Seein' things that I may never see again

Last night's event was a delight; I got to say "hello" to a handful of rarely seen friends, and I met some nifty new people while I was at it. Likewise, I ran into a whole slew of lovely folks I know from around town - so all in all, I left the bookstore feeling downright cheerful ... a sentiment which was underscored and emphasized when I got home and remembered that I'd scored hot butter rum mix yesterday morning at the Safeway.

Yes. Well.
Moving right along.

Tomorrow night you can catch me in Portland, Oregon - reading/signing at Powell's (Beaverton/Cedar Hills location). Shenanigans get underway at 7:00 p.m., and I do dearly hope to see some of you there.

Coincidentally, I've been getting a number of questions about things I will and won't agree to do at a reading/signing - so I figure there's no time like the present to address a few of the FAQs in a post.

Here goes:
Do I have to buy anything, or can I just come listen? You do not have to buy anything, but it is certainly helpful and polite if you do so. Bookstores go to a lot of trouble to hold these events, and by purchasing books (or other goodies) you (a). show your support for the store, and (b). help ensure that future events will take place by keeping them profitable.

Will you sign more than one book? Sure, totally. I'll sign pretty much whatever you like - but if you have a big fat stack that'll take a few minutes to address ... maybe you could wait for the end of the line. I'd appreciate it, and I'm sure that other people with lesser signature needs would appreciate it too.

Will you sign my book "To Pookie with love" or whatever? Sure. I'll sign 'em however you like, to whoever you want.

Will this event be kid and/or young adult friendly? I should think so. The steampunk books like Ganymede feature a bit of "language," and some violence ... but not much in the way of sex or the like. In fact, I get asked about the young-person-appropriateness of the Clockwork Century books so much that I've composed a somewhat longer FAQ with info on that very subject - over on its appropriate steam-specific site.

Can I bring books that I didn't buy at the store where the event is held? Sure, but see above re: supporting the store and buying something, if at all possible. It's good form, that's all I'm saying.

Can I take pictures/take a picture with you? Sure. I look like a cheesemonkey in candids, but hey. Hook it up.

I have a question about XYZ - will you answer it? Most events are structured with a Q&A portion, so yes, I am always happy to answer your burning queries. However, please don't insist or get upset if there are some things I can't discuss; in publishing - and a number of its associated industries - nothing is talk-about-able until things are set in stone.

Will you sign my e-reader? Totally. I even carry a silver and a black Sharpie (respectively), due to the volume of requests I get for precisely this service.

Okay. That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but if you have other questions or concerns, leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to address them.

And for now, I need to undertake such glamorous activities as packing, cleaning the fish tank, doing the dishes, and running to the post office. So I do hope you all have a most excellent week/weekend without me - including those of you who are catching SteamCon, which I will be missing this year.

Thanks for reading!