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J.D. Barker’s Approach to Creating Unforgettable Protagonists

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Photo courtesy of Ruth Ganev Photography

By Mj Toledo 

When J.D. Barker sets out to craft a protagonist, he conjures literary legends that leap off the page and into readers’ imaginations. With a deft touch and a keen eye for detail, the bestselling author guarantees that each protagonist is unforgettable. After all, these characters are the stars that keep readers coming back for more.

The Importance of Detailed Backgrounds

According to the author, he invests time in developing comprehensive backstories for his characters, considering their past experiences, motivations, and personal quirks. This allows him to create seemingly real people, giving readers a look at the “hows” of their actions. “Fleshing out these backgrounds makes these characters integral to every story’s progression,” he shares.

Additionally, J.D. Barker’s work exhibits attention to detail. For instance, in his Fourth Monkey series, the killer is portrayed with a depth that makes him so relatable, making some readers empathize with him. 

Character-Driven Plotting 

J.D. Barker’s novels are often distinguished by their character-driven plots, which add more layers to the story. He describes himself as a “pantser,” preferring to let the story unfold naturally through the actions and decisions of his leads rather than adhering to a rigid outline. This allows for organic character development, often leading to twists that readers do not see coming.

For novels like “The Fourth Monkey,” one of his most critically acclaimed books, J.D. Barker employs a dual storyline format that juxtaposes different narratives, such as police procedural elements with diary entries. This structure maintains the reader’s interest while providing a fuller picture of the character’s inner workings, driving the plot forward naturally.

Barker’s personal experiences, including his diagnosis of autism, have influenced his work process. He credits his autism with enhancing his ability to create detailed narratives and complex plotlines, allowing him to keep intricate story elements straight in his mind. 

His childhood experiences, such as being an avid reader from a young age, have also shaped his storytelling style, fueling his imagination and contributing to his ability to create immersive worlds through words.

Character Evolution and Growth

Fans have praised the author for creating protagonists that are not static. Instead, they undergo significant development throughout the story, experiencing personal growth and change due to their journeys. 

One of J.D. Barker’s writing signatures is making the protagonists face moral dilemmas and personal struggles, which makes their stories more engaging. In “Behind a Closed Door,” Barker explores technology’s dark and cynical aspects and impact on human relationships. The journey of the leads through deceit and betrayal forces them to change, spotlighting the author’s skill in crafting thought-provoking character arcs.

J.D. Barker’s New Works

In addition to this project, Barker’s latest standalone novel, “Behind a Closed Door,” has received acclaim from critics worldwide. 

With J.D. Barker’s work, readers are introduced to a type of story in which protagonists are not mere lenses through which the plot unfolds but are essential to the narrative’s progression. Barker’s ability to craft stories guarantees they remain in people’s minds long after the book is closed.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

How To Combine Astrology With Self-Care Rituals To Enhance Daily Living

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Self-care looks different for everyone. And it could look different day by day. Sometimes you just need meditation or journaling or a grounding ritual. Sometimes you need movement. Sometimes you need more rest. Have you ever wondered why it’s different day-by-day and why you can’t seem to “stick” to something?

Most of us know something about Western astrology, but have you ever heard of Vedic astrology (Jyotish)? Vedic astrology focuses on your moon sign (which may differ from your Western astrological chart), planetary transits, and Dasha period. These three areas shape how you feel, act, and process emotions every day. 

The time management app align27 doesn’t just focus on your typical horoscope. It gives you a personalized Vedic birth chart and a daily favorability forecast based on planetary influences. It uses a simple yet powerful stoplight system — green for favorable times, yellow for neutral, and red for moments when it’s best to slow down — to help you navigate each day with intention.

Why Vedic astrology and self-care go hand in hand

Ever have days where everything flows effortlessly and others where nothing seems to go right? That’s not random — it’s the influence of the planets at play. Vedic astrology teaches that planetary transits and periods, and the Moon’s placement each day all impact your energy. 

