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Postal costs and Payment methods

Postal Costs

These days it’s not so straight forward sending parcels nationwide, and every 1 July it seems NZ Post increase their costs. As a not-for-profit, and with the closed store, we are unable to carry those small extra costs.

Last year we chose only to increase the international postage costs, but this year we have also had to increased our nationwide and Australian costs at the absolute minimal level, effective from today.

Please note, if you live in a rural area and have rural delivery you need to select the rural delivery option, we are no longer covering the additional cost of this additional service.

We have not increased out costs based on the number or size of the books.

We apologise for the inconvenience.

We currently have the option of PayPal, this is quick and easy and you can use your credit card and don’t have to be an existing customer of PayPal.

Find out more about PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/nz/business

We have also been asked about using Stripe and Western Union, both are good options and we are asking our customers to let us know if you want these as a payment option at checkout.

Please note: With Western Union bank transfers from overseas to New Zealand. We will occur a $NZ 25 fee which will have to be passed on to the customer.

Find out more about Western Union: https://www.westernunion.com/nz/en/home.html

Find out more about Stripe: https://stripe.com/en-nz

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ANZAC Day and War Fiction on The Hutt Weekender – 22 April

On Tuesday 25th April we remember those that served and what they gave for our tomorrow.
In our online shop we have a selection of creative non-fiction, fiction and non-fiction covering various conflicts from the past to the recent, around the world.
ANZAC books - /tag/anzac/
War fiction - /tag/war-fiction/

Featured author - Dave Hayward

Dave Hayward joined the army aged sixteen years and remained a soldier for thirty-three years, seeing active service in Borneo during Indonesia’s ‘Confrontation’ with Malaysia and in South Vietnam. When Dave retired as Sergeant Major of the Army, he took up writing and using his experiences and the wealth of history at his fingertips, he has produced eight novels.
His first-hand knowledge of the world of the twentieth century Infantry soldier is recognised as unique — he is regularly invited to address students at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University.

Other books features were:

Ironic Cross by Bruce Meder - one family caught up in 2 wars The Napoleonic Wars and World War 1.

The Battle of Messines Road by JK & WJ Moloney - a coming of age story, a World War 1 diary and a family saga.

The Booktown Festival in Featherston is on 12 - 14 May 2023 - all information and scheduling of events can be found on their website Featherston Booktown. Booksellers (new, second hand, antique and specialist) will be in the ANZAC Hall.

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St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day 17 March promotion image for story and links below

We wish you the luck of the Irish for March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of Ireland.

We’ve a list of books from our authors that are either set or partially set in Ireland or the characters are Irish. A mixture of memories in fiction and non-fictional; accounts of coming to New Zealand as an immigrant; travels that took the author to Ireland and fun, feel good stories set in the country. As well, there is series or two based on authentic aspects of Irish mythology by Brian O’Sullivan (now a New Zealander) from Irish Imbas Books (http://irishimbasbooks.com/).

Just a selection of what can be found on our online store – /tag/irish/

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Books for International Women’s Day on The Hutt Weekender – 11 March

For International Women’s Day - March 8, and we’ve put together a list of books from our authors that give a unique perspective on the strength of women.
Just a selection of what can be found on our online store - /tag/international-womens-day/

Because I Could by Alison Bradley book cover

Because I Could by Alison Bradley
‘My 2,800 mile run across America’

I’ve never been one to follow the path of the ‘norm’ and in 2013 I set myself a challenge, a challenge that everyone else deemed crazy, but, once I have decided on a goal I won’t feel complete until it has been accomplished. That is how on May 6th, 2013, I found myself on the steps of City Hall New York about to run two marathons a day for more than two months to see if I could make it to LA.

Review: I loved following the journey and Alison’s tenacity to keep on running, kept me engaged with funny, scary and emotional moments.
Alison’s adventure with all the description that made me feel like I went across the country as well.

