Lance Morcan's Blog, page 7

‘New Zealand: A Novel’ goes global via bookstores and public libraries

Readers are asking whereabouts besides Amazon they can obtain my new release, historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel. To date, it’s available via Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, Mighty Ape NZ, and via public libraries.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/new-zealand/lance-morcan//9780473728526

Library members should note this book can be ordered via your community library if it’s not already in stock; and it may be listed simply as “New Zealand”.

New Zealand: A Novel 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.

“Riveting. I could not put the book down. Historical facts were woven with some well-crafted narratives into a story of how the nation of New Zealand came to be.” –American author Stephen Heartland

WARNING: Readers are advised this is a raw, no-holds-barred account of New Zealand’s early history, fictionalized in places and not suitable reading for children.

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Fellow writers – here’s one way to solve the dreaded writer’s block

So, you want to write a book but don’t have the time? Here’s a tip from my book GENIUS INTELLIGENCE: Secret Techniques and Technologies to Increase IQ – one of about 35 books (fiction and nonfiction) James and I have co-authored to date. In it, speed writing is one of numerous techniques we include because we believe it may hold brain boosting potential for aspiring geniuses.

Disclaimer: to our knowledge no studies, other than our own, have been done on speed writing from the perspective of boosting the brain’s potential. This despite the fact that there are numerous books and websites devoted to writing manuscripts quickly.

Ours is simply an unusual little technique we discovered by accident and noticed it worked wonderfully on many occasions and always when we were severely time pressured. We consider this fortuitous discovery an important ingredient in our progress as published authors and feature film screenwriters.

Speed writing, like many other techniques listed in this book, relates to outrunning the conscious mind and going so fast that the superior subconscious is forced to completely take over. So, as the name suggests, you write so quickly that you don’t even know what you’re writing anymore. The goal is not to get instantly well-written text, but rather stream-of-consciousness stuff that you can revise and give clearer meaning to later.

According to our individual experiences, the resulting stream will usually have pearls within it, but a lot will need to be edited out as well.

Some of our best plot ideas or character decisions in our novels and film scripts have come using this technique. We just write super-fast and almost without thinking – maybe for five minutes or so – and more often than not what we wrote solved a major storyline issue or character problem.

It seems that certain insights can only come in this manner – or at least come more easily – as opposed to writing at regular speed. Sometimes you hit a brick wall when writing novels or screenplays. Something is missing and that something cannot be rectified with the conscious mind no matter how hard you try.

Speed writing is one way to solve the dreaded writer’s block.

Whether you use this method to add to an existing draft of a document, or whether you’re still attempting to complete a first draft, it works. We’ve proven it to our own satisfaction on numerous occasions.

Speed writing is not just for authors of course. It can be used to good effect by others – students who may be writing essays, for example, or business executives drafting reports or preparing finance proposals. It can even be used in your personal life when you’re facing a dilemma and cannot think of any solutions with your conscious mind – in this case you can speed write a list of possible options and see what your subconscious mind delivers to you.

If you want to test the method we use, try the following: put yourself under a time constraint by setting an alarm clock for 5 to 10 minutes then tell yourself you must write as much as you’d normally write in 45-60 minutes. Go! Until the alarm clock rings, don’t judge yourself or censor yourself or analyze anything – simply write as much as you can, as quickly as you can.

During the process it may feel like you’re writing utter garbage, but if our experiences are anything to go by, there will at least be some gems you can retain or use to vastly improve whatever it is you’re writing.

Our theory on why speed writing works is that you are not only forcing yourself to operate at speeds that only the subconscious mind can keep up with, but you are also not analysing, censoring or critiquing what you write as you go. (Over-analysing is another trait of the conscious mind).

The best ideas often seem ridiculous at first and this technique allows you to just get all ideas out of your head and onto paper so you can consider them later. 

Exactly how does speed writing relate to genius intelligence? Well, the connection is totally unproven, but instinct and personal experience tells us that, if done correctly (trance-like and without hesitation), you’ll tap into that great reservoir of the subconscious mind where all genius abilities come from.

A final point: when speed writing, it’s immaterial whether you write with pen in hand or use a computer keyboard. That said, we find speed writing seems to flow better when handwriting text – almost as if the pen’s a natural extension of the hand, allowing thoughts and words to flow directly from the brain onto the writing pad.

