The Mysteries of the Maya

Lisa's Blog Uncategorized 104 Comments

Hi Everyone –

Thanks for stopping by my leg of the Author Blog Hop to visit the Mysteries of the Maya!!! I’ve got some fabulous prizes…errr…Treasures for you to win too!!!

Are you ready?

First we’ve got a few rules…

TREASURE QUEST: DISCOVERY LIES BETWEEN THE COVERS:Mega Author Blog Hop Tour (July 17-25)

TOUR RULES:

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR RUNS – July 17th – 25th

Winners will be drawn and posted June 26th! ***

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP!

PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES!

EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER,

THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES.

EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE

BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

***Authors have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s)

within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who

participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

Night Walker, Book 1 of my Night Series, is being released August 2nd, and will open the door to a new breed of immortals! Night Walkers are similar to vampires, they feed on blood and are dead when the sun rises, but unlike vampires, at night their hearts beat, they breathe, and they’re also connected to their own spirit animal. They can shift their form to their spirit animal at will.

 

Night Walkers are descended from the Mayans, from the original four immortal brothers who held up the world, North, South, East, and West.

So while we’re on this treasure hunt, I thought I would take you down to the jungles of the Yucatan, to the place where Night Walkers began….


This is the view from the top of the Chichen Itza pyramid. As you can see, there are many more Mayan mysteries deep in the jungle that are still waiting to be discovered. Our guide told us the forest is too thick to reach them. The ruins can only be viewed from the air.

My kids were much smaller when we took this trek to Central America… They were troopers on the mini-archeological research trip!

That’s the Mayan Observatory behind them. Inside is the oldest circular staircase in the world. Scientists still haven’t been able to explain how the Mayans came up with the stairs or the round design that is still used for stargazing today.

This is a “cenote” that the Mayans dug out to use for irrigation. I circled the people at the edge to give you a feel for the size of this gigantic natural well. It’s completely man-made, but again, scientists can’t explain how they managed the construction. Recently they dredged one of the cenotes and found ancient Mayan jewelry and bones at the bottom. The current theory is that in times of draught, people were sacrificed to the gods and their bodies, were dropped into the cenote as an offering… Yikes!

Panda & I climbed up inside the big Chichen Itza pyramid. There is actually a smaller pyramid inside, and they believe there is another one beneath that. The Mayans believed in cycles of life and at the end of a cycle they built right over the old. Our muscles ached when we came out and our guide explained it was carbon dioxide poisoning! Apparently there is very little oxygen inside and there were a bunch of people hiking up and down inside so there’s more carbon dioxide than oxygen! YIKES!!! It was really cool though to see the carvings that haven’t seen the sun in almost 3,000 years…


Here we are climbing up Chichen Itza. It’s a serious climb! The steps are VERY narrow and super steep. There’s no handrail, and nothing to protect you if you start to fall. Needless to say I had no problem going up but coming down I cried I was so scared! LOL The next two photos will give you an idea of how steep the incline is in proportion to the narrow steps.



And this is the head of the serpent at the base of the pyramid…

In Book 2 of the Night Series, Night Demon, our hero and heroine are studying the Mayan Glyphs to decipher the mystery of the Night Demon. Here are some Glyphs from Chichen Itza.




This is a carving on the wall of the huge stadium from the Mayan Ball Game. Scientists still haven’t deciphered how the game was played, but in this game the winning team is sacrificed! YOUCH! But the Mayans believed in reincarnation. They even had a god for reincarnation! So scientists believe that the winners were proud to give their lives back to the earth. Their blood would spill out onto the grass of the game field as a gift to the gods to promote great harvests. By giving the gods their best and strongest, they guaranteed the community would have food…

When Cortez and the Spanish landed on the Central American coast in search of El Dorado and gold, the Mayans were also being attacked by the Aztecs. It’s believed that since they were already weakened, the Spanish came in and killed all the scribes who could read and write the Mayan language, effectively erasing their civilization.

