We spoke with Tiger Webb, who helps maintain the ABC's style guide and a pronunciation database, about the clarifying effect of boredom, the question of needless words and an ice cream sandwich factory.

We wrap 2019 with the books, films, television, podcasts – and, really, anything that nourished Wheeler Centre staff during the past 12 months.

An extract from Hot Desk Fellow Shannan Lim's Nenek – a horror-comedy centering on two siblings who, over the course of one night with their grandmother, realise that there is more to her and the family than they know.

An extract from Hot Desk Fellow Bella Green's Committed – a series of autobiographical comedic non-fiction essays about sex work.

We spoke with author Garry Disher about the magic of blue ballpoints, avoiding teams and using the senses in writing.

This past weekend, the Wheeler Centre presented the inaugural Broadside festival of feminist ideas – with a blockbuster line-up of speakers and discussions. Complicated questions were posed. Difficult issues were surfaced. Creativity was celebrated. Graphic recorder Sarah Firth captured the discussion in real-time.