I wrote to Jessica Andersen, author of Skykeepers, and asked her to finish this sentence: The first time I sat down to write… Jessica was gracious enough to finish the sentence. Skykeepers, is the third book in her series The Final Prophecy, and it’s just as rich, exciting, action packed and captivating as the first two. The book doesn’t release until August 4th, but today, we’re going to choose a lucky random poster to win a copy.
The first time I sat down to write a novel, I didn’t know my life had just changed. I had always balanced my technical and creative sides, usually working in a lab and relegating my creativity to playtime (when I let myself dabble in woodcraft, painting, landscaping, sewing … pretty much whatever appealed at the moment). So it wasn’t totally unprecedented when, as I was hammering out my PhD thesis while interviewing for biotech patent jobs, I started seeing … well … random scenes playing out inside my head. And hearing voices. I just figured I’d let the creative part of me slide for too long, and my other brain (I can never remember my left from right in brain-terms) needed to let off some steam. So I went home and painted a bit. I doodled in charcoal. I fiddled with a rock garden. But the scenes and voices kept coming. What was more, they were telling a story that I hadn’t read, but rather seemed to be creating itself somewhere inside my subconscious.
Okay. That was new.
Now, given that I read incessantly, the idea of writing fiction wasn’t entirely foreign-I had aced an Other Worlds writing course while an undergrad, and had once filled most of a spiral bound notebook (in my heinous lefty’s scrawl) with the first few chapters of a story told in the POV of several blue whales who were actually aliens, and had to team up and save the world (not surprisingly, this was around the time Star Trek IV was released). I’d even, in another of my creative-dabble moments, gone so far as to submit a short story to a sci-fi magazine. But when that submission had come back with a photocopied “Dear Author, we’re sorry but…” rejection, I had just shrugged and gone on about my life.
This time was different, though. This time, the story I was seeing in my mind wasn’t so much a case of letting off steam, it was the steam. The more I wrote, the more I wanted to write, until the compulsion (obsession?) was taking over my formerly free time, and occasionally sneaking its way into the lab. About a year and just over a quarter of a million words later (half written on the ancient Mac II plus that had seen me through college, half on the HP desktop I bought when the Mac blew up), I had a finished manuscript. Of sorts, anyway. In the meantime, I had joined Romance Writers of America, and had taken a writing class taught by an author named Suzanne Brockmann, who had just made the jump from a successful category career to her first couple of single titles. The woman who sat next to me in that class, Dalton Diaz, is still today (a decade later) one of my closest writing friends. I was learning about the business side of writing even as I studied the craft itself. What was more, I was soaking it up, sucking it in, and resenting the hours I had to spend away from my stories.
And this time around, when I opened the first of those dreaded SASEs and saw “Dear Author, We’re sorry, but…” I burst into tears, because it mattered now. My life had changed. And the creativity that used to be my outlet had become my passion … and now it’s my life.
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Carolyn H
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 8:53 am:
I am glad that you found what you love to do. I loved the first 2 books and I am waiting for the 3rd now. Thank you
Carolyn Sullivan
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 9:06 am:
You have quickly infiltrated my list of top writers. (That is the list of writers I buy no matter how broke I am. You are right up there with Lisa Gardner. ;-}} )
I really hope I am eligible to win the third book, Sky Keepers.
Thank you.
Carolyn
Missy Royer
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 9:38 am:
Jessica~ You have moved right among my favorite authors! I have just started writing over the past year or so and interviews/questions such as this with you and others have been such an inspiration! Thank you, not only for the world you have created with your writing, but also for this peek into your life as an author. I am looking forward to reading Sky Keepers!
Jessica
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 10:12 am:
“The more I wrote, the more I wanted to write, until the compulsion (obsession?) was taking over my formerly free time, and occasionally sneaking its way into the lab.”
Jess, I loved this. That pivotal moment where writing goes from hobby to compulsion is what puts us on the writing super highway and transforms careers. It changes everything. I think I’ve just hit the on-ramp, and I couldn’t have phrased it better than you did here. Zoom, zoom!! Thanks, Jess!
Joy
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 10:48 am:
I’m so glad you stuck with writing. You’re very good at it. I’ve enjoyed the first two books and am really looking forward to the third.
Julia
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 11:05 am:
Love these books and love seeing the pairing of couples in each new release.
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 12:23 pm:
Carolyn H, Carolyn S, Joy and Julia, I’m so happy to hear that you’re loving the Keeper books, and thanks so much for stopping by and posting!
Missy and Jessica, I’m glad to hear that the story of my first time (ahem) resonated! Best of luck with your writing!
