Currently reading Roald Dahl (More About A Boy) from our local ‘liebary.’ The man himself would have loved this. Graffiti on my book! I’ve made it!
Stay at scool, kids
posted on March 9, 2013 by Justin in Uncategorized
How to speak like a Kiwi (as in New Zealander, not the fruit)
posted on March 7, 2013 by Justin in Blatant plugs
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!
I love New Zealand but…
posted on March 3, 2013 by Justin in Blatant plugs
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
Why Mick Jagger should run your HR Department
posted on March 1, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
How to draw with the freedom of a five-year-old
posted on February 27, 2013 by Justin in Random Style
Remember how good it felt to draw as a kid? You never worried about stuffing up. ‘Look, it’s a table! Nope, it’s a monkey’s butt. Scratch that, it’s a cauliflower spaceship.’ We lose our inhibitions as we get older and worry what people think. I got some great advice from New Zealand artist Susan Webb who suggested I draw left handed – without looking at the paper. Look down. ‘Picasso! Inside a tomato! On a sausage dog!’
Liberating.
8 kids questions that always have the same answer
posted on February 22, 2013 by Justin in Blatant plugs
‘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.
Can a man win a swimming race against a dog?
posted on February 22, 2013 by Justin in Uncategorized
This morning on our radio show we asked ‘Can Jase, Stace or Justin’ win a swimming race against a dog. All week we asked listeners to submit opponents. Kira the German Shepard was chosen.
But where would we race? Not surprisingly every public pool in town told us to jump in the lake. The sea! Of course. Friday morning rolled round and three names were places in a bucket. The loser had to race Kira.
I drew the short straw. ‘Shake!’ I said. And she did. Good sport. And we were off!
The winner of the first race was undecided as it was suggested I cheated by running the last bit. I thought I was being a good sport by emulating the doggy paddle. (Didn’t see Kira trying backstroke.) The second race was definitive. Sort of.
Meanwhile, Kira just wanted her ball.
‘I’d give this a five star rating. Probably.’
posted on February 13, 2013 by Justin in Uncategorized
Billie and Macy review ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’ Thanks girls. Oh, and working on new books in case you’re wondering.
‘Took six beers to finish your book!’
posted on February 11, 2013 by Justin in Blatant plugs
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.
Launch Day!
posted on February 1, 2013 by Justin in Uncategorized
Feb 1st signals the launch of my debut junior fiction novel ‘Shot, Boom, Score!’ published by Allen and Unwin. If you follow this blog you’ll know what the story’s about – and how it came to be – so I won’t prattle on. Needless to say, if you have an 8-12 year old in the house who likes reading, and enjoys funny characters, you can buy the book here or download the Kindle version here – which also has a preview chapter. Enjoy!
