Bitten by Books
The Siren’s Touch is about a particular kind of siren, a rusalka. I hope you’re excited to know exactly what that is!
Perhaps you’ve heard of the opera by Dvořák? No? I hadn’t either—I’m no opera buff. But I learned of it when I began researching this fascinating kind of ghost from Slavic mythology. I stumbled upon the existence of rusalki when I fell in love with the traditional Eastern European folk music sung by a San Francisco Bay Area women’s choral group called Kitka. They have an album called the Rusalka Cycle, and its mournful, chilling music inspired me to investigate. What I learned really got my creative juices going.
Do you believe in ghosts? I admit I don’t, except in a psychological way. I believe the events from our past, and in the history of our family, can haunt us. Things that happened long ago can have so much power over us it feels supernatural. And I respect that some the sanest, most reasonable people I know are convinced ghosts are real.
Even though I don’t personally believe in ghosts, or vampires, I love to read and write paranormal because making these creatures real in the world of the book is a great way to explore the nooks and crannies of the human psyche. And so The Siren’s Touch was born: a story about a ghost and a hitman, each confronting their past. It’s about vengeance, redemption, forgiveness, and having the courage to be someone new.
I don’t want to tell you too much more about what a rusalka is, because I want you to find out in the book! But I will say I loved writing this story! From the moment siren Sonya emerged from her teapot, I had so much fun imagining what she looked like and what it felt like to be a ghost that I almost wish I did believe in ghosts, just so I could be sure I got the details right. If you’ve ever seen one, you can tell me I’m silly not to believe, and then let me know how my descriptions measure up to reality!
Excerpt from The Siren’s Touch:
Once again, the teapot jostled like there was a frog inside.
He had to be hallucinating. Holy hell, he’d never been this hungover. Then again, he’d never been on a thirty-day bender either. Quitting cold turkey after a vodka-soaked month was bound to be rough on the system. The teapot was definitely not jittering, only his sanity. Caffeine might help.
He lifted the little round thing by the handle. A gust of steam poured out as deep-brown liquid trickled from its spout into his mug—an antique glass cup wrapped in silver filigree. In his hand, the teapot shook, jostling his arm.
Damn it. That was no hallucination.
A sudden puff of steam collided with his face. He set the teapot down and wiped his moist eyes. When he opened them again, he was certain he’d lost his mind.
Hovering over Elena’s postcard-perfect traditional Ukrainian table setting was a shimmering tea-colored woman. No, not a woman.
He reached for his weapon, knocking his chair to the floor. Scrambling across the room, he got as far as he could get from that…thing.
Back pressed to the wall, his heart drummed against his sternum. What the hell was she?
She dripped brown droplets of smoky Russian Caravan onto the table and gasped for air with her gossamer hands clasped at her neck. Her brown eyes stretched wide in her heart-shaped face.
Had he completely lost his mind? “Fuck.”
The thing yelped, flying away and leaving a sprinkling of tea droplets in her wake. As they fell to the ground, she grew whiter, becoming the soft, shiny color of a perfect pearl.
A ghost. Holy hell.
All his skin rose up in goose bumps. Could you shoot a ghost? Or a hallucination? He was damn sure going to try. He took aim.
She coughed and coughed and coughed some more, making a horrible wet retching sound. Then she darted to a spot near the window, bending her spectral shape over to hack, as if she could clear her throat. Only it didn’t seem to be working.
Without thinking, he lowered his weapon. “Breathe, girl. Be calm.”
Slowly, she straightened, and her chest rose and fell in the rhythm of breath. The sun shone through her translucent form, highlighting a smoking hot set of curves under a long, wet nightgown. Large brown nipples poked through the ghostly, damp fabric, and a dark vee between her legs drew his gaze.
Hell.
This wet dream of a sexy, drowned ghost was proof he’d jumped into the deep end. Whether she was real or imagined, he should be scared to death. But instead, his hands jerked with the urge to pound on her back until she could draw a breath.
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About Amber Belldene
Author Bio:
Even as a kid, romance writer Amber Belldene could never pull herself away from a book. She hid her Nancy Drew novels inside the church bulletin to read during sermons – an irony that is not lost on her when she preaches these days. Amber is an Episcopal priest who believes sexuality is vital to spirituality, love is beautifully messy, and stories are the best way to explore human truths. Evidence of these convictions can be found in Amber’s steamy paranormals and quirky, hot contemporaries, which have been published by Omnific, Entangled, and Lyrical/Kensington. She lives with her husband and two children in San Francisco.
