J. D. BARKER
J.D. Barker
The prequel to Dracula, inspired by notes and texts left behind by the author of the classic novel, Dracul is a supernatural thriller that reveals not only Dracula’s true origins but Bram Stoker’s–and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them.
It is 1868, and a twenty-one-year-old Bram Stoker waits in a desolate tower to face an indescribable evil. Armed only with crucifixes, holy water, and a rifle, he prays to survive a single night, the longest of his life. Desperate to record what he has witnessed, Bram scribbles down the events that led him here …
A sickly child, Bram spent his early days bedridden in his parents’ Dublin home, tended to by his caretaker, a young woman named Ellen Crone. When a string of strange deaths occur in a nearby town, Bram and his sister Matilda detect a pattern of bizarre behavior by Ellen–a mystery that deepens chillingly until Ellen vanishes suddenly from their lives. Years later, Matilda returns from studying in Paris to tell Bram the news that she has seen Ellen–and that the nightmare they’ve thought long ended is only beginning.
A riveting novel of gothic suspense, Dracul reveals not only Dracula’s true origin, but Bram Stoker’s—and the tale of the enigmatic woman who connects them.
“J.D. Barker is a one-of-a-kind writer and that’s a rare and special thing. Stephen King comes to mind and Lee Child, John Sandford. All one-of-a-kinds. Don’t miss anything J.D. writes.” `~~James Patterson, #1 International Bestselling Author
MEDIA:
TIME Magazine
Newsday
Family Circle “NIghtstand: Your October Reads”
New York Post
BookBub: 11 Books To Read if you like Stephen King
SyFyWire
Pittsburgh Trib Review
Authors of the Pacific Northwest Podcast
Dracul by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker to be released Fall 2018!
The prequel to Dracula, penned by a Stoker descendant and a bestselling writer, Dracul is a supernatural historical thriller in which a young Bram Stoker must confront an indescribable evil. It is 1868, and a 21-year-old Bram Stoker has locked himself inside a desolate tower to face off against a vile and ungodly beast, armed with mirrors and crucifixes and holy water and a gun, kept company by a bottle of plum brandy, praying to survive a single night, the longest of his life. Desperate to leave a record of what he has witnessed, Bram scribbles out the events that led him here–a childhood illness, a haunting nanny, stories once thought to be fables now proven true.
Dracul: JD Barker signs on to co-author prequel to Dracula with Dacre Stoker
MEDIA:
Palm Beach Post “Penning a Prequel to Dracula”
ThePassiveVoice “The Indie Author Behind the Dracula Prequel”
“The Indie Author Behind the Official Dracula Prequel”
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-389
The Fifth To Die by J.D. Barker available July 2018!
J.D. Barker’s second novel The Fifth to Die (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) was released this Summer to critical acclaim even before hitting the market for consumer consumption! Internationally re-known author James Patterson was so impressed after reading an advance of Barker’s book that he not only wrote a five-star review but suggested a collaboration in the near future. This much-anticipated work was Barker’s second thriller in a three-book series, following The Fourth Monkey. Barker’s newest release continues to garner notable attention as it, like the first novel, sky-rockets to international acclaim and sales!
J.D. Barker’s second novel The Fifth to Die (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) was released this Summer to critical acclaim even before hitting the market for consumer consumption! Internationally re-known author James Patterson was so impressed after reading an advance of Barker’s book that he not only wrote a five-star review but suggested a collaboration in the near future. This much-anticipated work was Barker’s second thriller in a three-book series, following The Fourth Monkey. Barker’s newest release continues to garner notable attention as it, like the first novel, sky-rockets to international acclaim and sales!