Find on our website at /shop/books/non-fiction/because-i-could-by-alison-bradley/

Which Way is Starboard Again? by Anna Kirtlan

When sailing novice Anna Kirtlan takes to the high seas, expect the unexpected. Not many people have the courage to sail the South Pacific with as little experience as Anna, who has to learn to sail, from scratch, and overcome the severe anxiety and panic attacks.

Anna relates the adventures she shares with her partner Paddy on board Wildflower and the characters they meet along the way.

Reviews: A truly enjoyable read from start to end. Anna has given a vivid and often humorous account of life at sea while laying bare her own personal struggles when placed on a small boat in the middle of a vast and endless ocean. What I took away from this book was that no matter the roadblocks life may put in front of you (or whatever fears you may have), if you persevere and truly commit yourself then nothing can be too great. Also don’t sweat about the small stuff people!
A captivating, hilarious and honest account of life at sea! This book has been a fantastic companion; an absolute joy to read!

Find this book on the website at /shop/books/non-fiction/which-way-is-starboard-again-by-anna-kirtlan/

Which Way is Starboard Again? by Anna Kirtlan
Super Mum Complete Series by Stacey Broadbent book cover

Super Mum: the complete series by Stacey Broadbent
Super Mum, the complete series of 3 novellas which includes:
Frazzled
Frazzled and Frumpy
Frazzled, Frumpy and Fabulous!

Motherhood.
It’s a crazy journey and one of life’s joys, even though, at times, it’s not quite what you imagined it would be.

Reviews: This complete series is full of laugh out loud moments about motherhood and marriage. Some scenes I swear I was reading about my own life. I love how she didn’t pull and punches and wrote it like it is, not sugar coated!!!
From unintentional co-sleeping, bed wetting, and pregnancy to raising multiple children and wondering if you’re enough.

Find this book on our website at /shop/books/fiction/contemporary-fiction/super-mum-the-complete-series-by-stacey-broadbent/

The Warrior Women Project by Uchenna L Umeh and Pat Backley
A Sisterhood of Immigrant Women.

The life of an immigrant; what is it like? Ever wanted to know what goes on in a woman’s mind? What if we combined both? What would happen? This book gives an exclusive insight into the exciting journeys of 22 amazing women from 13 countries of the world.
The book provides a safe space where successful immigrant women can tell their stories, in their own words. Their emigration stories are inspirational and empowering narratives of strength.

Review: A poignant coffee table anthology that will make you laugh or cry but keep you turning the page! The only thing I wish was for the stories to keep going on and on! It is a must-read for anyone looking for a snapshot of the immigrant experience through the lens of women who have gone through and risen above thick or thin! Each story is unique but the thread of hardship, perseverance, and survivorship is woven throughout the book.

Hardcover with coloured photographs. This book is on the website at /shop/books/non-fiction/the-warrior-women-project-by-uchenna-l-umeh/

The Warrior Women Project book cover
Water - Wai by Marie Munro book cover

Water – Wai by Marie Munro

The first in our new bilingual picture book series, Nana’s Simple Science – Te Pūtaiao Ngāwari o Kui. NEW this week.

Children love water. They drink it, wash in it, swim in it and play in it. But do they know the water cycle story – where water comes from, where it goes, and all the things it does along the way?

Marie Munro also writes the Nana’s shed series –

This book and links to the Nana stories are in the website at - /shop/books/children/water-wai-by-marie-munro/

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International Women’s Day - March 8

March 8 is International Women’s Day, and we’ve put together a list of books from our authors that give a unique perspective on the strength of women.

They range from a fun an light hearted look at motherhood, to solo travels; from memories of growing up last century to conversations with creatives; from mentoring women in business to understanding women of other cultures.

A selection of what can be found on our online store on the International Women’s Day link - /tag/international-womens-day/

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Summer book reviews on The Hutt Weekender - 11 Feb

Ghost bus by Anna Kirtlan book cover

Ghost bus – tales from Wellington’s dark side by Anna Kirtlan

Paranormal humour that will make you smile while you nervously look over your shoulder. Spirits, sea monsters and a rest home for troublesome witches all feature in this short story collection/creepy love letter to Wellington New Zealand.