The Mayan calendar, which is more precise than our calendars today, is still a mystery.  And we still don’t know how they transported the stone to build their pyramids. And how did they know where to place their stone structures so that the equinox light pierced through tiny openings to give them a taste of the heavens?

And why was blood and reincarnation such a big part of their world?

Archeologists are still working to decipher glyphs and master the Mayan written language. Until then, we may never know the answers to those questions.

I felt so privileged to walk where they walked and experience the awesome size and beauty of their lost city.  It’s estimated that the city of Chichen Itza once housed more than 100,000 people. Where did they go?

I took the unsolved mysteries of the Mayans and gave them a paranormal solution, weaving it into Night Walkers. I hope to go back down to see more ruins someday.

So have you ever traveled to a mysterious destination? I’d love to hear your stories!!! J

Now for the Treasures!!!

Treasure Quest CONTEST: (You don’t have to do all of these to play! Just extra ways to collect treasure! J )

1) Leave me a question or a comment here at my blog below. Please also leave your email address so I can notify you in case you are a winner!

2) Earn +2 extra chances to win by Subscribing to my Blog…

3) Click on my Twitter link and follow me at: http://twitter.com/LdyDisney– You guessed it +2 more chances!!!

4) If you have a Goodreads account, add me as a friend at: http://www.goodreads.com/lisakessler and/or add Night Walker to your to-read list http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11557788-night-walker

5) Sign up for my newsletter and get +5 entries! http://lisa-kessler.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=021315e00577de12b41994e33&id=d2d2bcb9d2

6) Follow me on Tumblr –http://LisaKessler.tumblr.com– +2 more chances!!!

7) This won’t get you any entries because Facebook is mean about contests now, but you can find me and like me here anyway if you choose to! http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter

and http://facebook.com/NightSeries

PRIZES FOR THIS CONTEST:

  1. First Prize: A signed copy of the new Night Walker paperback, a set of Night Walker trading cards AND a Night Walker poster!!!
  2. Second Place Prize: A signed set of Night Walker trading cards AND a Night Walker poster
  3. Third Prize: (5 winners) A signed set of Night Walker trading cards

Thanks for attending the Mysteries of the Maya treasure hunt, and don’t forget to HOP over to Andi’s blog to see America’s Treasure Islands… http://andisrealm.webs.com/apps/blog/show/7533030-treasure-quest-discovery-lies-between-the-covers-mega-author-blog-hop-tour-july-18-25

104 Comments

  1. Lynn Rush July 17, 2011 at 5:28 am

    Awesome! Gosh, I already stalk you on facebook, twitter, and goodreads, and I subscribe to your blog 🙂

    Fantastic pictures. What an exciting trip. I’m super excited for your book coming out. It’s coming out fast!! Enjoy the journey, my friend!!

    LynnRush@cox.net.

    1. Lisa Kessler July 17, 2011 at 5:21 pm

      Hi Lynn! *waving*

      I can’t believe Night Walker will be out in the world in 2 weeks and 2 days… Yikes!!!

      I’m super excited and nervous all at the same time… I’m really happy with the way the book came out and i hope you’ll enjoy it too! 🙂

      Thanks for commenting Lynn! And you still get credit for stalking me everywhere! LOL Hope you win!

      Lisa 🙂

  2. katsrus July 17, 2011 at 5:40 am

    I have never been anywhere like that. I have only been to state parks and museums close to home. Beautiful pictures. Don’t think I would make it too far up those stairs either. LOL. I follow your blog. Following on Twitter(katsrus2003). Following on Goodreads(sue brandes)& already have your book in my to read list. Already subscribed to newsletter and facebook(sue brandes).
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm

      Hi Sue! *waving*

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!! I’m glad you enjoyed the pics! 🙂

      Thanks for connecting with me online too!!! I hope you win….

      Lisa 🙂

  3. Jennifer July 17, 2011 at 8:50 am

    It’s so great that you were able to go see those amazing things. My question… did you have the story in mind when you visited? Or did the visit inspire the story?

