Drafting the Past logo

Drafting the Past

Archives
April 5, 2026

Matt Sutton Writes With His Email Open?!

Plus, how he achieves such an approachable voice, and why he abhors the block quote

email_header (1500 x 300 px).png

The Drafting the Past newsletter is free to all. If you would like to help keep the podcast and newsletter going, you can support Drafting the Past on Patreon.

Have you taken the listener survey?

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to respond to the listener survey. There are already so many wonderfully helpful responses that will shape the podcast going forward. There’s still time to take the survey; please take a moment to give me your honest feedback. I’ll share some takeaways in a few weeks!

Listener survey

Episode 93: Matthew Avery Sutton Religiously Opposes the Block Quote

It was great fun to talk with Matt Sutton about his new book CHOSEN LAND, a fascinating history of Christianity in America, and especially how it relates to the government and power. I’m still amazed at Matt’s strategy for writing drafts while also writing emails; it’s an approach that has enabled him to keep writing books even during seven years as department chair. Still, I think it would drive me up the wall! Listen to our interview here.

Coming This Week: A Very Special Episode

Consider this your heads up to listen to this Tuesday’s episode. I’m so delighted to welcome Megan Kate Nelson, the very first Drafting the Past guest, back to the podcast as our first return guest! We’ll discuss her new book, The Westerners. The episode is a little different, because Megan let me grill her about behind-the-scenes publishing details that we don’t always get to discuss on the podcast. It’s really, really great. (And be sure to listen all the way to the end…we tucked a surprise announcement in there!) If you need something to listen to this weekend, consider revisiting our earlier conversation in preparation.


Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to Drafting the Past:

Add a comment:

Share this email:
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share via email
draftingthepast.com
Bluesky
Instagram
Powered by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.