What we talk about at lunch
When I wasn't working full-time, I would wonder: what do people talk about at lunchtime? Those office workers drifting to their kopitiams and languidly strolling back at 12.58 pm—what are they happily chatting about?
Here's a glimpse at what we chat about during lunchtime at the Epigram office:
A young lady in our team has an uncle who owns a sugarcane stall. One day, he stayed behind to clean his new sugarcane machine while his family went ahead to chope seats for dinner. Maybe he was distracted by the birds near the food centre, but he completely forgot to turn off the power. Three of his fingers got stuck. So instead of sugarcane, you can guess what got juiced. His neighbours called the SCDF immediately, but even as they worked to free him, it took two whole hours. His ring finger lost blood flow—the ring had to come off with it—and the bones of the middle and index fingers were so badly crushed they had to be removed. He is now left with a thumb and a pinkie.
PSA: Her storytelling was a lot more visual than this; hence, our team won't be drinking sugarcane for a while.
I genuinely, and perhaps sadistically, love these stories of ordinary workers. The Yakult auntie, the elderly tissue auntie, the cleaner uncle, my favourite wanton mee stall owner—what deep thoughts run through their minds during a lull? What do they worry about, dream about (besides winning our national lottery), laugh about when no one's watching? You can always find me eavesdropping as I enjoy my teh-c.
And with that, I'd like to introduce you to a book I enjoyed—and have bought for myself. It's a book where you can genuinely hear the interviewee's voice, sharing their life stories:
|
Hard at Work: Life in Singapore Sixty people—a barista, a restaurateur, a hostess bar worker, an academic ghostwriter, a drag performer, an elderly tissue vendor—talk honestly about work and life in contemporary Singapore. What emerges isn't just a portrait of labour; it's a portrait of the city itself, told from the ground up, in the voices we walk past every day without stopping to hear. It's these little stories that matter |
2027 Epigram Books Fiction Prize — Judging Panel
|
We've just announced the judging panel for the 11th Epigram Books Fiction Prize. Returning as chair is Edmund Wee, joined by four new judges: Narisa Chakrabongse of River Books Bangkok, Professor C. J. Wee Wan-ling from NTU, Bertha Henson, former Associate Editor of The Straits Times, and Ibrahim Tahir of Wardah Books. The prize is open to citizens and permanent residents across Southeast Asia. Submit an original, unpublished manuscript of at least 40,000 words in English. 📅 Submissions close 1 August 2026, 11:59pm SGT Submit Your Manuscript |
BAGFest — 27 & 28 June
|
Organised by Sing Lit Station and Origame, BAGFest is the first festival in the world that brings together books and tabletop gaming for a weekend of analog play and exploration. Whether you're into zines, board games, poetry, RPGs, novels, or just discovering new local creators, BAGFest is a space where stories and fun go hand in hand.
📅 27 & 28 June |
ACWP Practitioners Day — 12 July
|
The ACWP Practitioners Day is back on 12 July with a theme: "Why Not?" It's the question every writer needs someone to ask themselves at least once. A full day of inspiration, learning and networking with authors and fellow writers at The Arts House, open to all levels. Whether you've been sitting on a half-finished manuscript or just quietly wondering if you could, why not find out?
📅 Sunday, 12 July |
That's all this week! Here's your GIF:
Warmly,
Chloe
Leave a comment