Posts Tagged ‘Goodreads’

There was a haunting stillness about the land. It was a place of mystery – of magical forests and sparkling lakes and rivers

Posted: November 15, 2024 in New Zealand: A Novel
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
2

Shrouded in cloud at the bottom of the world, this was the land that time forgot: the last sizeable piece of undiscovered land on Earth. Two hundred million years after breaking away from the vast southern continent of Gondwana, Man had yet to leave his footprints on this prehistoric place.

Mythology would have it the land was fished up out of the ocean. In fact, earthquakes and volcanic activity forced it to literally erupt from the seabed. This violent birth left it with a majestic ruggedness that would always reflect its former turbulence.

Over time, its features softened. Scenes of beauty emerged out of the mists. There was a haunting stillness about the land. It was a place of mystery – of magical forests and sparkling lakes and rivers. And the sea surrounded it like some huge tidal moat.

Its isolation ensured it wouldn’t be until well into the First Millennium AD that Man would step foot on these shores. The hardy, brown-skinned people who arrived here called themselves Maori and they called their new home Aotearoa – land of the long, white cloud.

Not until its rediscovery centuries later by European explorers would the land receive the name by which it is known today: New Zealand. Their arrival would herald a clash of two vastly different ideologies as European civilization collided with indigenous culture.

It was a time of conflict, lust and adventure.

***

My historical adventure epic NEW ZEALAND: A NOVEL is a tale of conflict, lust and adventure. It spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Pacific Islanders and Europeans. From the outset the two stories are interposed. It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south.

Coming soon!

Watch this space.

************************************************

Upcoming historical adventure novel addresses the cannibalism that was rife within Maoridom

Posted: November 11, 2024 in New Zealand: A Novel
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Under ‘Historical Notes’ at the end of my soon-to-be-released historical adventure epic NEW ZEALAND: A NOVEL, I advise readers that cannibalism was widely practised by Maori and it continued until well into the 1800’s, especially during the Musket Wars of the early 1800’s when a quarter of the Maori race perished in inter-tribal warfare.

I also advise readers, my novel is a work of fiction, albeit inspired by true events, and in the interests of telling a good story I have deviated from Maori and European history in places.

Excerpts from my Historical Notes follow:

In the case of Maori history, it’s important to remember that New Zealand’s indigenous people had no written language before Europeans arrived. Theirs was an oral history, which by its very nature is inexact, and therefore many facts – such as the place of origin of the Maori people – are subject to conjecture. That place, according to Maori legend, is known as Hawaiki. I have opted for the South Pacific island nation of Marquesas as being that place even though many historians believe it more likely Maori originated from Tahiti. As an aside, I have met Cook Islanders who, to my eyes and ears, look and sound like Maoris. Then again, I’ve heard indigenous Hawaiians say they can understand much of Te Reo, the Maori language, when they hear it spoken. So, logic tells me it is quite possible Maoris originally came from any one of the aforementioned island nations.

The conflict in the early 1500’s between the Te Arawa and Ngati Porou tribes is pure fiction. However, it typifies the clashes that occurred between warring iwis, or tribes, of that time. And despite what some present-day historians might say, the descriptions of cannibalism have not been exaggerated – not if the early writings of European explorers, seafarers, adventurers, missionaries, settlers, army officers and others are to be believed. Cannibalism was widely practised by Maori.

I am aware some fans of historical fiction expect writers in this genre to stick to the facts. Some readers will be aware I have deviated, considerably in places, from what actually occurred during the respective discoveries of New Zealand, first by Pacific Islanders then by Europeans. In my defense, I would point out that prominent historical fiction authors, Bernard Cornwell included, often replace history with invention in their novels.

For a more historically accurate overview of the Endeavour’s expedition to, and circumnavigation of, New Zealand I highly recommend the Captain Cook Society’s informative website, which includes verbatim extracts from Cook’s journals; and for an intriguing insight into early New Zealand and Maoris’ ancient origins I recommend these books by two of New Zealand’s most respected historians: The Penguin History of New Zealand, by Michael King, and This Horrid Practice: the Myth and Reality of Traditional Maori Cannibalism, by Paul Moon.