    I’ve never travelled out of the country, so no Mayan ruins for me. But… my sister and I did do a long trip around New Mexico and Kansas, hunting up all the places the the gunfighters of the old west roamed. We saw everything you could find about Billy The Kid in Lincoln, Las Cruces, and Ft. Sumner, NM. We saw the two banks and the alley that ended the run of robberies by the Dalton Gang in Coffeyville, KS, and their hidout in Meade, KS. We saw The St. James Hotel & Tavern in Cimarron, NM with the ceiling shot all up by Buffalo Bill Cody. We also visited Taos, NM, the home of Kit Carson. We went to LOTS of cemataries to see the final resting places of many of the names in the wild west stories. And soooooo many other places, including a few ghost towns. We literaly put 6,000 miles on my sister’s car in 11 days 🙂 It was a FANTASTIC trip! (Even the time that we weirdly got stuck on Rt 66 for a really LONG time, lol.)

    I wish I had a picture of the trip I could post for you, but all my old vacation pics are on my desktop computer, and I have no monitor for it anymore (RIP old monitor).

    As far as the stalking…. errrr… following… for the contest… I already follow you on Twitter, Facebook, GoodReads, and your website/blog/newsletter… and I’ve had Night Walker as a “to read” for a while, lol 🙂

    Thanks for doing such a fun contest, and for sharing all the Mayan info and pictures!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 17, 2011 at 8:00 pm

      Hey Jennifer!!! *Waving*

      Your trip sounds SOOOO cool!!! I love old cemeteries and ghost towns!!! Did you go to Bodie?

      In answer to your question, I already had Night Walker written and Night Demon was about 1/3 of the way done when I set out to see the Mayan ruins. I’m so glad I went too! The internet research really can’t convey how heavy and thick the hot humid air is down there, and the crazy storms they have every day where it goes from clear and sunny to black and torrential downpour. Plus the ruins are SOOO huge… I was stunned!!

      Night Demon, which comes out in December, takes place in the Yucatan so I wanted to go experience it… I hope some of it comes through to the reader in the book!

      WHen I got the idea for the series I wanted a vampire, but not from Europe. I wanted it to be from the Americas and the Mayans peeked my interest. The more I researched the more my Night Walker world came together… 🙂

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!!! Hope you win!!!

      *HUGS*

      Lisa 🙂

  4. Terry Harney Harp July 17, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Hey Lisa,
    I’m already doing several of those things 8) I was wondering how old the kids were when you took this trip? I’m really afraid of heights. You’d never have gotten me any where near that crazy high climb!!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 18, 2011 at 10:13 pm

      Hi Terry!

      I think Panda was 11 and Reno was 8 when we made the trip to Cancun… Time Flies!!! 🙂

      I’m afraid of heights too! LOL But it was so steep going up that you sort of climb/crawl so I couldn’t see down and I didn’t realize how high up I was… Once I was up there I started to panic and cry! LOL Luckily Panda and Reno talked me down and we scooted on our butts… Scary!!!

      Thanks for following Terry! You totally get credit and extra entries… 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa

  5. Leanne July 17, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    Not enetering 🙂 I already own your book 😀 will be reviewing it soon 😀 Just wanted to show support to an awesome writer!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 18, 2011 at 10:19 pm

      Thanks Leanne!!! You rock!!!

      I’ll still enter you in the drawing for posters though! Sound good? 🙂

      Lisa

  6. Iris July 17, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    Wonderful photos !!! Makes me wanna go travelling again. Will be stopping by more often now 🙂

    1. Lisa Kessler July 18, 2011 at 10:24 pm

      Thanks Iris!!! I’m glad you enjoyed the pics!!! 🙂

      I look forward to seeing you on my blogs again… Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa

  7. Sandy July 17, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    Lisa,
    I have traveled in Egypt, and it’s every bit as mysterious as the Mayan ruins. They built over whole cities time and again. Amazing!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 20, 2011 at 1:04 am

      Hi Sandy –

      Wow!!! I’ve always wanted to visit the Egyptian pyramids!!! I bet that was an amazing trip too!!!

      Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  8. kym July 17, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Hi Lisa, I am a big stalker, I receive ur emails, check ur blog,, facebook, goodreads..I think I have em all 🙂

    I cannot get over those steps and to think u went up and down them !! How often does someone get hurt on them ?

