Blatant plugs Archives - Page 4 of 5

I spoke to a great group at Stanley Bay Primary yesterday. As usual, kids this age (years 4,5 and 6) are full of life, energy and awkward questions. I told them about Malcolm McGarvy (the bully in my novel ‘Shot, Boom, Score!) who has a few tricks up his sleeve. One of which is the chicken made from a tea towel; the other is a penguin made from a banana.

The speech went well and Fiona and the team thanked me. When I jumped in the car to drive home I was sure I smelt something. Something sweet. Yet slightly rotten. Something…like the banana I used for my talk a month ago at Birkenhead Primary. (You’re just lucky this isn’t Smelevision.)

The idea for this e-book started out as a joke. My daughter (Sophie) and I were bored, so decided to think up ridiculous things. Once finished, she took the story to school and her class loved it, as did the teacher who passed it on to other classes. A few tweaks later we had a story. A few beers later I had an illustrator. And now you have the finished product.

No hoops to jump through. No questions to answer. No race to win. Just click on the cover (above) and my new junior novel (for 8-12 year olds) could be all yours. And I’ll even sign it for the special one in your household. Good luck. (PS. Only got till April 17th.)

Huh? You did! I said not to.

Ah well, seeing as you’re here you may as well have a look at some early reviews coming through for my junior novel ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’

The first is from School Library magazine (NZ Book Council). Buzzwords magazine encapsulate the plot perfectly, and here’s yours truly being interviewed in the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. (Yes, that’s my writing room and yes, that’s E.T – waving not drowning – in the background.) Oh, and in case you’re wondering, here is the last page of the internet.

Everyone’s favorite Canadian William Shatner pops into Auckland to track down author Justin Brown hoping to get a signed copy of his favorite junior novel ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’ [citation needed].

Justin Bieber pops into the Langham in Auckland to track down author Justin Brown hoping to get a signed copy of his favorite junior novel ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’ [citation needed].

If you’re thinking of traveling to New Zealand one day, it could be a wise move to watch this video first. I filmed it on the streets of Auckland. Despite sounding like an episode of ‘Flight of the Conchords,’ these sayings are used daily.

Choice, bro! She’ll be right! Sweet as!

When I turned 36½ I discovered I was the age of the ‘average’ New Zealander. But who, I wondered, is the average New Zealander?

Long story short, I decided it was time to face some of our national sacred cows.

Did the ‘good keen bloke’ still exist?

Whatever happened to 80 Million Sheep?

Is this the greatest place in the world to bring up kids?

The result was ‘Myth New Zealand’ – now available to read on Kindle. The first four chapters are free (via KDP select) here and the full book is here. I’ve been told it’s essential reading for Kiwis – and anyone planning to go to New Zealand – but you’ll have to see for yourself.

Some kind things people said about Myth New Zealand:

‘A guidebook that explains what makes Kiwis tick’ – Jackie Russell, The Times

‘An insightful meander through our history with a look into our future’ – M2 magazine

‘I borrowed it off a friend and I’m not giving it back’ – entertainer and author Max Cryer

‘Justin Brown is the natural heir to Max Cryer, except he’s shorter and can’t play the piano’. – national broadcaster Jim Mora

‘A humorous and provocative look at New Zealand and the way we see ourselves today’ – book critic Graham Beattie

‘Comical, thought provoking look at our country’ – Nicky Pellegrino, Herald On Sunday

‘Can I play on your phone?

Can I play a video game?

Can I hit the cat?

Can I see if the remote bounces?

Can I see if my sister bounces?

Can I watch TV?

Can I play on your old phone?

Can I go on the computer?’

If you have a bored 6-9 year old in the house can I put in a cheeky plug for the newly released FIREBOYS COLLECTION e-book. It’s been described as an exciting, easy-to-read series starring three unlikely characters. There’s Red (the competitive one), Leo (the serious one) and Spark (the loveable idiot.) The stories have strong plots and quirky characters. When I was a kid I found this length of story (about 10,000 words) cool to read because they’re easy to understand and a good introduction to longer stories. Plus it feels great when you actually finish a WHOLE BOOK. (Just click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon page.)

Or, just let the kids use your phone. But don’t get the high score on Temple run, they really hate that.

Early reviews of ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’

The first from Andy, who read it on a stag do, hence the the title of this post.

Pity the book is aimed at 8-12 year olds, otherwise I could have used his tagline in schools around the world.

From Kim: ‘I loved the book from start to end. Found it funny and loved the friendships. I especially loved Toby’s adorable relationship with his grandmother. The sister storyline is also hilarious. The only bit I found *annoying was Toby always having to prove himself to his Dad.’

* That sub plot was quite intentional; what boy, or girl for that matter, doesn’t?

* It is nice to know, however, Kim didn’t need any dutch courage to read it.

Justin Brown

There’s a funny smell in here

The Dog That Ate The Bathroom

Win an autographed copy of ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’

Boring post: do not click here

One photo, William Shatner, but that’s it

One photo, Bieber, but that’s it

How to speak like a Kiwi (as in New Zealander, not the fruit)

I love New Zealand but…

8 kids questions that always have the same answer

‘Took six beers to finish your book!’