Finally, while my novel may not convey exactly what happened during the discovery and settlement of New Zealand, I believe it accurately captures the spirit of those bygone days.

*

The paperback and Kindle ebook versions of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’ will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

**************************************************************

Paperback Cover Reveal for my epic historical adventure-romance novel

Posted: November 10, 2024 in New Zealand: A Novel
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
4

Coming soon!

My thanks to the talented designers at Book Publishers NZ for designing such an eye-catching cover for this soon-to-be released novel. 

‘New Zealand: A Novel’ spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Maori and European.

The novel will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

************************************************************

New Zealand’s discovery by its indigenous people features in early chapters of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

Posted: November 10, 2024 in New Zealand: A Novel
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Kafoa scanned the ocean ahead of the double-voyaging canoe that had carried his fellow Islanders, or those of them who had survived at least, so far from their homeland in Hawaiki. Finally, he saw what it was the men had seen.

Low on the horizon, at the limit of the boy’s vision, was a large landmass resting beneath a long white cloud. Studying the distant landmass, he murmured, “Aotearoa.”

His father nodded. “Aotearoa,” Hotu agreed. “Land of the long white cloud.”

Kupe’s land now had a name.

You are reading an excerpt from an early chapter in my soon-to-be-released historical adventure epic ‘New Zealand: A Novel’.

Excerpt continues:

The excitement on board was unrestrained as the landmass now referred to by all as Aotearoa came into clear focus beneath the umbrella of cloud. Everyone who could stand was standing. The only voyagers not on their feet were those too weak to rise from where they lay.

Hotu was now manning the tiller. His heart beat fast. Here at last was Kupe’s land!

Tears filled the rangatira’s eyes and he murmured a prayer of thanks to the spirits of his Hawaikan ancestors. This land, their land, would be his people’s salvation. Of that he was sure.

From around twenty miles out, the land appeared dark and mysterious in the shadow of the cloudbank above it. Forbidding even. The sight had a sobering effect on the voyagers. All conversation ceased as they studied their new homeland.

As the canoe sailed onwards, floundering deeper than ever in the water, the land mass ahead slowly took shape. It was high – higher than the tropical islands of the Pacific – and it was covered in dense, lush, green bush.

Although still too far away to ascertain, the land appeared to be unoccupied, and some sixth sense told Hotu it was. Which meant he and his fellow survivors would be the only people on these shores. He wondered what had become of Kupe’s fellow voyagers all those centuries ago.

*

The paperback and Kindle ebook versions of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’ will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

******************************************************************

Indie authors and publishers take note: Charlotte Greene imprint offers a fresh approach to publishing

Posted: September 28, 2024 in Books in general
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

English writer John (Jonno) Morris, best known for his Star Gazer Series of sci-fi novels, discovered publishing printed books so complicated he decided to create his own imprint and offer advice to other first-time indie publishers. Hence the welcome arrival of the imprint Charlotte Greene on the crowded book publishing landscape.

Charlotte Greene, in association with trusted freelance agents, offers authors resources and access to those same freelancers to help get their masterpiece into print and eBook formats ready for sales and marketing. The freelancers provide paid services such as creating book covers, content and copy editing.

Specifically, the services offered to authors include content editing, proof reading, advice on book formatting and layout, cover for EPUB and print, compatibility with printed books (size, bleed, definition), illustrations including maps and other internal graphics, conversion to generic EPUB format.

The imprint even supplies ISBN’s to those authors who formally publish through Charlotte Greene.

Charlotte Greene’s services don’t end there. They also include marketing and promotion. These cover inclusion in its biennial trade catalogue targeting both the UK and USA, advice, or presentation to retail and distribution channels in UK, USA, Europe and the English-speaking world as well as opening the route to self-publishing authors listing their books with Waterstones UK and Ingram USA.

Jonno operates his business from his base in China.  The 70-year-old has lived in Foshan, Canton, which is near Hong Kong, since what was meant to be “a visit” some 22 years ago. His modus operandi, while successful, could be described as different, even unconventional.

