Drafting the Past Episode 58: James Tejani Aims for Smart, Elegant Simplicity
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Jan 28, 2025 Dr. James Tejani, an associate professor of history at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and author of "A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth," dives into his writing journey shaped by his immigrant background. He shares how feedback transformed his approach, emphasizing clarity in academia. Tejani discusses the complexities of U.S. westward expansion during the California Gold Rush, revealing personal ambitions intertwined with larger historical forces. He also reflects on the art of descriptive writing, merging history and personal experiences to create captivating narratives.
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Late Bloomer
- James Tejani didn't view himself as a writer until recently.
- He came from a non-literary background and found writing later through history classes.
Finding Writing Through History
- Tejani's parents, being immigrants, weren't focused on literature.
- He, however, found writing as a tool to understand American society after switching from science to history.
Rewards of Writing
- Tejani emphasizes that anyone can find value in writing.
- He was driven by the desire to understand his immigrant experience and gain tools for analyzing it.