I am sorry for not posting sooner, I am so tired today, I have trouble formulating sentences.
We hurried over to Powell’s at 5:00 pm, hoping to meet with fans. Instead they grabbed us and ushered us into the back room, where we were seated at a table and made to sign books for hours. Hours. Peter said it was some sort of record for most preorders in the shortest time. It was really humbling. I tried to get him to bow before the might of the readers, but he informed me that he was an American citizen and wouldn’t be bowing, thank you very much. 
Lili and Devon arrived soon after and we got to hang out and talk shop and it was totally awesome. Lili and Devon are both very funny and gracious. Lili brought a zombie gnome – omg, want! and Devon brought Stone the Gargoyle – omg want!
We barely made it out of the backroom in time for the signing. Meljean Brook was there but refused to sit with us and refused to have her picture taken.
There were about 120 people there or so – the place was packed. We had a brief Q&A, which was fun, and then we went straight into signing mode. Below there are some pictures.
I think we signed close to 300 books, with preorders and books people brought in. I’ll get the actual numbers for you when Peter sends them to us. It was completely overwhelming. By the end of the signing, I had hard time writing my name. Also one of the preorders is signed with my real name. Sorry about that. O_O
My only regret is that we didn’t get to hang out with everyone who came to see us. Some people drove in from Tacoma and California and I hoped that we could’ve done more than sign the book and take a picture. Dina and Slabby were there, they are our friends from Astoria, and I didn’t get to say more than two words to them. 
Other places to find cool pictures of the signing: Lilith Saintcrow and Devon Monk.
Oh, my, my husband would have a shotgun as well. I have one daughter. My husband has already told her 2 older brothers that no boyfriend gets by them and if they do he will be seating there cleaning his gun. Like Gordon, my husband was military, retired military, but he still works for them so he keeps in shape so the boys will be scared. Some are already scared to come to our house because of the brothers. They hae already made sure the boys know them.
Congrads on the signing. 2 of those books are mine and I cannot wait to get them.
Thank you for all you do for your fans.
Good Luck on the move.
MAJOR CONGRATS
I wish I could have gone there *sigh*
Have you ever thought of doing a book conference/event/thingy like Authors After Dark???
http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/
I would soooo fly over to the USA if you were going to something like that, LOL just give me 12 months to sign up.
Maybe me and the rest of your fans could start signing petitions
I am super happy for you – you deserve all the success!!!
Cheers
Congrats on the signing and wonderful evening. Two of the books you signed are being mailed to me, so I appreciate your persevering despite the sore hands. (And I would love to be the recipient of the one w/ the “wrong” signature!)
I recommend ‘hand-eze’ or knitting gloves for marathon signing sessions. (works great for those pesky 3-hours-of-constant-note-taking college courses, too)
You guys look great! Ilona, quit beating yourself up about your weight, please.
I got the book. Squeeeeeeee
I read the book. Squeeeeeeee
I re-read the book. Squeeeeeeeee
Looking forward to the next one. Squeeeeeeeeeeeee
sorry to have missed it. We’ve been planning to drive up to Portland (from the SF Bay area) this summer, but ended up deciding to go in July. Bummed to miss a chance to have all you heavy hitters in one room. Read the latest. As always, it was superb. Thanks for the hours of reading pleasure.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO DIET!!!!!! You’re both perfect exactly as you are!!! ^.^ Just started reading the book today!!!! (I’ve only gotten through the prologue, and I’m supposed to be doing housework right now, but alas…)
Handsome husband, lovely kids – Ilona you’re lucky girl!
p.s. I always tell my friends that eating is the only joy in my life!