Surekha Davies, a historian and former professor turned full-time writer, dives into the fascinating intersections of humanity and monstrosity. She shares her journey from academia to writing, revealing the joys and struggles of her creative process. Surekha discusses her books, especially 'Humans: A Monstrous History,' exploring how humans define identity in relation to creatures and concepts from apes to zombies. She also emphasizes the importance of community feedback and reflects on tackling imposter syndrome in scholarly work.
53:44
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Physics to History
Surekha Davies initially planned to be a theoretical physicist, inspired by Star Trek.
She switched to history and philosophy of science after realizing the limitations of pursuing a career in astrophysics.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Morning Writing
Write first thing in the morning to avoid nervousness and overthinking.
Start writing immediately after waking up, before your "super ego" kicks in.
question_answer ANECDOTE
2,000 Words a Day
Surekha Davies successfully wrote her first book draft by setting a daily goal of 2,000 words.
She strategically chose easy tasks to meet this goal, leaving more complex tasks for later.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Sarika Davies's *Humans, A Monstrous History* offers a creative nonfiction approach to exploring the concept of monstrosity throughout history. The book delves into the ways in which societies have defined and categorized what constitutes 'human,' often in relation to those deemed 'other' or 'monstrous.' Davies examines how these definitions have shifted across cultures and time periods, highlighting the fluidity and subjectivity of such classifications. The book draws on extensive scholarly research to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between humanity and monstrosity. It challenges readers to reconsider their own assumptions about what it means to be human.
THE NICKEL BOYS
Colson Whitehead
The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.
A History of the World in 100 Objects
A History of the World in 100 Objects
George Orwell
Neil MacGregor's "A History of the World in 100 Objects" is a captivating exploration of human history through the lens of 100 carefully selected objects. Each object serves as a portal to a specific moment in time, revealing the cultural, social, and technological forces that shaped our world. The book delves into the stories behind these artifacts, from ancient tools to modern technology, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the human journey. MacGregor's engaging narrative style makes complex historical events accessible to a wide audience, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past. The book's success lies in its ability to connect seemingly disparate objects to broader historical narratives, creating a cohesive and compelling account of human civilization.
Renaissance Ethnography and the Invention of the Human, New Worlds, Maps, and Monsters
Renaissance Ethnography and the Invention of the Human, New Worlds, Maps, and Monsters
Surekha Davies
The Craft of Research
The Craft of Research
Booth, Colomb, and Williams
Storycraft
Storycraft
Jack Hart
Wonders in the Order of Nature
Wonders in the Order of Nature
Dassen Park
Wordcraft
Jack Hart
Paul Bellantoni
Welcome back to Drafting the Past. I’m Kate Carpenter, and this is a podcast about the craft of writing history. In this episode, I’m joined by historian and writer Dr. Surekha Davies. Surekha is a former history professor who now writes full-time, and she can also be found speaking about history and consulting on monsters. In fact, monsters have played a major role in much of her research. Her first award-winning book was titled Renaissance Ethnography and the Invention of the Human: New Worlds, Maps, and Monsters. Her second book, which is aimed at a general audience, is out now; it’s called Humans: A Monstrous History. The book looks at, as she puts it, how people “have defined the human in relation to everything from apes to zombies, and how they invented race, gender, and nations along the way.” I spoke with Surekha about how she made the switch to full-time writing, her newsletter, Notes from an Everything Historian, and how she organized what could have been an unruly book. Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Surekha Davies.
Drafting the Past 
