Drafting the Past
@draftingthepast.bsky.social
A podcast about the craft of writing history, hosted by Kate Carpenter. Find it at draftingthepast.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Pinned
Get more from Drafting the Past on Patreon
creating a podcast devoted to the craft of writing history
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Did you know? Patreon supporters of Drafting the Past at any level now get access to an ad-free version of the podcast. www.patreon.com/draftingthep...
How do you practice writing? What's your version of running through your scales or doing mile repeats?
buttondown.com/draftingthep...
buttondown.com/draftingthep...
Getting Your Reps In
How do you practice writing? My two recent guests have some ideas.
buttondown.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:42 AM
How do you practice writing? What's your version of running through your scales or doing mile repeats?
buttondown.com/draftingthep...
buttondown.com/draftingthep...
New episode with Amy Farrell (@amyefarrell.bsky.social)! We talked about incorporating her story in her history of the Girl Scouts, INTREPID GIRLS (@uncpress.bsky.social). Plus, getting an agent, wrangling sources, developing an accessible voice, & more. Listen: draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Episode 80: Amy Erdman Farrell Leaps Into Something New
Kate Carpenter interviews Amy Erdman Farrell about researching and writing her new book about the history of the Girl Scouts, Intrepid Girls.
draftingthepast.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:32 PM
New episode with Amy Farrell (@amyefarrell.bsky.social)! We talked about incorporating her story in her history of the Girl Scouts, INTREPID GIRLS (@uncpress.bsky.social). Plus, getting an agent, wrangling sources, developing an accessible voice, & more. Listen: draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Last call to tell me your favorite history book that you read this year!
I need your help! I want to put together a year-end episode, and I want to know what you read this year. Go here: www.speakpipe.com/DraftingtheP... and record a short message telling me who you are and the best history book you read this year. Doesn't have to be published this year!
Send a voice message to
DraftingthePast
A podcast devoted to the craft of writing history.
www.speakpipe.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Last call to tell me your favorite history book that you read this year!
Some wise words from documentary filmmaker Penny Lane: open.substack.com/pub/lennypan...
May the proliferation of AI challenge us to write with verve.
May the proliferation of AI challenge us to write with verve.
My only writing advice is please, please try to sound like a human being
Everywhere I look people are complaining about A.I. slop. Here is how I use the fear of sounding like ChatGPT as a motivational tool to level up my writing.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Some wise words from documentary filmmaker Penny Lane: open.substack.com/pub/lennypan...
May the proliferation of AI challenge us to write with verve.
May the proliferation of AI challenge us to write with verve.
Reposted by Drafting the Past
Reupping this as it may be helpful!
My best advice to aspiring authors of scholarly books is to read other scholarly books recently published by your target press. This may seem obvious and yet is not!
December 17, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Reupping this as it may be helpful!
Reposted by Drafting the Past
Out now! My convo with the inimitable @wellerstein.bsky.social about his new book, THE MOST AWFUL RESPONSIBILITY. I loved going deep with Alex on the challenges of document management and the very practical things (post on reddit!) he does to hone his craft. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
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Episode 79: Alex Wellerstein Reminds Us That Writing Is a Skill to Hone - Drafting the Past
Kate Carpenter interviews historian Alex Wellerstein about his new book, The Most Awful Responsibility, and his research and writing process.
draftingthepast.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Out now! My convo with the inimitable @wellerstein.bsky.social about his new book, THE MOST AWFUL RESPONSIBILITY. I loved going deep with Alex on the challenges of document management and the very practical things (post on reddit!) he does to hone his craft. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
🗃️
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Reposted by Drafting the Past
In my academic writing group, we've been talking about the value of having a method: when you need to revise a draft, you sit down and do this thing first. Then you do the next thing, and you keep going down the list of tasks until voilà, you've revised your draft.
December 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
In my academic writing group, we've been talking about the value of having a method: when you need to revise a draft, you sit down and do this thing first. Then you do the next thing, and you keep going down the list of tasks until voilà, you've revised your draft.
Out now! My convo with the inimitable @wellerstein.bsky.social about his new book, THE MOST AWFUL RESPONSIBILITY. I loved going deep with Alex on the challenges of document management and the very practical things (post on reddit!) he does to hone his craft. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
🗃️
🗃️
Episode 79: Alex Wellerstein Reminds Us That Writing Is a Skill to Hone - Drafting the Past
Kate Carpenter interviews historian Alex Wellerstein about his new book, The Most Awful Responsibility, and his research and writing process.
draftingthepast.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Out now! My convo with the inimitable @wellerstein.bsky.social about his new book, THE MOST AWFUL RESPONSIBILITY. I loved going deep with Alex on the challenges of document management and the very practical things (post on reddit!) he does to hone his craft. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
🗃️
🗃️
An overdue newsletter post with some updates and reminders: buttondown.com/draftingthep...
I want to know: What's the best history book you read this year?
Leave me a recording for the year-end episode!
buttondown.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:11 PM
An overdue newsletter post with some updates and reminders: buttondown.com/draftingthep...
