Some places have the power to dramatically shape our memories, purpose, and the entire trajectory of our lives. How can we all better grasp the weight of history and leverage its lessons for humanity?
“What Mesa Verde taught me most is that places have power.” I absolutely agree that places, especially those like Mesa Verde, have power! I love the fact that you became an archaeologist, inspired by your trip to Mesa Verde. My family and I visit Mesa Verde often (we are lucky to live within driving distance of it), and I always felt it was a special place where the past could come alive.
We are lucky we can walk through the cliff dwellings and enter some of the kivas when we visit. These experiences bring the place alive.
I also feel that you, as an archaeologist, I feel you have the added privilege to not only learn more in-depth about the place, but understand the people who built these amazing structures. And, after reading some of your work, I feel you can also translate this knowledge to the public as a writer.
Thank you for this post, and thank you for your work, embedding your background as an archaeologist into your writing!
Oh wow! That would be awesome to have Mesa Verde in your backyard. Chaco Canyon is another wonderful archaeological gem not too far away that I’m sure you’re aware of. The southwest will always be a special place for me. Thank you for the kind and generous note. I hope I can continue to live up that. Thanks for engaging and sharing your thoughts Emese. 😊
You are right, the southwest is truly special, on so many different levels, especially the archaeological sites… Yes, I am aware of Chaco, we visit it fairly often, too, though it’s harder to get to than Mesa Verde. I wrote about visiting both sites on my travel blog (not on Substack). They are one of the reasons we live in the Southwest. :)
I was a Grand Canyon river guide for 19 years, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get it out of my system. Side note: I was a boatman for the first complete archeological survey in Grand Canyon~~an amazing project. I had no idea until your post there was such a thing as “place writing,” but that’s definitely what I do. Thanks for a beautiful tribute to your inspirational touchstone.
Oh that is awesome! I am envious. I've been to Grand Canyon NP twice so far and really want to do the rim to rim hike. My wife and I have been offered some Grand Canyon tours a couple times now through her work and unfortunately we couldn't both times. Hopefully we'll make the trip one of these days.
I also hadn't heard of place writing until I came across the work of Yasmin Chopin. And thank you for the wonderful comment and sharing your thoughts Mackenzie. Cheers and happy trails...or rivers! Is that a saying, "happy rivers"? Lol!
My first major was Art History, briefly toyed with Archaeology and Anthropology, then settled on the more pragmatic Journalism. I understood why when I visited Chaco Canyon and Pueblo Bonito a couple decades later and had the uncanny sense I had lived there before while walking a trail between buildings. I agree that these ancient places hold awe and wonder for our understanding of human history and what brought us to where we are today.
Have you read any of Robert Macfarlane's books? While he's primarily considered a Nature writer he has also written extensively about the power of place, how it affects people and how they affect it. Thanks for the reminder and rec. Glad to have found you!
Absolutely! I can't say I have but am now looking into his work. I've thought over the years about going back to school for journalism but have the sense that I'm too entrenched in my own career path and perhaps that ship has sailed for me. What are your thoughts, is there a "point of no return" to becoming a journalist nowadays? Thank you for engaging and sharing your thoughts Marsha! Happy to have your input. Cheers!
Journalism has changed dramatically since I was in school and working for newspapers. (Makes me feel ancient to even say that.) It used to be there was really no such thing as a freelance or independent journalist because you "needed" to be affiliated with a media outlet to publish and adhere to editorial standards. Not so anymore.
I think it depends on your goals. Are you looking to acquire a different skill set? Are you looking for a different kind of credibility? Do you want the degree to be published in news media or elsewhere?
To state the obvious, there are more publishing platforms than ever before in history, so If it's more about the writing for you can build the writing career you want by how you show up and what you write. If you want to write in a journalistic style, you can learn and do that.
Are you familiar with the publication The Conversation? They draw from academics who write thoughtful pieces about current affairs. It's a blend of research-based facts in a journalistic presentation. Here's the link to the US version: https://theconversation.com/us
Thank you for all this Marsha! I am familiar with the Conversation but will look into them
more. Yeah I would say I would be interested in journalism if it didn’t require slogging through yet another program. I don’t wish to sound boastful but I feel like working through my BA in anthropology and history, an MA in anthropology, and dedicating myself to writing for several years now would hopefully appeal to some media outlets. I can’t say I’ve actively searched for many positions at local or regional media institutions all that much but might give it a shot but I hesitate because I have the impression so much weighs on having the specific degree nowadays.
