POULSBO — To understand John Flanagan’s powerful skills as a writer, consider this: He simultaneously turned out best-selling books in the mystery, adventure and fantasy genres.

All told, 17 books in nine years.

Flanagan, a former Australian TV writer-turned-novelist, is best known for his 12-book “Ranger’s Apprentice” novel series. “The Royal Ranger” is the last installment in the young adult series.

Fans can meet Flanagan Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m., in the Sons of Norway lodge, 18891 Front St. NE, Poulsbo.

Flanagan will read and sign copies of his book. The event, sponsored by Liberty Bay Books, is free and open to all ages.

“Many children and adults have fallen in love with this fabulous series over the years and we hope to have a great turnout to welcome John Flanagan to Poulsbo,” said Madison Butler of Liberty Bay Books.

“We are giving out priority tickets to the event for anyone who buys his new book ‘Royal Ranger’ — from either us or Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island. This ticket will provide for seating in the front rows of the audience and first group to get in the autograph line — our way of saying ‘thank you’ for shopping locally. Tickets are not required to attend the event or get books signed.”

According to his bio, Flanagan wrote advertising and television commercials before becoming a novelist. He co-created the television series “Hey Dad!,” and started working on what would become “Ranger’s Apprentice” in the 1990s as short stories for his son, Michael. He wanted to encourage his son to read, as well as show him that heroes, like the main character Will, don’t have to be big and strong.

In 2008, he won the Australian Publishers Association’s Book of the Year for Older Children and the International Success Award for “Erak’s Ransom,” the seventh novel in the series.

“Ranger’s Apprentice” has more than 5.4 million copies in print in the U.S. and is published in 25 countries. Of the latest book, Kirkus Reviews wrote, “He manages once again to deliver humor, heartache and some important lessons while arrows fly, enhancing his suspenseful plots with characters kids can relate to … An excellent addition to a favorite series.”

Flanagan’s other book series: “Storm Peak” and Avalanche Pass,” featuring Jesse Parker, an ex-detective from Denver, Colo.; and the three-book fantasy-adventure “Brotherband.”