Info & Enquiries
A resource for media, collaborators, and the curious.
About James lovell
James Lovell is a New Zealand-born creator with a passion for storytelling and creativity in all its forms. He wrote Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Geography, Politics, and International Relations at the University of Auckland.
​
James began crafting the world of Zealandia at 18 years old, during the pandemic, inspired by the power of escapism and the need for adventure when reality feels heavy. He believes books aren’t just stories — they’re friends, portals, and safe havens.
​
Alongside writing, James experiments with other forms of storytelling — including music, animatronics, surreal builds, and more. He sees Zealandia Publishing as a creative workshop as much as a company: a place where stories and strange inventions can coexist.
About Zealandia Publishing
Zealandia Publishing began as an independent platform to publish Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp, but quickly expanded into a full creative studio. Today, it's the home base for James’s wide-ranging projects: from books and interactive blog content to animatronic builds, surreal machines, music experiments, and beyond.
​
At its heart, Zealandia Publishing is about building a world that readers and visitors can step into. It's a place for kids who feel too much, adults who never stopped imagining, and anyone looking for something just a little bit strange.
About the Book
Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy (Ages 10+)
Themes: Magic, adventure, friendship, mystery, escapism
Published: January 24, 2025
Publisher: Zealandia Publishing
​
Blurb:
​
For twelve-year-old Tom Walker, life on his grandfather's remote farm on New Zealand's South Island is safe but stifling. Lonely days stretch into lonely years, with only his neighbour Victoria and his Gramps to keep him company. But as Tom's thirteenth birthday approaches, the quiet isolation he's come to know begins to unravel.
A shattered mirror, a crushed truck, and eerie growls in his favourite forest. These are only the first signs that something is wrong-and that Tom's world is far bigger than he ever imagined.
When Tom learns that his parents were part of Zealandia, a magical society hidden beyond the Southern Alps, his world explodes with colour and wonder. At its centre lies the Dreadstones Grasp, a powerful necklace tied to his parents' deaths. Now, the dark sorceress Thallium is hunting for its power, and shadows threaten everything Tom holds dear.
With Victoria and new friends by his side, Tom must leave behind his quiet, lonely life and step into a vibrant world of magic and danger. Along the way, he'll discover that the family you choose can be just as powerful as the family you've lost-and that even in the darkest times, you don't have to face the shadows alone.
Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp is a spellbinding story about friendship, magic, and discovering that the things you've always been missing may be closer than you think. At approximately 77,000 words, this immersive tale will captivate readers of all ages.
​
​
​
​
​
Sample Book Interview Questions
About the Book & Story​
​
-
What inspired Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp?
-
Can you describe Zealandia in one sentence?
-
What makes Zealandia different from other fantasy worlds?
-
The book blends adventure, humour, and mystery—was that intentional from the start?
-
The book has a very New Zealand feel to it—why was that important to you?
-
How does magic work in the world of Zealandia?
​
About the Writing Process
​
-
You started writing this book at 18. How has your writing changed since then?
-
What was the hardest part of writing Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp?
-
Do you have a favourite scene or moment in the book?
-
Were there any big changes from the first draft to the final version?
-
What’s your writing routine like? Do you plot everything or just go with the flow?
-
Did anything unexpected happen while writing the book?
​
About Zealandia Publishing & Creative Vision
​
-
Why did you choose to publish independently?
-
What other projects are you developing under the Zealandia Publishing banner?
-
What does a "living world" mean to you in the context of storytelling?
​
Looking Ahead
​
-
What's next for the Zealandia series?
-
Will we see more interactive or physical projects in the future?
-
What advice would you give to young creatives starting their own worlds?
Beyond the Books
James’s creativity doesn’t stop on the page. Alongside writing, he designs surreal, story-driven experiences that blur the line between fiction and reality.
Professor Scruffles
A scruffy, animatronic bear and the semi-official marketing executive of Zealandia Publishing. Equal parts unhinged and loveable, Scruffles is part puppet, part performance — designed to bring humour and chaos to book marketing, events, and online content.
​
Talking Mirror & Other Machines
From motion-activated mirrors with attitude to talking portraits, James’s physical creations are scattered throughout his workshop — and sometimes even escape onto social media. These aren’t props. They’re part of a living creative world.
​
Music Experiments
Though not yet publicly tied to Zealandia Publishing, James’s work also spans songwriting. Projects are occasionally teased and might become more public over time.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you’ve got a gallery wall that needs a talking painting, a weird idea you want to collaborate on, or you’re looking to feature my work — this is the place to start.
​
Use the form below to reach out about commissions, creative opportunities, or general enquiries. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can (unless I’m trapped inside a malfunctioning animatronic, in which case… send help).