I need your help! I want to put together a year-end episode, and I want to know what you read this year. Go here: www.speakpipe.com/DraftingtheP... and record a short message telling me who you are and the best history book you read this year. Doesn't have to be published this year!
Send a voice message to
DraftingthePast
A podcast devoted to the craft of writing history.
www.speakpipe.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:55 AM
I need your help! I want to put together a year-end episode, and I want to know what you read this year. Go here: www.speakpipe.com/DraftingtheP... and record a short message telling me who you are and the best history book you read this year. Doesn't have to be published this year!
Reposted by Drafting the Past
Bingeing @draftingthepast.bsky.social as preparation to revise my “The Historian’s Craft” syllabus. Definitely going to recommend it to students!
Great interviews with @mkn.bsky.social, @zacharyschrag.bsky.social, @kidadaewilliams.com, @sethrockman.bsky.social, @kawulf.bsky.social, and many more.
Great interviews with @mkn.bsky.social, @zacharyschrag.bsky.social, @kidadaewilliams.com, @sethrockman.bsky.social, @kawulf.bsky.social, and many more.
Episode 1: Megan Kate Nelson Experiments with Structure
open.spotify.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Bingeing @draftingthepast.bsky.social as preparation to revise my “The Historian’s Craft” syllabus. Definitely going to recommend it to students!
Great interviews with @mkn.bsky.social, @zacharyschrag.bsky.social, @kidadaewilliams.com, @sethrockman.bsky.social, @kawulf.bsky.social, and many more.
Great interviews with @mkn.bsky.social, @zacharyschrag.bsky.social, @kidadaewilliams.com, @sethrockman.bsky.social, @kawulf.bsky.social, and many more.
Reposted by Drafting the Past
We light the first Hanukkah candle this evening, but we could all use some light right now, so here’s my 254th #ScholarSunday thread of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from last week. Add more below, share widely, & solidarity, all.🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
#ScholarSunday Thread 254 (12/14/2025) – Black and White and Read All Over
We light the first Hanukkah candle this evening, but we could all use some light right now, so here’s my super-sized 254th #ScholarSunday thread of great public scholarly writing & work, podcast episo...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 14, 2025 at 12:58 PM
We light the first Hanukkah candle this evening, but we could all use some light right now, so here’s my 254th #ScholarSunday thread of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from last week. Add more below, share widely, & solidarity, all.🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
In addition to ad-free episodes, Patreon supporters have some bonus audio from this week's episode with Edward Watts. Hear his response when I posed the question: truffle hunter or parachutist? www.patreon.com/draftingthep...
Get more from Drafting the Past on Patreon
creating a podcast devoted to the craft of writing history
www.patreon.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:52 PM
In addition to ad-free episodes, Patreon supporters have some bonus audio from this week's episode with Edward Watts. Hear his response when I posed the question: truffle hunter or parachutist? www.patreon.com/draftingthep...
Reposted by Drafting the Past
My interview with Edward Watts, author of THE ROMANS (@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social) is out! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
Episode 78: Edward Watts Looks to the Ancient Past for Writing Advice - Drafting the Past
Edward Watts joins Kate Carpenter to talk about how he writes about ancient Rome, his research files, and writing inspirations.
draftingthepast.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:17 PM
My interview with Edward Watts, author of THE ROMANS (@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social) is out! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
My interview with Edward Watts, author of THE ROMANS (@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social) is out! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
Episode 78: Edward Watts Looks to the Ancient Past for Writing Advice - Drafting the Past
Edward Watts joins Kate Carpenter to talk about how he writes about ancient Rome, his research files, and writing inspirations.
draftingthepast.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:17 PM
My interview with Edward Watts, author of THE ROMANS (@basicbooksgroup.bsky.social) is out! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
This was a particularly fun interview. I loved to hear how Ed thinks about style right down to sentence structure, and how his work on ancient history draws on his life.
Drafting the Past Episode 1 guest @mkn.bsky.social has a new book coming in March, PLUS this exciting announcement, and we are planning a Very Special Episode to talk about all this and more in a few months!
BIG NEWS, FRIENDS!
It is a quirk of the writing life that while you are finishing the current book, you are pitching the next one.
I am delighted that I will be working once again with Kathy Belden at Scribner, and returning to Civil War studies (and Texas!) for this exciting new project.
It is a quirk of the writing life that while you are finishing the current book, you are pitching the next one.
I am delighted that I will be working once again with Kathy Belden at Scribner, and returning to Civil War studies (and Texas!) for this exciting new project.
December 3, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Drafting the Past Episode 1 guest @mkn.bsky.social has a new book coming in March, PLUS this exciting announcement, and we are planning a Very Special Episode to talk about all this and more in a few months!
Did you know? Patreon supporters of Drafting the Past at any level now get access to an ad-free version of the podcast. www.patreon.com/draftingthep...
