From romance to thriller, author Alyssa Cole has been inspired by a wide range of great books.
Where do people go when no one is watching?
“I leaned into the thrill and horror of the possible answer to that question.”
Credit: Courtesy of Alyssa Cole
“Even within romance, I write sci-fi, historical, contemporary,” she says.
Cole spoke to EW about the books that have inspired her read on for all her picks.
My favorite book as a kid
I had a lot of favorite books.
HarperCollins
One that I really enjoyed wasThe Girl with the Silver Eyesby Willow David Roberts.
Also,Annie On My Mindby Nancy Garden, which was a queer YA book, I guess.
It was one of those things where I was like, “This is great!
I read it all the time,” then, as an adult, I was like “oh!
That’s why I enjoyed that book so much.
I get it now.”
It’sThe Duke Who Didn’tby Courtney Milan.
Courtney Milan just has great witty banter and dialog.
I’ve been laughing a lot.
It was my first big success.
That was when I felt that this is maybe something I can do for a career.
It’s a straightforward teenage romance, one of the very first I read.
The author’s by Tracy Deonn.
Another book I have really enjoyed isThe Hitmanby Katrina Jackson.
That’s the first in a series of like 14 books.
For those who don’t know, Beverly Jenkins writes amazing American-set historical romances with African American main characters.
She’s very independent, and she marries a stuffy doctor.
It’s a lot of fun, and I love it.
A thriller that inspired me
I would sayJan Gilby Victoria Helen Stone.
The book is about a sociopath, and she is avenging her friend after someone harms her.
It’s a cathartic and fun read.
Black writers I wish more people read
There are very many.
Since we’re talking about my thriller, people should be reading Rachel Howzell Hall.
There’s also S.A. Cosby.
Those are darker, so for something a little bit lighter, Esme Addison writes cozy paranormal mysteries.
A literary character I love
Maybe The Demon Cat fromMaster in Margarita.
I mean he’s a demon cat causing trouble.
What’s not to love about him?
I just think it’s a really great look at some of the things women go through.
It’s a very sweet romance and a great ghost story, many things wrapped up in one.
