JD Barker Returns | Haunted Houses, Shaking Beds At The Stanley Hotel & Advice from Stephen King, James Patterson & Dean Koontz.

JD Barker Returns | Haunted Houses, Shaking Beds At The Stanley Hotel & Advice from Stephen King, James Patterson & Dean Koontz.

Author: Christopher Aggett May 20, 2025 Duration: 1:00:01
Our latest episode of The Writing Community Chat Show was the kind that makes you glance over your shoulder before switching off the hallway light. International bestseller J.D. Barker, fresh off the May 13 release of his ghost-thriller Something I Keep Upstairs (already #1 in Amazon’s Ghost Thrillers) joined us for a live, laughter-and-screams-filled conversation that our chat hailed as “Outstanding interview! 🎉🎉🎉”If you missed the stream, the replay is embedded below. Curl up with a cup of something comforting and hit play.▶️ Watch the replay:1. A Real Haunted House, a Real-World BestsellerWood Island, New Hampshire. Lighthouse keepers, unexplained footsteps, a trapdoor to nowhere. These were the tinder sticks that sparked Barker’s latest novel. JD spent time there for his new book launch, where they ferried press and fans over to the house! Plus, JD mentioned a mystery of two missing corpses that were discovered under the sand there. 2. Advice From Three TitansBarker’s phone holds contacts most writers would sell their kidneys for. He has regular conversations with them and has written with James Patterson on numerous occasions. He speaks about this in the show.* Stephen King.* James Patterson.* Dean Koontz.3. Live-Chat Love & Community EnergyOur Substack and YouTube chat exploded with theories about what lurks upstairs, personal ghost anecdotes, and craft questions. The standout comment “Outstanding interview! 🎉🎉🎉” was great to see. As was JDs comment about how great our show looks, and is produced, once the live had ended. 4. Something I Keep Upstairs!In the sleepy coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler's life is about to take a terrifying turn. When his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island, it seems like the perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. No parents. No police. No responsibilities.As they dig into the island's dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations. What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare."Something I Keep Upstairs" is a haunting exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding.BUY IT HERE.What’s Upstairs for You?Have you visited a place that buzzed the way Wood Island did for JD? Drop your story in the comments, I’ll feature the creepiest three in next week’s newsletter.And if you value these deep, dive interviews, workshops, and writing-life confessions, consider upgrading to a paid subscription. You’ll get:* Two-week early access to every major guest.* Invitations to our private after-show hangs.* Downloadable resources and prompt packs.* The warm glow of supporting indie creators who occasionally chase ghosts.Thank you for reading, watching, and believing that stories, especially scary ones, matter.Stay brave,The Writing Community Chat Show

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There’s a certain magic that happens when writers talk to other writers, a mix of shared struggle, practical insight, and genuine camaraderie. That’s the space The Writing Community Chat Show occupies every week. Hosted by Christopher Aggett, this live-streamed podcast is built on the belief that "together as one, we get it done," creating a welcoming hub for anyone connected to the literary life. It doesn’t matter if you’re navigating the world of traditional publishing, carving your own path as an indie author, or simply wrestling with that challenging first draft-the conversation here is for you. Each episode delves into the real stories behind the books, exploring the creative processes, the industry hurdles, and the personal journeys of a diverse range of guests. You’ll hear honest discussions about craft, marketing, motivation, and the sheer resilience needed to bring stories into the world. More than just interviews, this podcast fosters a sense of collective support, offering tangible advice and quiet inspiration. Tune in to find your people, pick up a useful tip for your own work, and remember why you started writing in the first place.
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