Hi Duckies! Author Jessica Andersen here, hoping you’re as excited about the launch of Nightkeepers and my Novels of the Final Prophecy series as I am… or if you’re not, that maybe I can convince you to be. [Ed.: Nightkeepers releases 3 Jun 08.]
Given that it’s launch day, I thought it’d be fun to talk a little about the 2012 end date that forms the basis of Nightkeepers. First, let me start by saying that I’m not all that big on personal drama. Or if we’re being technical, I’ve got drama queen tendencies and have learned to control them most of the time, not the least because my beloved perpetual fiancé (PF), while normally a highly functional and enjoyable human being, can be prone to freaking out over random stuff.
PF grew up in the city, and although we’ve lived in the not-city for some time, he still regularly convinces himself that the enormous state forest behind our house is home to:
1. Yeti
2. Terrorists
3. Serial killers
4. Hantavirus
5. Ghosts
6. All of the above
The identity of the scourge is usually related, as you might guess, to whatever we’ve been watching on TV. And okay, the time the brown bear came up on the porch and looked in through the sliders probably didn’t help the Yeti thing. But still. Honestly.
Me, I don’t get too worked up about that stuff. I love disaster movies and end-of-the-world scenarios. I deal pretty well with emergencies. I slept through the millennium changeover, trusting that the computers would still work the next day. And I generally try not to talk myself into freaking out about Big Scary Stuff that might not be real. But that begs the question: what if it is real?
Which brings us to the premise of Nightkeepers. The basic blurb is:
The ancient Mayan Long Count calendar completes its five-thousand-year cycle on December 21, 2012. According to scientists, that’s the day that the sun, moon and earth will align at the galactic center, in a conjunction that some researchers predict could trigger cataclysmic upheavals (sun spots, magnetic reversals, etc.). The Novels of the Final Prophecy tell of the ancient Mayan myths that come to life in the last four years before 12/21/2012, and their opposition by the Nightkeepers, descendants of an ancient magic-wielding race sworn to protect mankind from the apocalypse.
In the first book, Nightkeepers, the last king of the magi is forced to team up with a Miami-Dade narcotics detective in order to reunite his scattered warriors and fight the gods of the Mayan underworld. Wielding ancestral magic based on bloodletting and sex, the king will have to choose between his duty and his love for the human woman who is the gods’ destined sacrifice.
Pretty cool, huh? At least I think so, and I had a heck of a fun time writing it. During the writing process, though, I did a ton of research into the 2012 end date. . . and I started to creep myself out, because entirely too many lines of evidence seem to point toward something happening on that day. On the scientific side, the 2012 conjunction is likely to bring massive sunspots that could very well mess up our satellites and/or burn through our weakened ozone layer. Other research points toward the earth’s weakening magnetic field, suggesting that a magnetic reversal is imminent, and hoo boy, wouldn’t that wreck havoc on the machines we depend on for our everyday lives?
We are now at the end of what the Maya called the Age of the Jaguar, which was said to be ‘a time when men turn away from the gods and look to machines.’ After the 2012 end date, the question is: will the world cease to exist, or will we enter the next age, the Age of Enlightenment, that of a more global consciousness?
I won’t go into all the arguments for and against (check out my site under the ‘Background’ and ‘References’ sections), but suffice it to say that even non-dramatic me is halfway to thinking that something Big and Bad could very well happen during the winter solstice of 2012. . . and 
that maybe, just maybe we’re going to need a group of heroes to help the cycle of time reset itself, ensuring that mankind will continue on toward globalization rather than apocalypse.
Or maybe that’s my own personal Yeti. Let’s just say I’ve been trying to keep PF away from my research material, and I’ve been careful to watch my Mayan documentaries after he’s conked out for the night… because the last thing I need is for him to convince himself that the 2012 doomsday is real. If that happens, I have a feeling I’ll be spending that night in a bomb shelter surrounded by canned beans and bottled water, rather than throwing a party, which is my current plan.
So, what do you think… Bomb shelter or party??
** We will be giving away two signed copies of Nightkeepers. The winners will be taken from the comments on any Jessica Andersen post (here, any of the ‘Did You Know’ posts and the Book Alert). Thanks 😉 **
Party… bombshelter…
Okay, I’m going to vote for a party in a bombshelter 😀
Oh don’t look at me like that- you didn’t say it was either or!
BTW love love love the NIGHTKEEPERS… want.second.in.series.
Are you going to make me beg?
