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Kate Carpenter

@katecarp.bsky.social

4K followers 1.5K following 1.2K posts

Historian/writer. Creator, @draftingthepast.bsky.social podcast. History of science PhD candidate at Princeton, based in KCMO. Working on a history of storm chasing. https://draftingthepast.com/ http://kathrynbcarpenter.com/

draftingthepast.com

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Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Tracy Slater @tracyslater.bsky.social · 4h

Any writers here who've used bookplates as a way to provide a signed copy of books, even if you're not there to sign them yourself? An event venue just asked me if I have them...and I don't. Would love to see other writers' versions if you're willing to post here! #writingcommunity #booksky

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 4h

As a reader, the only ones I've ever gotten with a book have been really basic, just a rectangle if adhesive with a thin line around it, signed by the author. They have not been impressive, lol

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 10h

I would just take some free McD's at this point

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Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Drew Broussard @drewsof.bsky.social · 10h

do you have a pet peeve, interesting tidbit, passionate defense of / jeremiad against a book-ish topic? we happen to have a bit of room in this week's Lit Hub Podcast — send me a voice note by tomorrow afternoon and it might end up in the show! (also you'll have my gratitude forever!)

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 10h

Lots of historically rooted projects, but no historians on the Mac list this year?

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 1d

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!

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 1d

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?

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 1d

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

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 1d

How are there so many WWII books?

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Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Drafting the Past @draftingthepast.bsky.social · 1d

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...

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."

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 2d

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.

Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Drafting the Past @draftingthepast.bsky.social · 2d

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

Drafting the Past is Back, Baby

A new interview with Ruby Lal, why you need a website, and a writing opportunity!

buttondown.com

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Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Erin Grievances @erinbartram.bsky.social · 3d

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.

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...

contingentmagazine.org

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Reposted by Kate Carpenter

Jeff Manuel @jeffmanuel.bsky.social · 3d

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...

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.

janefriedman.com

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

Oh thank you, super helpful!

Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

Yay!

Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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.

Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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

Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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/?

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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

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

breathandinkblog.com

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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

Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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.

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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!

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 3d

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.

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Kate Carpenter @katecarp.bsky.social · 8d

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