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2)
In the thrilling sequel to The Fourth Monkey, a new serial killer stalks the streets of Chicago, while Detective Porter delves deeper into the dark past of the Four Monkey Killer. Detective Porter and the team have been pulled from the hunt for Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer, by the feds. When the body of a young girl is found beneath the frozen waters of Jackson Park Lagoon, she is quickly identified as Ella Reynolds, missing three weeks. But how did she get there? The lagoon froze months earlier. More baffling? She’s found wearing the clothes of another girl, missing less than two days. While the detectives of Chicago Metro try to make sense of the quickly developing case, Porter secretly continues his pursuit of 4MK, knowing the best way to find Bishop is to track down his mother. When the captain finds out about Porter’s activities, he’s suspended, leaving his partners Clair and Nash to continue the search for the new killer alone. Obsessed with catching Bishop, Porter follows a single grainy photograph from Chicago to the streets of New Orleans and stumbles into a world darker than he could have possibly imagined, where he quickly realizes that the only place more frightening than the mind of a serial killer is the mind of the mother from which he came.
Goodreads “MK Killer Series”
The Fifth Monkey/Google Books
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-3890
The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker picked up by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel. A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.” ~ Jeffrey Deaver, Author
For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.
With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished…
Praise for The Fourth Monkey:
***“Not since Hannibal Lecter had a friend for dinner has a serial killer been so skillfully rendered on the page.” ~Taylor Elmore, Writer/Producer of Justified and Limitless
***“Creepy, scary . . . and impossible to put down! The Fourth Monkey is everything a thriller should be—a must read!” ~Heather Graham, NY Times Bestselling Author
***“In the tradition of SE7EN and THE USUAL SUSPECTS, THE FOURTH MONKEY combines breakneck speed with a baffling puzzle. It has pace to die for.” ~David Morrell, NY Times Bestselling Author
***“A chillingly delicious page-turner.” ~Kelley Armstrong, NY Times Bestselling Author
***“Make no mistake, this is a suspense novel through and through, and it’s in no way shy about it.” ~Jack Ketchum, Award Winning Author of Off Season and The Girl Next Door
*“This book is seriously brilliant: the best serial killer thriller I’ve ever read.” —Lisa Milton, Executive Editor HarperCollins
***“Absolutely freaking brilliant! I didn’t want this book to end but what a fantastic finish! This is going to be THE crime thriller of 2017.” —Maxine Groves, Top Amazon and GoodReads Reviewer
Published Internationally:
United States: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
United Kingdom: HarperCollins HQ
Audio: Recorded Books
MEDIA:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “J.D. Barker’s second novel is a terrifying romp”
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, MI) “Chilling Fourth Monkey will Keep You Up All Night… Reading”
Press Republican (Plattsburgh, NY) “The Fourth Monkey“
Author JD Barker releases debut thriller novel Forsaken
When horror author Thad McAlister began his latest novel, a tale rooted in the witch trials of centuries past, the words flowed effortlessly. The story poured forth, filling page after page with the most frightening character ever to crawl from his imagination. It was his greatest work, one that would guarantee him a position among the legends of the craft. But was it really fiction? He inadvertently opened a door, one that would soon jeopardize the lives of his family. She wants to come back. At home, his wife struggles to keep their family alive. Secretly wondering if she caused it all…a deal she made long ago. A deal with the Forsaken.
Inspired by Actual EventsExcerpt from the Journal of Clayton Stone – 1692 She was examined today without torture at Shadow Cove township on the charge of witchcraft. She said she was wholly innocent of the crime and has never in life renounced God. I watched as they brought her out. A poor, sickly thing, worn by her time behind the walls of her prison. Her bared feet and hands bound in leather, her clothing tattered to that of ruin. Despite such condition, her head was held high, her eyes meeting those of her accusers. She still refuses to provide her name so we remain unable to search baptismal records, nor has her family stepped forward to claim her as their own. We have no reason to believe she is anything but an orphaned child. I find myself unable to look at her directly in the moments preceding her trial. She is watching me though; with eyes of the deepest blue, she is watching me. ~ Thad McAlister, Rise of the Witch
2014 Bram Stoker Award’s winners “Superior Achievement in a First Novel Winners: Forsaken, J.D.Barker (Hampton Creek)
2015 New Apple E-books Awards/Horror Winner /1
2015 New Apple E-book Awards /2
MEDIA:
Pittsburgh City Paper “Forsaken author J. D. Barker, now a Pittsburgher, anticipates his next novel”
Pittsburgh Magazine Book Reviews: Forsaken... “Forsaken is the story of horror writer Thad McAlister…
Pittsburgh Trib Total Media “Carnegie horror author finds instand success with 1st novel”
Littsburgh: Celebrating Literary Pittsburgh: “Forsaken… From the Witch Trials of Centuries Past, an Evil Awakens… Inspired by Real Events”
Littsburgh “Four Questions: J. D. Barker”
Palm Beach Post “Horror Writer from Lake Worth Shares the 5 Books that Scare Him”
Palm Beach Post “Penning a Prequel to Dracula“
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-3890
Meet Author JD Barker
Jonathan Dylan Barker is the internationally bestselling author of Forsaken (Hampton Creek Press, 2014) – a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Debut Novel, the expertly crafted tale twists both past and present into a fast-paced, suspenseful ride which has earned him comparisons to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and John Saul. His latest novel, The Fourth Monkey, is heading to editors early in 2016. In addition, he has been asked to co-author a prequel to Dracula by the Stoker family. Barker splits his time between Englewood, FL, and Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife, Dayna.
