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
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
‘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
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
Two of Us
For subscribers
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
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
Sweet potato, spinach and chickpea party pies
Bite-sized vegetarian canapés that can be made vegan.
- by Helen Goh
Torrone semifreddo (Italian ice-cream cake with nougat)
Add your favourite flavours to this sweet and creamy summer frozen dessert.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Review
Jin’s Grilled Meat Pie
‘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
Review
Good Weekend
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
Comment
Working from home
Working from home is killing the office Christmas party
Give yourself a large budget to throw your own work shindig.
- by Terry Durack
Good Weekend Superquiz and Saturday Target Time, December 16
Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today's interactive superquiz and target.
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