I’m going to have to go with the WARDen on this one…best way to play it safe and have cake and eat it and…um…yeah! Bomb shelter party! 🙂
Well…
As my screen name may have given away already, I’m Mexican by birth. This makes it harder for me to suspend disbelief when reading about ohmygodtheancient Mayan/Aztec/fill in the blank curses, prophecies, evil gods and goddesses.
However!
😀 There’s always the possibility of finding that one book that will make me smile blissfully. I’ve wavering on whether to give this one a try, but after this post I am convinced I will.
Best of luck!
My word, Jessica, you are beginning to get me paranoid. I vote for party because life’s too short to worry about things over which you have no control. Very intriguing premise and your website is way kewl.
The party in the bombshelter starts when? *looks down at calendar*
I’ve got to say that I’m an anti-apocalypse senario person, but some of the things with the 2012 stuff is rather strange and downright freaky. Don’t know what will happen, but it’s interesting stuff. So my vote would be for a party.
WARDen and Ann- always looking to stir things up, ain’t you? I’m pretty sure that was an ‘either/or’ question… but I’m willing to give it to you. Party in the bomb shelter it is! Your bomb shelter or mine?
Azteclady- I hear you, and totally respect where you’re coming from. I think that the science behind it takes this particular ‘OMG it’s the end of the world!’ Mesoamerican Chicken Little moment up a notch. (For me, anyway )
The end of the Mayan long count calendar was set for the day of the conjunction because the ancient Maya were incredibly advanced astronomers, and had figured out precession and a whole lot of other stuff I’m only starting to understand, in order to know that 12/21/2012 would be the day the earth would pass through the center of a dark spot in the Milky Way galaxy, which they associated with the mouth of Xibalba (the underworld).
What the daykeepers (Mayan shaman-priests) thought would happen on that day (if anything) isn’t clear, but in the absence of an ozone layer and with a society that relies heavily on magnetic north being magnetic north… who knows?
I hope you’ll give the book a try, and if you do, that it works for you and you enjoy Strike and Leah’s adventure 🙂
Jennybrat- Thanks for the website props, and I’ll put you down for ‘party’. Wanna join us for the bomb shelter mixer?
Opal and Lawson- okay two more for the party 🙂
Technically the conjunction occurs at like 11:30 the morning of the 21st… so I guess we should probably start partying at 12:01 that morning, to be sure we get in some good times, just in case!
Ohhhh…pick me too! I wanna join! Sounds like a plan. I’ll bring the margaritas!
Just dropping by to show some love for Doc Jess. This book kept me up late last night. I’m functioning on coffee and praying that I don’t fall asleep at my desk!
Hugs,
Ing
*gets out calendar*
Right… Party in the Shelter
I’m going and buying supplies starting… now.
PS I love the mythology of this series and the atmosphere of the scenes in the temples is awesome- it’s got the Indiana Jones vibe thing but so much more
I’m totally down for partying in the bombshelter. As long as a few Nightkeepers and maybe a Prince or two are there with us….
And I just have to tell you, I’m so jazzed about the series! I love that it’s not the traditional paranormal vampire tale. It’s wonderful. 🙂
Count me in on the bombshelter party too! I’ll be there. Love the book. Can’t wait for the next one.
I’m going to be at the party. If it’s a real apocalypse, the bomb shelter won’t work anyway. Although if I’m invited to the party in the bomb shelter I wouldn’t say no. ^_~
Jessica, I am going to try it, no question–and I’ll be sure to let you know what happens 😀
Holly- thanks for the props! [Jess resists taking a jab at vamps, knowing the WARDen is out there, and tends to get even rather than mad.]
Okay, so that’s three more for the party, with Laviania’s valid point that the actual usefulness of the bomb shelter might be questionable if by ‘apocalypse’ we mean ‘the end of all things, boom done’.
More importantly (okay, not really, but bear with me), I think it’s important to mention that our bomb shelter has a big old drain in the center of the floor, so no matter how raucous our party gets, we can just hose the place down afterwards and it’ll be good as new.
Good to hear, azteclady, and please do! I have a feeling that even if it doesn’t work for you on every level, it’ll be a fun debate 🙂
Ok, does anyone else have the Grease 2 song, lets do it for our country, running through their head? lol
I don’t give much thought to these things. Nothing I can do to stop it from happening, and I have enough to worry about as it is. I say party.
My vote is for the party. Will there be any sacrifices going on?
*Waves at Doc Jess, Warden and Ann*
I’ve got the Bon Bon and the Ho Ho’s!!!
