That's exactly what author Stephen Brown did and it paid off with his new book High Beam proving to be popular among murder mystery readers.

Brown decided to avoid pitching his novel to any major publishing house and instead took his novel to an independent self-publishing firm. It was a wise move for the Tasmanian who is only days out from his Victorian tour.

Brown will tour Ballarat in July. “I'm spending a few days in Ballarat … I've come here because when I lived in Melbourne this area was always a great place to visit,” he said.

“Also I like to meet readers outside capital cities.”

Brown's High Beam is based on a murder mystery set in Hobart.

“It takes the police procedural in a fresh direction as it seeks to investigate why seemingly law-abiding people can be pushed to commit the ultimate criminal act. in doing so it casts a spotlight on how things really get done under the radar of normality.” The sequel to High Beam, Dead Wood is expected to be released this spring.

Brown will be at Collins Booksellers for a book-signing event on July 18.

My earliest memory is... getting lost from Mum in Hobart and finding my way to Dad's office. 

When I was a child I wanted to be... a striker for Liverpool Football Club.

My parents always said… "Just try and do your best. That's all we ask" 

My greatest moment in my life was... coaching my first soccer premiership.

In four words, I am... hopeful, dogged, friendly and (a bit) confused.

I wish I'd never worn... a three-quarter-length overcoat to the MCG. There is only one John Kennedy.

I often wonder... what may have been if I'd taken intelligent risks.

When I want to spoil myself I... tuck into Maggie Beer ice-cream.

The first thing I reach for on a Sunday morning is... my iPhone to check for e-book sales – a bit sad.

The hardest thing I've done in my life is... worked on a building site. 

My ideal day would be spent... hosting a barbeque at my cottage in the hills above Hobart.

If I could change one thing in the world it would be... the focus on money as a benchmark of fulfilment.

I love... it when people bring out the best in others.

In life, I have learned... talent is 10 per cent; dedicated effort trumps all. 

My pet dislike is... judging others without knowing their circumstances.

I can't live without... something to aim for.

Before I die I would love to... be on a literary festival panel with Michael Robotham.

If I could invite any five people to dinner they would be... Bill Bryson, Suranne Jones, John Bishop, Paul Keating and Leigh Sales.

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