NO SPOILERS in this conversation with powerhouse author Alyssa Cole.*** Alyssa has one of the most prolific and diverse author bios we have seen so we start by talking about when Alyssa knew she wanted to be a writer, and when she ultimately started to take it seriously. (02:26)***Alyssa tells us about When No One Is Watching, a thriller about a black woman who is born in Brooklyn and returns after a divorce, but instead of finding the comfort of home she realizes everything is changing. Her neighborhood is being gentrified, and in an effort to hold on to the neighborhood’s history, she creates a walking tour. Through her research she discovers that everything is changing quickly for more nefarious reasons. (04:29)*** Sydney, the female protagonist in When No One Is Watching, certainly qualifies as a complicated woman and we loved hearing Alyssa talk about how she wanted to write Sydney as a messy, yet realistic, character with a range of emotions. In the process, Alyssa takes on the cliche of the strong black woman. (05:39)*** We discuss the inherent contradictions in the trope of the princess in need of rescue and Alyssa has fascinating thoughts on the ingrained ideas of our society that affect us every day, particularly ones about black women. (08:28)*** Alyssa tells us more about the dynamic between Sydney and Theo and what she wanted to explore with Theo, who is complicated too and not just there to save the day. (14:02)*** When No One Is Watching gives us a chance to discuss one of our favorite topics -- “mommy issues.” Sydney seeks the same amount of confidence her mother has and is unable to see herself until she is put to the test. (19:13)*** Interestingly, the idea for this thriller came from research for her historical romances. The connection between these two will surprise you. (24:45)*** Alyssa tells us about her next novel, out December 1, called How To Catch a Royal, which is the first in her new Runaway Royals Series. This one explores the disenfranchisement of women even when technically they have power and the ways in which women who seek power are portrayed or perceived. (30:55)*** As always, we talk astrology...Alyssa is a Leo with a Sagittarius rising, so clearly she is on fire! We (well especially, Kate, our Leo)  loved hearing how she believes Leos are often misunderstood. (36:38)*** Alyssa’s eyes light up when we ask her who the complicated women are that inspire her. Can I name as many as I want?...yes please! Her choices are as varied and interesting as her own career! (38:44) Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.com. Stay Complicated!We’ve launched a platform at patreon.com/popfictionwomen to keep making the podcast you love -- and to make it even better. For a one time contribution to support this episode, use venmo @carinn-jade. Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.