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NEWS & EVENTS

Inside the enemy camp ..... Perhaps!

 

 

My latest crime novel Low Flying is set in a fictional Auckland aero club which is, in fact, based on the North Shore Aero Club where I took flying lessons some years ago.  The story includes several nefarious characters who are club flying instructors, who were, in no way, based on the personnel at the club.

 

Last month I received an invitation from the club to give an author talk to its members. I accepted with a little trepidation, concerned that they might criticise my description of aspects of flying, or object to some of my characters.

However, my fears were groundless. I highlighted some of my experiences both in New Zealand and overseas that I'd drawn on to develop the plot,  characters,  and my flying experiences that I'd drawn upon in writing the novel - which also included an audiobook that I'd narrated. 

 

The audience response was positive with the result that I enjoyed a very pleasant evening which, I am relieved to say, included compliments on the novel's storyline and characters.  All in all, a very pleasant experience!

Book launch for Uncommon Enemy and Writing Your First Novel 

The book launch for John Reynolds’ two books Uncommon Enemy and Writing Your First Novel was held at the Belmont Rose Centre – a small theatre on Auckland's North Shore.

 

Over 200 people attended and, having enjoyed the wine and nibbles, settled down for an entertaining evening.

Devonport writer Graeme Lay introduced John Reynolds. Graeme, having congratulated John on the publication of his two books, pointed out that the North Shore had a long history of writers and poets including Frank Sargeson, Maurice Duggan, A.R.D. Fairburn, and Bruce Mason.

 

John then read extracts from his novel, supplemented with quotes from Writing Your First Novel, and fielded many questions and comments from the audience.  Having been careful with his extracts not to give too much of the plot away one of the first questions was, “How does the novel end?”  To laughter he responded, “If I told you that I’d have to kill you.”

TV interview on The Book Club.

Photos of a TV interview I recorded on Sunday morning for a new show The Book Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUyt9V-DS6g

TV interview on The Beat Goes On.

Interview with host Gerard Smith about Uncommon Enemy and Writing Your First Novel - background to the development of both books and information on the writing, editing and publishing processes. An interview that is entertaining and informative.

Check it out:  https://tinyurl.com/39jn6uht



 

Welcoming the PM

John welcomes former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark who was the guest speaker at the SAE Institute's graduation.

Guest Speaker

John is guest speaker at a variety of author talks to community groups, book clubs and libraries - either in person or through social media.

If you would like him to talk to your group please email him: jbess@xtra.co.nz

 

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Document.pdf

                                       In With Both Feet Chapter One  

With the other ten-year-olds I sat barefooted and cross-leggedon the grass at a Takapuna Primary School assembly whereprizes were being awarded for sports and academic achievement. Irecall being only mildly interested as individual pupils, on hearing theirnames called, stepped up to receive certificates and occasionally smalltrophies from Mr Preston, the headmaster.Suddenly the boy seated next to me jabbed my ribs. Angrily Iswung round, but he was pointing towards the front.‘They just called your name!’‘My name?’‘Yeah!’I glanced up to see the headmaster looking in my direction. Iimmediately clambered to my feet, and he beckoned me forward.‘John Reynolds,’ he said. ‘A prize for the best Standard Four essay.’I was both bemused and pleased. The previous Friday night mydad had taken me to an auction, a weekly event in central Takapuna.Intrigued by the antics of the auctioneer and the way in which theparticipants shouted their bids, I used the experience as the basis formy class essay – a fictional story about what happened to a boy whowent to an auction.The essay is long gone but winning the prize for writing stayedin my mind. This affirmation stayed with me during my chequeredprogress through the school system and into adulthood.Without a doubt, that day began my writer’s journey, which hascontinued ever since.

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