Review: Loved this book of dark, witchy and spooky tales written with warmth and humour around the C.B.D. and suburbs of Wellington, NZ.
If you know Wellington, you will recognise the places and the sentiment – the wind, the sorry state of buses, the art, the buildings, and the iconic waterfront. Each with its own unique paranormal story.
An easy and enjoyable read of short stories.

A Box of Words collected works from The Writers Plot Writing Group

Six authors. Thirty short stories and poems.

The stories cover speculative fiction, contemporary family fiction, observational essays on everyday life, memoirs and creative non-fiction. From historical to modern, lives that take a turn, unexpected discoveries and changes that challenge the status quo.
Stories of young investigators, families, loss and heartbreak, an unusual use of modern technology.
Of memories where fear is overcome and taking that first step can change a life.
We see that life goes on, but not always in the way you’d expect…

Review: A great read of a wide variety of stories and styles. Fun and thought provocking.

A Box of Words collected works book cover
Lost in Summer Storms by Mary-Catherine Downes book cover

Lost in Summer Storms by Mary-Catherine Downes

A novella about growing up and becoming an adult, set during the summer holidays at a small sea-side community - ‘The Bay’.

Jeremy and Elena with their friends, Margaret and Roland, as they transition from childhood to the teenage years and adulthood.
Life isn’t always happy and paths can take twists and turns but the friends get though it with faith and love. Then tragedy strikes.
Running away, Elena can’t trust anyone and is consumed by guilt and betrayal. That is until her friends find her. Returning to the bay, Elena finds courage to face the past … and then the truth comes out.

Review: An entertaining quick read. Reminiscent of simpler times, of childhood and summer holidays.
The characters feel like people I’ve known for years, as we are with them in their family life, through painful trials, teenage angst, fun times, love and loss. Recommended.

Point of No Return by Brian Hool

There is a time and place when your past catches up with you and confronts you. A decision needs to be made, do you carry on doing what you’ve always done or do you you put changes in place for the future?

The story of Chandra, who takes on this challenge to change her thoughts as well as her actions, it sounds easy, but there are pitfalls along the way.

Review: An enjoyable read that keeps you guessing. Chandra works with horses and the spiritual conection between horses and humans is part of the story.

Point of No Return by Brian Hool book cover

Broken by Stacey Broadbent

Unwanted and Alone…
The dull ache inside my heart grows stronger every day with each new taunt.
A novella written in the first person, a young woman crying out for help.

*Trigger Warnings for emotional abuse, self harm, violence, anxiety, and grief.

Review: A beautifully written story - beware you’ll need tissues

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Best selling Kids and Teen fiction of 2022

1 - The Death-Hunters by Denika Mead

Royal Orchid - Book 1
Link to our online shop for more information
Adventure/scifi/fantasy for the teen reader.

Fourteen-year-old Ivy falls through a portal into a new world - Ghost Orchid. Scared and alone, she come across a group of teen rebels fighting to save the icy wasteland.

In this strange world, she needs to decide if her friends are really the good-guys or just dangerous; while listening to a slithery voice in her head which promises a way-out -a way home. Will she stay and fight to stop Ghost Orchid and Earth fro descending into chaos?

2 - The Last Kingdom by Denika Mead

Link to our online shop for more information
Adventure/scifi/fantasy for the teen reader.

The Last Kingdom is a standalone book and introduces characters who will feature in The Crystal Continent, the last book in the Royal Orchid series.

Thrust into a world he’s been dreading his whole life, Prince Phoenix must take the throne. His only friend stands by him, but if she’s found, she will be executed.

3 - The Dragon Defenders by James Russell

Book One
Link to our online shop for more information
Action and Adventure

Two brothers on a wild and wonderful island home with an incredible secret: dragons live there!

When evil boss The Pitbull finds out, he sends men to kill a dragon, to bring back the body along with a dragon’s egg. 
The brothers need to defend the dragons and stop The Pitbull’s evil plan.

