From Shadows to Destiny: Eric H. Baker’s Journey in Creating A.J. Washington and the Brotherhood of the All-Seeing Eye
What if the monsters in your closet were real? What if the strange visions you had were memories from another life—as an ancient Pharaoh? In A.J. Washington and the Brotherhood of the All-Seeing Eye, author Eric H. Baker brings this wild idea to life in a way that’s both thrilling and meaningful. But behind this poweful fantasy story lies a strongly personal journey—one that shows the author’s own battles, dreams, and dedication. Let’s look into Baker’s path as a writer, the challenges he faced, and the depth of the story he has brought to the world. It’s not just about a book—it’s about believing in something bigger than ourselves and turning that belief into art.
For Eric H. Baker, the idea behind A.J. Washington came from a blend of imagination and fascination with ancient Egypt. “I’ve always been into Egyptian mythology,” he shared during an interview. “I just thought it’d be cool to weave that into the story.” And that’s exactly what he did. Instead of following familiar paths of fantasy, he carved out a new one. While many authors pull from Greek or Roman mythology, Baker reached even further back—to the gods of Egypt. He wasn’t just drawn to the aesthetic or symbols, but to the richness of a culture that believed in order, chaos, gods, and reincarnation. In his world, the Eye of Horus isn’t just a tattoo or an ancient relic—it’s a beacon of protection, a symbol of life, and a weapon against darkness. This theme of protection and identity is central to the book and Baker’s personal journey as well.
At the heart of the book is A.J. Washington, a foster kid with a rough past. “He’s a foster kid with no friends,” Baker explained. “He needs to be kind of shocked, and then he ends up with some friends, and so he has to grow.” That growth is what defines the story. A.J. begins his journey at the funeral of his foster father, Tim—the only man who made him feel like family. The grief he feels is real and raw. But what follows is a series of supernatural events that pull him into a destiny far beyond anything he ever imagined. AJ finds himself being hunted by demons, mentored by descendants of Egyptian gods, and trained to embrace the power within him. He’s not just a troubled boy anymore—he’s the reincarnation of Pharaoh Ramses, destined to fight the forces of chaos. For Baker, A.J.’s struggle mirrors a deeper message: “Sometimes people are more than they appear to be. And you never know what people are going through.”
Behind the scenes, Baker’s creative process is as unique as his story. He uses three-by-five cards to jot down ideas, pinning them on a board and moving them around to see what fits where. This visual and flexible method allows his imagination to roam while helping him build a coherent plot. “I have an overactive imagination,” he said, “but the hard part is forming that into a plot that works. That’s the part that gets me stuck.” Writer’s block, frustration, and moments of doubt were all part of his journey. Still, he pushed through, driven by a passion for storytelling and the desire to see his characters come to life.
The Brotherhood of the All-Seeing Eye—a secret organization in the book—is another intriguing piece of the puzzle. Baker invented the name, inspired by the Eye of Horus, which he calls “a protection symbol.” Along with the ankh, which stands for everlasting life, the symbols form the core of the story’s spiritual power. Baker even took this symbolism to heart by getting the tattoo himself—a combination of the Eye and the ankh on his arm. “Together, they mean like a long life that is protected,” he said proudly. This blend of personal belief and storytelling is part of what makes the book feel so alive. There’s adventure, yes—but also deeper themes about identity, loss, belief, and resilience.
While crafting the book, Baker also battled depression—a challenge he’s faced since the age of 19. “I go to therapy and I take antidepressants,” he shared. “It comes in waves.” These waves didn’t just affect his mood; they interrupted his work. He described moments of sitting at the computer, looking at the screen but not really reading, overwhelmed by a mix of pressure and self-doubt. Still, Baker never gave up. Even after a disappointing first publication, he pressed on to republish his book with better support and higher hopes. That persistence—like A.J.’s battle in the story—was part of his own destiny unfolding.
What began as one book is now the beginning of a trilogy. Baker is already working on the second installment, which he says will take readers deeper into Egypt—both in setting and in mythology. “The second book, he has to travel to Egypt,” he revealed. “And in the third, he’s going to have a standoff with Apep.” He’s planned an epic showdown between order and chaos, light and darkness—a theme that runs through Egyptian mythology and his story alike.
At its core, A.J. Washington and the Brotherhood of the All-Seeing Eye is about finding your place in a world that constantly tries to push you down. It’s about fighting inner and outer demons, forming bonds of trust, and stepping into your purpose—even when you feel powerless. Baker didn’t just write a fantasy story. He wrote a story that reflects his own resilience, his passion for myth and meaning, and his belief that we’re all capable of greatness—if we dare to believe it. And as he put it himself, “The Eye can protect you, but only if you believe in it with all your heart.” That’s true for magic—and maybe for dreams, too.
