A thought-provoking quote from Aileen Moreton-Robinson. A reading by Tristan Bancks. Plus, apropos of not much, the best Brussels sprouts recipe you'll ever try.

Happy birthday to Kamala Harris. We meet Wai Chim, author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling. News from WestWords.

Happy birthday to Pvt Ryan, and not one but TWO Ramones. Meet our newest staff member, Chris Donoghue. Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence announced. What Matters? competition school visits announced.

Vale Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Business awards recognition for WestWords and Michael Campbell. Booktober launched. Blake Prize awarded. Plus readings from James Knight and the Blake winner/runner-up.

Happy birthday to the most successful songwriter you've probably never heard of. Scot Gardner talks about "rats in a maze". Fellowships, Pinerolo, Varuna Residency, and more. And goodbye to Hajer.

Want to work with WestWords? We have a vacancy. Big news about Vice-Regal Patronage! Our 2019 Emerging Writers Fellows sign off, and applications open for the 2020 crop. New interview with Jessie Tu. Plus news.

Happy 100th birthday to PD James, and happy 43rd birthday to the TRS-80 personal computer. We hear from WS writer and debut novelist, Jessie Tu. We open the callout for the 2021 WestWords Fellows. Pinerolo residencies still accepting applications. Blacktown Mayoral Writing Prize.

Frida Kahlo. Running a writers' group. Crime writing. News and opportunities. Harry Laing reads Rouse Hill Magic Lantern.

Happy birthday to one of the four great Japanese haikuists. A legend of the Australian picture book publishing world offers some sage advice to prospective PB writers. A couple of great opportunities for emerging writers and illustrators.

It's the "angry episode"! Happy birthday to Alanis Morissette. Ali Whitelock talks about her found poem "this is coal don't be afraid". Deborah Abela talks about crankiness. A free book about... happiness! Plus a great opportunity to own a piece of Australian picture book history.