Recommended for  7 – 11 years


4 - The Super Weirdos and the Battle of Bash by Mr Mac

Link to our online shop for more information
Action and adventure/superheros/humorous.

 Engages all readers from reluctant readers through to book worms

In this hilariously weird adventure, Norm, a regular kid, finds out there are aliens living among us.
This book reveals secrets to the universe in ways that no one could have expected.

Recommended for  7 – 13 years

5 - There’s No Such Thing As Humans by Helen Vivienne Fletcher

Link to our online shop for more information
Action and adventure/monsters/magic/humorous

A children’s novel about fears, acceptance and annoying older brothers. 

Grub is absolutely terrified of humans, especially the one his brother says lives under his bed.
Grub’s mum says there’s no such thing as humans, but even so, they must never go to the edge of the forest. That’s fine by Grub, until his brother dares him. He can’t refuse a double dare, can he?

Recommended for 6 - 11 years.

6 - Princess Peach and the Wild Weekend by Mary Em

Princess Peach Book 1
Link to our online shop for more information
Action and adventure/magic/

Worst weekend EVER. The kingdom of Verdonia is preparing for a visit from the most terrible of visitors: Prince Terrence of Tarragon.

Princess Peach can’t stand Terrence! But he’s going to marry her oldest sister Princess Posie, so she’ll have to get used to him sooner or later. Or will she?

Recommended for 7 - 11 years.

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Best sellers for 2022

1 - Secrets of the Wool by CB Landy

A Nettie’s Knit Shop Cozy Mystery - Book 1
Link to our online shop for more information

Nanette Sanderson’s life has come to a standstill - or so she thinks.
Within days, tragedy arrives on her doorstep which becomes a door opening into a new life and a move to Thornbury, a small town in the south Wairarapa of New Zealand. There she discovers new friends and old, inherits a wool shop along with a mystery and a murder.

For those who enjoy reading cozy mysteries in the style of Donna Andrews, Sally Goldenbaum’s Seaside Knitters, or Joanna Fluke. Set in small towns, with good friends, and amateur sleuthing - this is for you.

2 - Died with Flowers by CB Landy

A Nettie’s Knit Shop Cozy Mystery - Book 3 (released 2022)
Link to our online shop for more information

What should be happy days of love turn to catastrophe and a reuniting goes astray. Two cousins in love with two brothers, should be simple, except when the Morris family is involved.

When people are desperate to save their reputation, they will stop at nothing to get their way. Nettie and Bob work with Inspector Dowling to solve break-ins and murder, plus the physical attack on Nettie’s shop assistant Mel.

3 - Lure the Lie by Cat Connor

Veronica Tracey Spy/PI - Book 2
Link to our online shop for more information

In New Zealand indefinitely and back in the field, Australian intelligence officer Dave Crocker is tasked with locating a missing cryptographer, Tania Bateman.

Working with a private investigator Veronica Tracey, the mysteries surrounding the missing woman and her whereabouts prior to her disappearance pose quandaries. Ronnie’s speciality is finding people. Crockett’s speciality is solving problems.
Set in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

4 - Zac Bingley: Galactic Bureaucrat by D. A. Howe

Link to our online shop for more information
Science fiction humorous satire.

The Guurundian Empire invades Earth, finding humans useless and unpleasant—until they discover humanity’s gift for paperwork. One thousand years later, Zac Bingley, office worker, is assigned the task of locating the ancient and long-lost Form-001.

Zac, Wex and Corley (a new intern) set off on a space transporter owned by a mysterious pilot who calls himself Dan. While on their enforced adventure, they encounter the strange inhabitants of the Empire while navigating the inefficient galactic wide bureaucracy.
For those who enjoy reading Douglas Adams.

5 - Christmas at the Hog and Frog by CB Landy

A seasonal story from the Nettie’s Knit Shop Mystery Series - 2022
Link to our online shop for more information

Not everyone is able to spend time with friends and family at Christmas.
What happens to those alone, in trouble or wanting company at this time of year in the small South Wairarapa town of Thornbury?

