Lance Morcan's Blog, page 14

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

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.

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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.

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

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.

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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!

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Paperback Cover Reveal for my epic historical adventure-romance novel

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!

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

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.

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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!

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Cover Reveal for my historical adventure epic ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

My thanks to the talented book cover designers at Book Publishers NZ for designing such an eye-catching cover for this soon-to-be released novel. They offer the full range of publishing services for authors as a visit to their website will testify… [image error]Book Publishers in New Zealand – Top Self-Publishing House in NZ

‘New Zealand: A Novel’ has been a labour of love for me for half a century now! I wrote a one paragraph logline for it 50 years ago and have been adding to it, a few paras at a time, ever since. 

The novel spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Maori and European. 

It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Pacific Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south; it ends in the 1700’s with Captain James Cook’s historic circumnavigation of that same land – a land he calls New Zealand – as seen through the eyes of young crewmember Nicholas Young aboard the bark Endeavour. 

From the outset the two stories are interposed. The adventures of the descendants of the earliest Maoris are followed down through the centuries, culminating in their often violent, sometimes romantic, always fascinating interactions with the white intruders they call pakehas.

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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!

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

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/

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Greek musician Billy Yfantis presents the astronomy-inspired album “Planetary Fields”

Renowned Greek musician Billy Yfantis is thrilled to announce the release of his latest instrumental album, “Planetary Fields.”

Drawing inspiration from the pioneering sounds of krautrock and progressive rock legends such as Tangerine Dream and Hawkwind, Yfantis delivers an audio trip through the magnetic shields that protect our planets.

“Planetary Fields” is a concept album exploring the awe-inspiring phenomenon of planetary magnetospheres. These magnetic fields are crucial for shielding planets from the relentless solar wind and cosmic radiation, playing a vital role in maintaining atmospheres and supporting life.

Each track on the album delves into different aspects of these celestial guardians, offering listeners an immersive experience into the protective forces of the cosmos.

For the full story go to: https://skylight.gr/index.php/2024/07/03/experimental-greek-musician-billy-yfantis-presents-the-astronomy-inspired-album-planetary-fields/

Listen to the new album here:  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7fbG12hohn643Yd4ZP5VC7?si=zY_lzwUMSGurX3WdiHrGsA 
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kl0O8aHSBZ7b2-y6VSjrF7C7KJInMmiNY   
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/planetary-fields/1746837212 
Bandcamp: https://billyyfantis.bandcamp.com/album/planetary-fields

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Writer-director James Morcan to direct aviation thriller based on his novel The Heathrow Affair

News release: June 25, 2024

New Zealand publisher Sterling Gate Books this week announced that film director James Morcan has attached to direct The Heathrow Affair, an aviation thriller based on his published novel of the same name.

A spokesperson for the publishing company said the novel was one of one of 12 co-authored by Morcan and his father Lance.

“The New Zealand father-and-son writing team’s books are published under the Sterling Gate Books banner,” he said. “It brings to nine the number of their novel adaptations that James is now attached to direct.”

Novel to be adapted for feature film.

Speaking from Sydney, where he is preparing to approach major streaming platforms regarding his award-winning, new-release movie Anno 2020, the younger Morcan said directing The Heathrow Affair would present some unique challenges.

“The novel was inspired by a narrowly avoided tragedy which saw the captain of a British Airways flight being partially sucked out of the aircraft after it suffered an explosive decompression over Oxfordshire,” said Morcan.

“That event, which occurred on June 10, 1990, involved BA Flight 5390. It was caused by an improperly installed windscreen panel, which separated from its frame, causing the captain to be partially ejected. He was held in place through the window frame for 20 minutes until the plane successfully landed. The captain miraculously survived and made a full recovery.”

Historic shot of fateful BA Flight 5390.

“The leading character in The Heathrow Affair is a young East Ender employed as an aircraft mechanic at Heathrow Airport. He seems to have it all, but his life is turned upside down when the girl of his dreams announces she’s leaving him for a dashing pilot employed by the same airline.

“Worse is to come when he’s blamed for a mid-air incident that has catastrophic consequences for one of the airline’s aircraft high above the Atlantic.

“The screenplay adaption for the planned movie will be faithful to the novel in that it will retain the book’s love triangle theme. Without giving too much away, our young mechanic is reunited with his lost love in a way neither could ever have imagined.”

Morcan said this his latest book-to-film project will be uniquely challenging because it will need to be set at England’s Heathrow Airport.

“In addition to the technical difficulties of shooting scenes around the airport as well as in and around individual aircraft, the film will obviously be expensive to shoot. This will necessitate the attachment of A-list actors to greenlight it.”

He said actors couldn’t help but be impressed that the novel was attracting excellent reviews.

Accredited Amazon.com reviewer Grady Harp describes The Heathrow Affair as “An exciting read (that) provides a fine diversion for an evening away from the clutter of the world.” And top Amazon Australia critic Todd Simpson says, “Brilliant, I loved it… The story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting, and it certainly hit me between the eyes!”

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Amazon link to The Heathrow Affair: https://www.amazon.com/Heathrow-Affair-Lance-Morcan-ebook/dp/B07X8CN6BD

IMDb film industry link to James Morcan:

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

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: [image error]  

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

Email: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com   

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Greek virtuoso’s latest albums take listeners on a breathtaking journey through ancient Greek mythology

Greek virtuoso Billy Yfantis invites listeners to delve into the depths of history and mythology by tuning into his latest musical offerings now available on major streaming platforms. These offerings come in the form of two albums, Anagnosis – Homer’s Iliad and  Anagnosis – Twelve Olympians, which explore the 12 ancient Greek gods and Homer’s Iliad.

Music critics say this musical endeavor uniquely combines the haunting melodies of Dungeon Synth with the atmospheres of Medieval and Dark Folk Music, providing a rich, auditory journey through ancient Greek mythology.

Yfantis says this mythology was the inspiration for the albums. He explains that anagnosis means “reading” in Greek, which musically “reads” as the ancient Greek mythology brought to life through epic folk music.

“The first album, Anagnosis – Homer’s Iliad, captures the epic saga of one of the greatest literary works of all time,” he says. “Each track is meticulously crafted to bring to life the intense emotions and legendary events of the Trojan War. From the rage of Achilles to the sorrow of Troy’s fall, listeners are immersed in a timeless narrative woven through melodic and ambient soundscapes.”

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nSVNFa2nZqr_AeVNwUcn8oyHR6MEbUrNQ

Yfantis says, his second album, Anagnosis – Twelve Olympians, pays homage to the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses.

“Each track is a tribute to a different deity, capturing their essence and mythology through atmospheric compositions that transport the listener to the sacred realms of Mount Olympus.”

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nSVNFa2nZqr_AeVNwUcn8oyHR6MEbUrNQ

Billy Yfantis, a Greek amateur music producer since the late 1990s, brings a wealth of experience in tape mixing and sound design to this his latest musical initiative. He reveals he finds his true artistic expression through the ethereal sounds produced by electronic machines. His passion for blending historical narratives with modern music technology results in a unique and captivating auditory experience.

Yfantis and his groundbreaking synthwave initiative Neon Planet musical initiative featured recently in this blog at https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/2024/05/13/billy-yfantis-and-his-groundbreaking-synthwave-initiative-neon-planet-launch-spellbinding-album-lonely-city/

Media representatives and music lovers alike can email him at: Byfantis@yahoo.com

For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/billy.yfantis

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