Interview With Author Alysha Ito
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Alysha Ito, a French-Japanese romance writer who believes love stories should have the perfect mix of sweet, salt, and spice—kind of like the best snacks (or relationships).
I was born in Hong Kong, where my French dad and Japanese mom met. Thanks to my dad’s work, I grew up bouncing between Hong Kong, Tokyo, and France, which means I’ve had my fair share of culture shock moments and way too many airport goodbyes. I later moved to Chicago for university, where I studied Cinema and Media Studies—basically an excuse to watch movies and call it “homework.” Now, I’m back in Hong Kong for work, but I still travel a lot between cities, which is both exciting and exhausting (shoutout to airport coffee for keeping me alive).
Spending so much time on planes, trains, and in random hotel rooms made me fall in love with reading—because what else do you do when you’re stuck in transit for hours? Eventually, that love turned into writing, and now here I am, officially an author.
I’ve written one book so far, my debut rom-com Love’s Mischief, which is full of witty banter, swoony chemistry, and a touch of magical chaos. It’s been an absolute dream bringing it to life, and I can’t wait to write more.
When I’m not writing, I’m probably binge-watching Korean dramas, curating oddly specific playlists, or fueling my existence with way too much coffee.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest (and debut!) book is Love’s Mischief.
The idea first sparked when I was visiting a park in Italy and came across this beautifully carved Cupid statue. Something about it caught my attention, and later, while wandering through a museum, I noticed a series of paintings depicting Cupid in the most mischievous situations—getting stung by bees, riding dolphins, causing all kinds of trouble. It made me wonder: What if Cupid wasn’t just a symbol of love, but an actual, meddling force who didn’t always get things right?
That thought stuck with me, and before I knew it, Love’s Mischief was born—a rom-com about a love-skeptical surgeon who accidentally saves Cupid’s life, only to have him “thank” her by sending three irresistible suitors her way. It’s full of witty banter, slow-burn tension, and just the right amount of magical mayhem.
At its heart, the book is about love finding you when you least expect it—something I think a lot of us can relate to. Plus, as someone who has spent way too much time traveling, I wanted to write a story that felt like a fun escape, the kind of book you can get lost in, whether you’re curled up at home or waiting for your next adventure.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say unusual exactly, but I definitely have some quirky writing habits!
For one, I can’t write in complete silence. I always need background noise—whether it’s a coffee shop playlist, a looping rainstorm, or my latest hyperfixation K-drama playing in the background (even if I don’t understand half of what’s being said). Somehow, the chaos helps me focus.
I also have this weird habit of drafting major scenes out of order. If I get stuck on a chapter, I’ll jump ahead and write a scene I’m really excited about—like a big confession, a heated argument, or a swoon-worthy moment—then work my way backward. It’s a bit of a messy process, but it keeps me motivated.
Oh, and I do a lot of writing in transit. Since I travel so much for work, I’ve written entire chapters on planes, trains, and in random airport lounges. Something about being on the move actually helps me get into the right headspace—maybe because it feels like I’m living inside my own rom-com montage.
Also, I drink an alarming amount of coffee while writing. Not sure if that counts as unusual or just standard writer survival tactics!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors and books have influenced me, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say it’s a mix of romance, classic storytelling, and a little bit of magical mischief.
For romance, I absolutely love Emily Henry and Sophie Kinsella. Emily Henry’s books, like Beach Read and Book Lovers, have this perfect balance of humor, depth, and chemistry that I aspire to create in my own stories. And Sophie Kinsella’s rom-coms? Iconic. Can You Keep a Secret? and I’ve Got Your Number are two books I’ve reread countless times because of their lovable heroines, fast-paced humor, and swoon-worthy romance. The way Kinsella writes witty, chaotic situations that somehow still feel deeply emotional definitely inspired Love’s Mischief.
I’ve also been influenced by Japanese and French literature. Growing up between cultures, I read everything from Haruki Murakami to Amélie Nothomb, and I love how both capture emotions and relationships in such unique, sometimes surreal ways. Murakami’s Norwegian Wood left a huge impression on me with its quiet melancholy, while Nothomb’s Fear and Trembling showed me how sharp, clever storytelling can make even the most frustrating situations oddly hilarious. That mix of introspection and whimsy is something I try to bring into my own writing.