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GENIUS INTELLIGENCE: Secret Techniques and Technologies to Increase IQ is available via Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, Amazon and public libraries. The Amazon link is: https://www.amazon.com/GENIUS-INTELLIGENCE-Techniques-Technologies-Underground/dp/0473318490/

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Historical adventure novel set in the land that time forgot

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.

The land in question is New Zealand and the piece you are reading is the blurb for my historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel.

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. The legacy of those fiery beginnings includes still-active volcanoes amidst the mountain chains that dissect the land.

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 brown-skinned people who settled here would call 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…

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New Zealand: A Novel currently enjoys a global review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon…  https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan/dp/0473728524/

It is also available via Mighty Ape NZ and via Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores and via public libraries.

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Here’s an open invitation to visit Mary Ann Bernal’s bookstore – for lovers of historical fiction, sci-fi novels and adventure novellas

Accomplished American author Mary Ann Bernal, best known for her AnaRose adventure novellas and for The Briton and the Dane series of historical novels, has an online bookstore discerning readers really should visit.

Mary Ann is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series.

The Nebraskan author’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

Her latest literary contributions include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

The tagline for Crusader’s Path is intriguing. It reads: “A redemptive crusade. A test of faith. A defiant love.” The novel’s blurb follows below…

Driven by a quest for redemption, Etienne answers Pope Urban II’s call and joins the perilous Crusade led by Duke Robert of Normandy, aiming for Byzantium’s grandeur. Avielle, touched by Peter the Hermit’s words, commits to martyrdom after the brutal massacre at Mainz. In Constantinople, their paths converge, and amidst shared remorse, a tender love flourishes despite Avielle’s affliction. As Etienne beseeches the heavens for her recovery, pledging a monastic future, her health improves. Now, with Avielle on the mend, Etienne grapples with a heart-wrenching choice: uphold his sacred vow or yield to the call of his heart.

As a celebrated author, Mary Ann Bernal has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. She cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

Author’s links:

Online bookstore: https://www.maryannbernal.com/index.html

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003D2DPZ4/about

X: @BritonandDane

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‘New Zealand: A Novel’ FREE on Kindle March 15 – 17 PDT

To celebrate the addition of New Zealand: A Novel into Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, the Kindle version of this historical adventure is FREE on Amazon March 15-17 PDT.

New Zealand: A Novel currently enjoys a global rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and on Goodreads.

Here’s what reviewers are saying about this novel:

“Could this be The Great New Zealand Novel?” –Grady Harp, art historian

“Riveting. I could not put the book down.” –Stephen Heartland, author

“A fascinating read that spans hundreds of years and half the globe.” –Kathleen Buckley, author 

“Well worth a read and easily worth the 5/5 Star Rating.” –Todd Simpson

“A great romp of a read and hard to put down.” –Cavan Haines, autodidact

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Meet Nicholas Young… a leading character in ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

Tall for his age, the good-looking, blond-haired, blue-eyed lad had an eye for the working girls who frequented London’s docks, and he inevitably attracted their attention. He was still inexperienced in matters of the opposite sex, but he vowed he’d do something about that in the next little while.

That’s how I introduce Nicholas Young (above) in an early chapter of my historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel. The 17-year-old medical student is about to be recruited to serve as Surgeon’s Assistant aboard a vessel called the Endeavour.

Excerpt continues:

Early in his first summer in London he struck up a conversation with a Mister Wilkie, the recruiting officer for a vessel called the Endeavour. Wilkie, a short, bald, engaging character with a twinkle in his eye, told him he was charged with the recruitment of crew members for a voyage of discovery.

Nicholas was intrigued – even more so when he learned where His Majesty’s bark, the Endeavour, was going.

“She sets sail soon for Tahiti and on to the bottom of the world,” Wilkie confided. He spoke in that distinctive rural drawl, which identified him as a native of Devon. When pressed for more information by the eager boy, Wilkie said, “The Lords of the Admiralty want us to look for Terra Australis Incognita.”

Nicholas’ brow creased uncomprehendingly.

“The Great Southern Continent,” the recruiting officer explained, warming to his subject.