Wikipedia: J.D. Barker …In 1992, Barker syndicated a small newspaper column called Revealed which centered around the investigation of haunted places and supernatural occurrences. He began work as a ghost writer and book doctor, helping other authors for publication. Barker cites Stephen King, Dean Koontz, John Saul, and Neil Gaiman among his influences. Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt of King’s Needful Thingsin the novel.[10] Indie-published in late 2014, the book went on to hit some major milestones – #2 on Audible (Harper Lee with Go Set a Watchman held #1), #44 on Amazon U.S., #2 on Amazon Canada, and #22 on Amazon UK. Forsaken was also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award (Best Debut Novel) and won a handful of others including a New Apple Medalist Award.[5] After reading Forsaken, Bram Stoker’s family reached out to Barker and asked him to co-author a prequel to Dracula utilizing Bram’s original notes and journals, much of which has never been made public.[11] Barker’s indie success drew the attention of traditional agents and publishers and in early 2016 his debut thriller, The Fourth Monkey sold in a series of pre-empts and auctions worldwide with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt set to publish in the U.S. and HarperCollins in the UK. The book has also sold for both film and television. In September 2017, Putnam purchased the publishing rights for Dracul in a five-house auction with additional publishers worldwide and Paramount Pictures optioned the film rights with Andy Muschetti set to direct…
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-3890
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AUTHORS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
authors of the pacific northwest
A little bit about Vikki J. Carter, producer of Pacific Authors of the Northwest podcast
Vikki J. Carter is the proud producer of Authors of the Pacific Northwest, a weekly podcast aimed directly at authors who are interested in learning some of the techniques to be successful in the publishing industry! Her company, Squishpen Productions, focuses specifically on helping area (and even national!) writers learn from published authors the tips of the trade so they too can succeed in such a competitive field.
Carter’s attributes include strong public speaking skills and research abilities as well as nurturing qualities for newbies in the field of writing, She reaches out to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, from open mics to coffee shop writers’ groups. And, in the spirit of camaraderie, she invites authors to contact her and join her own “recruiting efforts” by featuring them on Authors of the Pacific Northwest.
Earning a Masters, Bachelors, and Associates degrees in IT Tech and Library Science in just four years, Carter is an over-achiever and very focused on the new venture. In her work as a librarian (and not your typical one at that!), she has attained over 12 years of higher education experiences in mentoring students. Carter has been recognized continuously for her caring, straightforward ability to help students reach their goals all the while managing family life and a husband who chases his rock-n-roll dreams. Carter draws upon her education and extensive life experiences in her projects as author and podcast producer.
Determined to publish her own writings, Carter has two books in the works. The first is part of a series centered in the Elizabethan-era in England that takes readers deep into the clashing world of a woman’s choice for love. Carters’ second book is a fiction work that follows a young couple’s chaotic relationship as they struggle with the not so glamorous realities of pursuing fame in rock-n-roll.
