Interview with John Byrne Barry

Exploring the Indie Author Journey with John Byrne Barry

In the world of independent publishing, few stories capture the highs and lows of going indie like that of John Byrne Barry. A longtime professional writer turned mystery novelist, John shares his unique path from nonfiction journalism to crafting what he calls “page-turners with a conscience.” In a recent conversation with host Becky Parker Geist, John unveiled his experiences navigating publishing, promoting challenging books, and the importance of creating community among independent authors.

From Nonfiction Roots to Crafting Thoughtful Mysteries

John’s writing journey began early, writing for his high school newspaper and later as a professional journalist with a focus on nonfiction. He penned investigative stories such as “The End of Garbage,” where he explored landfill and recycling issues with detailed research. Although encouraged to write a nonfiction book based on that expertise, John didn’t gravitate toward nonfiction books as a reader, leading him instead to channel his knowledge into fiction.

His first novel, Wasted: Murder in the Berkeley Recycling Yard, took years to develop and faced numerous rejections from literary agents. Despite this, John persevered and later embraced independent publishing—a turning point that allowed him creative freedom and control over his work.

“Page-turners with a conscience”

John consciously chose mystery and thriller for their gripping, fast-paced storytelling but wanted to deliver more than just a suspenseful plot. He strives to create novels that engage readers emotionally and intellectually, blending the energy of thrillers with substance and character depth. This approach is evident across his works, including Bones in the Wash—set during the 2008 presidential campaign—and When I Killed My Father, which tackles difficult themes of assisted suicide and family turmoil.

Navigating Independent Publishing and Community Support

Although John’s graphic design background gave him an edge in producing professional-quality book layouts and covers, he acknowledges the steep learning curve in promoting and marketing independently published books. One of the most significant challenges he’s faced is overcoming the natural hesitation authors have about self-promotion—a hurdle likely familiar to many introverted writers.

Joining the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) offered John not only education on the evolving publishing landscape but a valued community. Through BAIPA, he found a space to share experiences, attend regular meetings, and connect with other indie authors facing similar challenges. This nurturing environment helped mitigate the solitude that often accompanies writing and publishing.

“Being part of a group that has a generosity of spirit is really a positive thing.” — John Byrne Barry

John emphasizes that while joining such a community might not guarantee blockbuster sales, it supports authors emotionally and strategically as they navigate marketing complexities and develop their craft.

The Books and Creative Process Behind the Stories

John has published four novels to date—each with its unique setting and tone:

• Bones in the Wash (2013): A political thriller set in New Mexico during the 2008 election, mixing real candidates with fictional intrigue. It was his first published novel and earned him awards and a strong following.
• Wasted: His first-written novel, revamped after initial rejection, focusing on a murder set in the recycling industry with environmental themes.
• When I Killed My Father: A deeply personal family thriller exploring assisted suicide and dementia, inspired by his own mother’s experience with dementia.
• The Pirates of Sausalito: A more comedic departure, it evolved from a play about Sausalito’s houseboat community during the 1970s, also adapted into an audiobook narrated by John and Becky themselves.

His upcoming work continues to build on his Bay Area-based universe while exploring new themes such as workplace harassment in the early 1980s legal world, blending historical context with social commentary.

Advice for Independent Writers Entering the Publishing World

John offers practical counsel to new or prospective indie authors:

• Manage expectations: Recognize publishing is demanding and sales rarely come easily; persistence is vital.
• Value community: Find groups like BAIPA to break the solitary nature of writing, exchange ideas, and gain encouragement.
• Invest in professionalism: Ensure your book looks and reads as professionally as possible to compete in today’s market.
• Self-promotion: It may be uncomfortable but is necessary—sharing your work authentically can foster connection and readership.

He also reflects on the emotional rewards of the creative process itself, likening writing to a craft where the intrinsic satisfaction often outweighs commercial success, especially when not financially dependent on royalties.

Where to Discover John Byrne Barry’s Work

John invites readers to explore his novels and audiobooks at johnburnberry.com and wherever books are sold. His versatile catalog offers a range of mystery novels tackling political, social, and family issues through engaging storytelling, making John a notable voice in independent publishing.

Conclusion

John Byrne Barry’s story illuminates the evolving landscape for indie authors—where resilience, professional quality, and community support intersect to create meaningful literary contributions. His journey from traditional nonfiction writing to independent mystery novelist showcases the power of adaptability and persistence. For indie authors facing similar challenges, his insights offer practical guidance and hope in the rewarding yet demanding world of independent publishing.