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Who are some of your favourite authors?
Hi Minna! This is such a hard question! I have so many authors I love, in all genres.
In paranormal romance, I love Kresley Cole, Meljean Brook, and I fell in love with romance because of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, of course!
In contemporary, I like authors like Laura Florand, Molly OKeefe, Carolyn Crane (romantic suspense) and one of my favorites is my critique partner Serena Bell.
In historicals, I love her highness Laura Kinsale, the awesome Cecilia Grant, and I’ve just started reading Joanna Bourne and I have no idea why I waited so long.
I forgot to ask-who are your favorite authors, Minna?
Some of my favourites are Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, David and Leigh Eddings, Cindy Spencer Pape, Maggie Shayne, Jax Garren, Tove Jansson and Merline Lovelace.
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give? Pro to becoming an author? Con?
Hi Raonaid!
Okay, I know the con right off the bat
Once you’re an author, you NEVER rest. I hardly watch any TV, and even when I’m not at my computer, I’m thinking about a plot problem, or how to best promote something.
My advice is two things-keep writing, and do it as much as possible. Also make as many writing friends as you can. Having a network of professionals to advise you at every turn really helps. From getting your first critiques to querying agents, to getting news out there about your releases. Also, work on thickening up your skin
Hi Amber!!!!!
Loved this one (and admit that I really like Temptress in a Teapot as the title.) So- can we look forward to another installment in this particular world? I would love to know more about Elena!
Hey- I am one of those rational, sane people you know that believes in ghosts! I have not seen one though…
I think their purpose could be different things- sometime unfinished business, sometime they might just be a recording, or maybe they are just stuck.
Yay, Kristin, I am SOOOOO glad you liked it. I was a little nervous whether fans of Blood Vine were going to like this new world
*wipes brow with relief*
And yes, Kensington/Lyrical is going to publish two more next year, which I am thrilled about. I am revising Anya, Sonya’s sister’s story as we speak and then it’s off to my fabulous editor, Heidi Moore.
So, I have to ask-what makes you believe in ghosts if you haven’t seen them. Is it because you know people who have seen them?
Oh goodie! I was hoping so after the ending that we would get more. I really love the Slavic legends you are exploring! (The review should be up soon too!)
I do know people that have seen full on apparitions. I have seen some strange things and heard other weird stuff. Definitely have had some spooky experiences as well.
I think a big part of it is that I want to believe though- I like the mystery and the stories.
Interesting! I want to believe in the paranormal too-but I think I’m more likely to believe in vampires or werewolves. I think I’m jaded by all the fakery around ghosts, like back in the spiritualist religion movements of the 19th century.
Or, have you been watching Sense8-it is SOOO good. I can definitely wrap my head around the idea that some of us have “paranormal” senses.
Thanks, I love these dark fairytale Slavic stories too. My husband is a huge fan of the video game and the books in THE WITCHER series. Writing while he played those might have inspired me a little!
I have not started Sense8- but I did just finish Penny Dreadful (which was amazing!) I am a bit over-loaded on tv right now- but plan on getting to it soon. Good to know it is enjoyable!
If your vampires were real- my husband might have a problem…
Do you believe in ghosts?
—- I do … Although I am not a ghost enthusiast as my crazy Texan friend (but I love her as if she was my sister).
Have you ever seen a ghost?
—- No – though my brother and cousin swear up and down I seen the one they did when we were children. I have had weird stuff happen at the last place my family and I lived. It was reputed to being haunted. It was a farm house that once belonged to the Greene family (The ones who captained the Delta Queen). I always thought that the ghost was perhaps pissed off at the shady, greedy man that owns it and converted it into apartments.
If you believe in ghosts, what do you think their purpose is? (ex. Do they have unfinished business?)
—- Sometimes their attachment to places and things are too great where they cannot let go. Or they died so violently that it is hard for them to realize they are no longer living. Hard to tell really. I watch a lot of Ghost Adventures (okay Zak has a hot body.. don’t watch it as much as I use to because we did away with cable and hulu doesn’t get them on there…
Sounds really good. You never said, are you of Slavic origins? Hubs (he’s 2nd gen American) and I are so I have to ask his mom about this :).
