Where can I look for inspiration?

Resources for contributors

Updated 1 October 2023

New Histories is designed so you can write about anything. However, when faced with such a large remit, it can be hard to narrow down your ideas.

If you are unsure about what you want to focus on, use the monthly themes and observances to help you. You also have access to the backlog of New Histories volumes. Past editions have been about pride, celebration, and mental wellbeing. Use these themes as a launchpad for your ideas. You can also look at the History Department’s own blog History Matters.

Many people find it helpful to focus on either a certain place, person or object. This allows your work to have a strong focus and also prevents you from going off topic.

There are lots and lots of online history magazines that you can access for free. Here are three ideas to get you started:

BBC History Magazine, BBC History Revealed and BBC World Histories - HistoryExtra

History Today - The World’s Leading Serious History Magazine

Historic UK - The History Magazine and Heritage Accommodation Guide (historic-uk.com)

Podcasts are also really helpful.

Eight LGBTQ History Podcasts You’ll Learn A Lot From (bustle.com)

Podcasts About the Black British Experience and Race in the UK (bustle.com)

Disability: A New History