    What an amazing trip …thanks for sharing it with us, I love to learn and you are a great teacher 🙂

    What gave you the idea for writing this book ? I cant wait to read it 😀

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 12:10 am

      Hi Kym! *waving*

      Thanks for stalking…*ahem*… Following me! 🙂

      I have no idea how many people got hurt, but they have now closed the pyramid steps so no more climbing it… Not that I was tempted to go back up there! LOL

      I got the idea for Night Walker when I decided I wanted to write a vampire novel, but I also wanted to create something “new”. I started researching the Maya and it all came together like it was meant to be! 🙂 Can’t wait for you to read the books!

      THanks for commenting Kym!

      Lisa 🙂

  9. Heather Hiestand July 17, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Great blog, Lisa! I went to Chichen Itza once and had to turn back when I tried to climb the inner pyramid because I started to have an asthma attack. Now I know why! Great information.

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 12:17 am

      Hi Heather!

      Yikes! How scary for you! I bet that’s exactly why you couldn’t breathe in there… Too much carbon dioxide…

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  10. Jennette Marie Powell July 17, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    Wow, what awesome photos, Lisa! When did you visit Chichen Itza? I went in 2002, but my photos are nowhere near this dramatic. Climbing up the pyramid was scary, but I’m glad I did it since they closed it to the public a few years later. And funny you should mention it’s in your book – my upcoming time travel romance starts there too! You have my email & I already follow on Twitter… happy upcoming release!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:30 pm

      Hi Jennette –

      I heard they stopped letting people hike the pyramid at Chichen Itza too… It was a harrowing experience for me! LOL

      Good luck with your new time-travel book!!! THanks for commenting and following on twitter too!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  11. Kim Bowman July 17, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Very interesting and cool, but I’m soooo not climbing up that wall! YEESH!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:31 pm

      Hi Kim –

      Yeah climbing that pyramid was not one of my brightest ideas!!! LOL

      Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  12. Marie Andreas July 17, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    VERY VERY cool stuff Lisa! That trip looked amazing- although there is NO way I would have gone up that thing! Forget about crying on the way down, I’d be yelling for a helicopter! Lots of interesting info here- and thanks for sharing your photos- 🙂

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:43 pm

      Hi Marie –

      I’m pretty sure while I was crying I mentioned something about needing a helicopter! LOL

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting! It was quite an adventure! 🙂

      Lisa

  13. JeanP July 18, 2011 at 5:55 am

    Those pictures are amazing, but those steps, that must have been a nail biting time for sure.
    I signed up for your newsletter and your blog.

    skpetal at hotmail dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:44 pm

      Hi Jean –

      Oh that pyramid was amazing, but coming back down terrified me!!! YIKES!!! 🙂

      Thanks for coming by and commenting!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  14. LorettaLynn July 18, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Lookslike you had a great time:)
    Thank you for the giveaway!!
    elliott2668(at)yahoo(dot)com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:47 pm

      Hi LorettaLynn –

      It was a super trip!!! (Except for coming down that pyramid! Yikes that was scary! LOL)

      Thanks for commenting and entering! Hope you win some goodies! 🙂

      Lisa

  15. Nathiel July 18, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Hi Lissa I’m stalking you everywhere 🙂
    But on facebook and Twitter it’s my actual name so it’s Melissa Sanchez Dempsey (Facebook) and MelissaDempsey1 (Twitter)
    There are these old caves near where I live in Spain and I went there a couple of times with the school really enjoying them 🙂
    nathielgold@gmail.com
    Nathiel/The Wolfs Library
    http://thewolfslibrary.blogspot.com/

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:53 pm

      Hi Melissa –

      Thanks for stalking me everywhere! LOL

      I would love to go to Spain someday!!! My hero in Night Walker is from Spain…. 🙂

      THanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  16. Joselyn Vaughn July 18, 2011 at 10:42 am

    Those are amazing pictures! Looks like a great trip (Not literally – those stairs look treacherous.)