I do believe in spirits that may be stuck for one reason or another. Maybe there is something they feel needs to be resolved or they just need to be guided to the next phase. I have never seen a ghost but I’ve felt that strange vibe a time or two.
Congratulations!
Thanks for the congratulations, Viki!
I’m glad the book sounds good to you. The first reviews are trickling in and people seem to like this story as much as I do. *phew*
I’m a European mutt of the first order, so I am certain I have some Slavic ancestry, but I don’t know exactly from which side or how much. I have always been fascinated with the culture, though. I would LOVE to travel all over Eastern Europe and Russia. I love Russian Literature, and also a lot of genre books set in Eastern Europe.
I think that idea of spirits being stuck, or having an unresolved task makes so much sense! I also believe when a person with unresolved tasks dies, it continues to impact that person’s family. Whether its a real being or a psychological ghost-that kind of unrest work can really pack a punch on the living!
Where do you like to write? Do you have a favorite place that helps you think, or can you write just about anywhere? When/where do you think you get the best ideas?
Hi Jean, since I am a mom and I work full time, I write whenever and wherever I can. In the car and at the dining room table are my two favorite places. I can usually tune out what’s going on around me, and since, as I mentioned to Raonaid above, I never take time off from writing, I try to get words in while my husband games-it is a nice way to be together. The downside is that he’s been playing THE WITCHER, WILD HUNT which is so beautiful and fascinating and full of great story lines and mythology, and I find it super distracting and I’ve been having to write in our guest room.
hi Amber,
yes I do believe in ghosts
have yet to see one myself
I believe there are good and bad ghosts, some to protect like angels and others b/c they need closure
which part of writing seems to be the hardest?
Hi Dina!
Interesting. I guess Sonya in The Siren’s Touch is a bad ghost trapped inside a good girl, then!
For me, the hardest part of writing is that I am pretty impatient, and I usually want to be finished with a book about one draft before it’s really done. My way of dealing with it is to send the “hopefully finished” draft off to my toughest beta readers, knowing they will find all the holes and answer all my questions about what’s not working, and when I follow their advice, I usually am really done in the end.
Hello! What writers have helped to influence you?
Gosh, Susan, So many! But I think maybe most of all, the really lush romance that’s available now. In college, I was influenced by snobby folks around me who thought romance was subpar, but since I got serious about writing and have read really widely in the genre, I am astounded by the truly beautiful prose and excellent craft that is out there.
I mentioned the historical writers like Joanna Bourne, Cecilia Grant, or Laura Kinsale above. My style and voice is different from theirs, but I they remind me not to be afraid to use my own voice and a broad vocabulary and the same sort of literary techniques we all learned in high school. Those things don’t turn a book into something that needs to be analyzed in a graduate seminar, but it does allow an author to be creative, and original, and convey meaning with imagery and metaphor, to add impact by choosing words that sound good together. Erotic and paranormal subjects especially benefit from these skills!
Hi Amber and Congratulations! Your book sounds great and I did look up the word, rusalka~interesting! Who is your favorite book character?
Answers to your questions:
1. There’s so much that is unknown or unexplained so I have an open mind about ghosts.
2. No, I have never seen a ghost but I haven’t seen the wind either and I know that it exists.
3. If there are ghosts, they could exist because they have unfinished business or someone is unable to let them go and so they linger.
Betty,
I agree so hard on number 1.
I like what you said about number two. There is a very famous children’s book written by a Rabbi that uses the same image to say that’s how we know God is there! The same is true of love, too, IMO!
Aren’t rusalkas interesting? And the cool think about all that folklore is there are so many versions of it, that an author can be creative and make stuff up. For example, Sonya’s teapot is not a part of the traditions, but I think it fits perfectly within their logic.
Thank you, Amber, I appreciate that. I completely agree with you about God and love!
When I said I have an open mind, it made me think of this quote:
“When I was young and bold and strong,
The right was right, the wrong was wrong.
With plume on high and flag unfurled,
I rode away to right the world.
But now I’m old - and good and bad,
Are woven in a crazy plaid.
I sit and say the world is so,
And wise is s/he who lets it go.”
