Cirrus@Austlit

'The worst term in literary circles at the moment must be cli-fi. Referring to climate change ­novels, the term is a clunky version of sci-fi, sounds more like an airconditioner and has yet to produce many good books. But it also overshadows a more interesting genre that’s sprung up in these angsty times.' (Introduction) 

'Playwright David Williamson is putting down his pen after 50 years at the top of Australia’s theatre tree. He tells old friend and fellow theatre veteran Graeme Blundell why now is the time to pass the baton to the next generation.' (Introduction)

'How a small team from Brisbane created a global children’s television sensation that celebrates play, parenting and blue heelers, writes Andrew McMillen' 

'The concept of the “sad clown” is a cliche, yet the expression seems an apt description of Michael Leunig whose quirky cartoon characters have amused and moved us for many years.' (Introduction) 

'Bill Leak, longtime cartoonist at The Australian, was an old-school artist and art student. A new exhibition reveals for the first time some of Leak’s early life drawings. By Fred Pawle'

'Friends of JM Coetzee have marked the Nobel laureate’s 80th birthday in ways that suggest his unique place in the literary world, writes Geordie Williamson'

'This week I chatted to the new Australian Children’s Laureate, Sydney writer Ursula Dubosarsky, author of more than 60 children’s books, at least one of which remains on the newly adulted teen bookshelf at home: Too Many Elephants in This House. Dubosarsky, pictured below with her dog Argus (more on him soon), has taken the baton from Morris Gleitzman. Her theme is Read for Your Life.' (Introduction)

'The English poet Mark Ford has been a champion of the poetry of John Ashbery for many years. He is the editor of Ashbery’s Collected Poems and has curated various archives and exhibitions of what many believe to be the most significant poetic voice to emerge from the US since World War II.' (Introduction)