Drafting the Past

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.

Join historian Lyndal Roper, a Professor at the University of Oxford and expert on sixteenth-century German history, as she delves into the German Peasants' War. She shares her unique writing process, emphasizing the benefits of typing over handwriting, and how her cycling through historical landscapes fuels her creativity. Lyndal explores the often-overlooked voices of the peasants, reflecting on their experiences and ideals. Her insights into integrating physical activity with learning highlight innovative teaching methods. It's a fascinating journey through history and personal discovery!

Judith Giesberg, a historian and professor at Villanova University, shares her insights on the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War. She discusses her impactful work on the Last Seen project, which helps reconnect formerly enslaved people with lost family members through historical advertisements. Giesberg also reflects on the complexities of editing and mentoring in historical writing, her personal creative process, and the emotional challenges of capturing poignant family narratives. Her dedication to uncovering marginalized voices is truly inspiring.

Rebecca Brenner Graham, a post-doctoral research associate at Brown University and author of "Dear Miss Perkins," dives into her journey from teaching history to crafting compelling narratives. She shares insights on balancing teaching with writing, offers humorous anecdotes about her creative process, and discusses the importance of resilient historical figures like Frances Perkins. Moreover, Rebecca provides valuable strategies for authors on promoting their work effectively, emphasizing proactive engagement and the significance of personal connections in the literary world.

Marlene Daut, a Yale professor and author known for her insightful works on Haitian history, shares her unique writing process blending creativity and scholarship. She delves into the challenges of shifting from literary criticism to narrative storytelling, emphasizing the importance of multiple perspectives. Marlene discusses the lavish yet oppressive world of pre-revolutionary Haiti, highlighting Henri Christophe's experiences. Additionally, she explores the complexities of crafting historical narratives and the need for inclusive storytelling that enriches our understanding of the past.

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.

In this conversation, historian Seth Rockman shares his expertise on labor history and the ties between slavery and capitalism. He discusses the challenges of writing and the importance of mentorship in shaping a historian's journey. Rockman dives into his new book, revealing the connections between New England artifacts and their influence on Southern plantation communities, highlighting the roles of women in this complex economy. He also reflects on the iterative nature of the writing process and the influence of various literary styles on his craft.

In this engaging discussion, historian James Chappel from Duke University, known for his insightful works like "Catholic Modern" and "Golden Years," explores the interconnectedness of faith and aging in America. He shares his unique journey from studying the Catholic Church's evolution to examining how society invents old age. Balancing parenthood and writing, Chappel emphasizes the importance of clarity in communicating complex topics. He also dives into the legacy of Social Security and its transformative impact on perceptions of aging.

Episode 55 features Dr. Robin Bernstein. Robin is a cultural historian who specializes in race and racism from the nineteenth century to the present, and is the Dillon Professor of American History at Harvard University. Her first, award-winning book was Racial Innocence: Performing American Childhood from Slavery to Civil Rights, and she has written essays and articles on a wide range of subjects. Her new book is called Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder that Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit, and it’s truly remarkable. I had a hard time putting it down, so I was especially delighted to find out more about how Robin researched, wrote, and revised to reach the finished product.

In this episode I’m so happy to welcome historian Prithi Kanakamedala to talk about writing with me. Prithi is a professor of history at Bronx Community College CUNY, and is also a faculty member at CUNY Graduate Center. She is an active public historian, who has worked with a wide range of cultural organizations. One of the projects she worked on as a historian and curator for a wide-ranging public history project called In Pursuit of Freedom, which included an exhibit at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Out of this project emerged Prithi’s new book Brooklynites: The Remarkable Story of the Free Black Communities that Shaped a Borough. I was so excited to talk with Prithi about the relationship between her writing and her public history work, and how she sees her role as a historian in relationship to the communities she studies. Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Prithi Kanakamedala.   Drafting the Past is created, hosted, and produced by Kate Carpenter. The podcast is free for everyone, but you can help keep it going by making a contribution at patreon.com/draftingthepast.