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:55 pm

      Hi Joselyn –

      The stairs were super trecherous! Yikes! LOL But it was an amazing view form the top! 🙂

      THanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  17. krystallarson July 18, 2011 at 11:45 am

    I would love to win a copy!!! I already had your novel as a to-read on my Good Reads list as Krystal Carson, I am already friends with you on Good Reads as Krystal Carson, I subscribe as edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom, I follow you on twitter as Icecream1891, I signed up for your newsletter as edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom, and I liked you on fb as Lindsay Ann cause I love you as an author 🙂 Thank you so much! I would love to read and review your novel =)

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:57 pm

      Hi Krystal –

      Awww thanks so much!!! You made my day! 🙂

      Hope you enjoy Night Walker and I also hope you win goodies!

      Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  18. Lisa Harwood July 18, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Wow, your book sounds amazing!! I reallllllllly want to read it =)
    Ive subscribed to the blog, followed on twitter and on tumblr =)
    Ive also liked your facebook pages and added you on goodreads plus Ive added Night Walker to my to-read list =)

    iluvkimi_220@hotmail.co.uk

    1. Lisa Kessler July 24, 2011 at 11:59 pm

      Hi Lisa! (You’ve got a great name too! LOL)

      I’m so happy to hear you’re excited about Night Walker!!! Can’t wait to share the series with you!

      THanks for commenting and entering!!! I hope you win goodies…

      Lisa 🙂

      1. Lisa Harwood July 26, 2011 at 7:01 am

        We have the best name =P

        1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 11:45 am

          definitely!!! LOL

          Lisa

  19. Morgan Kearns July 18, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    What great pix! Looks like lots of fun.

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:04 am

      Hi Morgan –

      It was an amazing trip for sure!

      Thanks for checking out the pics and commenting!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  20. earthwindwalker July 18, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    I follow you on facebook, twitter, your blog, goodreads. tumblr.

    Your photos are awesome:) It looks like you had a good time:)

    Heather Powers
    Rachel Firasek’s Sassy Street Siren
    earthsbooknook at gmail dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:06 am

      Hi Heather –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pics!!! 🙂

      Thanks for following and commenting!!! The sassy sirens rock!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  21. Julie Witt July 18, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    I loved your pictures but there is no freakin’ way I would try those steps!! I’m afraid to walk down my basement steps, for Heaven’s sake! Every time I do I foresee my death at the bottom of the stairs, which freaks me out!

    On a happier note, I subscribed to your blog, signed up for your newsletter, friended you on Facebook (I know it doesn’t get me any entries, but screw Facebook! I did it anyway!) and Goodreads, added your book to my to-read list, and am following you on Twitter. I think that covers everything, doesn’t it? I don’t do Tumblr so that was the only one I couldn’t complete. Can you tell that I really, really want to win a copy of your book?! Thanks so much for the chance:)

    jwitt33 at live dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:08 am

      Hi Julie –

      Oh I was envisioning my bloody body at the bottom of those steps lemme tell ya!!! LOL Scary!!! 🙂

      Thanks for following me everywhere and commenting!!! I hope you win goodies… 🙂

      Lisa

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:10 am

      HI Ashley –

      I’m glad you liked the pictures! 🙂

      THanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:11 am

      HI Margaret –

      I’m glad you like the cover!!! I’m in love with it too! LOL

      THanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  24. Leticha Brewster July 18, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    I have done all the above: Facebook name Leticha Brewster, Twitter name momof5beauties, and Goodreads name Tich

    Kandlekraze@yahoo.com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:11 am

      Hi Leticha –

      Thanks for following and commenting!!! I hope you win goodies… 🙂

      Lisa

  25. Heather July 18, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    Your new series sound awesome and I loved the blog and pic’s 🙂

    chamblinh@gmail.com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:19 am

      Hi Heather –

      I’m glad you’re excited about the Night Series!!! I can’t wait to share the books with you!!! 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  26. donnas July 18, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Great post.

