The Flourishing Creator

“Take a Detour” is an 800-word article covering a different destination each issue either in Australia or in the Virgin Australia flight network. In third person, the article covers what readers can see and do in the area plus recommendations for where to stay, shop, and eat. The sidebar “Details” accompanies the article which gives more information on any businesses mentioned such as the address, phone number, and website. Examples for this section include “Booked Up,” covering the annual writing festival in Byron Bay and where to eat, shop, stay when visiting, “Water Colours,” about the lesser-known islands in Venice and what to see, do, and eat while there, and “The Powder Room,” about Wanaka, New Zealand, and the winter sports activities you can do there.

“Source File” profiles an interesting person, often one working in the luxury or fashion industries. There’s a 100-word third-person introduction, covering what they do, followed by a 400-word article. This is written in a first-person as-told-to style and could cover their favorite places to visit worldwide, more in the industry they work in, or anecdotes from their childhood and any future plans. Examples include “Eve of the Beholder,” profiling Paola Russo, founder of boutique Just One Eye, “Driven to Discover,” about Pierre Lagrange, owner of fashion brand Huntsman, and “Forecasting Time,” profiling Hamilton Powell, founder of Crown & Caliber.

“The Hemi Q&A” takes the form of an interview with a celebrity. There is an introduction of about 200 words, which covers what the celebrity is best known for in third person. This is then followed by a structured Q&A with questions covering the celebrity’s career and any new projects. Articles range from 2,000 to 2,500 words long. Recent interviewees include anchorman Dan Rather, screenwriter and director Aaron Sorkin, and actor John Lithgow.

The personal essay that starts the “Classics” section is about 600 words in length and offers a glimpse into southern tradition and lifestyle. Recently published titles include “Supper vs. Dinner,” indicating the difference between the two and determining what, when, and where to eat, and “Cast-Iron Keepsake,” the story of a well-seasoned skillet passed down through generations.

“Reviews” is comprised of about three articles written by different contributors. These take the form of a review of a business in Australia such as a restaurant or hotel. In about 500 words, the review describes the venue including facts such as when it opened, the décor, and food and menu if it’s a restaurant. It’s written in first person as the writer gives their own opinion on the place as well as anecdotes from their own stay or meal there. Occasionally quotes can be seen from the owner or the chef. All writers pay their own way and dine or stay anonymously so reviews are unbiased. There is a 100-word sidebar called “Details” which gives more information on the restaurant or hotel such as the address and website. This is followed by a score out of five along with the subheadings of “Verdict,” with the final thoughts, “We Rated,” the things the writer likes, and “We’d Change,” the problem areas. Examples from recent issues include “Headline Act,” covering Detour restaurant in Brisbane, “Moon Base,” which covers the Thousand Lakes Wilderness Lodge in Tasmania, and “Trailer Park,” which reviews Notel, where you can stay in converted caravans on a rooftop in Melbourne.