PRESS:
Bend Bulletin, Bend OR /1
Bend Bulletin, Bend OR/2
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-3890
Podcast Producer Vikki J. Carter launches Authors of the Pacific Northwest
Vikki J. Carter recently launched her newest project, Authors of the Pacific Northwest, under the umbrella of her company SquishPen Productions. This weekly podcast, running 35-45 minutes, gives writers ample time to share their journeys in the publishing world. The series features a wide range of published Pacific Northwest authors of all genres, from those who are independent, self-published, and traditionally published. It also features some of the finest and sometimes unknown authors from the area for the listening pleasure of writers and readers across the nation.
The mission of Authors of the Pacific Northwest is so local writers can branch out into the new media of podcasting while gaining readers and inspiring new writers! Listeners will not only hear insider views of the publication world, but they will also listen to authors read from their latest works and upcoming projects. In other words, Carter’s catchphrase is for everyone to “enjoy the journey.”
Carter’s attributes include strong public speaking skills and research abilities as well as nurturing qualities for newbies in the field of writing, She reaches out to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, from open mics to coffee shop writers’ groups. And, in the true spirit of camaraderie, she invites authors, in addition to her own recruiting efforts, to be featured on Authors of the Pacific Northwest.
Earning a Masters, Bachelor, and Associate degrees in both IT Tech and Library Science in just four years, Carter is an over-achiever and very focused on a new venture. Not your typical Librarian, she has over 12 years of higher education experiences mentoring students and has been recognized continuously for her caring, straightforward ability to help students reach their dreams all while managing family life and a husband who chases his rock-n-roll dreams. She draws upon her education and extensive life experiences in her project as an author and podcast producer.
Determined to publish her own writings, Carter has books in the works. The first is a series centered in the Elizabethan-era in England that takes readers deep into the conflicting world of a woman’s choice for love. Carters’ second book is a fiction work that follows a young couple’s chaotic relationship as they struggle with the not so glamours realities of pursuing fame in the music industry.
— Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-528-3890
UltraViolet Communications signs Vikki J. Carter and Authors of the Pacific Northwest for PR representation
I hope you always enjoy the journey~
 |
Vikki J. CarterPodcast Producer & Author SquishPen Productions phone: 360-261-9879 email: vikkijcarter@yahoo.com skype: Vikki J. Carter facebook: www.facebook.com/VikkijCarterwww.squishpen.com |
Contact: Violet Szilvas, UltraViolet Communications, 561-628-389
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Zildjian Cymbals Guest Blog: “From the Street to the Social: Tips for Self Promotion from an ’80s Sunset Strip Rock’n’Roll Publicist” by Violet Szilvas
My name is Violet Szilvas, known as UltraViolet during my tenure in the music business in the 1980’s — the hey-day of the Sunset Strip, The Whiskey, The Rainbow, The Roxy, Gazzarri’s, The Coconut Teaser, and Cathouse along with others. It was a time that GNR, Poison, and Motley Crue were relatively unknown outside of LA, and a time when cars lined the Strip through West Hollywood every weekend night. Of course there were flyers on poles and flyer-ers passing out flyers to passers-by, clubs, restaurants, and wherever else they could (or could get always with it). Regularly the Kliegs shot spotlights high into the near 365-days-a-year perfectly clear skies, and music didn’t play, it blasted, out of neon-lit clubs.
My Public Relations firm, UltraViolet Communications, did some PR for Eddie Money and John Waite (Baby’s). But my company really garnered a decent amount of media coverage as I helped make more and more of the bands I represented into locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally-known acts. For instance, I saw the raging talent of heavy-metal band Hurricane, represented XYZ whose CD was produced by Don Dokken, was actively involved with Broken Edge’s “Karate Kid” soundtrack song, “No Shelter,” and I publicized Animotion and their Top 6 Billboard hit “Obsession.” I had a knack for being not only a PR maven but “a rock’n’roll people broker” as my business cards stated. I had to write all the band’s information, build their brands, coordinate photo shoots, create media lists, developed strong ties with the music community, and call media contacts on a regular basis. I also often took on the hat of manager, meaning I booked gigs, solicited A&R Departments at labels, kept contacts in the TV, film, and video industries and networked endlessly with a rolodex (list of contacts) like nobody’s business.