― Dorothy Parker
Have you lived other places besides San Fransisco?
Hi Bethany, I have! I grew up in Florida, went to school in St. Louis, and lived in England for a while. I’m lucky to have traveled quite a bit too-to South and Central America, South Africa, and all over Western Europe. Eastern Europe, the Holy Land, and India are next on my list!
Would you please share 3 unique things about yourself with us — thanks
Thanks for sharing your ghost ideas!
Three unique things? Well, I’m a mom of twins an Episcopal priest, and I love to go scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico, near where I grew up.
1. yes, I do believe in ghosts
2. no, but my mom has
3 I think they either have unfinished business or they are just watching over us
What are you reading now?
I believe ghosts do exist and I think I’ve seen one. If they do, I think they are here to comfort and guide us.
Hi Zonell,
I’m reading three things right now. The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne, Miranda Neville’s The Duke of Dark Desires, and I’m beta reading a WIP for my writing friend Elisabeth Staab who has a great paranormal vampire series out with Sourcebooks, although the one I’m reading is New Adult. What are you reading right now?
And I like the idea of ghosts comforting us!
I’m reading The King by J R Ward, not sure what’s next.
I loved the BDB books, but I did stop in the middle of the series. How do you like this one? (Vishous is my favorite.)
I’m loving The King. Rhage is my favorite, but Vishous is a close second.
Is there a genre that you’d like to try writing in, but haven’t yet for whatever reason?
Hi Fox! I read a lot of mystery and I’m also a fan of a really gritty, character driven romantic suspense, like Carolyn Crane, so I could see myself going in that direction, but there would always be romance-I don’t like mysteries without them much
Mystery and suspense are essential to every good story, and there is a murder mystery in THE SIREN’S TOUCH, which definitely got me thinking about exploring that genre more!
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Kermit the Frog! I had a musical one that played Rainbow connection when I was a kid, and one with wire-bendy arms that hung on tight to the roll bar of my cranky cabriolet when I was in high school. And I loved the way he talked on Sesame Street, when he was a reporter and he would say “Hi Ho, Kermit the Frooooog Here.”
Geez-I can really wax on about this, huh!
I haven’t ruled the existence of ghosts out, but I haven’t had personal experience with one to know for sure.
I haven’t seen a ghost.
I’d like to think that they want to help those people they love who are still on Earth…
Congratulations on the publication of The Siren’s Touch! It sounds like a fascinating book! Lovely cover too Do you have any input in the cover design?
You said you don’t believe in ghost. How do you think you’d handle it if you were to come across something that made you rethink your stance?
That excerpt is hilarious! Though I have kind of an oddball sense of humor…
Did you intentionally write it as comedy?
Hi Paula, we would probably get along well! I too have an oddball sense of humor, and it comes out in the form of books that are both dark and playful, with lots of humor, some tongue in cheek author voice, and still big themes. It makes it a little hard to market
But, if you like this, I hope you’ll check them out!
in answer to your questions
1. Yes, I believe in ghosts
2. Yes, I have seen quite a few of them.
3. Each one has a different motive for being around. Most of the ones I’ve seen have been of people that recently died and they generally hang around to comfort those that are grieving.
Are there any other genres you would have an interest in writing ?
Hi Michelle, Mystery, I think! And this book has one in it!
Who was the toughest character to write?
Hi Ashley,
I generally struggle with antagonists. I have a positive view of human nature (maybe its the whole priest thing) and so I don’t buy characters who are all bad. A really good bad guy is also sympathetic in his own way, and it’s pretty challenging to write conflict with reasonable, even likable bad guys. But it’s so worth it to try, and I think it worked well in THE SIREN’S TOUCH.
What was the most surprising bit of info you have ever come across when doing any research?
I believe in ghost. I’ve never seen one and I think their purpose is unfinished business
Is this standalone?
Hi! There are three books planned in this series, so far, but I’m already thinking of more and reading up on my Slavic folklore!
no to all the ghost questions
Do you believe in ghosts?
I am not sure about it.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
NO! and I really don’t want… let the dead stay dead right?
If you believe in ghosts, what do you think their purpose is? (ex. Do they have unfinished business?)