A feelgood seasonal novella, that reflects small town commitment to their citizens. In this story we spend time with familiar characters in the Nettie’s Knit Shop Mysteries series, and discover new ones.

6 - Portuguese in Aotearoa 1826–1886 by Hilda McDonnell

Link to our online shop for more information
Non-fiction NZ History

In April 1881, the new colony of New Zealand had 207 people who were born in Portugal. This is including the Azores, Cape de Verd, and Madeira.
Only 19 of this group were women.

Contemporary records have been brought together by the author to create a scrapbook on their lives in this country.
Includes photographs.

7 - Nothing Happens Here by Cat Connor

Veronica Tracey Spy/PI - Book 1
Link to our online shop for more information

Veronica Tracey has quite enough on her plate, with her 94 year old Nana and the Cronies of Doom, her mad cousin’s love life, a retired greyhound, a new Private Investigation company, and a crazy stalker.

She juggles life with a sense of humour and the enduring knowledge that everything is temporary.

Set in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, they say nothing happens here …

8 - Sled Dog Racing in New Zealand by Teresa Angell

Link to our online shop for more information
A photographic odyssey. Hardcover.

Four years of interviewing breeders and mushers while photographing the growing sport of dryland/sled dog racing. Her pictures capture the thrills, the drama – and the hard work – of this compelling and exciting sport.

9 - Salty Dits complied by Gerry Wright

Link to our online shop for more information
Non fiction - memoirs

The NZ Government purchased three Bird class minesweepers and four Isle Class minesweepers. Eleven mine-sweeping trawlers were built in New Zealand along with twelve anti-submarine, B Type Fairmiles. Sixteen Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDMLs) were also purchased from overseas.

After the war, many of these were retained to work around the New Zealand coast. This is their story as told by those who served in them.

10 - Brigid The Girl from County Clare by Vicky Adin

Link to our online shop for more information
Historical fiction - NZ immigration

Brigid, the talented eighteen-year-old lacemaker, flees starvation and poverty in 19th century Ireland to seek a better life in Australia.

Her skill as a lacemaker soon draws attention, but life doesn’t always run smoothly in the harsh new landscape. A new start in New Zealand offers hope – until the day the man who seeks her downfall finds her.

A well researched story that reflects considerable understanding of the attitudes of the era.

The following books were also top sellers -

Bagels and Blackmail by C.A. Phipps (Maple Lane Mysteries Book 2) - Cozy mystery

Death on D’Urville by Penelope Haines (A Claire Hardcastle Mystery Book 1) - Mystery

Eden by D. A. Howe - SciFi/Spec Fic

Killerbyte by Cat Connor (byte Series Book 1) - Thriller/FBI operative

A Dame We Knew by Beryl Harris - Non-fiction biography

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Best selling picture books of 2022

Picture books are our most popular books and when you see the fabulous stories and illustrations you can understand why kids love them and parents/grandparents want to buy them.

Our top sellers (only just) for 2022 were

Links to these books and more are:

Books in the Aroha series by Rebekah Lipps and Craig Phillips

Dobby by Marion Day

Tu Meke Tuatara by Malcolm Clarke

The Dragon Hunters by James Russell

How to Wash Your Cat by Claudia Disney

A Southern Tale by Joanne McDougall

Bumblebee by Rachel Weston

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2023 New Year’s Sale

Writers Plot Bookshop New Year’s Sale is now on!

Online sale for the New Year at /tag/new-year-sale/

Discounts on books showing on the ‘On Sale’ page are reduced until further notice or until stocks run out. 😍
/tag/new-year-sale/
The discount is applied at checkout and no special code is needed. ❤️

Pickup from shop, tracked parcel post, courier and standard worldwide postage available.
Books will be ready for pickup or posted out once we have received payment either directly to our account (NZ Only) or by PayPal.

If you have any questions please contact us via -
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writersplotbookshop
Phone: 04-5284549 (The shop is closed until 11 January 2023 but we will check for voicemail on a regular basis)