The rise of superfakes, book launches, and finding your ‘glimmers’

The giveaway this week is ‘The Work Wives’ by Rachael Johns.

In all the excitement of coming back from my hiatus last week, I forgot to mention a very important happening. Before July, I’d never been to a single book launch despite being a writer myself -- *hangs head in shame*. The thing is, I haven’t really run in ‘literary circles’ for most of my writing career. Book launches seemed like events incredibly fancy and cerebral people attend. I don’t consider myself in either of those categories.

However, three weeks ago, I managed to show up to ELEVEN book launches in one week. Okay, I cheated a bit. One was the amazing Rachael Mead’s launch of her latest book, The Art of Breaking Ice which is about the first Australian woman to go to Antarctica. Then, I followed that up that weekend by going to the Writers SA winter networking and speed launch event (line-up here), which featured the new books of ten South Australian writers, including my excellent friend, R A Wodecki. Between these two events, I met some new people (and just missed meeting in real life someone I’ve known online for several years, dang it!), had conversations about screen adaptations of crime novels, met the real-life relative of a character in one of the books, ate some tasty nibbles, and generally had a fab time. Let’s just say I’ve done a 180 on book launches and will probably be a regular from now on. They’re good fun!

What’s something you were apprehensive about going to but ended up being glad you did?

We sometimes waste so much energy being worried for no reason about not fitting in when we’re in various spaces.

Until next time,

Becks

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News

1.     Apparently, luxury handbags are getting the deepfake treatment. Counterfeit bags are certainly not new, but now they’re getting startingly close to the real thing that all but the most clued-in expert would have trouble telling them from the originals. I found this in-depth article on these ‘superfakes’ in Indonesia mighty thought-provoking, especially considering a purchase by a Hermes collector escalated into a bomb threat. Politicians and officials are also now responding to criticisms of their wives flaunting their wealth by claiming their bags are superfakes (er, is that better? – still pricey albeit cheaper than the real deal, and they’re supporting an illegal industry – hmm). As fakes reach a level of realism a whisker away from the official merchandise, it begs the question: what does it take to be ‘real’ anyway, especially if the naked eye can’t tell the difference?

2.     I aim for 10,000 steps each day and use the QANTAS Wellbeing app to track my progress, but as a writer, finding time to get away from sitting down in front of my laptop can be challenging. Thankfully, this health piece lets those of us who don’t quite make the mark every day off the hook – sort of. A Japanese clock company made up the milestone of 10,000 for daily steps and in reality, at least a few thousand may keep the doctor away. Experts do caution that more is better, but it makes me feel better for those days when I barely leave bed, particularly in winter.

3.     Hungry for a bizarre fashion trend to (forgive me) sink your teeth into? Look no further than sardinecore (if you think my puns were bad, brace yourself as they come in thick and fast in this Guardian piece). It’s like we took a wrong turn at resortwear and mermaid hair and somehow ended up with tiny salty fish adorning our clothes and accessories. I’m all for fashion pushing boundaries, but this is where I check out. Go home, fashion. You’re drunk.

Reviews

1.     When I saw this concept, I couldn’t go past it and immediately texted a friend about it. This lovely ABC article here talks about the idea of ‘glimmers’, a term coined by US trauma expert, Deb Dana. Glimmers are essentially the opposite of triggers – those nasty reminders of past trauma in the form of smells, sounds, articles of clothing. Really, triggers are anything that takes you back to a particularly bad experience in your life. Glimmers, on the other hand, make you feel calm, happy, and safe. The trick is noticing the tiny moments when you have a glimmer and what caused it, then actively seeking to recreate those moments throughout your day. A walk in the sunshine, the feeling of grass between your toes, the smell of fresh-baked bread – that sort of thing. There’s definitely something to this.

2.     I applied some MECCA MAX Night Duty Hydrating Overnight Jelly Mask ($24 for 50ml) in the bath on a night where I went to bed with heartburn and feeling rather poorly. I’m not generally one for wearing night masks, but this one is clear, fragrance-free and non-smeary, so you don’t have to worry about getting it on your pillow or mushed all over your face. I woke up feeling dehydrated, but my face looked surprisingly smooth rather than the wrinkled-prune look I’m usually sporting when I wake up drained of all moisture. I’m not sure I’ll necessarily buy this again, but I’ll definitely continue using up my current tube. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and contains aloe vera and vitamin E. Worth giving it a go.

What I’m Feelin’ Right Now

• Watching House Hunters International, but secretly hoping every episode is set in the Netherlands

• Hoop earrings

• Flat espadrilles

• Asking for things in a hopeful-not-entitled fashion and seeing what comes of it

• Leaning into dressing like Weird Barbie 24/7

• Katie Holmes’s leprechaun loafers in Manhattan

• ‘adore u’ by Fred again.. and Obongjayar

• Long shorts with heels for spring

Giveaway

Last week’s giveaway, Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, was won by Melanie Whittle. Hooray! I’ve emailed you, Melanie.

This week’s giveaway is The Work Wives by Rachael Johns. Fill your name and email address in here to enter.

Playlist of the Week

Snow on your eyelashes: