Q&A with Pamela D. Toler

Pamela D. Toler is the author of the new book Women Warriors: An Unexpected History. Her other books include The Heroines of Mercy Street, and her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including History Channel Magazine and Calliope. 

Q: How would you compare the women warriors you write about to their male counterparts?

A: I think the easiest way to compare them to their male counterparts is to consider why I chose the word warriors to describe them rather than soldiers. With some notable and fascinating exceptions, historical women warriors did not fight as soldiers in a regular army. That said, they fought for many of the same reasons as men, and they certainly fought as well.

Q: Of the various women you wrote about, were there some whose stories you found especially compelling?

A: I kept coming back to the story of the Contessa Matilda of Tuscany. She was the largest landowner in the Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century—an accomplishment in its own right, since few women were able to maintain control of their inheritance. 

She was deeply involved in one of the most important political and theological issues of her day. And she was a successful military commander for 40 years. And yet her career is often reduced to a supporting role in a single incident. 

I found her story fascinating in its own right and emblematic of the way women have been shoved into the corners in historical narratives.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

A: Women have always fought. Period.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I'm fascinated by female superheroes and my inner nerd is really enjoying seeing them on the screen.

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Pamela D. Toler.

April 26

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
April 26, 1914: Bernard Malamud born.

Q&A with C.J. Farley

C.J. Farley is the author of the new novel Around Harvard Square. His other books include Game World and Kingston by Starlight. He has worked for The Wall Street Journal and Time magazine, and was an editor of The Harvard Lampoon as a college student. He is an executive editor at Audible.

Q: You write that you tried out for The Harvard Lampoon as a freshman, first unsuccessfully and then successfully. How did that experience contribute to your creation of Around Harvard Square?

A: One of the greatest learning experiences of my freshman year was getting cut from the Harvard Lampoon. We’re often taught as artists to trust our own feelings, so having my work judged by the feelings of others forced me to consider new ways of doing things.

When Michael Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, he invited the guy who made the varsity over him when he was a sophomore in high school just to prove the point that the coach was wrong. Getting cut can be a powerfully motivating experience. That said, Jordan needs to let it go already.

Q: The Kirkus Review of the novel says of your characters, "Through the whirlwind of their journey, they begin to question the purpose of jokes and the consequences of laughter—when it’s not just about the joke, but also about who’s making it and why (a significant, timely exploration as comedy culture today struggles to demarcate ethical boundaries)." What do you think of that description?

A: I used to be the music critic for Time magazine and I once gave a Prince album a bad review. Instead of holding it against me, Prince invited me to his home, Paisley Park outside of Minneapolis, to talk. I couldn’t go--I sent a reporter instead--but later on I met him in New York for an interview when he released an album I liked. I always respected the fact that he was secure enough in his artistic abilities to not hold a grudge about a review.

The Kirkus review of my book was extremely positive, but I try to not let any reviews influence what I do. I’m just glad they’re writing something about my work! But if a novelist I really like gives me a rave, like Ishmael Reed or Kazuo Ishiguro, I’ll probably tattoo it on the inside of my lip in glowing letters like the Wakandans in Black Panther.

Q: Did you always know how the novel would end, or did you make changes along the way?

A: The end of a book should feel inevitable to the author and surprising to the readers. I had a firm idea of where my book was going to end up when I started it, though it took many rewrites to get it exactly right. It’s a bit like carving a statue--you’re just chipping away marble to get to what’s in your head. I also know exactly how Game of Thrones is going to end, but I don’t want to spoil it for everyone.

Q: The novel takes place in the '90s in Cambridge, Massachusetts. How important is setting to you in your work?

A: I set the book in the 1990s because it was a great period for music. It didn’t start out that way--in 1990, pretty much the general consensus was that the next 10 years were going to suck. But then alternative rock began breaking big and gangsta rap started making moves. It was also a time when the internet was starting to impact our lives, but it hadn’t taken over yet.

I loved the energy of the time period because so much seemed to be happening for the first time, just like the freshman heroes in my book. Plus, setting the novel in the 1990s gave me a chance to name chapters after songs by some of my favorite musical acts: Lauryn Hill, Nas, Radiohead, Nirvana, and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I’m working on a sequel to my fantasy adventure Game World and a novel for adults. There’s a cage match to the death between the books taking place in my head and we’ll see which book makes it out of the Octagon.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I have no data to support this, but I’m pretty certain that anyone who reads my book is likely to double their chances of getting into an Ivy League school. So if you’re interested in attending a top college, or have a family member who is, you should definitely buy my book, and maybe even multiple copies. 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Ayser Salman

Ayser Salman, photo by Femi Corazon

Ayser Salman is the author of the new book The Wrong End of the Table: A Mostly Comic Memoir of a Muslim Arab American Woman Just Trying To Fit In. She is a writer, producer, and editor, and has worked for Universal Pictures and Disney, among others. She lives in Los Angeles.

