KLP Chat: Ian Brown on Writing, Television and Tortoises!

Former television producer, Ian Brown, has worked some of the most famous people in the world, including Harrison Ford, Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan, Simon Cowell, George Lucas, Gordon Ramsay, George Michael, Jamie Oliver, Jonah Lomu and several Prime Ministers and US Presidents. Now, he's fulfilling a lifelong dream of writing books. Award-winning children's author and London-based writer, Ian, chats with host Shara Curlett about what has led to his successful series of picture books, Albert the Tortoise and his new series, Hugg 'n' Bugg, all illustrated by the talented Eoin Colfer. Ian recounts early creative influences—constant doodling, radio comedy like The Goons, being read Paddington books, and English teachers who encouraged his writing—then traces his path from selling shoes to journalism, local and national newspapers at the tail end of Fleet Street, and a 40+ year television career including This Is Your Life, where he worked with major celebrities and shares a story how he rewrote an entire show the morning of airing, when George Michael flew in on Concorde. Now, Ian is a full-time author. He shares the inspiration behind his award-winning picture book series, Ian's family tortoise Albert, one of which received a nomination for a Carnegie Medal. Ian visits dozens of schools, libraries, bookshops, festivals and other events each year sharing stories of his career, becoming a writer, the importance of resilience and perseverance to chase goals as well as reading his books. His books are also available as ebooks and audio books and have been translated into multiple languages. There are activity books, merch, and also an animated show in the works! Ian shares how he does a lot of work for and supports numerous UK literacy charities, they discuss the concern for school libraries and librarians disappearing. And, to finish, Ian shares Albert’s large social media presence, and notes plans for his hopes to visit Australia for events. **LINKS**: Albert and Christmas - Big W Albert and Christmas - Booktopia Albert the Tortoise website - www.alberttortoise.com Albert the Tortoise on Facebook Albert the Tortoise on X Albert the Tortoise on Instagram Albert the Tortoise on TikTok Wales Publisher - Graffeg Books Australian Distributor - Peribo Books Follow The KidLit Pod  on Instagram (@thekidlitpod) *Find out more about The KidLit Pod host, Shara Curlett, here:* Shara Curlett on Instagram (@sharacurlett) Shara Curlett Website (www.sharacurlett.com)