Nick Earls
58, writer, Toowong
What time do you wake up on a Saturday?
I’m usually up by 8am for a run – which is preferable to my midsummer routine of being up at 5.30 for a run. When I say “run”, I mean jog, in a style all too reminiscent of Cliff Young, around the streets of Toowong and the Riverwalk.
What’s your go-to weekend breakfast?
I have no imagination at breakfast time and limited social capacity so, just about every time, it’s a five-star cereal, with some raspberries and lowfat yoghurt.
Favourite park and why?
Bush tracks on the western side of Gap Creek Rd, which I think is now part of South D’aguilar National Park. It’s a brilliant place to walk for hours and see virtually no one.
Favourite bookshop and why?
Anyone prepared to roll the dice and set up a business selling books is a favourite of mine, particularly if they remember to sell some of my books. I’m sad we lost Folio recently, but glad we still have Avid Reader and Riverbend Books. And all the others.
Favourite library and why?
I think the State Library and Brisbane Square Library have both been created as really interesting places – neither is just a box but manage to combine some interesting architectural choices with a sense of pervading calm. But suburban libraries are great too, in the way they’re forever thinking about what they can do for their patrons.
Best place to write – aside from home?
Anywhere low stimulus. If there’s too much to see or listen to (or eat, or drink), I’m not likely to be writing. I probably talk to myself all the time while
I’m writing, but I’d prefer not to confirm that by doing it, for instance, between courses at Gerard’s Bistro or while waiting for my coffee tin to be filled at Merlo.
Local coffee haunt?
Abode Cafe at Taringa. I typically order a decaf iced coffee, because a decaf short black would be over in seconds. Abode is on a suburban street, and I like the traffic-free ambience. And they don’t give me lip about drinking decaf.
Favourite takeaway?
Sendok Garpu at Indooroopilly, at lunchtime for the nasi kapau with beef rendang. Brilliant Indonesian homecooking and a welcoming atmosphere.
Best spot for date night?
If I’m being honest, I have no staying power, so the sofa, in front of Netflix, with a Moo Brew stout and a few squares of Lindt 70 per cent dark chocolate. If you’ll let me cheat a bit and go for a date lunch instead of at night, I’m going to say sharing the secret beef at Treasure Inn, Graceville.
Favourite place to holiday or hidden treasure in Queensland?
Coolum is high on my list right now. It’s relaxed, beachy and now has a great range of affordable eating places.
What’s your perfect Saturday?
It might just be to mash up a few of my choices above – a couple of hours bushwalking off Gap Creek Rd, some reading/book buying, and an early evening show or book event.
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