By understanding these influences, align27 customizes your self-care rituals to work with the planetary energies rather than against them. The result? A self-care routine that feels more natural, restorative, and in harmony with your personal astrology. 

How to align self-care with align27

1. Follow your moon sign for emotional well-being

In Vedic astrology, your Moon sign reveals how you process emotions, handle stress, and recharge. The align27 app provides real-time insights into your Moon sign’s current state, helping you plan self-care that supports your well-being.

  • Fire Moons (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): align27 will highlight action-oriented times, which are perfect for movement-based self-care like yoga, walking, or a workout.
  • Earth Moons (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Your best self-care moments often fall during grounding planetary periods. The align27 app helps you time activities like cooking, gardening, or Ayurvedic oil massages.
  • Air Moons (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Mental stimulation is key for you. Use align27’s favorable green time slots to plan journaling, reading, or creative work.
  • Water Moons (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotional balance is crucial; align27 suggests introspective yellow periods during which self-care like meditation, breathwork, or music therapy can help you reset.

By checking your daily Moon sign insights in align27, you can sync your self-care with your emotional energy instead of forcing routines that don’t feel right.

2. Sync with planetary transits for daily rituals

Planetary movements in Vedic astrology directly influence your daily energy. Instead of following the same self-care routine every day, use the align27 app to check which planets are strongest and which ones need balancing.

  • Green periods: Ideal for action — schedule workouts, deep work, or personal projects. 
  • Yellow periods: Best for reflection — meditation, light reading, or connecting with loved ones.
  • Red periods: Time to pause — prioritize self-care, avoid big decisions, and rest.

For example:

  • If align27 shows a red period under Mercury’s influence, it’s a sign to unplug from tech and practice silence (Mauna) instead.
  • A green period during a Moon transit suggests a great time for emotional processing through journaling or spiritual rituals.
  • If Saturn is active, align27 might recommend structured self-care, like a disciplined yoga practice or fasting.

The daily timing feature of align27 takes the guesswork out of self-care, helping you plan around when the universe is actually working with you, not against you.

3. Use your Venus sign for beauty and self-love rituals

In Vedic astrology, Venus (Shukra) represents luxury, pleasure, and how you experience beauty. But your Venus sign in your birth chart tells you what kind of self-care truly nourishes your soul.

  • Venus in Fire Signs: You love bold, energizing self-care. Ayurvedic herbal treatments, bright colors, and invigorating scents like sandalwood or saffron uplift your energy.
  • Venus in Earth Signs: You prefer high-quality, natural self-care. Organic skincare, silk bedding, and nourishing food rituals align with your Venus energy.
  • Venus in Air Signs: You thrive on social and intellectual beauty. Try mantra recitation, decorating your space with art, or engaging in deep conversations.
  • Venus in Water Signs: You need emotionally fulfilling self-care. Essential oil baths, soft textures, and music therapy create a calming atmosphere.

4. Strengthen your planetary weaknesses through rituals

Each planet in your birth chart has strengths and weaknesses based on its placement. You can balance planetary imbalances through specific self-care rituals:

  • Weakened moon? Drink warm milk with cardamom, wear white, and meditate under the full Moon.
  • Struggling with Rahu energy? Reduce digital distractions, light camphor, and chant “Om Rahave Namah.”
  • Mars overactivity? Avoid spicy food, practice slow yoga, and wear cool colors like blue or white.

The align27 app personalizes these remedies based on your birth chart and daily planetary shifts.

Align your self-care with the stars

When you integrate Vedic astrology into your self-care routine, you’re not just following trends but tuning into the ancient wisdom of timing and energy alignment. Instead of forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all self-care plan, you can create rituals that genuinely support you based on the cosmic influences at play.

With tools like align27, you can easily track your best days for rest, action, and reflection — making self-care effortless and aligned with the universe. Because taking care of yourself isn’t just about doing more — it’s about doing what’s right for you, at the right time. 

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