Jonno Morris…founder of Charlotte Greene.

“In essence, Charlotte Greene is a small version of Elance, dedicated solely to helping self-publishing authors bring their work to the marketplace,” he says. “We differ from conventional publishers who offer a small royalty in return for publishing a manuscript.”

Jonno stresses that contracted authors remain in control of their books.

“Essentially, the imprint helps authors achieve their goals independently and on their own. If publication of a book results in, or leads to, a book deal with a major publisher, clients are welcome to take it up.”

The benefits of dealing with Charlotte Greene don’t end there. The imprint opens doors closed to most self-publishing authors, offering listings with Waterstones, Blackwells, and Apple iBookstore to name but three major retail outlets. Clients’ books are also listed in its Trade Catalogue, which is published biennially, and is aimed at trade distributors and wholesalers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Charlotte Green is heavily into fiction and is especially interested in the following: science fiction, science fantasy, urban fiction / YA, action & Adventure, mystery thrillers, who-done-it and historical fiction.

“We have no hard and fast rule on what we will and will not look at,” says Jonno. “An original and interesting plot goes a long way with us. Electronic submissions of complete manuscripts are accepted, if requested by us, after initial review.”

For more about Charlotte Greene, check out the imprint’s informative website at: https://www.charlotte-greene.co.uk/index.htm

For more about Jonno and his Star Gazer Series check out our earlier blog at: https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/2022/12/16/star-gazer-a-tantalizing-series-for-lovers-of-science-fiction-and-fantasy-2/

****************************************************************

Mali’s Dogon tribe to feature in movie helmed by emerging New Zealand film director

Posted: June 20, 2024 in Morcan films, The Dogon Initiative
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

New Zealand writer-director James Morcan, best known for his new-release, Australian-produced film Anno 2020, has attached to direct an action-adventure movie set in Mali and featuring the West African nation’s enigmatic Dogon people.

Titled ‘Deniables: The Dogon Initiative’, the movie will be based on the novel ‘The Dogon Initiative’, one of 12 novels co-authored by Morcan and his father Lance, and the first book in a planned ‘Deniables’ series. The New Zealand father-and-son writing team’s books are published under the Sterling Gate Books banner.

Book 1 in planned ‘Deniables’ series of novels and films.

Speaking from Sydney, Australia, this week, James Morcan said he and his father knew from the outset their novel, which is currently exclusive to Amazon, would translate to an exciting feature film.

“Reviewers of this and other adventure novels of ours have commented that the storylines feel very cinematic,” he said. “That’s not surprising as we both have a love of film and are both screenwriters as well as novelists.”

The younger Morcan said ‘The Dogon Initiative’ is about a group of foreign mercenaries who are hired as deniable assets by a newly formed humanitarian division of the CIA.

“It was inspired by a true-life mystery of astronomy, and it covers some of the many myths and theories surrounding Mali’s fascinating Dogon people. We highlight their unexplained knowledge of the invisible-to-the-eye Sirius B white dwarf star, the rings of Saturn and other heavenly bodies, as well as their rumoured ancestral relationship to ancient Egyptians.

“Our leading characters, the foreign mercenaries, have been nicknamed ‘the Deniables’ because their existence isn’t officially acknowledged by the CIA. They’re tasked with saving Mali’s persecuted Dogon people from genocide.

“The operation must be carried out in stealth while journeying across some of West Africa’s most hostile terrain. As if all that’s not enough, they’re also instructed to help solve an ancient astronomical mystery linked to the pyramids of Egypt.

“Our Deniables soon find themselves fighting for their lives when they get caught in the middle of warring ethnic factions in Mali. Their only way to survive is to join with the Dogon in a race against the clock. The stakes are so high that not only could an entire indigenous group be wiped off the face of the Earth, but all evidence that supports advanced ancient technology theories surrounding the Dogon and a lost civilization thesis may be destroyed in the process.”

Morcan is currently celebrating the successful Australian red-carpet cinema screenings of his mystery-drama movie Anno 2020, which represents his directorial debut. As well as directing that award-winning film he adapted it from his solo-authored novel of the same name.

