Your Take on History Matters

My father told the family recently that he prepared a book proposal back in 1993 about the historical events of a critical year in American history, 1964. “Bit too late,” he admits, “for the 30th anniversary.” 

He was dissuaded, however, by a successful nonfiction author who showed him an already-published book titled 1964. Even though my father felt that the other book did not “have the sweep or sass of my proposal,” he abandoned his pursuit.

Sorry to say, my dad’s story is all too common. 

Frequently when speaking with aspiring authors, I hear them say things like, “It’s already been done.” Or, “There are a hundred takes on this event/ incident/ subject. Why should I add my voice to the crowded conversation?”

Well, I’d like to share with you my sister-in-law Dr. Erica Brindley’s reply to my father’s sentiments. Erica is a tenured professor at Penn State University, and she currently serves as the head of the Department of Asian Studies. She is also a thrice-published author of academic texts. 

Here is what Professor Brindley wrote:

I can tell you all as an “authorized” (LOL) historian that history is really just about who is doing the writing. 

Voices and stories from close to the time events happened are invaluable sources that become part of the fabric of the past. 

History changes (usually drastically) with each generation, as what becomes valued and important changes. There are always new eyes and lenses to use to see the past. 

And just who is given authority to proclaim what the past was and whose words count is always contested and vetted through social and political processes, shaped by power and authority. As we know, authoritarian regimes have wiped out many versions of the past that don’t jibe with their agendas, but hints of alternative voices can usually be found nonetheless. 

That’s why it’s so important to get your own version of the truth down – it’s no doubt a voice that helps fill out the picture of what was and is.

Writing Tip of the Week: Record Your History

This week, I’d like you to take a moment to consider your unique perspective on a historical event. You can travel back in time, or consider a more recent event.

Do you remember 9/11? Or the fall of the Berlin wall? What about the recent Uvalde school shooting? What do you think about the Covid pandemic, how it was handled, and how people handled it? 

Sit down and write for at least 5 minutes, telling your precise version of events. Consider:

• Where exactly were you when you got the news? What were you doing?
• How did it feel in your body to learn of these events or this news?
• How did it change your life, impact your decisions, or result in different behavior?
• Looking back now, would you have done anything differently?

Come up with something interesting? Hit “reply” and send it my way.

Aloha,

MeiMei

Quote of the Week

"Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it. Yet those who DO study history are doomed to stand by helplessly while everyone else repeats it."

~based on the original quote from George Santayana