They Lost the their way to heaven? unfinished business ? warning from beyond? They don’t realize they are just died? Revenge? anything is possible if there are some ghosts walking around us
Hi Amber!
If you could spend the day with any literary character, who would it be, and why? What would you ask them?
Hmm! So many possibilities. There is a character from an epic historical series of books called The Baroque Cycle named Half-Cocked Jack Shaftoe and I’d like to hang with him for a while, but also his heroine Eliza and their pal Daniel Waterhouse. That book really captured my attention with the way it wove in so much learning with history with fantabulous characters.
Answers to Author’s questions:
1. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes!
2. Have you ever seen a ghost?
No
3. If you believe in ghosts, what do you think their purpose is?
I think their purpose could be many things; unfinished business, a message to people, a warning sign, maybe they were too angry to move on, or maybe it’s to be a guardian to those still living, I’m not sure.
From any of your books, what has been one of your favorite scenes, or types of scenes, to write?
Well that’s easy! Sex. And the first sex scene I ever wrote in my debut novel Blood Vine is still my favorite. Although there is a funny ghost one in this book that I also like a lot. I think I will enter it in the Sex Scene Championships next month!
How many hours a day (on average) do you write?
Hi Linda, as many as I can. 3-4 most days, but that includes answering emails and doing promo related things too. I do it very early, very late, and while I exercise on my stationary bike with desk.
To answer your giveaway questions:
No to all of them (number 3 is N/A).
Name your top 3 favorite things (other than writing) to do and why
That’s easy! Be with my family, eat and drink wine!
Do you have any current favorite shows or books?
I’m really enjoying Sense8 right now. The story telling, and the way things are revealed is very skillful, and the characters were compelling instantly. I’m enjoying it, and my author brain is soaking up the techniques so I can learn from them!
What things inspired you to write books ? Thanks !
There is an album by a Balkan Choral group in the Bay Area called the Rusalka Cycle, and it got me interested in the folklore, from there, I was hooked and thoroughly inspired!
Questions answered:
1. Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, some things just can’t be explained unless there are ghosts
2. Have you ever seen a ghost?
Unfortunately no lol
3. If you believe in ghosts, what do you think their purpose is?
I think they’re still on earth because of unfinished business
Do you have a favorite book or character?
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes, i believe but never saw one, i hope forever never see ghost.
But i like read stories about ghost, vampire and any other paranormal thing.
I am new reader, so many this i don’t know, do you have stories about angels?
Any advice when you feel like giving up or discouraged?
Yes, I believe in ghosts….family have had encounters with them a time or two…
Are you afraid before publishing a book?
Not afraid, but definitely nervous. This business requires thick skin!
Do you have a book boyfriend?
what’s your favorite cocktail?
Lately I’ve been drinking Sidecars because I love Phryne Fisher of the Miss Fisher Mysteries, and she drinks them.
who is your favorite author?
Do you prefer E-books or print books?
1. I think there is something out there…ghost/angels who knows.
2. I have not seen a ghost. My moms swears to have seen one when I was only about 3 or 4.
3. I have no clue - the one one my mom swears to have seen rearranged our bedroom in the middle of the night.
Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
Yes, I believe in them
Have never seen one (thank goodness!)
They are here for curiosity, need help of some kind, unfinished business and can’t move on.
What is your favourite go to recipe for snacks or morning teas at work?
Wheres your favorite place to write?
what has Influenced you to become a Writer? and at what age did you get Influenced?
What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
What is the title of the most expensive book that you own?
1) no
2) no
I love Phyrne Fisher too! Are you an Aussie too? Or is Miss Fisher popular overseas? I got to meet Kerry Greenwood and some of the cast a few weeks ago at a ‘Festival if Phyrne’ function. Fun night.
To answer your questions:
1). I don’t believe in them but I don’t not believe in them. I’m open to them existing, but have no reason to think that they do.
2). No I haven’t thankfully. Think I might have a heart attack!
3). Hmm, I pray they aren’t stuck here. If they exist maybe to look out for loved ones they’ve left behind.
if you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
Answers
1. I don’t because I my mom died when I was 17 and if she could have she’d come see her grandkids and I’ve never seen her. and my dad passed when I was 35 and I’ve not seen him either.
2. I haven’t
3. I don’t believe. if I ever seen one I might.
What actor would you choose to play your hero?