I was majorly influenced by James Earl Hardy! His book was the first black gay book that I picked up and it led me to my inner fantasies and allowed me to know that my imagination being unleashed could possibly be enjoyed.  I'm also a fan of Triple Crown's authors. I love the fact that the urban book is no longer a taboo to pick up. It may have graphic sex scenes or gun play between to gang-bangers but it's an entertaining story that usually tends to provoke thought.