TEN QUESTIONS with Wendy Coakley-Thompson

1. Why do you write?
I want to share stories about the human condition, about my experiences as a millennial woman, and about my culture as an American of West Indian descent. People have these essentialist notions about Black folks that I hope to dispel with my stories. As Angela Davis said, we're not a monolithic people. I hope my fiction lets people of all races, creeds, and colors know that we're all more like than we think. Hopefully, as I storm that particular Bastille, I'll manage to entertain people too! 

2. What in your past prepared you for a career in radio?
Ye old Speech and Theater-Broadcasting degree from Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey. My sister is a radio personality in The Bahamas, and I've sat in on her show from time to time. I've also taught journalism on the college level. All of this ensured that I was battle-hardened when I got the opportunity to co-host The Book Squad. 

3. What's your life like as a writer?
More sedate than one would think. Writing for me is a very solitary enterprise. I'm pretty much at the computer with Hunter, my big yellow Labby curled up at my feet, invariably lying on papers I'll need later. When I get out to do promotional stuff is when I meet the public and get to hear -- for better or for worse -- what they think about The Book Squad and about my two book,  Back to Life and What You Won't Do For Love.

4.What did you think of Karyn when you first met her?
I met Karyn at the 2006 Capital Bookfest. She gave me a whole roll of her own "Autographed by Author" stickers for me to use when it came time for me to sign. Nobody provides you with those kinds of things. Then she and her family let me share their table at lunch so I didn't resemble Diane Keaton looking for Mr. Goodbar. I thought she had a big heart and knew we'd be friends. The fact that we ended up hosting The Book Squad seemed like an organic step in our relationship.

5.  How did you come up with Wendy's World?
I'm always keeping myself apprised of what goes on in the publishing industry. I subscribe to the Publishers Marketplace e-mail service, read The Washington Post Bookworld, etc. I am fascinated and amazed by the crazy book deals that are inked daily. I wanted --- nay, NEEDED -- to get some of those feelings of my chest. A more tame, radio-friendly version of said rant evolved over time into Wendy's World.

6. Do you practice what you're going to say for each show?
Never! The magic of The Book Squad is the seat-of-your-pants exchange between Karyn and me, and us and the guests. I meticulously prepare my questions, of course, and may jot down little notes that I want to make a point of slipping in somewhere in the conversation with a guest, but that's it. I'm not in front of the mirror before the show practicing how to be funny. You can't rehearse lighting in a bottle! 

7. What was the biggest disaster to ever befall you during a broadcast?
Not calling anyone out, but a former guest had call waiting enabled and -- right in the middle of our interview -- put us on hold to take a call! Karyn later commented that my mouth had formed a perfect letter O, aptly depicting my shock! This is why we implore guests to give us a land line WITH THE CALL WAITING DISABLED for us to call them on before broadcast. 

8. What author would you most love to interview on The Book Squad-- but haven't been able to snag yet?
Bill Clinton. I admired the man when he was my President, and I admire him even more now that he's made the role of ex-President even more relevant. His personable writing style gives the reader insight into every facet of his personality, which I love... even though he didn't spill all the tea about the Monica Lewinsky affair. But hey... Bill, if you're reading this -- CALL US! We want you on The Book Squad. 

9. What are your expectations for The Book Squad?
For it to be the pre-eminent book-themed talk show ever! The Larry King Live of book-themed talk shows! In the meantime, I'll settle for listeners getting exposed to us and buying our books, as well as us breaking new, talented authors like us whose publishing houses have no P.R. dollars for them. We've both been there, done that.

10. What are you writing right now?
Invariably, whatever I write will celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and be infused with my culture in general and with the artifacts of pop culture in particular. For specifics, you'll just have to watch this space and listen to The Book Squad to find out...

TEN QUESTIONS WITH KARYN LANGHORNE

1. How did graduating from Harvard Law prepare you to be a writer?

I don't think the two have much to do with each other—the styles of writing lawyers and novelists use are very different.  But law teaches good research skills and an emphasis on logic, and I think these are both relevant to being a good writer.

2. How are your four books similar to your two beautiful daughters Sommer and Sierra?

Well, the books definitely get plenty of time and nurture… but at least there's a point when they are really "finished". Children are a never ending project!

3. What does the pinnacle of your writing career look like to you, and how will you know when you're there?
I'd really like to make number one on The New York Times bestseller lists and see one of my books made into a feature film with a major star. That would be the pinnacle! 

4. Besides your famous obsession with Walter Mosley, what other authors do you admire and would like to share radio airtime with?
I'd love to interview Stephen King—I think he's the consummate storyteller, and I think he's also a really fine writer. Because he writes commercial fiction, I don't think he's been recognized for his talent as fully as he should be, and I'd love to talk to him about his varied career.  

5. What route did you take to land at co-hosting The Book Squad?
It started with my friend Kwame Alexander and a show he created called "Word of Mouth".  He asked me to co-host with him a few times and I absolutely loved doing it. When he said he wasn't going to do the show anymore, I was heart-broken. When he suggested I try starting one of my own, I thought, "Why not?" 

6. What made you call Wendy to join you on The Book Squad adventure?
When I first met Wendy I really grooved on her quick wit and her intelligence.  And she's incredibly funny, in a wry, cynical way. In other words, we're very different. We're potato chips and ice cream—you know?  It works. 

7. What about the show appeals to you?
I think we've got a very dynamic energy. We're fun and we're funny.  I listen to the shows and enjoy them… and that's a big test. I'm highly self-critical, so when I can just sit back and forget it's ME… that means it's pretty good. 

8. What is it about any particular author or book makes you say, "I want to have ______ on The Book Squad?"
I definitely like to talk to the authors that everyone's taking about.  Hot books are a definite turn-out for me.  But I also enjoy books and authors who have something really different or unique to say. We have a really great platform to tell the world about an author, so we try to use it introduce people to all kinds of interesting new authors and books.

9. What qualities do you possess that make you the consummate radio show host?
I think I'm genuinely interested in people: I'm a good listener.  I think listening is really important when you're talking to people, whether it's on the radio or in life!

10. What are your expectations for The Book Squad, into the future?
I'd love to see The Book Squad become a widely-known, syndicated talk show.  Or perhaps even be on TV?