Protagonists is a series of interviews about life, identity, and pursuing passions… It's better not to compare yourself to Will Kostakis. His novels are bestsellers, earning fulsome cover quotes from the likes of Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi). His latest is due for release in March. The fact he's a full year younger than me makes me want … Continue reading Will Kostakis: “I’m scared someone’s gonna Go Set A Watchman me”
Protagonists is a series of interviews about life, identity, and pursuing passions… Nina is a natural storyteller with the best turn of phrase in the business. She's the kind of person who would make you feel inadequate by comparison at high school reunions. It would be totally inadvertent, of course. And you'd be enjoying the conversation … Continue reading Nina Betts: “He immediately started showing me photos of his mother’s open casket funeral”
Protagonists is a series of interviews about life, identity, and pursuing passions… Anke Grünow is a 27 year old writer/photographer/artist from Dresden, born in the faltering twilight of the GDR. She's always looking for a new angle of expression, and someone whose creative thirst I envy. She has also tried to kill herself. Twice. Are you able … Continue reading Anke Grünow: “Catharsis can be dangerous”
"This is dumb," said Tom, after a bulky silence. "I'm going." Anne rose in protest. "What?" said Tom. "It's just...I called jinx," said Anne. She wound back her left mitt and thumped him violently on the arm. "Rules are rules." Tom sank back to his seat, nursing the welt. This was a girl with principles, he thought. … Continue reading Jinx
At least there's no immediate threat of the machines taking over... The lights are not long out on the inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide and reviews are of the rave variety. The crowds turned up. Pundits pontificated excitedly - at excessive length - about a pink ball which ultimately behaved itself. And the cricket, despite … Continue reading Trust Issue: Cricket’s DRS Farce Continues
Habit parading as romance, marketing as tradition... Well, it's (Facebook) official. Engagement season is in full swing. The trickle on the old news feed has become a full-blown deluge. Bejewelled digits thrust to unanimous acclaim and hundreds of likes: 'She/I said YES!' The mid-to-late twenties threshold signals the next step for lots of established couples. … Continue reading Someone Tell Me, Why Is The Ring Still a Thing?
Illustrations by Martin Claydon
Berlin from Charlie Lawry on Vimeo.
Sports journalism is a topical business by nature. Desperate to fill column inches, writers will always jump on a timely issue. A few months ago, the Women's Football World Cup was the bandwagon du jour. The plucky underdog narrative was available. And the Matildas duly obliged with a strong showing. "Turns out our girls are … Continue reading The Obscene Neglect of Women’s Football in Australia (and Everywhere Else)
"Do you smoke?" asked the doctor, peering down my gob as I sat stricken with my third throat-based illness in as many months. "Nope." "Oh, okay." He seemed surprised. #tbt Full disclosure: I'm a prude when it comes to smoking. I don't understand it. I smoked briefly when I was 16 and looked very uncool … Continue reading Blowing Smoke: Making Sense of a Dying Habit
It's a path frequently taken. Reach the pinnacle of a sport. Conduct teary retirement press conference. Receive cushy commentary gig for life. This is how it works, and that's fine. Inviting viewers to tap into the thoughts of the best in the business - especially those fresh out of the game - makes perfect sense. The problem arises in … Continue reading Shane Warne: Chief Symptom of the Ex-Pro Punditry Club
Charlie Lawry 