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Good Weekend

The December 16 edition

Summer Reading 2023: eight short reflections by eight big novelists | The one thing that hit with a thud this year: Good Weekend writers and editors tell | Christos Tsiolkas on his rules for good writing | A sister’s unvarnished advice

21 stories
The December 16 edition

Parental death, the joy of a blow-dry and other lessons from 2023

“The one thing I realised with a thud …” Good Weekend writers and editors reflect on the year.

  • by Jane Cadzow, Tim Elliott, Amanda Hooton, Melissa Fyfe, Konrad Marshall, Greg Callaghan and Katrina Strickland
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‘Happiness arrived sometimes, but it had often ghosted me by morning’

In the fog of new motherhood, debut novelist Jessie Stephens finds joy in the small moments.

  • by Jessie Stephens

Becoming a stepmum reminded me how awful I was to my own

Life has a way of restoring karmic balance, says writer Madeleine Gray.

  • by Madeleine Gray

‘My friends told me this was the worst idea they’d ever heard’

The next best thing to having a dog, says novelist Anne Kate Blair, is playing with your brother’s.

  • by Anna Kate Blair

Why have one fountain pen when you can have 124?

Novelist Robert Gott makes the case for writing not just in longhand but with flowing ink.

  • by Robert Gott

Mastering the Sri Lankan Tamil kiss

Miles Franklin Award-winner Shankari Chandran on family and funerals.

  • by Shankari Chandran

When Paris disappoints

Taking his children to France to meet their grandparents didn’t turn out quite as writer André Dao envisaged.

  • by André Dao
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Distilling the essence of a forever friend

Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller contemplates the ingredients that go into our staunchest allies.

  • by Suzie Miller

‘Why would you come here?’: The question every English taxi driver asked

When relocating overseas, assume everything that can go wrong will, says writer Stephanie Bishop.

  • by Stephanie Bishop

Everyone assumes they’re twins – but they’re not

Tough love is behind the close bond between sisters Jess and Stef Dadon.

  • by Nicole Abadee
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

‘When did I become so scared?’ Christos Tsiolkas on second-guessing himself

The author talks about his rules for good writing, learning to appreciate patience and the ramifications of social media – and ageing.

  • by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers

Does a set of Pyrex bowls classify as the worst pressie ever?

Tired of being reminded about a poor gift choice every Christmas? Our Modern Guru has a solution.

  • by Danny Katz
Kitchen Sink Drama
For subscribers

Blossoms

Paul Connolly’s Kitchen Sink Drama is a slice of domestic life, captured masterfully in only 100 words. This week: There are bigger problems than this.

  • by Paul Connolly
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Australian poetry is having a moment

Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.

  • by Melanie Kembrey, Barry Divola, Frances Mocnik, Melissa Singer, Greg Callaghan, Katrina Strickland, Tim Elliott and Deborah Cooke
Helen Goh’s bisteeya-inspired vegetarian pies.

Sweet potato, spinach and chickpea party pies

Bite-sized vegetarian canapés that can be made vegan.

  • by Helen Goh
All the flavours and creaminess of ice-cream without the ice-cream maker.

Torrone semifreddo (Italian ice-cream cake with nougat)

Add your favourite flavours to this sweet and creamy summer frozen dessert.

  • by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Go-to dish: Spicy grilled meat pies.

‘Crispy, spicy, intensely juicy’: Sydney’s best meat pies now have a new overlord

Callan Boys is late to the minced pork pie party at Jin’s. Plus his potted guide to Eastwood eats.

  • by Callan Boys
Go-to dish: Pizza with guanciale and honey.

Avo toast by day, anchovy toast by night: This Melbourne local favourite covers all bases

Sourdough, focaccia, pizza. Two brothers are giving neighbourhood cafe and wine bar Woods Yard a red-hot dough.

  • by Dani Valent

Working from home is killing the office Christmas party

Give yourself a large budget to throw your own work shindig.

  • by Terry Durack
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Good Weekend Quiz online index image

Good Weekend Superquiz and Saturday Target Time, December 16

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today's interactive superquiz and target.

Helen Goh’s jalapeño and cheddar scones a recipe from August 2021.

Good Weekend letters to the editor: December 16

Want to chat? We’d love to hear from you. Send your letters to goodweekend@​goodweekend.com.au

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-december-16-edition-20231101-p5egt4.html