    Blog subscriber
    twitter follower – @donnas1
    GR friend – Donna S

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:22 am

      Hi Donna –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the blog! 🙂

      THanks for commenting and entering! I hope you win goodies…

      Lisa 🙂

  27. Lisa Myer July 19, 2011 at 12:29 am

    I’ve climbed some similar steps … at Caracol, the Mayan ruins in Belize, right where it bumps up against Guatemala. Tell you what … once I got up those suckers, I was not going back down without a long breather. I got the worst sunburn of my ever-loving life! 😀 I am SO looking forward to the next installment in the “Night” series. I’m fascinated with Mayan culture — add romance and paranormal, and this is just a wonderful recipe for reading! 😀

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:23 am

      Hi Lisa! 🙂

      I would love to tour more Mayan ruins someday… It’s so awe-inspiring to stare up at the massive structures they built and wonder at how they did it… 🙂

      Can’t wait to share the Night Series with you!!! I hope you’ll enjoy it…

      THanks for commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  28. andie July 19, 2011 at 5:52 am

    Awesome post. I’ve never been anywhere like that, but I don’t think I would make it too far up those stairs xD But I’d love to try it once.. who knows, maybe i’ll surprise myself(and everyone else) 😀
    Now i have a serious problem… I am Super excited for the Night Walker!!!

    – GFC ~ Andreana
    – Twitter follower (andreana92).
    – Sent a friend request on Goodreads(andie kozári) & added your book to my to-read list.
    – signed up to newsletter
    – Subscribing to your Blog
    – Follow you on Tumblr ( astreiaadventure.tumblr.com i have still no idea how it works xD)

    I Also Liked your facebook pages (Andrea Kozári). 😉
    rea0903(at)gmail(dot)com

    1. andie July 19, 2011 at 6:00 am

      GFC?? lol… the routine… i follow everyone XD i think the too much heat does it just look away lol

      rea0903(at)gmail(dot)com

    2. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 12:25 am

      Hi Andie –

      So glad to hear you’re super excited for Night Walker!!! I can’t wait to share the book with you!!! 🙂

      THanks for entering and commenting!!! I hope you win goodies… 🙂

      Lisa
      PS – If you ever hike a pyramid, be sure to sit on the steps and scoot back down… LOL

  29. Inês Matos July 19, 2011 at 11:21 am

    Wow! Very nice. I am just getting more and more anxious to read your book!!! I cannot wait to get it and read it!! ^_^

    It’s very cool you are sharing your trip and research. It will surely aid us to visualize it all as we read the book. Oh, why isn’t it August already!!!

    And when is the second one coming out? Don’t leave us hanging! LOL!!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 25, 2011 at 1:15 am

      Hi Ines –

      Yay I’m glad you’re looking forward to Night Walker!!! 🙂 Night Demon should be out in December!!! YAY!!! 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  30. Saph July 19, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I now stalk you on Goodreads, added a couple of your books (including Night Walker) to my TBR shelf, and subscribe to your blog.
    Thank you for the giveaway!

    Saph
    saphsbookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:35 am

      Hi Saph –

      THanks for commenting and connecting with me… Everywhere! LOL

      You rock!

      Lisa 🙂

  31. Aliraluna July 19, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    HI! I want to go to places like that. I love to travel. Awesome pictures and you are really brave with those stairs hahahaha.

    1) Queen.jade09@hotmail.com
    2) I am following your blog :D.
    3) http://twitter.com/#!/aliraluna1<- That's my profile. Following you (too) in twitter.
    4) I send you a request. My username is: Aliraluna.
    5) Yep also in your email. Name: Tiffany Rondon.

    * I really want to win your book, for is interesting about the similarities they have ;). (nightwalkers with vampires)… I just love fantasy haha. Anyway is cool the cards you are giving away. Well night night ;).

    1. Aliraluna July 19, 2011 at 4:36 pm

      Oh and my google username is Aliraluna

      1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:36 am

        Hi Tiffany –

        Oh those stairs were SOOO scary!!! 🙂 Yikes!