Beyond romance, I’ve always been drawn to stories with a touch of magic and mythology. Books like Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus and Madeline Miller’s Circe influenced how I think about weaving magic into everyday life. Morgenstern’s dreamy, atmospheric storytelling made me want to create a world where love feels a little enchanted, while Miller’s beautifully written take on mythology inspired me to play with the idea of Cupid as more than just a symbol of love, but an actual, meddling force.
I also have to mention Jane Austen—because what romance writer isn’t influenced by her? Pride and Prejudice is a classic for a reason, and the way she writes sharp, witty dialogue and slow-burn romance is something I could study forever. And, on a more modern note, Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient and Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis both reminded me how much I love stories with awkward but brilliant heroines who find themselves in unexpected love.
At the end of the day, I’m drawn to books that make me laugh, swoon, and think a little deeper about love, and I hope my own stories do the same!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on my next book, Love’s Genome—a nerdy, slow-burn romance that mixes science, sarcasm, and just the right amount of awkward charm.
The story follows a love-deprived, romance-novel-obsessed genetic scientist who has spent most of her life buried in research rather than relationships. She doesn’t believe in love scientifically—but she’s secretly addicted to reading about it. Enter her geeky, blunt, sarcastic yet awkwardly charming PhD student in computer science (yes, younger boyfriend alert!). As they work together on a groundbreaking genome project using big data, their intellectual battles turn into something neither of them expected—an undeniable attraction that defies all logic.
I’ve always loved romances where two brilliant but socially clueless people slowly realize they’re completely perfect for each other. Think grumpy x sunshine, but in an academic lab, with a lot of witty banter, awkward flirting, and accidental late-night research sessions that turn into something way more intense than DNA sequencing.
This book is my love letter to nerds in love—to people who overanalyze everything, who believe logic rules the world, and who still (somehow) manage to be utterly clueless when it comes to their own feelings. If you like brainy chemistry (both the science and the romance kind), age-gap dynamics where the younger guy is just as sharp as he is sweet, and a heroine who’s about to have her carefully structured world turned upside down, Love’s Genome is for you.
I can’t wait to share more soon!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly? You tell me, because I am terrible at that!
Marketing and self-promotion don’t come naturally to me—I’d much rather be buried in writing than figuring out the perfect Instagram caption or Twitter thread. But since books don’t magically promote themselves (tragically), I’ve been trying to find what works for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am also a new author, so I just remind myself one thing:
Every author was once a beginner.
Every book I love, every writer I admire—they all started with a blank page and doubt. The only difference between them and me is that they kept going. So, I remind myself: keep writing, keep learning, and keep believing in the stories only I can tell.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is “Done is better than perfect.”
As a writer, it’s so easy to get stuck in endless revisions, self-doubt, and the fear that my work isn’t good enough. But a finished, imperfect book will always be more powerful than a perfect book that never leaves my laptop.
Perfection is an illusion—but progress is real. So now, I try to focus on finishing, improving, and letting go of the idea that a story has to be flawless to be meaningful. Because at the end of the day, the books that change us aren’t perfect—they’re just written.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
It’s dark, intense, and completely absorbing—the kind of story that pulls you in with its raw emotions and turbulent characters. The relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine is so haunting and complex, and the moody, atmospheric setting of the Yorkshire moors makes everything feel even more dramatic.
It’s not a light read, but there’s something timeless about its passion and tragedy. Have you read it? What do you think?
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer? Growth, persistence, and new stories.
I’m working on honing my voice, pushing my characters deeper, and crafting stories that resonate. Whether that means finishing my current project, diving into revisions, or exploring new ideas, my goal is simple: keep writing, keep improving, and keep sharing stories that matter.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d want a mix of comfort, adventure, and something to keep my mind engaged. Here are my picks:
1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – An epic journey, rich world-building, and deep themes of friendship and resilience. Plus, it’s long enough to last me a while!
2. How to Survive on a Desert Island (or any practical survival guide) – Because let’s be honest, I’ll need all the help I can get.
3. A massive blank journal – To write down my thoughts, stories, and maybe even a survival plan.
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