Q: At what point did you decide to write this memoir, and how long did it take to write it?

A: I’ve been writing about my life and my background in some form or other - as pilot scripts for TV. As well, I was also writing blog articles, which were little vignettes offering funny glimpses of my life as an immigrant, with my “strong flavor” parents, etc. A trusted mentor encouraged me to pull these stories together into a book of essays.

As I started writing, I discovered my story contained the narrative thread of being an outsider and navigating my world that was specific to me but perhaps could be universal and insightful (or at least entertaining) to others.

I started writing it early 2016 and it took about a year and half. Current events and the evolving socio-political climate informed the writing for sure.

Q: In the book's foreword, Reza Aslan writes, "To put it plainly, our stories should not be of Muslims who happen to live in America: they should be of Americans who happen to come from Muslim backgrounds." What do you think of that assessment?

A: I think it’s accurate. To put it the first way keeps Muslims as outsiders. Unicorns. Someone we let in on a benevolent day. To make it American-focused first is to expand the definition of what it is to be American.

Q: In the book, you include an open letter to Donald Trump. Why did you decide to write the letter, and how did you decide what to say?

A: How could I not write it? His behavior requires a response, and as a writer I felt it was my duty. It was very cathartic. I recommend everyone write one. Even it just remains unsent in your drawer at home.

Q: How was the book's title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

A: All my life I’ve felt like I’ve been at the wrong end of the table. Literally. It always seemed like something more interesting was going on the other end. 

It signifies how much of my life I spent trying to fit in instead of embracing my differences and quirks and being content to be wherever I am without worrying about what’s on the other end. I share this book with anyone who’s ever felt like they’re at the wrong end of the table.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I’m developing a TV show based on the book. And I’ve been threatening to write a Rom-Com script even though my reps keep telling me no one is buying them. I think we need more feel-good movies out there. Would you watch it?

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: My mom is proud of me and the book, though she’s not thrilled with the dating chapters... 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

April 25

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
April 25, 1908: Edward R. Murrow born.

Q&A with Wesley King

Wesley King is the author of the new young adult novel Training Camp, the first in the new Wizenard Series created by NBA star Kobe Bryant. King's other books include OCDaniel and The Vindico. He lives in Nova Scotia.

Q: How did you and Kobe Bryant end up collaborating on Training Camp?

A: It was a bit of a whirlwind; he had read some of my books, The Vindico and OCDaniel, and then watched my ridiculous early Youtube promos. Despite the latter, he still reached out to set up a call. We spoke on the phone for an hour, and then I flew down to Newport almost immediately to brainstorm. Within a week we were getting started.

The first pleasant surprise was that he was as big of a nerd as I was, and we geeked out over HP and GOT (he has signed original collections of both, to my great envy). The second was his love for storytelling and his passion to tell them with such care and attention; I was blown away by the depth of his vision for the Granity world. When I saw that, the decision to collaborate was easy. 

Q: This is the first of a series--have you planned the entire series out already, or will there be changes along the way?

A: We have planned out aspects of the series, and the second installment is on the way. But there will undoubtedly be changes and growth along the way. On more than a few occasions, an encounter or conversation has influenced my take on these stories...usually in terms of bringing more raw authenticity.

That is the key for Kobe: everything has to ring true. Psychologists, youth ballers...we are talking to them and reflecting that into the work constantly. 

Q: How did the two of you work together on the project?

A: Probably a lot more collaboratively then people imagine. This wasn't Kobe throwing out an idea and waiting for me to write it; we spoke constantly, he directly reviewed excerpts and provided notes, and his ideas and characterizations are on every page of this book.

That wasn't a mandate: if anything his recurring message was "you are the writer." But thankfully, I was astute enough to let his passion and vision flow freely. And you can be sure I was checking with him on any basketball drills and tips, as unfortunately my advice there holds literally zero merit. Just ask my teammates in my co-ed league.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

A: I think it will be different for every reader, because they are likely to identify with one of the five boys most and subsequently their issues and journey.

But in an overall sense, it's less about basketball and more about facing our fears and perceived weaknesses. It's about being vulnerable enough to explore those dark areas and then developing the self-assurance and confidence to translate them into strengths.