Several of the Morcans’ co-authored novels have been regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists. They include the historical adventures ‘White Spirit’ and ‘Into the Americas’, and the international thriller ‘The Ninth Orphan’. These and several others, including some with name actors attached, have been adapted to feature film screenplays and are in early development.

Amazon link to ‘The Dogon Initiative’: https://www.amazon.com/Dogon-Initiative-Deniables-Book-ebook/dp/B07NKTD515

IMDb film industry link to James Morcan: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/  

James’s contact details for media enquiries: Ph. +61 431 981 415

Email: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com   

*********************************************************************

Kiwi authors’ soon-to-be-released novel captures the zeitgeist of a troubled era

Posted: May 8, 2024 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
0

The New Zealand father-and-son writing team Lance and James Morcan, authors of some 35 published fiction and non-fiction books, today announced the likely release date for their next co-authored novel Anno 2021. 

Interim cover image for Anno 2021.

An international action-thriller, its planned pre-Christmas (early December) release follows James Morcan’s successful adaptation of his first solo-authored novel, Anno 2020, to a feature film screenplay and subsequent new-release movie. 

The younger Morcan, who is also an actor and director, acted in and directed the Australian-produced movie, which celebrated its world premiere at a red-carpet screening in Sydney last month.  

“Anno 2020 is a mystery-drama whereas this novel (Anno 2021) is more of an action-thriller,” said Sydney-based James.

“Their common theme is that both cover the dramas experienced by individuals around the world caught up in the COVID lockdowns of those two unforgettable years, and they capture the zeitgeist of this troubled era as society gets ever more fractured.

“They are both controversial as we, the writers, don’t shy away from covering the contentious issues that divided nations during those years.

“Like the earlier novel, which was set in 17 different destinations on four continents, Anno 2021 will be truly global with a vignette of storylines and characters based in America, England, South Africa, Tahiti and New Zealand.”

Papamoa-based novelist-screenwriter Lance Morcan, who is also Story Consultant and Associate Producer on Anno 2020 the movie, said he and son James were already thinking about the screenplay adaptation of Anno 2021 while they undertook final editing of the novel.

“We are no strangers to this process,” said Lance. “We’ve adapted several of our co-authored novels to feature film screenplays and these are in early development with known and mainly American actors attached in some cases.”

As novelists, the Morcans are best known for their bestselling thrillers The Ninth Orphan and Silent Fear, and for their historical adventure novels White Spirit, Into the Americas and Fiji; their non-fiction books include Genius Intelligence, The Catcher in the Rye Enigma and Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, which have all been regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists.

Their books all appear under the banner of New Zealand publisher Sterling Gate Books and are currently exclusive to Amazon.

*

Link to Morcan film projects: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/

********************************************************************

THE EXCHANGE: Grisham’s latest far from his greatest

Posted: January 22, 2024 in Book reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

John Grisham’s latest offering, THE EXCHANGE, was not worth the wait in this book critic’s opinion. Presented as “The riveting sequel to The Firm, the blockbuster thriller that launched the career of the world’s bestselling author,” it pales by comparison to that earlier novel.

Sure, it picks up where The Firm left off, albeit 15 years later, but it’s so dialogue heavy it’s a virtual talkfest interrupted by a seemingly never-ending round of meetings, international flights, phone calls, more flights and still more interminable meetings. The repetition is mind-blowingly tedious and annoying. Drama, action, and tension are totally lacking. Very disappointing – especially as this critic is a long-time Grisham fan and considers The Firm one of his very best novels.

Ah, well…Grisham remains one of my favorite authors – up there with M. Connolly, D. Baldacci, N. DeMille, G. Iles, K. Follett, Sir G. Archer, L. Child, C. Iggulden, F. Forsyth et al. – and, as always, I do look forward to his next offering.