I’ve heard of seasoned journalists talk about the need to broaden the pathways of how legacy media institutions recruit and I would seriously consider an opportunity with many legacy media institutions were they broadcasting snd actively recruiting in such a way.
In short, I wish it were easier to transition to other industries and career paths without the huge gamble it requires with additional accreditation and certifications and the feeling of starting over.
Justin, I honestly don't think you need the credential or the program if you can learn to write in journalistic style and practice journalistic ethics.
Here is a suggestion: find someone who came from a similar background as yourself who is now doing what you want to do, who is writing for the kind of publication or legacy media that you would like to write for. Reach out to them and ask them how they did it. Tell them you're not even sure all the questions to ask but you know they have the answers.(I did this a lot in my career. It worked.)
I would also search around to see if there are any short courses on how to write in journalistic style.
If you can write in a journalistic or magazine style, instead of an academic tone, I think you'll be able to find publications that would love to have someone with your expertise who can write in their language. There are a lot of subject matter experts out there who can write in journalistic style who don't have the degree and are getting published all the time.
I grew up in Colorado and Mesa Verde also had a huge impact on me the first time I visited. I think it not only helped fuel my desire to see the world, but spawned my interest in writing ancient historical fiction.
Thanks for this piece. I'm intrigued by the concept of place writing. I can't say that it was an in-person visit that sparked my lifelong interest, but through books the chateau at Versailles became the focus of my attention when I was very young and is today the focus of my writing and translating projects. That focus isn't really on the building, but on the lives lived in it. My way of grasping "the weight of history" is to read the diaries, letters, and memoirs of those who lived that place.
That is very cool! What a fabulous and unique project you're pursuing! Books are undoubtedly the cornerstone to our future adventures whether we visit them in-person or in our minds. We didn't travel to a ton of places growing up so books were definitely much more pivotal for me too. Thanks for engaging and sharing! Looking forward to exploring more of your work too.
Thanks for the account of this life changing trip. A knowledge of history is a form of wisdom. You've accumulated more than your share of wisdom in a short period of time.
“What Mesa Verde taught me most is that places have power.” I absolutely agree that places, especially those like Mesa Verde, have power! I love the fact that you became an archaeologist, inspired by your trip to Mesa Verde. My family and I visit Mesa Verde often (we are lucky to live within driving distance of it), and I always felt it was a special place where the past could come alive.
We are lucky we can walk through the cliff dwellings and enter some of the kivas when we visit. These experiences bring the place alive.
I also feel that you, as an archaeologist, I feel you have the added privilege to not only learn more in-depth about the place, but understand the people who built these amazing structures. And, after reading some of your work, I feel you can also translate this knowledge to the public as a writer.
Thank you for this post, and thank you for your work, embedding your background as an archaeologist into your writing!
Oh wow! That would be awesome to have Mesa Verde in your backyard. Chaco Canyon is another wonderful archaeological gem not too far away that I’m sure you’re aware of. The southwest will always be a special place for me. Thank you for the kind and generous note. I hope I can continue to live up that. Thanks for engaging and sharing your thoughts Emese. 😊
You are right, the southwest is truly special, on so many different levels, especially the archaeological sites… Yes, I am aware of Chaco, we visit it fairly often, too, though it’s harder to get to than Mesa Verde. I wrote about visiting both sites on my travel blog (not on Substack). They are one of the reasons we live in the Southwest. :)
I was a Grand Canyon river guide for 19 years, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get it out of my system. Side note: I was a boatman for the first complete archeological survey in Grand Canyon~~an amazing project. I had no idea until your post there was such a thing as “place writing,” but that’s definitely what I do. Thanks for a beautiful tribute to your inspirational touchstone.
Oh that is awesome! I am envious. I've been to Grand Canyon NP twice so far and really want to do the rim to rim hike. My wife and I have been offered some Grand Canyon tours a couple times now through her work and unfortunately we couldn't both times. Hopefully we'll make the trip one of these days.
I also hadn't heard of place writing until I came across the work of Yasmin Chopin. And thank you for the wonderful comment and sharing your thoughts Mackenzie. Cheers and happy trails...or rivers! Is that a saying, "happy rivers"? Lol!
Lol, yes: happy rivers!
