The Flourishing Creator

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.

“Hemi IQ” is, “a smart guide to the world this month,” featuring a collection of about ten vignettes, interviews, and guides of 140-to-500 words, each of which fall under a designated category. Categories differ each month, but can include “Early Childhood Education,” “Photography,” “Culinary Arts,” “Fashion,” “Agriculture,” “Hospitality,” “Zoology,” “Computer Science,” “Design,” “Health,” “Music,” “Political Science,” “Chemistry,” and “Performing Arts.” An example of “Early Childhood Education” is, “Haute-Chair Cuisine,” an article about a Manhattan restaurant that redefined the kids’ meal. “The Future’s So Bright” is a “Computer Science” article about new sunglasses that discreetly record video. “On Savannah Style” is a “Fashion” interview with Paula Wallace, the President and Founder of Savannah College of Art and Design. “When’s the Beef?” is a “Culinary Arts” timeline that illustrates two millennia of beef history, resulting in McDonald’s global enterprise.

“Going Local” profiles a local from one of the WestJet destinations. In about 500 words, they give seven recommendations of places they love in their hometown. Recommendations include things like their favorite bar or restaurant, the best music venue, where to get back to nature, or the best places to go for a walk. Most of these are generic but usually one or two are specific to the person. For example, a celiac giving their favorite gluten-free restaurant or a musician their favorite bar for live music. There is a short third-person introduction which describes the person profiled followed by the recommendations which appear as quotes from the person. There is also the “Getting There” sidebar which, in about 20 words, tells readers how they can get to the destination with WestJet. Recent examples include musician Francis Macdonald highlighting his favorite spots in Glasgow, CEO of Collective Arts Brewing Matt Johnston on Hamilton, Ontario, and executive director of the Museum of the African Diaspora Linda Harrison’s recommendations for San Francisco.