A Goodreads user asked J.D. Barker:

What got you interested in writing crime/thriller books and how'd you get your first book idea?

J.D. Barker I think most authors write the types of books they like to read and I love a solid thriller! Most people don't know this but I've worked with law enforcement as a consultant. I've personally solved several murders and helped put some nasty people in jail. With a baby on the way, I've toned down that kind of work (along with jumping out of airplanes, hang-gliding, and a few other things fathers-to-be should avoid). Although it helps the idea-mill, I've found most real-life criminals just aren't as inventive as the fictional sort. I absolutely love writing thrillers but I think as more of my work gets out in the wild, readers will find the underlying theme in all my books is suspense. Suspense with a bit of horror, a dab of the occasional paranormal, and even a little sci-fi every now and then. I grew up reading Koontz and King and I'm hoping readers will be willing to let me cross genres occasionally.

I dont know if any writer can tell you where their book ideas come from. For me, I get ideas when I'm not trying to think of ideas - in the shower, running with the dog, at a ballgame. You can take any scenario, add "what if" to it, and there is potential for a story. For example - imagine you're standing in line for a hotdog at a baseball game. Boring right? Now, what if you looked down at the person standing in front of you and noticed their right hand was soaked in blood, dripping in it, and they're just standing there, in line... all good stories start with a simple, "what if."

flag