        Thanks for commenting!!! I hope you win some goodies too…

        Lisa 🙂

  32. Cathy M July 19, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    Some wonderous memory days here, and just fabulous pictures.
    Exploring Yosemite is my best adventure.

    subscribed to newsletter
    subscribed to blog
    liked both fb pages as cathy macdonald

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:39 am

      Hi Cathy –

      Yosemite is beautiful!!! I have some horror stories from there too! LOL We borrowed the motorhome from my work and when we parked it at the campground in Yosemite, I didn’t notice a tree branch up near the top, and POW. It popped a hole in the side of the motorhome!!! WHOOPS! LOL

      THanks for commenting and following too!!! 🙂

      Lisa

  33. jennyt82 July 19, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Lisa,
    I have a few things to say. Firstly…your blog hop post was amazing O.O It was really great to learn about the Mayans and I’d love to see how you’ve woven their past into your books.
    Secondly, I’m already doing all the things that you’ve requested so here’s hoping that doesn’t count against me.
    Thirdly, the next time you take a trip like that one pack an extra large suitcase and put me in it! I want to go too.
    And finally my email address is jennyt82@ymail.com
    I think that’s all…so in the words of a very wicked lady. I’m off. *poof!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:40 am

      Hi Jenny!

      Thank you!!! i”m so glad you enjoyed the blog and the pictures!!! 🙂

      Already following definitely doesn’t count against you! You still get credit!!! LOL

      And I have to say that was some nice poof-ing!

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:41 am

      Hi Judith –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  35. Diana July 21, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Very beautiful post and photos!!!
    Subscribed to your blog.
    Twitter follower as @artdem83
    Goodreads as Diana and I added Night Walker to my to-read list
    Signed up for your newsletter

    Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:41 am

      Hi Diana –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post and pics!!! 🙂

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  36. June M. July 21, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    I love all the wonderful pictures you included on the post.
    I subscribe to your blog by RSS
    I follow on Twitter: JuneAnnM
    Goodreads: June Manning
    Signed up for Newsletter: manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
    Already fb friend: June Manning

    Thank you.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:42 am

      Hi June –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pictues!!! 🙂

      THanks so much for stopping by and commenting and following!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  37. Nikki July 22, 2011 at 7:16 am

    I must say I love your picture! Goodreads..Sherri McCarver..Twitter as Mc_Carver!

    Awesome contest!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:43 am

      Hi Nikki –

      Aww thank you!!! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting too…. 🙂

      Lisa

  38. Ellen Trieu July 22, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Hi Lisa! Thank you for the awesome giveaway! (: I subscribed to your blog!

    Twitter Follower-MaskedVampyre13
    Goodreads-angelEllen01(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Signed up for your newsletter-vampyreprincess109(at)gmail(dot)com
    Tumblr-aroseguardian13.tumblr.com

    Email: vampyreprincess109(at)gmail(dot)com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:44 am

      Hi Ellen –

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting… 🙂

      Great to meet you!

      Lisa

  39. Robin D July 22, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I subscribed to your blog and signed up for your newsletter! I love your concept of the Night Walkers, and have always been interested in the Mayan culture!

    Robin D
    robindpdx (at) yahoo (dot) com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:45 am

      Hi Robin –

      I’ve had so much fun researching the Mayans!!! I hope you’ll enjoy my series… 🙂

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Lisa 🙂

  40. Theresa July 23, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Hi Lisa,
    I’ve done everything except tumblr. I don’t have an acct. there.
    Thanks for the chance!
    tweezle(at)gmail(dot)com
    @tweezlereads

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:46 am

      Hi Theresa –

      THanks so much for commenting and following!!!

      Great to meet you!

      Lisa 🙂

  41. Shawnee Robinson-Poling July 23, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Hello Lisa,
    I think I did everything..lol I have been to Tulum, but not Chichen Itza. We want to go during one of the festivals of the equinox! i love Mexico though*sigh* When we got back, they wouldn’t let us donate blood because we visited the ruins…never found out why though. I’m glad I found your blog! I have added Night walkers to my to-read list! Thanks!

    psdpoling73@sbcglobal.net
    @sjpoling73
    http://justanotherfaceintheworld.blogspot.com/
    Shawnee Robinson-Poling

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:48 am

      Hi Shawnee –

      Oh Tulum was BEAUTIFUL!!!! THe view out over the ocean was stunning…

      It’s also the ruins when my little boy tried to run to catch up with his sister, but he was SO hot he didn’t really run, more like stumbled, then he panicked and said, “Mama, I can’t run… I can’t LIVE!!!” LOL

      I had to promise him he wasn’t dying he was just hot… 🙂

      THanks for stopping by and commenting!!! It’s great to meet you!