Get more from Drafting the Past on Patreon
creating a podcast devoted to the craft of writing history
www.patreon.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Did you know? Patreon supporters of Drafting the Past at any level now get access to an ad-free version of the podcast. www.patreon.com/draftingthep...
New! I interviewed Marc James Carpenter about The War on Illahee (@yalepress.bsky.social), a staggering account of settler violence in the PNW and the work of many--including historians--to hide it. We talked lying sources, role playing games, and more! #writing
draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Episode 77: Marc James Carpenter Calls A Lie a Lie - Drafting the Past
This episode’s guest and I share a last name (no relation, though), but that’s not the only thing we have in common. We both grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where our history education left out most...
draftingthepast.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
New! I interviewed Marc James Carpenter about The War on Illahee (@yalepress.bsky.social), a staggering account of settler violence in the PNW and the work of many--including historians--to hide it. We talked lying sources, role playing games, and more! #writing
draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Want to take advantage of @bookshop.org's free shipping today? Don't forget that you can find lists of books by Drafting the Past guests, books mentioned on the show, and craft books in our shop: bookshop.org/shop/draftin...
Drafting the Past Bookshop
Drafting the Past is a podcast dedicated to the craft of writing history, hosted by Kate Carpenter. Shop books by our guests, their recommendations, and some of our favorite craft books and support th...
bookshop.org
November 28, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Want to take advantage of @bookshop.org's free shipping today? Don't forget that you can find lists of books by Drafting the Past guests, books mentioned on the show, and craft books in our shop: bookshop.org/shop/draftin...
Reposted by Drafting the Past
I’ve been looking forward to this episode all day, & it’s worth the wait @kawulf.bsky.social @katecarp.bsky.social @draftingthepast.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
Karin Wulf Keeps Her Brain Humming Along
Podcast Episode · Drafting the Past · 11/25/2025 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I’ve been looking forward to this episode all day, & it’s worth the wait @kawulf.bsky.social @katecarp.bsky.social @draftingthepast.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...
Reposted by Drafting the Past
Great listen - bonus pen chat was an unexpected delight!
What a pleasure to talk with @kawulf.bsky.social about her love of all aspects of her work for this episode! You'll hear about the making of her new book, Lineage (@oxfordunipress.bsky.social), and how she keeps writing as director of the @jcblibrary.bsky.social. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Episode 76: Karin Wulf Keeps Her Brain Humming Along - Drafting the Past
In this episode, Kate is joined by Karin Wulf, the director and librarian of the John Carter Brown Library, to discuss her new book, Lineage, and her research and writing process.
draftingthepast.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Great listen - bonus pen chat was an unexpected delight!
What a pleasure to talk with @kawulf.bsky.social about her love of all aspects of her work for this episode! You'll hear about the making of her new book, Lineage (@oxfordunipress.bsky.social), and how she keeps writing as director of the @jcblibrary.bsky.social. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
Episode 76: Karin Wulf Keeps Her Brain Humming Along - Drafting the Past
In this episode, Kate is joined by Karin Wulf, the director and librarian of the John Carter Brown Library, to discuss her new book, Lineage, and her research and writing process.
draftingthepast.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:54 PM
What a pleasure to talk with @kawulf.bsky.social about her love of all aspects of her work for this episode! You'll hear about the making of her new book, Lineage (@oxfordunipress.bsky.social), and how she keeps writing as director of the @jcblibrary.bsky.social. draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
You can now find Drafting the Past on Pandora, if you're into that sort of thing! www.pandora.com/podcast/draf...
Drafting the Past
Listen to Drafting the Past on Pandora - Drafting the Past is a podcast devoted to the craft of writing history. Each episode features an interview with a historian about the joys and challenges of th...
www.pandora.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:55 PM
You can now find Drafting the Past on Pandora, if you're into that sort of thing! www.pandora.com/podcast/draf...
I rounded up some of this week's newly released history books for your perusing pleasure: draftingthepast.com/new-releases/this-weeks-new-history-books-nov-18-2025/
This Week's History Releases (Nov. 18, 2025) - Drafting the Past
A roundup of new history books published for the week of November 18, 2025.
draftingthepast.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:19 AM
I rounded up some of this week's newly released history books for your perusing pleasure: draftingthepast.com/new-releases/this-weeks-new-history-books-nov-18-2025/
Reposted by Drafting the Past
It was such a joy to talk with Kate about history writing, teaching, publishing, and so much more. As a long-time listener and first-time talker, it was a dream come true! Thank you @draftingthepast.bsky.social! 🗃️
@uncpress.bsky.social
@uncpress.bsky.social
Ep 75! I talked with @jlepler.bsky.social about her new book, CANAL DREAMERS, from (@uncpress.bsky.social). I loved hearing how she first started researching this book alongside her dissertation, and how she has supported other academics writing second books! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...
November 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
It was such a joy to talk with Kate about history writing, teaching, publishing, and so much more. As a long-time listener and first-time talker, it was a dream come true! Thank you @draftingthepast.bsky.social! 🗃️
@uncpress.bsky.social
@uncpress.bsky.social