My Kickstarter for my upcoming novel, Anna, Daughter of Creed, is just about to enter its forth week! This novel covers the life of Anna Lynn Boyd, the remarkable woman who runs The House of Amber Doves, during the last half of 1877. The story unfolds in Santa Cruz and explorers her challenges as she pushes for more rights for the women who work in her brothel.
So far, we’ve raised $1,187, and there’s still time to contribute. Even readers in certain foreign countries can get the book in print when it comes out. Plus, there are some fantastic add-ons, like the opportunity to name a character in the novel or even appear in the finished book!
Today, I want to share a bit about The House of Amber Doves. Located in the heart of 1870s in my alternate version of Santa Cruz, California’s business district, this establishment serves as both an upscale restaurant and a premier brothel. Owned by the enterprising Anna Lynn Boyd, The House of Amber Doves is much more than it appears.
A Legacy of Transformation
Originally a modest two-story building owned by Margarita Fullerton, The House of Amber Doves was transformed when Anna Lynn Boyd took over. Anna’s vision led to significant renovations, expanding the building to three stories and ensuring that each woman employed at the brothel now has her own private room. The cherry-red exterior and elegantly designed interior reflect the upscale nature of the establishment. Despite its luxurious ambiance, The House of Amber Doves remains relatively affordable, attracting a diverse clientele and making it a distinguished fixture in the fictional city of Santa Cruz.
Fair Treatment and Empowerment
Anna prides herself on the fair treatment of her employees. The women keep most of their earnings, with only a small portion going towards the maintenance of the brothel and payment for the kitchen staff. This approach ensures a positive and safe environment, earning Anna respect and loyalty from her staff.
Services and Pricing
The House of Amber Doves offers a range of services to its patrons. A standard brothel token costs $5.00, entitling the bearer to intercourse with a willing dove. Clients are expected to arrive clean or pay an additional $0.50 for bathing services in the dove’s room. The cost of other services varies according to the individual preferences and boundaries of the doves. This transparent pricing and the high standards of cleanliness and respect for personal boundaries further enhance the establishment’s appeal.
A Secret World Below
One of the most intriguing aspects of The House of Amber Doves is the secret underground laboratory located beneath Anna’s room. This hidden facility, added during the major rebuilding project, serves as a workspace for Anna’s various scientific endeavors. The lab is equipped with four tall support beams, an operating table, a wheeled table, a regular table, two desks, shelves, and cupboards arranged around the walls. In the corner stands a blacksmith’s forge and the 7-foot-tall automaton, Zero. The walls are outfitted with extra sound dampeners, making it nearly impossible to hear anything outside the lab. Only James Creed, with his enhanced hearing, and some automatons, can perceive what transpires within.
Innovating the Future
Anna and her partner, Jonathan Johns, spend much of their time in this lab, inventing cutting-edge technology for Miles Morgan’s corporations. It was here that they achieved one of their most remarkable feats: bringing James Creed back to life. While most of Anna’s tasks are assigned by Morgan, she still has the freedom to work on her own projects, pushing the boundaries of steampunk innovation. This secret laboratory not only underscores Anna’s brilliance but also highlights her commitment to advancing technology while maintaining her role at The House of Amber Doves.
Anna and Jonny’s Sanctuary
Above the secret lab, Anna and Jonathan reside in a large suite located towards the back of the establishment. Their living quarters, accessible through a short hallway that opens into an alley, include a bedroom, bathroom, and spare room. This arrangement provides them both comfort and privacy, a necessary retreat from their demanding work.
A Pillar of the Community
Under Anna ownership, The House of Amber Doves has become a distinguished establishment that embodies elegance, innovation, and fair treatment. Anna’s vision and leadership have not only transformed the physical space but have also created a positive and empowering environment for her employees. As a prominent local business in the Creedverse, The House of Amber Doves continues to thrive, leaving a lasting legacy in Santa Cruz.
The Kickstarter
If Anna and The House of Amber Doves intrigues you, I encourage you to check out and maybe back my Kickstarter! You can even get the entire trilogy that introduced her, The Adventures of Bodacious Creed, which begins with Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western, as part of your backer’s rewards. Check it out on Kickstarter! It’s running until the morning of May 30, 2024.
“Women’s work is never easy, never clean.” ~ Tayari Jones