AUSTRALIAN author Chris Thomas is celebrating 25 years since his cult comedy novel Journo’s Diary first hit shelves, with a new anniversary edition reviving the chaos of a pre-digital newsroom.
Originally written in the late 1990s and first published in 2000, the book is described by Thomas as “a cross between Ben Elton-style humour and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole”.
“It’s a comic indulgence with all the mature – and immature – themes you’d expect,” he said.
The story follows Rick Hughes, a hapless cadet journalist juggling office politics, looming deadlines, terrible coffee and disastrous life choices.
Set in the era of fax machines, phone books and film photography, Thomas said the technology may have dated but the heart of the story still resonates.
“Journalists still need to know how to structure a story, follow a style guide, meet deadlines, find people and get the basics right,” he said.
“And in this age of ‘fake news’, critical thinking and fact-checking remain as important as ever.”
Thomas has also written the official Doctor Who spin-off novel Lethbridge-Stewart: Blue Blood and short story Vampires of the Night, along with One Step Forward, Two Steps Back in Doctor Who: Short Trips – Defining Patterns.
He is the author of the children’s picture books Leonard The Lonely Duck and My Uncle is a Funcle as well as SMS Mess and Other Plays, a compilation of eight scripts for the stage.
While some readers have assumed Journo’s Diary is autobiographical, Thomas said it was a mix of ideas, experiences and exaggeration.
“Authors often draw on real-life events but humour takes things to ridiculous places,” he said.
“In comedy, people and situations are more absurd than they ever are in real life.”
Thomas said the new edition keeps the book’s irreverent spirit while adding small updates.
“I’ve resolved a plot hole, added a preface and leaned into the nostalgia,” he said.
“Put on 1999 by Charli XCX and Troye Sivan and enjoy the ride back to the turn of the millennium.”
Journo’s Diary: 25th Anniversary Edition is available via Amazon Australia, which ships direct to New Zealand, at tinyurl.com/journosdiaryoz.
