Attracting, Intriguing, & Engaging Fans
Ashley Grey is a fearless, genre-blending psychological horror author who isn’t intimidated by unsettling or even taboo subject matter, such as cannibalism. The more it makes the average person want to turn away, the more Ashley desires to dive in and write with horrific detail. By utilizing that same bold persona on her social media platforms, Ashley is doing something very few indie authors have been able to do. She is accumulating a large and loyal following of readers who eagerly await each new and dreadful “what if” scenario that she pens into existence. Ashley is turning morbid curiosity into engagement and building an impressive career.
Taking Advantage of “Feeling Cute” Days
To succeed on visually driven social media platforms, such as Instagram, it is important to present provocative images that connect in an instant, yet encourage a linger. When Ashley is having a “cute” day, she takes extra photos and B-roll footage. These serve as aesthetically pleasing backdrops for her thoughts and captions. If people don’t first pause their scroll, they can’t read and won’t engage.
Sharing Provocative Thoughts & Ideas
One way Ashley pulls people in deeper after they pause their scroll is by sharing her raw, unfiltered thoughts. Often, these thoughts are the ones that inspired her current work in progress, or her WIP as it is more commonly known in certain communities. Here is a sampling of some of Ashley’s posts:
- “Imagine being pulled into a world where giant stuffed animals dance, sing, and paint… while one of them eats a child.”
- “Not to be dramatic, but death is optional now.”
- “Why can’t she stop picking at her rotting skin?”
- “Deer leaving masks on doorsteps for the chosen ones.”
- “I want readers to finish my book and stare at the wall.”
Teasing Aesthetics, Tropes, & Lore
Writers each have their own process. Typically, it involves an unfathomable amount of research, finding photos and artwork that capture the aesthetic of the novel or short story, and listening to mood-setting music. Ashley is not shy about sharing any of these parts of her process. She wants you to know what’s going on in her head while she’s writing. At times, it may be a dark place, but it’s always extraordinarily fascinating. Ashley’s teased aesthetics, tropes, and lore have included:
- “My goal is to write something so graphic and disturbing that someone tries to ban it.”
- “Psychotic lesbian cowgirls.”
- “Some houses are haunted. This one eats people.”
- “Meet Emmett from Of Flesh and Lanterns, a compassionate doctor in 1888 who discovers a way to resurrect the dead and unintentionally becomes the charismatic leader of a cannibalistic cult.”
Maintaining Accountability with Progress Updates
This type of post serves two purposes. For Ashley, it keeps those internal fires burning in a blaze of accountability when she shares word counts for the day, leaks completed paragraphs, or teases artwork. For her readers, the progress generates interest and excitement. Fans get behind-the-curtain glimpses of her WIP, and some of the lucky few might even get the chance to be an ARC reader (Advance Reader Copy) — an individual who gets to read the book before it is published in exchange for an honest review.
Engaging Writers & Readers
Where Ashley shines is finding natural ways to engage with her fans in meaningful ways. Because she’s genuine and sincere in her communications, the connections she establishes and the relationships she fosters through her social media platforms encourage people to support and champion her work. However, instead of only focusing on her readers, Ashley also offers tips, advice, and anecdotes about her life as an independent author. She asks questions so other writers can comment and share their approach to this challenging endeavor.
Consequently, it was a question about becoming prolific which initially piqued Entertaining Options’ curiosity in Ashley. She has already published several stories this year with a new novel coming this week! [Of Flesh and Lanterns (The Lantern Series Book 2) is available on October 23.]
The Razor’s Edge: Balancing Creating Content with Writing
While the previous sections were based primarily on observations, Entertaining Options always prefers going directly to the source. In this interview, Ashley speaks candidly about the challenges of creating content while trying to finish a novel.
How long does it take you to come up with new content each day? Do you map it out and create a posting schedule, or do you just get inspired and go with it?
When I first started, I researched videos in my niche to get ideas, and everything would take me a bit of time. I’ve reached a point where I’ve switched to making videos around my books and relatable content for writers and readers. I usually do it on the spot to save time.
