AUTHOR

A professional writer for over 20 years, Nick Place has written for newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the Internet, but regardless of this, he still refuses to grow up.

"I've always been a writer, and I love drawing too," says Nick. "When I was a kid I used to create newspapers for my family (usually full of horrible stories like shark attacks or natural disasters!) and I spent hour after hour in my room making up imaginary stories starring my super-hero figurines. It was in secondary school that I realised my one skill was creative writing. Journalism gave me a way to get paid to write, but for 20 years I've been writing fiction on the side."

Nick has had three novels published through Allen & Unwin. THE KAZILLION WISH was published in 2003, and was followed by the sequel THANKS A KAZILLION in 2004. THE OK TEAM is his latest novel, a comedy adventure is set in a unique universe of superheroes and plays with the elements of the genre in unpredictable ways.

When growing up, Nick was an avid student although he struggled with maths and science ("Science will always remain a mystery to Nick," was how his final science teacher tactfully broke the news to his parents). In years 11 & 12, he had "an awesome English/Eng. Lit. teacher who showed me how great poetry can be, and gave me an appreciation of language.'"

Nick tries to emulate this in his own presentations, which are perfectly suited for middle years students. And what does Nick do when he's not writing? 'I hang out with my family and friends. I take the boys to footy (the only true code is AFL - and we barrack for the Richmond Tigers, and the Lorne Dolphins). The boys play footy now too, so I also go and barrack for the mighty Kew Comets Under 9s and Under 11s. I love to Boogie board at Lorne, or ride my mountain bike in the bush." And it's no surprise to hear that he also reads a lot!

Published in 2008 by Allen & Unwin, is Nick's second book in The OK Team Series – THE OK TEAM 2 – BETTER THAN OK.

Hazy a.k.a Focus is back at the helm of his special superhero squad. A follow up to the hilarious adventures in The OK Team.

Focus and his friends are up to their capes in strife.

Hazy Retina (a.k.a FOCUS) and his team are Level D, Third Grade Heroes who are finding their feet. But the bad guys have a new secret weapon - the Serum That Overly Magnifies Powers. And Focus has agreed to a Knight-Hood Pact without checking the fine print. Can THE OK TEAM overcome the effect of S.T.O.M.P. and survive the Knight-Hood Pact - or has Hazy lost his Focus for good?

'A really good book, action-packed with exciting events.' Conor 11

'This is a great read. A funny story about heroes and heroics.' Cam, 12

"Nick was great - many students were enthused to buy his book on its release. He was a good model, and spoke well about his writing and how he started. Very enjoyable!"
- Robin Nicholson, Armadale PS