Justin Brown is a bestselling author, TV and radio host. He wrote his first book when he was seven (complete with ISBN number and recommended retail price) but waited a few more decades to publish the travel memoir UK on a G-String. More adventures followed, inspiring Teed Off in the USA and Bowling Through India, the latter winning Whitcoulls Travel Book of the Year 2009. 

Having penned the successful Speak series, Justin began writing chapter books for kids and was surprised how much he enjoyed it. The Magic Carwash, Runawayland and the sporty adventures of Mike-Cool-As-You-Like have proved very popular in schools. 

Justin has written 21 books (five of which are bestsellers) and also co-hosts the Classic Hits 97.4 breakfast show in Auckland, New Zealand - which will explain why he's tired.

When he's not writing, Justin hangs out with his family, plays the ukulele, watches/ plays sport and perfects his one and only party trick - making penguins out of bananas.

REALLY IMPORTANT INFO

(i.e. what I'm reading, watching and
listening to at the moment...)

Hi and thanks for stopping by. Despite this being the age of continual status updates, I'm not one of those ferocious bloggers who tells you what they had for breakfast. (I save that for Twitter.) Hopefully there's plenty on the site that will interest you. If after that, you still need to know what I ate, feel free to join our breakfast show's Facebook page. Or I could just tell you: cereal, two coffees and an orange. Enjoy!

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?

Rugby Speak (2011 edition) is now out. It follows on from the success of the first book, though this time I've included sayings from South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Japan - even France. And not to forget Maori - part of the 'Local Lingo' chapter. Good for anyone - like me - who needs some clever ammo in the crowd at the next game.

The Clean Slate Press series (with Joy Cowley as editor) is also out. You can see the latest titles here. I have nine in the series. Speaking of Joy Cowley I'm knee-deep in a novel for young readers which I've been working on for the past year. This week should see the end of that. Then the fun starts - editing. I always take heart from Dr. Seuss in this department - 'Everything stinks till it's finished.' 

The book I co-wrote with Swazi Man Davey Hughes (''Untamed'') has been on the bestseller lists since it was released. Davey has lived a fascinating life and has a massive following so I'm not surprised people want to read his story.

UNTAMED

MYTH NEW ZEALAND

A chapter from Myth New Zealand is online at the Hawkes Bay Today. Also, before the end of 2010 I rounded up every sheep in the country to make a Kiwi Christmas Carol. Oh, and a new reviews for Myth New Zealand from The Wanganui Chronicle: 'This is an absolute beaut of a book, the best about Kiwis and Kiwiana ever. Brown is a prolific writer of odd books about strange subjects which somehow make sense. It's obvious the author has more than a modicum of intelligence and, more to the point, a real love for his country. Great read.'

Myth New Zealand - Ever wondered what happened to the Good Keen Man? Where are the new Burt Munroes? If the Pavlova is our national dish, why can't we find it in restaurants? When's the last time you used number eight wire? I love my country but it's time we put it through a 21st Century reality check. Click the cover below to read the first chapter for free or download it here. You can buy the book here.

Here I am with Graeme Hill on his Radio Live weekend show and in the New Zealand Herald Booklover. Here's a review in the Times Online. Max Cryer had nice things to say about 'Myth New Zealand: 'Superb. I can't believe the amount of research and concepts that are, shall we say 'adjusted' by Justin Brown. Fascinating, very, very, very well done. I picked it up thinking it was a clever title and it turns out every page has a myth about New Zealand we didn't know.'