I’m not a beach read girl, so I want to write things that are meaningful and different.

Ashley Baker – 24 December 2025

The Back Flap

In typical serial killer novels, the victims are a footnote. In this book, they’re the whole story.

Betty. Tina. Sarah. Leslie. Chrissy. Sheena. Sherry. Lena. Debbie. Ashley.

The ten victims in The Furious Others lived ordinary lives until serial killer Jason LeDown entered stage left, knife in hand, with a belly full of bad intentions. That’s where fear is found, in the space between a typical Friday and a man intent on murder. The fictional characters in The Furious Others depict real people: mothers, lovers, hip-hop aficionados, and green thumbs, united by the tragedy of lost lives.

Author and clinical psychologist Dr. Ashley Baker PSYD envisions a fictional world where the murderer is not the main character in the serial killer trope. Instead of exploring Jason Le Down’s methods of madness, Dr. Baker chooses to honor the victims rather than romanticize monsters.

About the book

What is the book about?

It is a serial killer novel where the murderer is NOT the main character. Instead, in The Furious Others the victims are the ones we follow and mourn. That makes a much scarier and sadder premise as we experience their thoughts, feelings, and last moments.

When did you start writing the book?

I had just read Notes on an Execution which is another serial killer novel and I just felt compelled to tell the victim’s side. Once I started, it flowed very easily because I was so focused on that one premise.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote it in 8 months, and then it was published after two formal edits from my publisher Genius Media and Publishing, a traditional small press establishment.

Where did you get the idea from?

After I started writing the book, I also experienced a loss of my own when my father was murdered, and I learned in real life how the focus is very much on wrongdoers instead of the innocent lives lost.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

That made it difficult to write. I was so committed to a victim focused narrative but writing a story about homicides with a knife when my father was also killed in a similar way…. It was very difficult. I think that shows up in the emotional parts of the story too, but it definitely cost me something to write it.

What came easily?

Keep the narrative focused on the victims. It was such a new concept and it flexed my imagination to write about the women – to keep them very different from one another but linked in this horrible way.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Made up for sure! I think that’s easier- it allowed me to experiment with all different types of characters.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I LOVE to read. I love John Irving, Stephen King, & Chris Whitaker. I will read anything! My Goodreads profile is super active because I typically read 100 books per year, it’s my first love and favorite pastime.

Do you have a target reader?

Someone who likes “fiction with teeth” aka darker thoughtful types. I’m not a beach read girl, so I want to write things that are meaningful and different.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it? 

I don’t write in any order. I have phrases and a rough outline, and then I fill it in as I go. I also keep little notes all over the place because I can be inspired easily and know if I don’t jot it down I will forget it.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

It’s a very rough and tumble outline. I have a “gist” but typically fill all those things in last.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both? I self-correct or make notes to myself, then go back and edit it, and for the final time I read it out loud.

Did you hire a professional editor

I had two editors for my novel through by publisher

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No- I want it quiet completely. No distractions for me.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Initially I did before I found my small press publisher. It was read by many but it was so hard to get their attention in the long run.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?  

I wanted someone to believe in me and my work and to help me- I knew there was so much I didn’t know or understand. But it also was important for it to be published because I didn’t want to pay for my craft, I wanted someone who believed in me enough to publishing my work. For me that was important because it made me feel I was “good enough” to take a chance upon- and it’s such a honor when that happens too.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Gradual. I queried, I considered, then I finally found the place I fit best and I’ve been very happy at Genius Media and Publishing. They have made the process feel supportive and easy for me. I’m so thankful.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done- there’s no way I could do that myself. I had a general idea but I definitely will think it through more on book number two- we went through a lot of edits because I wasn’t specific enough on the front end. But then end result is gorgeous IMO.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do, I target book readers, ads on social media, and book contests (fingers crossed I win! LOL).

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

It’s a lot of work but it is also very rewarding 😊

About You

Where do you live now?

I live in North Georgia, it’s a growing city but a beautiful place to live and only about 30-45 min. from Atlanta.

What would you like readers to know about you?

How thankful I am when they read my work and tell me about it. I don’t think I will EVER get tired of that. It’s such a pleasure and I remain so grateful.

What are you working on now?

My third novel. 2nd novel is already in and awaiting edits. 3rd novel is finished but going through my own self-editing process before it’s ready for real edits. Then after that- an adult ghost story. Stay tuned! 😊

End of Interview:

For more from Ashley Baker visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Tik Tok.

Get your copy of The Furious Others from Amazon US or Amazon UK.