Ask me how many times as a grad student and junior scholar someone said that my writing was "too accessible" as an insult.

It was not a small number. https://twitter.com/Rachel_Brandt/status/1359642629798060032
Them: Your writing is too accessible. Anyone can read it!

Me: Thank you.

Them: This is not a compliment.

Me: Uh...are you...sure?
Being able to write clearly for a broader audience was essential to me having a career outside of the academy.

But, you know, whatever.
Wwhen I tell people about how I moved out of the academy and into a career as a writer (and editor!), I always mention that writing blog posts, in which I made my research accessible and (hopefully) engaging for a general audience, was one of the best decisions I ever made.
I just wanted to write things about American religious history that my mom could and would read. That's all.

Also, she loves me, but she didn't read my blog posts.
You can follow @kelly_j_baker.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled:
Those who think consciousness raising & movement building are disconnected, or even a distraction from electoral politics have not paid attention to the history of social change.In this thread, we
Read more
The 2020s will be known as the Remote Work decadeA few predictions of what is likely to emerge[ a thread ] Third Space: Office and Working from Home will
Read more
1/29: Have you ever had a concept explained to you that helps frame complex issues you’ve been wrestling with and opens your eyes to new possibilities? A concept that I
Read more
By continuing to use the site, you are consenting to the use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy to improve your experience.