My first major was Art History, briefly toyed with Archaeology and Anthropology, then settled on the more pragmatic Journalism. I understood why when I visited Chaco Canyon and Pueblo Bonito a couple decades later and had the uncanny sense I had lived there before while walking a trail between buildings. I agree that these ancient places hold awe and wonder for our understanding of human history and what brought us to where we are today.
Have you read any of Robert Macfarlane's books? While he's primarily considered a Nature writer he has also written extensively about the power of place, how it affects people and how they affect it. Thanks for the reminder and rec. Glad to have found you!
Absolutely! I can't say I have but am now looking into his work. I've thought over the years about going back to school for journalism but have the sense that I'm too entrenched in my own career path and perhaps that ship has sailed for me. What are your thoughts, is there a "point of no return" to becoming a journalist nowadays? Thank you for engaging and sharing your thoughts Marsha! Happy to have your input. Cheers!
So nice to meet you, Justin!
Journalism has changed dramatically since I was in school and working for newspapers. (Makes me feel ancient to even say that.) It used to be there was really no such thing as a freelance or independent journalist because you "needed" to be affiliated with a media outlet to publish and adhere to editorial standards. Not so anymore.
I think it depends on your goals. Are you looking to acquire a different skill set? Are you looking for a different kind of credibility? Do you want the degree to be published in news media or elsewhere?
To state the obvious, there are more publishing platforms than ever before in history, so If it's more about the writing for you can build the writing career you want by how you show up and what you write. If you want to write in a journalistic style, you can learn and do that.
Are you familiar with the publication The Conversation? They draw from academics who write thoughtful pieces about current affairs. It's a blend of research-based facts in a journalistic presentation. Here's the link to the US version: https://theconversation.com/us
I hope that was helpful!
Onward!
Thank you for all this Marsha! I am familiar with the Conversation but will look into them
more. Yeah I would say I would be interested in journalism if it didn’t require slogging through yet another program. I don’t wish to sound boastful but I feel like working through my BA in anthropology and history, an MA in anthropology, and dedicating myself to writing for several years now would hopefully appeal to some media outlets. I can’t say I’ve actively searched for many positions at local or regional media institutions all that much but might give it a shot but I hesitate because I have the impression so much weighs on having the specific degree nowadays.
I’ve heard of seasoned journalists talk about the need to broaden the pathways of how legacy media institutions recruit and I would seriously consider an opportunity with many legacy media institutions were they broadcasting snd actively recruiting in such a way.
In short, I wish it were easier to transition to other industries and career paths without the huge gamble it requires with additional accreditation and certifications and the feeling of starting over.
Justin, I honestly don't think you need the credential or the program if you can learn to write in journalistic style and practice journalistic ethics.
Here is a suggestion: find someone who came from a similar background as yourself who is now doing what you want to do, who is writing for the kind of publication or legacy media that you would like to write for. Reach out to them and ask them how they did it. Tell them you're not even sure all the questions to ask but you know they have the answers.(I did this a lot in my career. It worked.)
I would also search around to see if there are any short courses on how to write in journalistic style.
If you can write in a journalistic or magazine style, instead of an academic tone, I think you'll be able to find publications that would love to have someone with your expertise who can write in their language. There are a lot of subject matter experts out there who can write in journalistic style who don't have the degree and are getting published all the time.
I hope that's helpful.
I grew up in Colorado and Mesa Verde also had a huge impact on me the first time I visited. I think it not only helped fuel my desire to see the world, but spawned my interest in writing ancient historical fiction.
What a wonderful story. As a traveller, I understand the ways a place can draw you in.
When I was at university, I took an archeology corse. It was fascinating to say the least.
Thanks for this piece. I'm intrigued by the concept of place writing. I can't say that it was an in-person visit that sparked my lifelong interest, but through books the chateau at Versailles became the focus of my attention when I was very young and is today the focus of my writing and translating projects. That focus isn't really on the building, but on the lives lived in it. My way of grasping "the weight of history" is to read the diaries, letters, and memoirs of those who lived that place.
That is very cool! What a fabulous and unique project you're pursuing! Books are undoubtedly the cornerstone to our future adventures whether we visit them in-person or in our minds. We didn't travel to a ton of places growing up so books were definitely much more pivotal for me too. Thanks for engaging and sharing! Looking forward to exploring more of your work too.
Thanks for the account of this life changing trip. A knowledge of history is a form of wisdom. You've accumulated more than your share of wisdom in a short period of time.