I want readers to leave this story knowing they aren't alone in their struggles, and that they aren't alone in conquering them either.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: So the next Wizenard installment, and I have also just finished a companion novel to OCDaniel that will come out in 2020 as well.

The next Wizenard book is going to follow Reggie, one of the outlying characters in training camp, and it's going to reach new emotional heights focused on loneliness and what it really means. It's going to be a challenging but worthy next chapter in this story.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: Training Camp is out everywhere, and it makes a wonderful family read-aloud. I know we sometimes stop that after a certain age, but I think the older ones still love that time too if the parents or guardians can carve it out.

And if you want to take a break from the actual vocalizing, the audio book with Phylicia Rashad is incredible: orchestral music and the most soothing voice on the planet. I can think of nothing more calming and pure than a family reading session, whatever the title. Happy reading!

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with Maggie Cox

Maggie Cox is the author of the new book It's Never Too Late to Look Great!: Style for the Young-at-Heart. She worked as a newspaper reporter and a commercial writer, and then owned dress shops in England. She lives in the Cotswolds, UK.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for this book, and who do you see as your primary audience?

A: I owned and ran a dress shop for many years, and when I turned 50 (and a bit more!) I started to think, “I don’t know what to wear.” And so many of my customers and friends said the same. Main Street shops and online outlets were full of flirty, bare-as-much-as-you-can, slinky numbers – gorgeous! But only if you were young. So what to do about this?

And I had in a previous life been a journalist - so my mission became to come up with an answer to what to wear as a
“young oldie” and write it down! So the idea for It’s Never Too Late to Look Great! - Style for the Young-at-Heart was born. Fashion advice for the over-50s (and not counting) who are my target audience.

Q: You write that two of your fashion idols are your friend Judith and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. What do they have in common, and how do they inspire you?

A: My friend Judith, in her 70s, so enjoys clothes. And they clearly give her loads of pleasure. She told me recently she had ordered a bright pink cashmere dress and couldn’t wait to wear it. And she always, always turns heads, even, as I say in my book, in the middle of the Amazonian rain forest!

Cleopatra, by ancient Egyptian standards, was a mature woman when she seduced Anthony. So, the message is - it’s never too late to live to the full! And she was magnetic not because of looks alone. She was, allegedly, not beautiful – but knew how to make the most of herself, dress like a goddess – and she charmed by wit, and knowledge. She inspired me to think we don’t have to be invisible as we get older.

Q: You describe a STAR style concept: "Surprising, True to Themselves, Artistic, and know how to Reinvent themselves." Can you say more about those attributes and how your readers can apply them to their own fashion choices?

A: The STAR concept is central to my book. I thought a lot about what the word Style really means. We bandy the word around all the time to describe the best biscuits or high-rise skyscrapers - as well as the latest fashion fad. So, what is it about a “stylish” woman – that makes her, well, stylish!

I came to the conclusion that she has to Surprise, be True to Herself, Artistic, and know how to be Reinventive. All four, but not necessarily in that order!

Surprise is probably to go a little bit out of your comfort zone - with an amazing hat if you don’t usually wear hats.  Being true is exploring your own persona – it’s no good going for a sporty look if you have never in your life worn a pair of shorts, and only ever feel comfortable carrying a handbag. 

Artistic doesn’t mean you have to paint like Michelangelo – but to consider colour and form. A surprising hat that looks like a grey hedgehog probably doesn’t have much artistic merit. And we must be prepared to be reinventive. That’s just life. It goes on. It changes, and we have to make at least some concessions to what is currently in vogue.

If that all sounds too daunting, it’s not. If you read my book!

Q: The book includes many photographs. How did you choose them, and what do you feel they bring to the book?

A: The photographs have been chosen to represent “normal” women. I am not a celebrity or fashionista with thousands of followers, so I wanted to represent the millions of ordinary, older, women who want to look good, stylish, and fashionable, but who don’t necessarily have the smooth skin, and svelte bodies that they once had.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I am looking at the, very, tricky issue of “sustainable” fashion. Can it ever be sustainable? And what will the future look like?

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I am very aware that we don’t all have the same ideas – about life, about love or anything! And the suggestions and tips in my book are very varied, sometimes controversial.

But I love the chaotic mix of contemporary fashion. And the way it can change our lives for the better if we embrace the choices out there and figure out our own individual style.

And I want to give out the message that if we have confidence, we can take on the Youth Culture of fashion. Not to replace it with “Old Culture.” Heaven forbid! We know that youth is amazing, inspiring, uplifting – but it is not everything, and we want part of the action.

I would love comments from my readers on Twitter or on my blog.

--Interview with Deborah Kalb