Janet S. and Ren both had questions about the vis bullae that Venators wear, so I thought I'd tackle those for my first edition of Readers Ask.

Janet asks:

"How did you come up with the idea of a vis bulla? And why does Sebastian always want to touch Victoria's?"

I thought that some sort of amulet that gave or enhanced the power of the Venators would be interesting–first because it would help to sort of identify them to each other, and secondly so that it was also a vulnerability–with the amulet, their speed, strength and fast-healing powers are activated or turned on; without it, they're just normal people. That means they can choose to wear it or not. Or, as we've seen in Rises the Night, it can be a weakness.

So, since vampire hunters have traditionally used silver and crosses to ward off the undead, it made sense for it to be a silver cross–especially in light of my Judas Iscariot mythology. I sort of took that idea of a silver cross and wanted to make it a permanent part of the Venator–hidden, so they wouldn't be noticed, and always touching their skin.

I originally thought of having a ring, and then some kind of chain or belt that they would wear under their clothing; and then I thought it would make better sense to have that strength amulet actually piercing the skin–actually sending the power/strength into the body.

In fact, in the life or death test that non-Gardella Venators (eg, Max) must pass, this is the ultimate moment of truth: when the vis bulla is pierced through the skin, they either die or become a Venator.

So that's how I came up with the idea. 

Oh, and why does Sebastian always want to touch Victoria's vis bulla? Well, I think it's mainly because there aren't too many Regency-era woman with navel rings, and he's fascinated and titillated by it. He knows she has one, because he knows she's a Venator. Also, it gives him perhaps a sense of one-up-manship over her–she being a Venator, and him being…well, conflicted about the whole thing. 

Ren has further questions:

Why do male and female Venators wear their vis bullae in different places? I've searched for a translation for vis bulla but to no avail…care to share?

As far as where the Venators wear their vis bulla…it just depends on the Venator. They can choose to wear them anywhere on their bodies. In fact, in The Bleeding Dusk, you'll meet Brim, a big, dark bald Egyptian Venator who wears his vis bulla in his eyebrow. The location isn't a gender thing, it's a personal thing.

Victoria chose to wear hers in her navel because it was less painful to have it pierced there, and more private than other places. As for Max…well, we already know he's a bit tortured–so what's a little more pain?

…as for a translation of vis bulla…you won't find one anywhere but in my warped brain. I put the Latin for strength and amulet together and came up with vis bulla!

Thanks so much for your questions! It's fun to hear what people want to know.

Since I chose Ren and Janet's questions, they'll both be entered in a drawing to win an ARC of The Bleeding Dusk when I receive them this fall. If you'd like a chance to win, click here for more info.