The bestselling thriller that kept you up all night might have begun with a three-line news item buried on page seven. The novel dominating airport bookstores could have sparked from an overheard conversation at a coffee shop. In the cutthroat world of thriller writing, the most spine-tingling narratives often spring not from grand imagination but from the mundane reality we scroll past every day. More…
On Writing
Feb242025
Rolling Stone – The Great Writing Divide: Inside the Creative Battle Between Plotters and Pantsers
A fierce debate rages in the literary world, dividing authors into two distinct camps: plotters who meticulously outline every story beat, and “pantsers” or “discovery writers” who write by the seat of their pants. This fundamental split in creative approach has spawned endless discussions about which method produces better fiction. More…
Jan242025
Rolling Stone – Building the Author Brand: From Inkwell to Instagram
In an era where TikTok can turn a midlist novel into a bestseller overnight and readers spend as much time scrolling through author Instagram stories as they do turning pages, the mystique of the reclusive writer has become a luxury few can afford. The contemporary publishing landscape demands authors to be more than just storytellers — they must become their own marketing powerhouses, social media strategists and personal brand architects. More…
Jan132025
Ivoox – Fearless Storytelling & the Future of Publishing with J.D. Barker
NEWS: In this week’s episode, I sit down with bestselling author J.D. Barker to explore the art of fearless storytelling and the ever-changing landscape of publishing. We delve into how asking ‘What if?’ fuels great stories, J.D.’s unique approach to navigating both Traditional and Indie publishing, and why building a brand is essential for authors. J.D. also shares invaluable advice for aspiring Indie authors, his thoughts on the future of publishing, and how autism shapes his creative… More