The Autism Advantage: Author J.D. Barker Talks Crafting Stories & Taking Chances

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Mike and Chaya sit down with author J.D. Barker, known for his gripping suspense thrillers, who reveals how being on the autism spectrum has shaped his career. Discover how neurodiversity fuels creativity as he shares his journey from ghostwriter to NYT bestseller, his lifelong passion for storytelling, and how to find your own 'superpower'.

We Also Cover:

• The Importance of Supportive Relationships
• Later In Life Autism Diagnosis
• How Autistic Mirroring Aids in Ghostwriting
• Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
• The Influence of Neurodivergent Thinking on Plot Creation
• Finding Ways to Ground Yourself to Avoid Hyperfocus
• Nurturing Creative Outlets at an Early Age
• His Autism Advocacy
• Why AI Cannot Replicate the Human Experience

Quotes:

• "The more often I did something, as uncomfortable as it might be, like putting myself in a social situation, the easier it got."
• "I realized that I could take something that some people would see as a negative and basically turn it into a positive."
• "It takes a lot to walk away from one path, to get on your own path. It takes a lot of guts to do that."

About J.D. Barker:

J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL, the wildly popular 4MK series, and frequently collaborates with James Patterson. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt (of King’s Needful Things) in the novel. His books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his wife, Dayna, and their daughter, Ember.

Connect with J.D.:

• https://jdbarker.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/therealjdbarker
• https://www.instagram.com/jdbarker_author/
• https://x.com/jdbarker
• https://www.tiktok.com/@jdbarker_author
• https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005FCUYU4
• https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8224327.J_D_Barker
• https://www.youtube.com/@jdbarker_author/featured

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost