Here I am folks, ready to recap the events of the 27th and 28th  down in Austin, Texas.  This is going to be a rather huge post as I took lots and lots of pictures and have tons of funny stories to tell.

The book signing was to start at 7:00 pm at The Book People somewhere in downtown Austin.  I am not from the area, so I was being toted around by my sister-in-law and her friend, who both LOVE the book.  (In fact, said friend, who I will lovingly refer to as “R”,  is an avid fan fic reader now and even quoted parts of Pel’s fic “Carnage" to me…which was one of the more strange moments of this trip.)  We arrived at the book store at about 6:59 and literally ran into the store thinking we were going to miss it.  Of course, the place was already packed full.  I stood in the back and looked around for any familiar faces.

Embarrassing moment number one happened when I spotted a figure hiding behind the bookcases off to the side.  Stephenie’s publicist is usually standing to her side and can be seen in many photos hiding behind such objects.  I approach this person, thinking it’s Elizabeth.  I get up to her and say, “Are you Elizabeth?”  She says, “Yes!”  I say, “I’m Lori!  So nice to meet you!”  We squeal and even hug…and then she asks me who I am.   I froze for a moment and said, “I’m from the Lexicon.”  Blank stare.  “Aren’t you Stephenie’s Elizabeth?”  She says, “No.  But I am Elizabeth.”  I can’t tell you how horrible I felt at that moment!  So I took my totally red face back to my place at the far side of the room and tried not to act as if anything odd had just happened.

Then Stephenie came out to do her normal set of Q&A.  Here’s a picture of that for you to enjoy.

Most of the questions were things that we already knew from the FAQs or even from out takes and such.  I am a huge fan of people who have taken the time to do their homework and really read what is out there.  In fact, my favorite shirt is from one such fan, which you will see later.  And FYI – those of you that were there – The very last question about Stephenie’s husband being jealous of Edward came from the previously mentioned “R”.  (Come on “R” – stop laughing.  You KNEW you’d get mentioned!)

Then Stephenie was taken to her place at the signing table and the rest of the group wound their way around the book store stairs to wait their turn.  Having already made arrangements with Stephenie to talk to her AFTER the signing, my sister-in-law and “R” took a seat in the now vacant chairs while I made my way around the store to take a look at the great shirts everyone had made.  I must say, Stephenie has some creative fans!! 

One by one as I read shirt after shirt, I would ask permission to take a picture and was always granted a yes.  Then, after the picture was taken, I would ask if it would be all right for me to post the photo on the lexicon.  I think “deer in headlights” just about sums up the wide eyed expressions I got.  A few brave fans actually managed to squeak out the question, “Are you…Alphie?”  To which I always answered, “Yes, but call me Lori.”  I shook lots of hands and felt a little like a politician bothering everyone, but hey, I got some great pictures!

First – the four ROCKIN’ girls who dressed up as Rosalie, Alice, Bella, and Edward.

My first “favorite” shirt and one that proves Jacob has a following.  I had to get the front and back of this one!

The Lexicon’s very own Taxi came up to say hi.  You are too sweet for words girl!  And she snagged the New Moon poster as well. 

The largest group of “matching” shirts all home made and decorated to the tastes of each fan.  Take note of the rather scary doll.  The owner actually got Stephenie to sign the doll!

Two self professed “crazed Edward fans”.

Another favorite, and incidentally the first one Stephenie asked me about.  She said, “Did you get a picture of the Team Jake t-shirt?”  So it really made an impression on the author.

The first shirt I saw professing love for Jasper! 

 

The Twilight Zone!  Love this!  And notice the back of Cinderella’s shirt.

These next fans were not only at the book people event, but they also ended up at the book festival as well.  Can you see their fangs?  Now, we all know that Edward doesn’t have fangs, but these fangs were SOOO cool!  And…I have to tell on them for this…but they tried to snap a secret picture of me at the very end!  LOL!  I said, “If you want a picture, just ask!”  I guess I can say I’ve had my first taste of paparazzi!

Embarrassing moment number two happened when I finished taking pictures and went over to chat with sis-in-law and “R” and a few other “mom” types about the appeal these books have to those of us that aren’t teenagers anymore.  I noticed from the corner of my eye a group of girls whispering and pointing and looking at me.  Soon enough, they sent one of their fathers over to ask me to come and talk to them.  One of the braver girls asked, “Are you Alphie?”  I said, “Yes.”  And with a voice that can only be described as a squeal, she said, “Will you sign my book!??!?!”  Here’s the thing folks, I don’t mind giving out an autograph, even if I think that is a bit weird.  But I will not sign Stephenie’s book.  I might sign Eclipse when that comes out, since my name will be in that, but I won’t sign Twilight or New Moon.  I did give them my autograph on random bits of calendar paper though.  Here’s the picture of the group.

A few other people in line asked for my siggy, like Karen, but unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of them.  Sorry ladies!  And to the one who told me I needed to update Lion and Lamb – I KNOW!  GAH! 

When it was all said and done, I got my turn to have my book signed and take a picture with Steph.  Here we are. 

She said, “Don’t you already have a signed copy?”  I said, “I have an ARC, but my hard copy isn’t signed.”  I told her she didn’t have to write anything creative, but she did anyway.  She signed it “To My Alphie” which made me smile. 

Then sis-in-law, “R”, and I all headed off to the Melting Pot to swoon over Edward while eating fondue.  While I was there, I was stopped by some fans who had been at the book signing and who hadn’t been to the Lexicon!  I told them all about it and that they should get over here FAST!  Here they are.  Let’s hope they found there way to our site.

Day two started with a trip to the Texas capitol, which is simply MAMMOTH in size.

Stephenie was part of a panel of authors for teen girls including –
ttyl bu Lauren Myracle
Fat Camp by Deborah Blumenthal
Jess by Mary Casanova
Kiki Strike by Kirsten Miller
A Bad Boy can be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

Each author had the chance to read a part of their book and explain some of the details.  Stephenie read the dream opening to New Moon.  Then the crowd asked questions of the authors.  Aside from the two questions asked of the entire panel, all the questions were for Stephenie.  I felt a little badly for the other authors, but then New Moon is the current number one book and Stephenie’s fans are known to be a bit more rabid than normal people.  Ahem…

All of the books sounded very interesting for different reasons.  But I must say that the one that sparked my interest the most was Kiki Strike.  I bought the book and read half of it on the plane home and it didn’t disappoint.  It’s a very creative mystery about a city under New York City and the super spy girl who isn’t exactly who she seems to be. 

On my way out of the auditorium I spotted four girls in the most elaborately decorated fan shirts I had seen all weekend!  I asked if I could take their picture, and when they realized who I was they all squealed and made me feel like one of the Beatles.  Little did I know that they would stalk me for the rest of the day.  Even in my car, I look out the window and there they were!  STALKERS!

Kahrynn is sporting the Jacob Black shirt.  But it is Marissa who gets the prize for most original shirt and the one I couldn’t stop talking about.  Her shirt is the Pacific Northwest Trust Fund shirt that on the back says: “I got my college money from Edward.”  Proof that she has read EVERYTHING!  Love it! 

Last, but certainly not least, is the one photo that simply HAD to be taken.  MALE TWILIGHT FANS!  They do exist.  But wait, the story gets better.  The one named Chris was video taping the whole thing for his girlfriend who couldn’t be at the book signing.  He read the book since she loved it so much and was now making sure her book was signed and that she could experience the signing even though she wasn’t there personally.  I recorded a message for her and must say that I wish I had had a boyfriend like that when I was a teenager. 

But hey – I have a  husband who helped me build a website and let me run off for the weekend leaving the kids behind!  So it all worked out for me in the end.

End of VERY long post.  Thanks for reading.

Alphie

Those of you that went to the Austin Book People meet and greet for Stephenie got a bit of a surprise!  Did you see a strange lady in a hot pink t-shirt with the Lex Logo on it?  That was ME!  If you were wearing a cool Edward, Jacob, Jasper, or Emmett shirt, or you were Taxi, chances are that I accosted you and asked if I could post your picture at the Lexicon.  I got lots of wide eyed looks and even had a few people ask me for MY autograph, which I thought was totally hilarious.  I took lots of pictures and have so many funny stories to tell that I just can’t fit them all into this post, but I knew that some of your would be checking to see if anything was posted yet.  I’m going to the book festival this afternoon to see Steph yet again and then I fly home tomorrow night.  I’m staying with my family and doing some family things.  Don’t expect to see your pictures up until Monday at the earliest, at which time Pel and I will make a whole podcast out of "meeting Stephenie" stories.

And Pel – she told the crowd that the working title for book four was "Breaking Dawn".  Hehehe…

Alphie

So many of you put out amazing questions for Stephenie on the message boards.  I went through them all and tried to find the ones that I thought she could actually answer.  As it turns out, she’s really quite stressed with the tour, not to mention that she’s been under the weather for a while.  To top it all off, her kids have been sick, too.  As a mom, I know that it’s a nightmare to deal with sick kids when you are sick.  Add to that a book tour and I think I’d go insane!  But our wonderful author has managed to at least answer a few of our questions. 

Keep in mind that she pretty much told me she couldn’t answer anything about Jasper, Rosalie, or werewolves…which didn’t leave a lot to ask her!  But there is some nice information to add to our collection.  I hope you all enjoy it.  You can find it in PC10, the last eight questions.

Alphie

For your listening pleasure, part two of the Forks-cast Lexicon History is now on-line and ready for you to download.  We hope you all are enjoying these.  They sure have been fun to record!  Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

Alphie

It’s Teen Read Week!  Those of you in the Phoenix area know that Stephenie will be making several apperances this week in honor of the occasion.  Those of us not in Arizona can still show our support for Twilight by voting for it at the Teen Read Week website.  Go vote now!  Thanks to Midnight Walking for the heads up on this.

Alphie

Hello everyone! 

I’ve been out of town for two days and just walked in the door to see that Stephenie has made a huge update at her site with loads of interesting things that you all will want to read.  First off, she updated her NEWS section with a whole mess of stories and photos from her New Moon tour.  I’m sure several of you will find yourself squealing in delight when you see that you are pictured at her web site. 

She has also updated the New Moon section with the story behind New Moon as well as some Frequently Asked Questions that many of you have asked on the message boards.  Lots of info there!   Be warned – if you haven’t read New Moon, clicking on these links will totally spoil the book for you.  So please, don’t look at them if you haven’t finished the book yet.

As a side note, I got back the list of questions that we all asked Stephenie just as I was about to head out for my mini trip.  Because of the New Moon FAQ that is now posted at Stephenie’s site, some of our questions are already answered.  I will, however, post the remaining questions and answers tomorrow or Monday.  It all depends on how I’m feeling.  (I’m coming down with something and Pel has a broken finger.  So you are at the mercy of the administrative team’s poor health right now!)

Alphie

I’ve added Chapter 20 to the discussion section.  You can participate in the discussion over at the message boards.

I’ve also added the character bio for Sam Uley as well as updated Billy Black’s information.

Alphie

Full Name: Sam Uley

Status: Quileute – Werewolf

Date of Birth: 1986 (TW6)

Originally from: La Push

Hair color: Black

Eye color: Brown

Height: Very tall

Physical description: In wolf form Sam has a coat of black – as tall as a horse but more muscular with dagger like incisors (NM10)

Occupation: Leader of the Quileute pack

Family members: Engaged to Emily (NM14), Josh Uley (father, deceased), Levi Uley (grandfather, deceased), Mrs. Uley (mother)

Hobbies: Protecting the Forks area

Personal history: Personal history: Sam Uley was the son of Josh Uley and the grandson of Levi Uley. Because of his Quileute heritage, he had the potential to become a werewolf and he was the first of the current generation to transform, because the Cullen vampire clan returned to live nearby in Forks, Washington. Sam was possibly one of the teenagers from the reservation that came to socialize with Mike Newton and his friends. He may have been the person to mention that the Cullens were unwelcome on Quileute land. (TW6 p. 121) Prior to his transformation, Sam was dating Leah Clearwater (EC4 p. 117) and was in line to receive a college scholarship (NM7).

When Sam first becomes a werewolf, he was traumatized because he had no idea what was happening to him; he thought he was going crazy. (EC4 p. 117) After vanishing for two weeks, Sam returned home, amidst many rumors. Old Quil Atera recognized Sam’s “symptoms” and notified the elders (Billy Black and Harry Clearwater), who secretly explained Sam’s condition. (EC4 p. 118) In the early days, Sam was bitter over his fate in life as a werewolf but learns to accept his role as protector and leader. (EC4 p. 114)
Sam imprinted on Leah’s cousin Emily Young. He accidentally scars Emily during an uncontrolled transformation and ironically, it is this tragedy that brings them together as a couple. (NM15) Sam regrets hurting Leah but cannot help but adore Emily. When Leah also became a werewolf, it caused tension in the pack because of Sam’s guilt over Leah and Leah’s continued love for Sam – for Sam, Leah was “the pathetic ex-girlfriend he can’t get away from” (BD12 p. 230).