What I did then above and beyond the definition of a PR specialist is what bands are expected to today. It’s called promotion and/or marketing, but it’s basically public relations at its core — and PR to the core today is utterly dependent on the digital world of social media and the Internet.
As I will reiterate throughout this piece, public relations never really changed in principle, it just changed platforms. Don’t think what you’re doing on Twitter and Facebook or on your website isn’t public relations… it is, only it’s no longer called that. Instead, modern-day PR is called social media and the Internet, and this blog will offer you a then-vs-now approach. So here goes, let’s start with the basics, from lease considered to most obvious… (con’t at http://www.ultravioletcommunications.com/blog).
Contact: Violet Szilvas 561 628 3890
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Romarin Demitri
The Frost Bloom Garden
As if the supernatural London Underground couldn’t open up any further, Romarin is immersed in different cultures, struggles, factions—and the revelation of her first dangerous foe—that make the hidden world what it is: treacherous. As a detective in pursuit of a Jack The Ripper type killer, Romarin’s sole purpose is to destroy evidence of their secret world, reminding her of how blurred all of their roles are, and that the price for that could very well be one’s life. With rumors of a safe haven, an island where people like her can be free and understood, perhaps she won’t need the cure she vehemently seeks. A cure for a broken heart however, that’s another story. And a cure for a burning heart? That’s just impossible.
Book: The Frost Bloom Garden
Goodreads: The Frost Bloom Garden
A Mirror Among Shattered Glass
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Unenthusiastic about relocating to her birth city of London, a charming paranormal investigator with claim to the throne could change her mind, as he leads her to the only living and distant relative she has: a raven-haired recluse named Talia, who has taken refuge in an old castle in the heart of the city, and doesn’t seem to have a heart of her own.Unable to contain the deadly nature of her family secret and powers, nine-teen year old Romarin Demetri hails from California, to unearth her heritage as a descendant of serial-killer, Countess Bathory, the woman that lent Dracula his legend, and cursed Romarin with an appetite for blood. After a rough introduction to the lethal, inappropriate, and enchantingly sarcastic people she calls her housemates, perhaps the other misfits will be her first true friends; However, as much as these people are like her, they still have hidden vendettas, a taste for revenge, and will struggle between what is just, and what will settle their psychological upheaval. There is only one way for Romarin to become part of the Supernatural London Underground: Can she be the one who challenges them to put down their ghosts and demons and make their world together?
Book: Mirror Among Shattered Glass
Goodreads: Mirror Among Shattered Glass
A Book Trailer: Mirror Among Shattered Glass
Introducing Romarin Demetri
Romarin Demetri, author and creative force, is a story crafter who loves black coffee and traveling abroad. When her characters come home in some sort of trouble, Demetri swears she didn’t invent it. Pulling from her Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology, her debut series, The Supernatural London Underground, is a blend of fantasy ground in reality and a world readers can truly escape to. As an eccentric and reader, she still enjoys creating the alternate reality in her urban fantasy series (more than anything!), and her interactive world waits for you at RomarinDemetri.com.
www.romarindemetri.com
Facebook: Romarin Demetri
Twitter: @Romarindemetri
Instagram
Blog
Melanie Rongone, aesthetician extraordinaire opens Cleveland’s Immortal Allure Spa Studio
The organic, anti-aging skin studio in North Royalton, Ohio.
Esthetic services, microdermabrasion, and peels.
Cruelty-free and natural skincare, and handmade palm-free soaps.
immortalallure.com
TEACHING EXPERIENCE, CLEVELAND, OHIO
Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio
Cuyahoga Community College
Adjunct Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication Dept.
Syllabus, Fall 2018, Film Appreciation
Syllabus, Spring 2018, Public Relations
Ursuline College, Cleveland, Ohio
Ursuline College
Adjunct Professor, Business Dept.
Syllabus Fall 2018, “Social Media and Customer Retention Management”
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PRIOR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Too long to list here. Contact me and I’ll send you my resume!
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