“You mean New Holland?” Nicholas asked, referring to the newly-discovered continent that would one day be referred to as Australia. He’d overheard chatter about New Holland amongst Jack Tars in the taverns.

“Nay, lad. Our Admiralty and the learned gentlemen of the Royal Society have long held the belief there is a vast tract of land, a veritable continent, far to the east of New Holland and the known world. They want it found, explored and claimed for Mother England.”

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To celebrate the acceptance of New Zealand: A Novel into Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, the book’s Kindle version will be FREE on Amazon March 15-17 PDT.

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Introducing Kete Books – an online literary magazine for readers everywhere

All about books in Aotearoa, all in one Kete.Mō ngā pukapuka i Aotearoa, kua whaowhia ki te kete kotahi.

Kete gathers reviews and news about books, authors, events and awards in Aotearoa New Zealand. Kete forages weekly selecting books for you.

There’s a site I recommend to discerning readers that is dedicated solely to the promotion of quality Aotearoa New Zealand books. Kete Books, an initiative of the Coalition for Books, publishes reviews and news about books, authors, literary events and awards in New Zealand. Here’s the link it Kete’s site. It’s worth a visit… https://www.ketebooks.co.nz/en

Every week, Kete Books announces the bestselling New Zealand books. Here’s this week’s Top 10 bestselling adult fiction books:

-The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove – by Erin Palmisano

-Delirious – by Damien Wilkins

-Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment – by Monty Soutar

-The Bookshop Detectives: Dead Girl Gone – by Gareth and Louise Ward

-Kāwai: For Such a Time As This – by Monty Soutar

-Kataraina – by Becky Manawatu

-The Songbirds of Florence – by Olivia Spooner

-Star Gazers – by Duncan Sarkies

-You Left Your Heart – by Johanna Aitchison

-Auē – by Becky Manawatu

The Coalition for Books, the inspiration behind Kete Books, is a collaborative organisation that works to raise the profile of NZ books and authors; it develops programmes and initiatives that serve authors, publishers, booksellers, festivals, readers, and organisations that make up the country’s literary eco-system. Its site is worth a visit… https://coalitionforbooks.nz/

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Indie publisher Sterling Gate Books is delighted that its latest release, New Zealand: A Novel, is highlighted on Kete Books’ site at: https://www.ketebooks.co.nz/en/book/9780473728533

This new release book is available from Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, Mighty Ape NZ and from Amazon. It’s also stocked or available on order at public libraries.

Current global review rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan/dp/0473728524/

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New historical adventure novel highlights the age of cannibalism in New Zealand

The following excerpt from the historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel describes a Maori raid on an East Coast pa (fortified village) and reveals the victors’ lust for the flesh of their enemies. It was the age of cannibalism…

Excerpt begins:

The Te Arawa flotilla’s appearance in the bay caused considerable panic on shore. Armed warriors took up defensive positions while others prepared to launch wakas [canoes] to intercept the enemy’s flotilla. They evidently had second thoughts when they saw the size of the fleet, retreating instead behind their fortifications to await the invaders’ arrival, which could now be measured in heartbeats.

As the leading waka caught a wave and surfed the last forty yards to the beach, Apera studied the pa’s defences. He was pleased to note the stockade was in a state of disrepair, and there was no sign of the trenches, lookout towers or other defences that were a hallmark of bigger, well-defended pas like the Te Arawa’s own one at Rotorua and their allies’ pa at Maketu.

The Te Arawa raiders were among the very first outsiders to have visited Tokomaru Bay in such numbers, so remote was it, and the villagers believed their isolation kept them safely removed from the conflicts that raged elsewhere – until today. The conflict that followed was as bloody as it was brief; resistance was weak and short-lived because the villagers had little experience of war.

Apera’s raiders killed almost every villager, sparing only the rangatira Rawiri, his two wives, thirty warriors and twenty-five nubile wahines. The warriors, all big men, were considered suitable candidates for slavery while the wahines would be used by the raiders for pleasure before being enslaved or killed.

