are you one of them? If yes, I want to give you a shot:

Calling all Graphic Artists

If you have interest in illustrating the graphic novel for Forsaken (and possibly the three sequels), send a sample of your work to me via email (graphics at jdbarker.com). If I think you’re a good fit, I’ll send you the first chapter. Return your best illustrations. That’s it. I’ll make sure your work is right there on the table with the industry pros when decision time comes.

I know the next Frank Miller is out there – help me find you.

jd

It’s Time to Pick a Name

I just realized that writing a book is the easy part. I have two ready for publication with two others nearing the finish line. If readers don’t like a particular book, there is always the next one and the one after that. I can always write another and the last just fades away, yesterday’s news.

But a name…

Names are forever. Names are carved in stone.

Our favorite authors are familiar to us, they’re welcome in our homes. If you’re an avid reader and you wander into your local bookstore, it’s the author’s names that grab you first – the ones you know seem to jump off the shelf, they shine a little brighter than the others.

In the writing world, names are a brand.

I need your help to create a brand.

Publishers and agents have suggested a number of different variations of my name, they’re always quick with, “X would look great on a cover”, or “I really think X sounds better”. Honestly, the only opinion that really matters is yours – the person who will eventually see one of my books on the store shelf and pick it up (or pick up the one next to it because the name on mine evokes utter discontent).

Please take a moment to complete the survey below. Your feedback will help determine the name I use for my first official novel and each that follows.

Just to keep things interesting, I’ll pick someone at random and send them an advance copy of the new novel. I’d offer up a new car but that’s not in the budget this go around, maybe with the next one…

To be considered, leave a comment and I’ll contact you via email.

UPDATE: Hi folks, this item has been closed for a while now. The masses opted for use of my initials (J.D.) rather than my full name (Jonathan Dylan). Hence, the name on my books 🙂

Thanks for taking a look!

jd

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