Can we start now????
Congrats On the book…cant wait to read it!!!!!
Hello Doc Jess! I am SO going to be at the bombshelter party. I’ll bring the cheese and crackers. JR probably already has the coffee covered. LOL I’m going to pick up your book today and dig in! I already finished Lover Enshrined so I can actually focus on other things. 😀
I love that your series looks to be very original–not more vamps (no offense, WARDen, your vamps rock like purple socks) or shifters or plain psychics. A paranormal in a contemp setting wrapped up with fascinating things like doomsday phrophesies and mythology of past civilizations? Excellent! That it’s romance just tickles me pink. Nothing is better than love making people strong in the face of disaster. (((Doc Jess)))
Where can I get a ticket to the apocalyptic bomb shelter blowout??? ‘Cuz I’m ALLLLLLLLLL in!!!
I’ll be camped out in the nearest Barnes & Noble trying to gobble up as many books as possible before the big bang. 2012 doesn’t give me nearly enough time to finish my TBR pile!
I’m really looking forward to this book. I love mythology and complex world building in paranormal romance. (and your website is quite impressive – props!)
Ashley- LOL! When writing this one, I kept hearing INXS’s Devil Inside.
Jane- hmmm, hadn’t thought about sacrifices, but that’d be a good way to tip the scales in favor of ‘world continuing’, huh? Anyone want to recommend a sacrifice (boss, lying ex-boyfriend, mother-in-law, real doll?)
Amanda- mmmm…. HoHos…. I’ll be hanging on your side of the room.
CourtneyLee- hugs back atcha, and what a great rundown of what I’m going for on the paranormal-but-different front! (and I’m totally picturing your WARDen room avatar, btw)
Ventrue- your ticket will be waiting at the ‘will call’ window of our washable bomb shelter .
Ciara- Taking care of the TBR pile is a very noble pre-apocalypse goal! I guess if we’re doing pre-2012 goals, I’d put in for hubby fixing the vinyl trim around the garage door (which he ‘enlarged’ with his chainsaw four years ago when we bought a bigger truck) LOL! Thanks for the props on the website! I love how it came out- kudos to AM Design out of Texas.
Party, no question.
Hey, I got it! You invite your mom, and I’ll invite the bookman with the Albert Einstein hair. We can push them together by the crackers and cheese. *wink, wink*
I’m just dropping by to say hi and to see how things are going. Started Night Keepers last night. Love it so far. But as to 12/21/2012 – I really hope it’s a party. That’s my birthday, I party anyway.
Erin- ROFLOL! It’s a date (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Greta- that’s twice the reason to party! It’s also an excellent reason to have cake along with the coffee, crackers, cheese, and whatever else folks have agreed to bring so far. What kind of cake do you want?
There’s gonna be cake? PLEEEEEZ tell me there will be chocolate. Your buddy JR doesn’t like chocolate (the weirdo) but if it’s the end of the world, massive amounts of chocolate must be consumed!
Chocolate and coffee–have mercy of the caffeine addicted among us.(It could even be in the form of ice cream–goes rather well with chocolate cake)
Chocolate cake??? Someone say un-choc-o-latten cake??
W*
I would like an invite, mamma said, mamma, my mamma said that you should always ask before just bum rushing a party for chocolate.
W*
Y’all can have the coffee. I’m laying in the Red Bull. And Starbuck’s chai.
Add me to the party list, Jessica. I’ll bring Kahlua, tastes good in coffee.
Voting for a party in the bomb shelter, too.
On a brighter note…stormed B & N this a.m. when they opened their doors. Frothing and quivering like a junkie, I DEMANDED to the nearest employee as to the location of your book.
The poor blond waif of a woman was pathetically pale as she realized where it was kept.
In. The. Back. Room.
Yes. Our hero rushed the ranks so fast it made these book zealots work Harder than HARD for their minimum wage paychecks!
“Bring me NIGHTKEEPERS!” I roar with fire and brimstone lacking flavor due to absence of a decent cup of java. “And bring it now! Or else…”
Whilst I heaved a conclave breast bone at them, they merely sneered at my lack of steam in the face of this discernment, and proclaimed, “Or else, what?”
Indignant was I as reared my head back in indignation and adjusted my glasses to look mean, scholarly, and librarian-ish.
“Or else,” I hissed with contempt curling at my non-waxed eyebrows, “Or else I will go to Waldensbooks with glee.”
Compliance was immediate. I look forward to the journey.
