Drafting the Past Episode 61: Judith Giesberg Resists Giving Readers What They Want
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Mar 11, 2025 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.
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Writing Routine
- Giesberg writes in her converted garage office, finding her peak writing time between 10 am and 3 pm.
- She used to write at night after putting her children to bed, but this doesn't work anymore.
Writing Approach
- Set daily writing goals, focusing on tackling specific problems or sections.
- Don't just count words; focus on making progress within the narrative.
Organizational Tools
- Organize writing with spreadsheets, Word files, timelines, and maps.
- Visualizing character movements on maps can aid writing when not directly consulting files.