When Sam had other pack members to keep him company, they worked together to keep the peace and maintain safe and healthy communities. Sam and his pack helped rid the Makah reservation of a troublemaker selling drugs to the local teens. (NM7 p. 173) Sam also helps his non-native neighbors; he is the one to find Bella in the woods when she is comatose after Edward leaves her. (NM3 p. 75) Sam even consents to helping the Cullens defeat Victoria and her army of newborn vampires. He brings his pack of werewolves (ten members at this time) to training sessions led by Jasper to learn how to best fight the extra-strong vampires, although they are uncomfortable being around these peaceful vampires. (EC18 p. 392)

Sam continues to feel uncomfortable about “the Cullen situation”. When Jacob decides to attend Bella’s wedding, Sam stays nearby to ensure Jacob is safe and nothing bad happens. Jacob learns that Bella plans on being intimate with Edward during their honeymoon and Sam intervenes before Jacob can phase and attack Edward. (BD4 p. 67) Sam respects the treaty between the Cullens and the Quileute pack, but is ready to attack if the situation calls for it. (BD8 p. 150, 161) Sam decides that Bella’s sickness and potential transformation does not warrant intervention, but when he learns that Bella is having a vampire-sired baby, he chooses to plan an attack. (BD10 p. 201) Sam worried about his pack’s survival and decided that he would fight Edward himself because he felt Edward would be the biggest threat. (BD10 p. 204) Jacob breaks away from the pack because his lineage meant that he was the true Alpha of the pack; Sam tried to use his alpha male powers to force Jacob to obey (BD11 p 209) but the attempt failed. Jacob, Seth and Leah become a new pack and Sam sends a group to discuss things with the new pack. Sam does not want a “family brawl” (BD13 p. 263) but with two alphas, the packs cannot merge into one.

When Renesmeee is born and Jacob imprints on her, Jacob goes to meet with Sam and explain the situation. Sam and Jacob renew the treaty with Carlisle. (BD23 p. 457) Sam and his pack continue to monitor their lands and Sam is the one to see Alice leaving across the ocean (B 29 p. 557). When the Volturi come to convict the Cullens of vampire crimes, Sam’s pack and Jacob’s pack (together now numbering sixteen members) come to defend Renesmee and her family. When Aro muses about werewolf guard dogs, it is only Sam’s command that halts the ferocious growls of objection. (BD36 p 700) Aro explains that Sam and the others are not true werewolves/Children of the Moon, but actually shape shifters, because shape shifters are genetically created and can come out during the day. (BD37 p 705).

Portrayed in the films by: Chaske Spencer

Prepared by: Lady Di

Now that we have figured out how to do a podcast, we need some help with the content.  Since both Pel and I get oodles of PMs and e-mails asking us everything from “What does you name mean?” to “What’s Steph REALLY like?” we thought we’d open up the floor to all of you to ask us those questions you’ve been dying to ask.  If you’ve ever wondered about something lexicon related or about our craziness in general, now is your chance to ask away.  We will take questions of all shapes and sizes into consideration and answer the ones we feel are the most appropriate and informative.  You have a week to submit your question.  Please remember that this is something that will be read out loud for everyone to hear, and I plan on including the user names of the person who submitting the questions as well! 

You can submit your questions on the message board.

Alphie

 

By random chance, I visited Stephenie’s website today and learned that the Library of Congress National Book Festival has posted a webcast of our wonderful author for all to see.  You can find the information for the webcast at the official site of the book festival.  For all of you that have complained that you haven’t "seen" Stephenie because she hasn’t come to your home state, now is your chance! 

I’ve had the chance to watch the video and here are some of the highlights:

When asked about the Twilight movie, Steph explained that she will know for certain in April what Mavrick plans to do with it.  So we will have to check back in a few months for an update.

Edward’s favorite color is blue…when Bella is wearing it.

She started Midnight Sun becasue so many of us fan fic writers were getting Edward all wrong in our fics!  Hopefully she will publish the book after book four comes out.

There will definately be four books in the series.  She could write five or six, but it all depends if she feels the story and characters are still exciting and fresh.

She said she is the "world’s wussiest vampire author" and that she hates horror.  She said that she had very little knowledge of vampires or werewolves and for that reason she made up her own ideas about their abilities based on what seemed logical and scientific.  That’s why Edward doesn’t have fangs!

She wouldn’t rewrite New Moon from Edward’s PoV becasue it would be too painful.  She might do chapter three just to be fair to him.

New Moon is not a title about werewolves.  It means it the darkest time in Bella’s life.  There is no light.

The cover of New Moon means…that she didn’t get to pick the cover!  LOL!  She said it’s pretty, but that she is disconnected from it.

When asked about her favorite character, she restated that Bella is like a daughter and that she is in love with Edward.  She went on to say that she doesn’t love Rosalie or Jasper.  She respects them, but they aren’t really good friends.

The reason why she included the Volturi was that she wanted to show traditional vampires and how different they are from the Cullens.

There are lots of more things to learn from watching the webcast, but these were the ones I found the most interesting.  I sometimes think that the fans here at the lexicon are the smartest and more knowledgable fans around, but there are some things to learn from watching the video.  I hope you all enjoy it!

Alphie