Party, definitely. I’d feel very sheepish, if I stayed in a bomb shelter and nothing happened.
BTW, Ashley should get double points for the Grease 2 mention. Best/Worst movie ever and that was a fabulous scene. When we played Grease 2 as children, I was always Sharon.
I’m really looking forward to this book!
woot for me. I was a Grease junkie when I was younger. Still looking for my cool rider.
Jessica,
I have to go with chocolate!
Greta
I’m gonna say bombshelter…not because I buy into the world literally being blown to smithereens, but so I can have a mini-vacation. 🙂 Plan out a week long read-fest curled up on a comfy sofa in the bomb shelter (that would of course be repainted a more….non-doomy color…I’m thinking bright yellow 🙂 ) with my ultra soft microfiber blanket and fuzzy purple socks. Oh, and my favorite t-shirt, “When everything goes to hell in hand basket, I read.”
2000 — 00 — party overloops outta time, so tonight we’re gonna party like it’s….
2012?
Hey I live in NY — permanent orange, be prepared and party down in the shelter — only lovers and fighters need apply.
I’m down with it.
This book rocks. One minute I’m laughing, the next I’m cheering, the next I’m freaking out — love it. More please!
This is a great day. Congrats Dr. Jess.
S/
What any party needs is chips and salsa. You have to ease into sweets with delectable appetizers. I could go wild and make my famous kitchen sink nachos.
Lol Party in a bombshelter sounds sweet =) I’ve got the cheesecake and some brownies I can throw in for snacks! Id like to offer my store manager up for a sacrafice! He’s a real *winner* =/ Cant wait to read the book, Doc Jess, Im sure it will be awesome!
Okay, check. Eight more for the bomb shelter party (with a quiet corner, painted bright yellow and complete with comfy chairs for DeeCee and whoever wants to join her for a hell-in-a-handbasket read, which sounds like a loffly idea :)).
Pam- Kahlua? You’re in .
Katherine- ROFOLOLOL on the description. Thanking you for bringing down the wrath of a book lover upon them!
Devon and Ashley- Snicker. Points duly awarded, and now I’ll have to go watch the movie again. It’s on you two if my brain melts.
Stephanie- LOL-I’ve got a ‘Party like its 2012’ t-shirt. There’s no telling what you can find on Cafe Press. Thanking you for loving the book!!
Liviana- Kitchen sink nachos? I’m in.
Droushie- Excellent! Our first sacrifical victim! You’re encouraged to bind/tie/gag him however you wish, stick him in a fifty-gallon barrel and FedEx him to the bomb shelter, to arrive no later than 12/11/2012. Just so you don’t have to bother transpo-ing him yourself.
Rock on!
Devon and Ashley- Snicker. Points duly awarded, and now I’ll have to go watch the movie again. It’s on you two if my brain melts.
Least that way you won’t mind if the world ends 😀
Hi Jessica!
Best wishes for a successful start to your new series. I’ve already heard some excellent feedback from a few readers and I’m looking forward to reading Nightkeepers very soon!
Please add me to the guest list for the party! I’ll bring the firemen!! What? In case there’s a fire, of course. 😉
Christine- Ooh, firemen. You’re definitely invited .
Glad to hear the early word-of-mouth is positive, hope you likey!
I’m busy rounding up my sacrifices. Will champagne be served at this party?
How else does one properly toast sacrifices? Me, not so much of a blood drinker.
Sometimes it sucks living in Scotland. International shipping is a bitch. I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on this.
I’m in for the party and will bring many Scottish delicacies, including Irn Bru (scottish soda and the best hangover cure known to man) with vodka. A little tipple we call WKD. (Wicked)
Dude, you’re so totally in. Sorry about the shipping, hope it arrives soon!
So… if you drink the Irn Bru and vodka together, does that mean no hangover? Or do you have to hit the soda again later?
Inquiring minds want to know.
I think that was the idea, certainly when you are drinking it, you think…ahh just one more won’t matter. Then you wake up with a dead gerbil in your mouth and a head that feels like a rotten watermelon. One poke and it’d burst. But out comes the Irn Bru and ibuprofen and within 30 minutes you’re good to go. (If not quite as shiny.) It’s good to have a mixer that doubles as a hangover cure.
But don’t worry, if this is the end of the world job, then I will have bought enough to last 20-30 years underground. Food..Phh who needs it? Heat..na. but live without my Irn Bru? Or my Books? Not bloody likely!
I shall bring X-Files DVD’s for the party 😉 Hey it could be a long party and the date fits.