As darkness fell, flames lit up the night sky after the raiders set fire to the whares [huts] and other structures. It wasn’t long before Rawiri’s whare was the only one left standing. Warriors wandered amongst the fallen, dispatching survivors with a savage thrust of a spear or blow from a club. The larger, meatier corpses – males and females – were stacked in a pile on the marae, a communal meeting place in the middle of the pa. These would be cooked, and the flesh and organs of many would be eaten before the night was over. Uneaten flesh would be cut into strips then smoked, packed and saved for eating in the days and weeks ahead.

The cries of the wounded faded. The only sounds were the crackling of flames and the triumphant shouts of the victorious Te Arawa warriors. Those same warriors then performed an impromptu haka to celebrate their triumph. Chanting, gyrating, leaping and stamping the ground in unison, the war dance was awesome, gut-wrenching and terrifying all at the same time. Between chants, the participants poked out their tongues, a chilling reminder that those vanquished would be eaten. Warriors needed no such reminding for all were aware, regardless of which iwi they belonged to, that that was the likely fate of those killed or enslaved. Maoris believed they inherited their enemies’ strength when they ate them.

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The print versions of New Zealand: A Novel are available via Waterstones UK & Europe bookstores, Mighty Ape NZ and Amazon. Global review rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The novel’s Kindle ebook link is: 

https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan-ebook/dp/B0DPTJTDCQ

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Sailors enjoy hospitality of Tahitian wahines in this excerpt from ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

The Tahitians’ unconstrained attitude to sex and, indeed, to life itself, was as far from European ways as Tahiti was from England. That was one of the first observations the men of Captain James Cook’s bark the Endeavour made during a stopover in Tahiti in 1769. They were there so that Cook could record the upcoming transit of Venus before sailing south to discover new lands. His men, however, had other priorities.

In the following excerpt from my new release historical adventure New Zealand: A Novel, the Endeavour’s company enjoy the hospitality of the villagers of Matavai Bay (pictured) early in their stay…

The feast that followed was worth the wait. Served on trays fashioned from the bark of trees, it included all manner of exotic fruit, fresh crayfish, prawns and oysters, and roasted pork and turtle meat topped with coconut cream. The food was served with generous quantities of kava, which, despite being an acquired taste, was well received by most of the visitors.

By now the celebrations were in full swing and many of the visitors were becoming intoxicated. Some of the worst-affected of the Endeavour’s company lay in a stupor on the ground while those still sober or partly sober participated in the trading now underway; others took advantage of the comforts offered by friendly wahines. Many of the womenfolk were either married or betrothed yet their promiscuity seldom caused arguments.

Unfortunately, venereal disease would soon sweep through the Endeavour’s crew, affecting thirty-two sailors and six of the marines – an unfortunate development that would surprise Cook. Surgeon Monkhouse had assured him his men were not poxed before they reached Tahiti, and the Dolphin’s medical records confirmed that the clap had not been a problem during her visit to these same shores. This could only mean the French were the culprits as their ships had been the only vessels to anchor in Matavai Bay since the Dolphin’s historic visit.

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New Zealand: A Novel is available at Waterstones Bookstores UK & Europe and via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan/dp/0473728524/

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John Jewitt’s diary brings the First Nations people of yesteryear alive!

Those who share our fascination with the First Nations people of North America will surely resonate with THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN JEWITT: The true story that inspired Into the Americas (Illustrated).

It’s one of several books that faithfully duplicates a young English seaman’s diarized account of his years as a captive of Mowachaht warriors in Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island, in the early 1800s.

John Jewitt’s diary was – as our book’s subtitle suggests – the inspiration for one of our bestselling novels, Into the Americas. The diary is a public domain book, so we didn’t hesitate to “borrow” some of Jewitt’s adventures and include them, albeit dramatized, in our novel.

John Jewitt…as pictured in his diary.

Jewitt was one of only two survivors when fierce Mowachahts slaughtered (decapitated) 25 crewmen aboard the brig The Boston. He and his fellow survivor had to endure more than two years as slaves of the First Nations people of Nootka.

Jewitt’s writing seems surprisingly modern, and his observations are insightful and perceptive, which makes for a very easy, interesting read. He clearly resonated with his captors and his written observations of them and their customs really bring the First Nations people of the era alive.

There are several credible versions of John Jewitt’s public domain diary available on Amazon. Whether you read our version or another, no matter. His story is highly recommended!

And for those who prefer fiction, here’s the novel Jewitt’s diary inspired…

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