Does it interfere with your writing, or do you have a designated schedule for doing different tasks?
My writing comes first, and I’ve learned how to make fast videos for social media to not take up so much creative energy.
If you are in the zone, will you pause your writing to work on social media content, or will that be moved to the back burner?
There have been times when I’ve had an idea for social media, and I HAVE to do it; otherwise, I won’t relax. But usually, when I’m in the zone, I’m sticking to my writing.
How much time does it take to primp for a social media post?
Usually five to ten minutes. The hardest part is getting B-roll footage, but I’ve learned to record whenever I look cute so I can just put text over it.
Do you have a look that’s only for your social media?
I like to do my makeup and wear a cute outfit for videos, but sometimes I don’t care at all. It totally depends on my mood! I don’t have a particular look for social media though.
Are you extroverted? Is it hard to engage with strangers?
I am painfully introverted to the point I have been told I’m anti-social, and it’s unhealthy. I am fortunate that I make friends very easily, though there is still room for improvement.
If you were at a party, would you be the center of attention?
At a party, I would be quietly observing everyone.
What is your favorite part of creating content?
The experimenting. I love trying new forms of content and seeing how they perform.
Do you have a creating and posting strategy?
My strategy is trying new things and repeating what works. Consistency is what matters most. I love to publish whenever I have time for it.
How close is your online persona to your real-life personality?
I am fortunate that my online persona is my real-life personality. I really AM that weirdo.
What are the benefits of being a self-published author?
You have full control over your career. You don’t have to worry about someone telling you what you can or can’t write about. You don’t have to worry about being dropped, or about someone making a profit off your sales. It’s ALL YOU and whoever you want to hire.
Who do you have on your team?
I have beta and arc readers, editors, and I occasionally work with artists; otherwise, I do everything myself.
Would you ever be open to writing for a publisher?
I am open to writing for a publisher, but I also don’t like being told what I can or can’t write.
What is the hardest part about being an independent author?
Writing and being a content creator. Balancing both can be overwhelming.
Does social media drain your creativity or fuel it?
It drains my creativity when I have to talk on video because it takes me hours to record and edit. Otherwise, if I stick to my short videos, it fuels my creativity.
Do you track which types of posts get the best engagement?
Absolutely. When I notice something gets more traction than normal, I repeat that format.
What tips do you have for authors who have a hard time creating a presence and building a following?
Just say “f*ck it” and do it. It’ll feel cringey and weird at first, but it’s important to put yourself out there, consistently. Readers show more interest when they connect with you as the author. YOU are the brand.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering self-publishing?
It’s something every author should know how to do!! It’s overwhelming at first, but once you figure it all out, it’s smooth sailing. The hardest part is just finishing the book.
How many short stories, novelettes, novellas, and novels have you written, and where can we buy them?
I have four short stories, one short-story trilogy, two novelettes, one novella, one novel releasing this week, and other works coming soon! Everything is available on Amazon!
Which book of yours should someone start with? Do you have one you usually recommend? Why?
The Beautiful Ones Bleed or The House on Lantern Lane. The first book offers variety, while the novella offers a great taste of my genre-blending as an author!
Ashley Grey’s Complete List of Books & Short Stories (to Date)
Short Stories
- “The Lottery” – Amazon
- “A Hidden Kindness” – Amazon
- “The Voiceless” – Amazon
- “Two-Faced” – Amazon
- “The Beautiful Ones Bleed” – Amazon
This short-story trilogy contains: “The Lottery,” “A Hidden Kindness,” and “Two-Faced.”
Novelettes
Novellas
- The House on Lantern Lane (The Lantern Series Book 1) – Amazon
Novels
- Of Flesh and Lanterns (The Lantern Series Book 2) – Amazon
Novels (Coming Soon)
- The Dark Muse
- The Plaything series
- Black Western series
How to Follow & Support Ashley Grey
All photos and artwork courtesy of Ashley Grey.
