Writers and Readers discussion

Into the Americas (A novel based on a true story) by Lance Morcan and James Morcan

INTO THE AMERICAS (A novel based on a true story) is a gritty, real-life adventure based on one of history’s greatest survival stories. It was inspired by the diary entries of young English blacksmith John Jewitt during his time aboard the brigantine The Boston and also during his sojourn at Nootka Sound, on North America's western seaboard, from 1802 to 1805.

Written by father-and-son writing team Lance & James Morcan (authors of The World Duology and The Orphan Trilogy), INTO THE AMERICAS is a tale of two vastly different cultures – Indigenous North American and European civilization – colliding head on. It is also a Romeo and Juliet story set in the wilderness.

Nineteen year-old blacksmith John Jewitt is one of only two survivors after his crewmates clash with the fierce Mowachaht tribe in the Pacific Northwest. A life of slavery awaits John and his fellow survivor, a belligerent American sailmaker, in a village ruled by the iron fist of Maquina, the all-powerful chief. Desperate to taste freedom again, they make several doomed escape attempts over mountains and sea. Only their value to the tribe and John’s relationship with Maquina prevents their captors from killing them.

As the seasons pass, John ‘goes Indian’ after falling in love with Eu-stochee, a beautiful maiden. This further alienates him from his fellow captive whose defiance leads to violent consequences. In the bloodshed that follows, John discovers another side to himself – a side he never knew existed and a side he detests. His desire to be reunited with the family and friends he left behind returns even stronger than before.

The stakes rise when John learns Eu-stochee is pregnant. When a final opportunity to escape arises, he must choose between returning to civilization or staying with Eu-stochee and their newborn son.

A.F. -- Thank you so much for spotlighting our new release novel Into the Americas (A novel based on a true story) in the group. It has just this week entered Amazon’s bestseller lists in its category (Action-Adventure).

I’m happy to email a PDF review copy of the novel to any members who wish to read it. I’d ask that they post a review on Goodreads and Amazon if they enjoy it, but that’s entirely optional...

Anyone interested should email me direct at: sterlinggatebooks@gmail.com

Meanwhile, the following (Authors’ notes) may be of interest to members…

Into the Americas is the end result of 13 years of research and writing. We first came across the centuries-old diary entries of young English seaman John Jewitt in early 2002 and immediately became enamored with this intriguing slice of North American history.

However, it took untold drafts and careful study of the region - including consultation with the tribal peoples of the Pacific Northwest - before we finally felt confident we had developed the original bare bones historical account into the epic adventure novel it deserved to be in literary format.

As with writing any novel based on or inspired by a true story, we had a million agonizing decisions to make along the way. Decisions like what aspects of the historical events needed to be added to, fictionalized or given more layers, and what could be kept exactly as occurred but expanded upon or "dramatized".

Our writing/storytelling process continues as we have since adapted Into the Americas to a feature film screenplay and are currently working toward getting a period movie produced.

Even after all these years of focusing on the history we still feel John Jewitt's story is one of the great true wilderness survival tales of all time.

Regards

Lance