Kate Carpenter

I don't mean at all to say that no one should write about WWII -- it's just that when you look at all the (nonacademic, mostly) stuff coming out, it's just so much!

Surely there has to be an age-related fade at some point, right? Or are Gen Z white dudes still going to be mass-consuming WWII books in 2075?

Just skimming Edelweiss and it feels like every other book is about WWII. How??

How are there so many WWII books?

Podcast episode graphic featuring a smiling man in a blazer and glasses in front of a bookshelf. The text on the right reads "Drafting the Past episode 69: Andrew Hartman."

Episodes two weeks in a row?! That should tell you how much great stuff there is. I was so happy to get to talk to @andrewhartman.bsky.social about KARL MARX IN AMERICA (@uchicagopress.bsky.social) and how he keeps going in the writing "grind." Listen here: draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...

Honestly, when you don't write from the trail I think of that meme "I hope this email doesn't find you. I hope you've escaped, that you're free," and I smile, so I'll be pretty happy either way.

Drafting the Past is Back, Baby A new interview with Ruby Lal, why you need a website, and a writing opportunity!

Hey! I managed to write a newsletter! buttondown.com/draftingthep...

CFP: A Time of Monsters The monster has been here all along. It is a historical constant that manifests in wildly different ways across time, place, and culture. Whatever form it takes, the monster claws at categories; it un...

If you are a supporter and reader of @contingent-mag.bsky.social one of the biggest things you can do to help us at the moment is get this CFP to the NTT folks in your life. The fracturing of social media has made it very difficult to get the word out esp. to adjuncts and VAPs.

How to Build an Author Website: Getting Started Guide | Jane Friedman All authors should build and maintain a website to support their career. Here's a step-by-step list of considerations and steps to begin at any skill level.

Jane Friedman, the guru of all things publishing, has a nice post with everything you’ll need to create an author site.
janefriedman.com/author-websi...

Oh thank you, super helpful!

Yay!

I know headshots can be expensive, so I'll add that if you're really strapped for cash, at least have someone who has a good eye for photos take some shots of you explicitly for that purpose, ideally taken in indirect outdoor lighting.

And gives you a lot more flexibility to keep things updated on your own timelines. Plus, if/when you leave the university, links to your bio on your own site won't break like a faculty page might. 3/3

I never know when a faculty bio has been updated, and for many people when you search them, three or more bios come up--it can be hard to figure out which university they currently work for! Outside of my reasons, it helps you look more professional as an author, improves the SEO for your name 2/3

Fair question! As a person putting together a podcast interview, it's very helpful to me to go to your own website to get the photo, bio, etc., information that I know you have picked out for your own promotion. It's especially helpful if there's a high-res author photo I can find there. 1/?

How To Build An Author Website: 8 Easy Paths To Choose From - The Breath and Ink Blog But when it comes to figuring out how to build an author website, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. It can especially be daunting when you have no idea

Here's a pretty useful looking blog I found googling! breathandinkblog.com/how-to-build... Thinking I might need to write something up, though.

Sometimes I think I should start a side hustle setting up simple, easy to update websites for academics.

I PROMISE it can be very simple, just a landing page with a little bio and a link to a high-res photo of your and your book. You can even link to the faculty page if you want!

Historians who write books, please a) set up your own author website, independent of your university profile and b) get some professional headshots taken. Love, your friendly neighborhood podcaster.

I have done my civic duty and voted in Kansas City's stupidest election.

If you like the show, please share it to help me cut through *everything else* that's happening.

Podcast episode graphic. On the left is a smiling woman with long graying black hair, a black shirt and a large necklace in front of a bookshelf. On the right, the text reads "Drafting the Past Episode 68: Ruby Lal."

Drafting the Past is back, and with a truly fantastic episode! I felt so fortunate to talk with Ruby Lal about her newest book(s), her transition to narrative history writing, and how she brings stories from hundreds of years ago so beautifully to life. Listen: draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...

Introducing: Chicken Drink Jocks mock the stock cocktail, but flocks squawk: "it rocks!"

I would like to introduce you to @lizcookkc.bsky.social: haterade.substack.com/p/introducin...

Listen, I know it's fun to listen to the Sec of Defense (er, War, I guess) tell our generals they're fat, but you could also listen to a new episode of Drafting the Past! draftingthepast.com/podcast-epis...

Psst!

Psst...the wait is almost over. New episode drops at midnight!

Things have been rough in my brain lately, so I'm going to take some time off social media. You can reach me on email. New podcast episodes are still coming...soon!

Hey WHA friends, I'll be in Albuquerque! Will you be there? #wha2025

I was having a rough week even without all the political stuff, so I can tell you that the maple ice cream at Trader Joe's is really quite delicious (if a bit too sweet).

I adore the public library. I just put 15 picture books on hold for my kiddo, on trains (current obsession) and beaches (first visit soon). We'll pick them up after they're all gathered at our branch. This is free!

You all know this, I just feel the need to say it out loud occasionally.