Alicia H
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:34 pm:
I’m so glad that you found something to do that you love.
Marisa
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:38 pm:
Hi Jess! I’m so excited that you are with us today. Thanks so much for sharing your story – I’m so very glad you sat down to write your first book! I just finished Skykeepers – lucky girl that I am – and might I say WOW! Michael’s story is rich an filled with angst, surprises and that moment when he finds himself and proves his worth! Sasha is no slouch either. I love how your heroines are true warriors and give as good as they get. This one was filled with surprises! And I’m on the edge of my seat as each book is released. Of course Rabbit’s story gets more and more interesting with each book and I’m wondering when we’ll get to his story. Each book brings more answers and more questions and I feel like one of the Nightkeepers in that each reveal is both illuminating and baffeling at the same time.
Is this series as fun to write as it is to read? What are the high points for you when you sit down to write it?
Joan
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:41 pm:
Hi Jessica, I just finished your first book in this series, Nightkeepers and I have to say it really hooked me. I feel so lucky that I get to read the other 2 right away. I’m going to savor them this summer and hopefully won’t have too long a wait until the fourth book. I think Strike and Leah are my new favorite H&H’s this year. They are so powerful both together and as individuals.
Did you start to write this series and know exactly what each book would be about? And how many books can I look forward to?
SaraBeth
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:45 pm:
Well look who’s here? I totally love this series and I ordered Sky Keepers last week (so don’t count me in for the give away). It’s fascinating to read how you started writing and I’m with you, if you follow your passion you can never go wrong.
Dalton Diaz
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:46 pm:
Back atcha! Watching you shoot your way to the top has been an incredible learning experience, and there have been times when I thought I would burst with pride. It’s still a danger!
Personally, I’m dying for Patience and Brandt’s story. My curiosity is beyond peaked!
Marisa
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:54 pm:
Dalton – you are so right – I’m hanging on tenterhooks waiting for Patience and Brandt’s story – so Jess – give – when will we get to read all about them?
Oh, and I forgot to say… Lucius’ story?? OMG… I’m all about that one.
January
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 1:57 pm:
Gosh Jessica, the inside of your head must be awfully crowed with all those voices and characters. But it must also be very exciting. I’ve been waiting for Michael’s story so I can’t wait to read Skykeepers. He’s been a puzzle and a mystery since Nightkeepers and I can’t wait to unwrap it.
Lani
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 2:27 pm:
Jessica, how wonderfully put. When your creative outlet becomes your passion you are a lucky person. I’m not an author but I’m a devoted reader and it may sound silly but I feel I can tell when an author has a passion for their work. Just wanted to say I really love this series and if the third book is anything like the first two I’m so there.
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 2:31 pm:
Alicia- thank you!
Marisa asked: Is this series as fun to write as it is to read?
Let’s say I hope very much that it’s as fun to read as it is to write
Although every book has its ‘dear gods, this is WORK’ moments, and Skykeepers actually had more of those than most (largely because Michael and Sasha are both such unknonwn quantities when the story begins), I love writing about the Nightkeepers, discovering the adventues and trials each couple has to go through, and seeing what Rabbit is up to now .
What are the high points for you when you sit down to write it?
One of my favorite parts is the ‘ta da’ moment near the end, when all these threads that might’ve seemed unrelated finally start coming together and we see how the hero and heroine complement each other so perfectly, even if (as in Michael and Sasha’s case) they might have seen it otherwise. In particular (and speaking to your nice comment on my warrior women ), I love it when the hero and heroine finally see that they’re exponentially stronger together than they are individually.
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 2:40 pm:
Joan– I’m so happy you loved Strike and Leah’s story! Thanks for checking out the other two, and yes, book 4 (Demonkeepers) isn’t too far off … okay, it’s an April ‘10 release, but that’s about as fast as I can write these things, given how long and intricate they are!
“Did you start to write this series and know exactly what each book would be about?”
Yes and no. I had (and still have) a decent idea of the story arc and where each couple’s book fits into the evolution of the end-time war. However, as I write, the stories continually surprise me, so my concepts of the future stories are continually evolving.
“And how many books can I look forward to?”
My current plan is nine books and one novella by the end of 2012. So far, the first six books and the novella are under contract.
SaraBeth– Hi, and thanks so much for commenting and letting me know you’ve enjoyed the books! And especially thanks for preordering .