      Lisa 🙂

  42. Sonia Remo Ait July 24, 2011 at 11:49 am

    What a great post! The pics were beautiful 🙂 The Night series looks absolutely fab!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:49 am

      Hi Sonia –

      THank you!!! SO glad you’re excited about Night Walker!!!

      THanks for commenting…

      Lisa 🙂

  43. Rhonda Helton July 24, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    i`m an old follower, also following you on twitter. I enjoyed the photos, great sites.

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:50 am

      Hi Rhonda –

      Old followers count too!!! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the pics!

      THanks for stopping by and commenting…

      Lisa 🙂

  44. Lisa Ann Richards July 24, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    My husband and I did a similar trip for our 10th anniversary. Awesome pics, really brought back some memories. Wow, I’d totally forgotten how steep it was.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Thanks for participating in the blog hop.
    I’m a new follower
    +2 Subscribing to Blog…
    +2 Twitter @alterlisa
    GR fan- Lisa Richards
    NightWalker fan-Lisa Richards
    +5 newslwtter
    FB- Lisa Ann Richards

    (___/)
    (=’.’=)
    (“)_(“)

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:54 am

      Hi Lisa! <— Super cool name by the way! LOL

      Did you get to hike that scary pyramid too? Yikes! LOL

      Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!!! It's great to meet you!

      Lisa 🙂

  45. Michelle @ The True Book Addict July 25, 2011 at 2:39 am

    This looked like it was such an awesome trip! I don’t know how you did those steps. I would have been crying too!

    I’m a GFC subscriber of your blog
    I subscribe to your newsletter
    Twitter follower: @truebookaddict
    Goodreads friend: Michelle/The True Book Addict

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:56 am

      Hi Michelle –

      It was an amazing trip and it really helped me write NIght Demon too! I learned SO much! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!! And you totally get credit for all the following too…

      Lisa 🙂

  46. Shadow July 25, 2011 at 9:36 am

    What beautiful pictures! Im insanely jealous right now. 🙂 What was your favorite part?
    subscribed to your blog, added as a friend fb- shadow kohler, liked on fb- shadow kohler, friends on goodreads- shadow kohler, subscribed mailing list. Thanks for the awesome contest!
    shadow_kohler(at)att(dot)net

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:57 am

      HI Shadow –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures!!! I think my favorite part was kissing the ground after I got down off that pyramid! LOL Yikes that scared me! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!! It’s great to meet you!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  47. Michelle Bledsoe July 25, 2011 at 9:51 am

    Thanks for the chance to win a wonderful sounding book. I love paranormals with vamps in it.

    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:58 am

      Hi Michelle –

      If you like vampires, I think you’ll love NIght Walker! 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  48. Missy July 25, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    Ok here is for comment attempt number 2. lol The pictures you posted are really beautiful. I love anything to do with myths and legends of the gods/vampires and such.

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 12:59 am

      Hee! Hi Missy!!! 🙂 You did it! LOL

      Sounds like Night Walker will be right up your alley too… 🙂

      Thanks so much for commenting!!! Hope you win goodies…

      Lisa 🙂

  49. noraadrienne July 25, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Hi Lisa, I tweet you, i goodreaded you. and I think you’re a fantastic photographer. I hope you enjoyed your trip.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

    1. Lisa Kessler July 26, 2011 at 1:00 am

      Hi Nora –

      I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures!!! 🙂 It was a fabulous trip!!!

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!!

      Lisa 🙂

  50. Pingback: Author Interview: Lisa Kessler (Night Walker, Night Series #1) | Mama Kitty Reviews

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