#BrownCarGuy – News, Views & Reviews!
Some genres race ahead. Others seem stuck in neutral. And when it comes to fictional books about cars and car culture, we’ve got a real case of literary breakdown on our hands. That’s right — despite the car being one of the most important inventions in human history, a global obsession, a symbol of freedom, rebellion, identity and adrenaline… it’s barely visible in the world of fiction.
Have you ever watched a car review and thought, “Gosh, they really love this car… is it really that great?” You’re not wrong to wonder. In 2025, the world of automotive content has become a slick, hyper-polished, monetised machine. The videos. The reels. The “reviews”. The ones where the creator is beaming, the lighting is flawless, and every car is apparently “amazing”. But beware – here’s what you may not know: many of these creators are being told what to say (or not say) and being paid to do so!
There I was, taking a break from b-rolling footage of the car-nucopia that is the Enfield Pageant of Motoring, strolling amongst stalls of tibits, car parts and tempting dinkies, while cradling a hot cup of coffee, when I nearly choked on my cheese toastie! Smack bang between sellers of Capri instrument panels and post-war grille badges, was a bloke with a book. His modest table and roll-up banner advertised a new novel, “It Can’t See You in the Dark” by Feroze Engineer. There was a car on the cover. And not just any car!
Racism – I tell you what it is, how it’s done and where you can get some. Plus how to install it in your car. Actually none of that is true…. well most of it’s not true. But there will be a bit of race in this discourse, and I don’t mean on the track… or the road for that matter.
“Losing yourself in a good book has been shown to reduce your levels of stress. Research by Dr David Lewis showed that reading as little as six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 60% by reducing your heart rate, easing muscle tension and altering your state of mind. That same study showed that reading was better at reducing stress than music, drinking a cup of tea, going for a walk and playing video games.” So get my books “How to be an Automotive Content Creator, Motoring Journalist and Car Influencer”, “The ULEZ Files” & “Quantum Races” from Amazon!
Continue reading “Order my books now!”
Some people dream of driving exotic cars. Others dream of writing about them. And then there’s Shafiq Abidin, who’s managed to land one of the coolest jobs, In The World – Top Gear staff writer. But the journey from a student interviewing me during Covid to being a year-in to one of the most coveted car jobs out there, has not been without challenges and disappointments. It almost never happened, but this young talent fought for his goals, pushing past cultural expectations, imposter syndrome, and countless rejections to make it happen. His story? It’s as inspiring as it is relatable.
Read online here https://online.fliphtml5.com/vxbbt/jopn/#p=20 DM me if you need content.
Continue reading “My Motoring Content in Asian Leader This Week”
When governments tighten control… when the streets become battlegrounds… when freedom is traded for convenience… someone has to push back. And in The ULEZ Files, that someone is a motoring journalist who never asked to be a hero – but becomes one anyway.
Try Before You Buy – Download Chapter One – FREE. Read the opening pages of a thriller London drivers have been waiting for (just use the email form below)
Continue reading “‘The ULEZ Files’ A Novel”
A video caught my eye the other day: “Why Everyone is Quitting BIG Automotive YouTube Channels (Donut, Hoonigan, CarThrottle)” from AutoTea Channel. Turns out that fledgling channel (fast-growing though – with just five videos it already has over a million views and nearly 10k subs), belongs to Tiernan, who himself was part of the team that grew Donut Media, and indeed has now left.
What role does storytelling play in preserving motoring culture? After attending the Self-Publishing Live Conference, I’m reflecting on my journey as an author, my first novel ‘The ULEZ Files’, and my next venture as a book publisher. I ask the question: is it my duty to write more car fiction?