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

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.Connect With The Community🏆 Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.📺 Watch the Full Shows: The Writing Community Chat Show | 360+ Author Interviews, Writing Tips & Creative Chaos.✍️ The Stories Behind the Stories And Great Writing Articles: WRITE, CONNECT, GROW, With The Writing Community Chat Show. | 📚The WCCS | Substack🚀 Support the Mission With Tips And Donations: PayPal.MeTogether as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.