Houston has long been a city of dreamers, doers and storytellers—and that includes a thriving community of Black authors whose words reflect the city’s heart, history and hustle. From children’s books and poetry to faith-based fiction, horror and financial empowerment, these writers are leaving their mark on bookshelves around the world.
Here’s a look at some of Houston’s literary voices shaping the narrative one page at a time.
Tonya Duncan Ellis
Latest Book: They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park (HarperCollins, 2024)
Books Published: 14, with two more on the way
Through lyrical storytelling, Ellis brings to life 150 years of history in They Built Me for Freedom, told from the perspective of Houston’s Emancipation Park itself. The award-winning author is best known for her Sophie Washington chapter book series, which has sold over 175,000 copies. Her work highlights relatable, modern-day stories for Black children—stories that go beyond trauma and center on joy, friendship and discovery.
A former journalist turned children’s author, Ellis found her path after a formative encounter with Dr. Maya Angelou during her college years.
“Writing a book seemed impossible until she talked about her process,” Ellis recalled.
Now represented by kt Literary, Ellis continues to expand her reach with new titles, including Cookout Chemistry (Charlesbridge, 2027).
Website: www.tonyaduncanellis.com | Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky | Houston Home: 22 years
Natasha D. Frazier
Latest Book: Love Between the Pages
Books Published: 20
In Love Between the Pages, Frazier serves up a heartwarming best-friends-to-lovers story set against the backdrop of a family-run bookstore. Her books combine faith, love and perseverance—offering readers stories that both entertain and encourage.
Originally from Greenville, Mississippi, Frazier has called Houston home for nearly two decades. She says her calling as a writer is about purpose.
“Through my stories, I want readers to walk away knowing they can live the life God created for them,” she said.
Her journey began with an internal struggle, but she overcame doubt through faith and now boasts a catalog of 20 titles that blend romance and inspiration.
Website: www.natashafrazier.com | Instagram: @author_natashafrazier
Hometown: Greenville, Mississippi | Houston Home: 18 years
Sherron Elise
Latest Book Series: Married to the Game (three books released; Book 4 coming in 2026)
Books Published: 20
Born and raised in Houston, Elise spins dramatic, emotional tales that explore love, fame and faith. Her Married to the Game series follows two cousins—one in the NBA spotlight, the other marrying into NFL fame—as they navigate identity, media pressure and morality in the world of professional sports.
A lifelong storyteller, Elise says her passion began in kindergarten and never left. She learned tough lessons early, including falling prey to a bad publishing deal.
“I didn’t do my due diligence,” she said. “Now I’m more careful and discerning with every business decision.”
Website: www.sherronelise.com | Instagram: @sherronelise
Hometown: Houston
Sandy Wills
Latest Book: Reflections of a Rolling Stone
Books Published: 1
Wills’ debut novel introduces readers to Kendall Sanford, a small-town man whose complicated love life unfolds with emotional intensity and realism. Released during the pandemic, the book quickly resonated with readers who appreciated its heartfelt characters and Southern authenticity.
A Savannah, Georgia native who has lived in Houston since 2002, Wills says her biggest challenge was navigating self-publishing without guidance.
“There are a lot of sharks out there,” he said. “But I did my research and found the right people.” His persistence paid off—Reflections of a Rolling Stone continues to find new fans online.
Available on: Amazon
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia | Houston Home: 23 years
Devondra Banks
Latest Book: Chamomile Clouds: Hope, Peace, and Poetry
A native Houstonian, Banks blends faith, music and emotion in her debut poetry collection, Chamomile Clouds. Her poems reflect themes of healing, love and self-acceptance, many of which have been set to music by choral composers.
“Writing has always been my therapy,” she said.
Banks drew from her own experiences of love and loss—including rediscovering peace after divorce—to craft verses that uplift and restore. Her transparency has made her a favorite among readers seeking gentle inspiration.
Website: devondrabankspoetry.com
Hometown: Houston
Dr. Sonia White
Latest Book: The Financial GPS: Navigating Your Way to Prosperity
Books Published: 3 solo works, 5 co-authored
Endorsed by Dr. George Fraser, The Financial GPS is both a guidebook and a ministry. Dr. White’s approach to money management is rooted in faith, practicality and empowerment. Through her Goals-Plan-Steps framework, she helps readers “recalculate their route” to financial freedom.
A veteran, healthcare professional, and University of Houston alumna, White said she wrote this book to help others rebuild from financial and personal setbacks.
“I wanted to put tools in people’s hands—especially women and families—so they can heal financially and create options for the next generation.”
Website: drsoniawhite.com | Instagram: @soniawhite8
Hometown: Marlin/Waco, Texas | Houston Home: 20 years
R.J. Joseph
Latest Book: Maelstrom (illustrated chapbook)
Books Published: Numerous short stories; second collection My Monsters Ain’t Like Yours coming soon
In the realm of horror, few voices are as distinctive as R.J. Joseph’s. Her illustrated chapbook, Maelstrom, follows a governess battling a menace greater than a hurricane—a haunting tale rich in Gothic atmosphere and psychological depth.
A native of Richmond, Texas, Joseph has long centered Black women in the horror genre.
“I wanted more horror stories by and about Black women,” she said. “If there’s that much opposition, that means the stories aren’t familiar enough—so I keep writing.”
Book Link: Rapture Publishing | Instagram: @rjacksonjoseph
Hometown: Richmond, Texas
Nicolle Pierce
Latest Book: Travantae Green
Books Published: 6 (including 5 children’s books and journals)
In Travantae Green, Pierce delivers a delightful and meaningful story about honesty, self-control and the importance of balance. Young Travantae can’t resist sneaking sweets, despite his mom’s warnings—and every candy bar brings another consequence. Through humor and heart, Pierce’s story helps children learn valuable life lessons in a relatable way.
An educator and advocate for representation, Pierce says her mission is to ensure children of color see themselves reflected in the books they read.
“Representation matters,” she said. “When a child sees themselves in a story, it tells them their voice is worth hearing, and their dreams are worth pursuing.”
Self-publishing has been both her greatest challenge and triumph.
“I take on everything—writing, editing, marketing, promoting—and it’s been rewarding beyond measure,” she said. “Every challenge reminds me why I do this: To make sure our children are reflected, celebrated, and uplifted in literature.”
Websites: www.nicollegranderson.com | www.amazon.com
Hometown: Dallas, Texas | Houston Home: Since 2001
Casondra Elizabeth
Latest Book: Case Closed
Books Published: 2
In her deeply personal memoir Case Closed, Casondra Elizabeth turns pain into purpose. The book chronicles her journey from trauma to triumph after being raped at age 16 by a stranger who broke into her home. Her rape kit sat untested for 10 years, and 15 years later, she finally received the call that her kit had been processed and came back with a match—officially closing her case, but opening a new chapter of healing.
Born and raised in Houston, Casondra shares her story to help others navigate their own pain and find strength in vulnerability. “My biggest obstacle was being raped and not knowing what to do with all of the emotions,” she said. “After going to therapy, I was able to process the pain and the impact it had on my life.”
Through her writing and advocacy, she gives survivors hope and reminds them that healing is possible.
Website: www.morethancope.com | Instagram: @morethancope | @casondraelizabeth
Hometown: Houston (born and raised)
If you’re an author who would like to be featured in our Defender Book Corner, email Reshonda@defendernetwork.com.