Meanwhile, for anyone still interested in the storyline for THE EXCHANGE, here ‘tis as it appears on the book’s Amazon page…

Mitch McDeere has cheated death and come out the other side. Fifteen years ago, he stole $10 million from the mob and disappeared. Now, with his enemies jailed or dead, he has fought his way to the top of the biggest law firm in the world.

When a new case takes Mitch to Libya, danger awaits: he’s soon in the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history with terrorists who have murdered and will murder again. Their demand is staggering: a ransom of $100 million must be paid within 10 days.

But this isn’t a random kidnapping – it’s personal. And no one, not even Mitch’s wife in New York, is safe.

To see what reviewers are saying about ‘THE EXCHANGE: The Firm, Book 2’ go to: https://www.amazon.com/Exchange-After-biggest-Grisham-decade-ebook/dp/B0BX44G8TR/

#Amazon global review rating: 4 out of 5 stars after 37,123 global ratings.

-Lance Morcan

*****************************************************************

Underground Knowledge group tops 16K on Goodreads!

Posted: September 2, 2021 in Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
0

Our Underground Knowledge global discussion group’s membership has topped 16,000 on Goodreads, confirming its status as one of the fastest-growing, most popular groups on the Amazon-owned site for books, authors, readers and all things literary.

1088194

The group has been designed to encourage debates about important and underreported issues of our era. All you need is an enquiring mind and a desire to gain or share underground knowledge.

So what is underground knowledge? Our definition is: Underground knowledge covers details, concepts and little-known events not usually reported in mainstream media (MSM), or, if they are, they’re underreported for various reasons. Nor are they usually covered by mainstream academia.

Our Underground Knowledge group is open to everyone no matter your beliefs or nationality, and all viewpoints are welcome. Undergrounders (our members) come from many walks of life and include award-winning authors, everyday readers, teachers and students, historians, scientists, military and former intelligence personnel, conspiracy theorists and agitators, Christians and non-believers, Islamists and Buddhists, and a lot more. Y’all welcome!

If you are interested in our Underground Knowledge group come visit us at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/142309-underground-knowledge-a-discussion-group

***********************************************

Escaped Irish convict follows the Songlines in novel based on true story

Posted: May 24, 2021 in white spirit
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

In Australia’s wilderness, Aborigines told escaped Irish convict John Graham if you want to live follow the Songlines. So he did… and he lived. John found sanctuary with the Kabi, a primitive tribe who had never seen a white man, and he marveled at their uncanny ability to navigate the landscape by following the mysterious Songlines – tracks left by their spirit ancestors from the Dreaming.

“Those who lose dreaming are lost.” -Aboriginal proverb

Here, we relate some of John’s true-life experiences from our epic historical adventure WHITE SPIRIT (A novel based on a true story)…

As his companion Mamba explained, “You know we sing to the land and its sacred landmarks because it is alive… The Songlines allow us to follow the paths left by our spirit ancestors from the Dreamtime. Our ancestors have told us it is so, remember? By following the Dreaming Tracks we walk in footprints of those who went before us and so we journey safely…and never get lost.”

Mamba continued, “The language of the Songlines is in the rhythm of the song, not the words. The rhythm is an echo of the sky and of the land below. Listening to it, or singing it, guarantees you always have a path to follow.”

White Spirit (A novel based on a true story) by [Lance Morcan, James Morcan]

Set in Nineteenth Century Australia,  WHITE SPIRIT is based on John Graham’s remarkable true story. After escaping from the notorious Moreton Bay Penal Settlement, John finds refuge with the Kabi, a tribe of Aborigines who eventually accept him as one of their own. Attempts to recapture him are orchestrated by a variety of contrasting characters working for the all-pervasive British Empire. They include Moreton Bay’s tyrannical, opium-addicted commandant Lord Cheetham, the dashing yet warlike Lieutenant Hogan, native tracker Barega and the penal settlement’s captain, Tom Marsden.

WHITE SPIRIT is available via Amazon as a paperback and Kindle ebook. https://www.amazon.com/White-Spirit-novel-based-story-ebook/dp/B01LWIRH9J/

4.4 out of 5 stars after 185 reviewer ratings on Amazon.

**********************************************

Older Entries
Newer Entries