Dalton– Hey girlfriend! (Check her out at Ellora’s Cave if you haven’t found her already) I know you’re a Patience and Brandt fan … I think I can reveal (without spoiling anything) they’re going to be the H and h of Keepers5, which is currently scheduled for next fall
Marisa- Lucius and Rabbit are probably the characters that I ’see’ most clearly in my mind’s eye. Which probably says way too much about my own self image …
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 2:46 pm:
January– LOL on the crowded head syndrome. It’s true! Then when I finish a book, I spend maybe a week or two with all the radios in the house turned on, because my head is strangely empty.
Thanks for looking forward to SkyK– Michael was a bit of a puzzle to me, too, when I started writing. I never would have initially guessed that he’d end up with the story he did!
Lani- Thank you for the kind words! (And there’s no such thing as ‘just’ a reader– or if there is, then I’m one too .) Interestingly, I wasn’t able to sell several other ‘big’ story ideas (as opposed to the shorter Harlequin romantic suspenses I also write) until I stumbled over the 2012 end date and started conceptualizing the Nightkeepers’ stories. I’ve since realized that there wasn’t anything particularly wrong about those other story ideas or the writing … but they were lacking the passion I feel for these books. Because your’e right — if the author isn’t excited about the story, it shows.
Maria Lokken
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 2:46 pm:
Wow Jess – your love for telling a story is evident in your novels- your story telling is rich and the stories are deep – they certainly make me want to keep turning the pages.
Can’t wait to read SKYKEEPERS!
Great book trailer by the way!
Cassie
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 3:18 pm:
So Jessica you relate to Rabbit, huh? LOL. I find Rabbit a really fascinating character in the series and can’t wait to read more about him. He reminds me of that kid brother who ALWAYS gets into trouble and then through trial and tribulation grows into a man you can’t forget. How will he come into his own and fit in with the group is certainly the question in my mind. Does he have a featured role in Skykeepers? For me, he is the key to the whole Nightkeepers saving the world. Don’t know how and that’s the fun of the reading this series. I think, right now my two favorite characters in the series are Rabbit and Anna.
Now I read that Lucius is back I’m wondering how he’s going to fit in. Do he and Jade get together? Curious minds want to know.
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 3:52 pm:
Maria- Thank you for the props, and for letting me hang out with you guys today! Hope to see you ladies in person again soon! (RT, RWA, etc.)
Cassie- Yeah, unfortunately I’m that kid brother. I’m still waiting to grow up into that unforgettable person . But I totally agree with you that in a way, the whole series is Rabbit’s story (at least as I’m currently seeing it). He definitly plays an important role in Skykeepers (and also Demonkeepers). I have a feeling we’ll be in his point of view in each of the books, though I may be wrong about that– I don’t totally see what he’s up to in the latter third of the series yet. Not to mention that I’ve already had two characters live who I had expected to die pretty early on, and I didn’t plan on Red-Boar’s death, so apparently nobody is entirely safe, despite my best intentions to control the stories …
As for the Lucius question, Skykeepers is partly about his captivity with the Xibalbans (who snatched him up after he escaped from Skywatch in makol mode).
Gannon
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 4:08 pm:
Hi, Jess. I love hearing your story about how your writing obsession took over and led you to where you are right now. I enjoyed meeting you at RWA and especially enjoyed your seminar with J R Ward–great info and lots of fun.
Looking forward to Skykeepers.
Maddie
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 6:32 pm:
Great series. I can’t wait to get my hands on Skykeepers.
Natalie
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 6:35 pm:
Hey, I’m with a lot of the women here, I love Rabbit’s story line and can’t wait to see what he’s up to in Skykeepers. Are he and Myrinne still together?
You’re scarring me with the whole you’re not sure who’s going to live or die! Please don’t make it be too tragic, I beg of you.
Jessica Andersen
on Jul 27th, 2009
@ 9:41 pm:
Gannon- Hi!! I hope you had a great conference overall, and thanks for letting me be a part of it
Maddie- I appreciate the shout-out, and hope you love Michael and Sasha’s story!!
Natalie- Yes, Rabbit and Myrinne are both in SkyK! And I don’t mean to scare you, honest! One of the promises of a romance is a Happily Ever After, and that’s a vow I stick to … promise.
I’ll check in tomorrow to shout-out to any late posters (I’m on EST, so it’s wind-down time for me), but thanks to everyone who stopped in to say ‘hi’ today, and thanks to Marisa and Maria for having me!!
Marisa
on Jul 28th, 2009
@ 6:13 pm:
Jessica! Thanks so much for joining us and I know everyone is going to love Skykeepers!
I put all the names in a hat and, Congratulations, Missy – you’re our winner. So send your snail mail address to alphamail@romancenovel.tv with ‘Skykeepers’ in the subject line and we’ll send you a copy!
Thanks everyone for joining us!