Making the headlines: Pamela Anderson and the celebs publishing their own news

SPOTLIGHT / Write of way

Actor Pamela Anderson (left) and singer-songwriter Patti Smith both self-publish newsletters on Substack.

It’s never been truer that anyone can be a writer, with a recent spate of celebrities – Pamela Anderson and Ella Emhoff (Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter), to name a couple – flocking to newsletter platform Substack. Founded in 2017, Substack is a subscription-based platform that allows anyone to self-publish a newsletter. With a preference for long-form writing, the platform echoes popular blogging sites of the 2010s like WordPress, while its “feed” feature is more akin to social media.

Dr Julian Novitz, a lecturer in media and communication at Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology, sees the platform evolving in three waves. First came journalists and commentators, then famous authors like Salman Rushdie and, more recently, Patti Smith. And now, celebrities keen for a more authentic and intimate relationship with fans.

Not everyone has welcomed the incursion of celebrity voices. Niche writers, says Novitz, have long felt anxious about the Substack algorithm, which seems to favour those with big followings. Writing a Substack is also so labour-intensive that he wonders if we’ll soon start to see celebrity ghostwriters on the platform.

Still, the rise of platforms like Substack presents a dilemma for legacy media outlets. An exclusive interview was once a “big get”, but celebrities need the media less and less now. Why subject yourself to probing questions when you can publish your story yourself in your own words? If your social media following is bigger than that of any outlet, why wouldn’t you just speak directly to your audience?

As the premature “print is dead” calls of recent decades have shown, though, legacy publications aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. That said, the growth of platforms like Substack suggests an increasingly fractured media future. Lauren Ironmonger

WATCH / Brothers in arms

From left: Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch play the infamous Menendez brothers, and Javier Bardem their father, in the Netflix series Monsters.

Bone-chilling sociopaths or the victims of years of sexual abuse by their father and cruel, indifferent mother? That’s the dilemma at the centre of the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, based on the notorious 1989 murders of executive Jose Menendez (Javier Bardem) and his wife, Kitty, who were shot dead at point-blank range in their Beverly Hills mansion by their two sons. The two actors bear an eerie resemblance to the real-life Menendez brothers, who’ve spent the past 35 years in prison. Because of their claimed new evidence of sexual abuse, good behaviour in jail and renewed interest in the case brought on by the show, the brothers may soon walk free after prosecutors recommended re-sentencing. Greg Callaghan

READ / Woolfmother

Set in 1980s Melbourne, this novel explores female jealousy and mother-daughter relationships, with nods to Virginia Woolf’s The Years.

Michelle de Kretser’s Theory & Practice is a treasure. Blending memoir, essay and fiction, the story follows a young woman who’s writing a postgraduate thesis on Virginia Woolf in 1980s Melbourne. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface of this slim read – in the best possible way. It’s immensely clever yet wears its smartness lightly. You can trace nods to Woolf’s 1937 novel, The Years, consider the influence of French post-structuralist thought, and question whether Theory & Practice (Text; $33) is the “novel” it claims to be. At the same time, you can feel the pangs of female jealousy, the strain of mother-daughter relationships and the spark of young love. Perfect for a summer read, but also with a timeless appeal. Melanie Kembrey

WEAR / Let’s dance

Pared-back party style: Aje’s “Sunray” mini dress.

Like a socialite returning to the scene after a facelift, the party dress is looking younger this season. After years of floor-skimming gowns loaded with sequins, bows and frippery, it’s been stripped back to basics, embellishment giving way to playful bubble skirts, single shoulder straps and simple ruching. This indigo cotton “Sunray” mini dress (ajeworld.com.au; $199) is casual-cool and a step up from denim. Your only accessory? Moisturised skin. Damien Woolnough

SHOP / Yule love it

Chef demos and wine tastings will feature alongside gift ideas at the Good Food and Wine Show’s Christmas Market.

If you – like me – are mostly keen on Christmas for the eating and drinking, then the Good Food and Wine Show’s Christmas Market is your place (Sydney: November 22-24, Carriageworks; Melbourne: December 6-8, MCEC; goodfoodshow.com.au; from $15). More than 150 exhibitors will tempt with ideas, gifts and pre-snacking. Chefs, including dessert specialist Kirsten Tibballs, will demonstrate dishes for a laden table, and wine tastings will help you select a turkey-appropriate tipple. Dani Valent

STAY / Room at the top

A revamp of the former 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works edging Melbourne’s CBD: Lanson Place Parliament Gardens.

With its Vegemite-rimmed take on the margarita and 40-metre-long artistic homage to the melaleuca paperbark tree suspended above the lobby, Lanson Place Parliament Gardens (lansonplace.com) is studded with stylish, subtle nods to its new Melbourne home. Hong Kong-based hotel operator Lanson Place made its Australian debut in September, opening the $80 million, 15-storey revamp of the 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works on the CBD’s edge. Come for the pretty, picture-window views of Parliament Gardens, Princess Theatre and St Patrick’s, and stay for the dreamy, full-body pillows and Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining’s delicious, mod-Oz menu, starring prawn and crab ravioli and an oozy chocolate and raspberry fondant. Opening special available until January 12: from $280 per night for two, including welcome drink and buffet breakfast. Susan Horsburgh

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