Thank you so much to everyone who had come to see us at the signing. You guys are absolute best. If you read my tour summary, you probably know by now that book tours tend to be grueling. Meeting you is the only reason we actually go on tour. It’s not the sales – sorry, bookstores, and it’s not the publisher’s requests – it’s you. We absolutely love hanging out with you.
Now, to own up to some logistical issues: we have reached the point where the signings draw 200+ people. The Horde is mighty. We will probably have to limit signing of the stock from home in the future. We have some reports from people who came to the signing but could not stay long enough to get their book signed.
Our policy is always to defer to the store; however, we do specify that if you have mobility or health issues, small children, or pressing time commitments, we will accommodate you and you should be moved to the front of the line. That has been our touring policy since the very first tour. In the future, if you are attending, please let the store staff know.
We are very sorry if you missed us. We will try to get a couple of informal meet and greets in Austin area, probably one in the north, in Round Rock and one in the south. You can come, chat with us, and get you stuff signed.
This is not special-trip worthy unless you guys actually want to have a longer event, in which case I can rope a couple of local authors into it, and we can have an extended meet and greet. I can rent a hotel conference room very cheaply, we can park ourselves in there for the day, and I am sure I can get a local bookstore help us out with purchases. So let me know in the comments if that’s something you want to do.
Bookplates:
Sushi bookplates look like this. They are crack and peel, meaning you bend them and peel off the backing. We’ve received a lot of requests for these, so here is the deal: we are finishing signing 2,600 for a special edition, and then we are moving onto the store requests. Once we are done there, we will try to open the bookplates for general readership through the store. Unfortunately, we will have to charge you a small fee for the shipping and processing. So it might be like, I don’t know, $3-5 for ten or something. But we must honor our retail and special edition commitments first.
Despite us actively discouraging gift giving, you still brought us loot. We got books, treats, wine, and yarn. I am not going to shoot myself in the foot and tell you all about them, because we are very grateful. Please do not take this as encouragement for more gift giving. First, as grateful as we are, you already have given us a gift but purchasing and reading our work. Second, we have limited room in our suitcases. Meeting is is honestly enough. It makes us so happy.
First, I must tell you about this tea. Someone gave it to us at the signing, and I almost did a little dance.
This is Sencha Earl Grey Starlight. So I am not actually a fan of Earl Grey. I had gone overboard on drinking it at one point and kind of burned out on it.
This is unbelievably delicious. It tastes of creamy vanilla, and the traditional Earl Grey citrus is not the main star, but more of a supporting player. I am hoarding it. In fact, I am going to get up and brew myself a cup of this right now as a special treat for having done the taxes.
You can purchase this yumminess at Sencha.
Many thanks for my new drug of choice.
Second, BDH gifted us a couple of books. Full disclosure, I haven’t read either of them, because we are back at work on Maggie 2, so these are not recommendations. Just a thank you for the gifts.
The Doodle Knit Directory by Jamie Lomax
This tour demonstrated that all of you have zero intention to help me kick my knitting addiction
Kentucky Horse Country by James Archambeault
A very beautiful picture book that will be living on our coffee table. I looked through it and there are gorgeous horse pictures inside
This trip also reaffirmed that we both love Kentucky. There is just something about Lexington. We really love the city and the green pastures that roll just outside of it. Our biggest regret is not spending more time there. Also we were hoping to see Gwenda Bond, with whom we’ve been friendly online for years. Unfortunately, we missed that opportunity.
The person who crocheted this beautiful shawl is going through her second battle with cancer. Thank you so much for this gift. We are thinking of you. You’ve beaten it once, you can do it again. Please don’t lose hope.
Next we have this amazing bag. It was a most fortunate gift, because I stuffed all of the yarn and small gifts into it.
Mmmm, yarn. So excited about this.
I also bought some yarn in Baltimore.
It was pretty and I got tempted.
We were also give delicious things, and I have no pictures of those for obvious reasons.
Thank you again for the fantastic tour. ::hug::
If I lived closer to you I would love to meet up for the day. Unfortunately, I live in Tennessee. Oh well. Fun for someone else.
😱
FIRST? I’ve never been first before! I need to go buy a lottery ticket!
Certified – good luck on the BDH numbers 😀
Pretty yarn
First?
Darn, so close
Sounds like a blast! I would be very keen to attend if you guys ever go international and come to Australia haha 🙂
I live in Austin and am trying to be chalant. I would love to come see you.
and/or New Zealand! We are fantasy settings one-stop shop for inspiration, hidden at the bottom of the world.
Yes another Aussie BDHer here who would love to attend an Ilona Andrews meet and greet. I was delighted to be able to meet Patricia Briggs ( and Ann the trusty assistant) at a ComiCon type event at the Gold Coast a few years ago so perhaps one of those event organisations could entice our favourite authors to venture downunder.
I would even buy a ticket over east as normally Australian tours forget about Perth haha
What a lovely note to the horde!
Let me again wish that your getting together with folks in round rock ( where our kids live) should happen on the right date in August!! Fingers crossed!
Good luck in the recovering from the tour and the always writing!!
I live north of Round Rock and would absolutely drive there for a meet-n-greet.
I wish you had been signing anywhere near where I was, but California is pretty far from where you guys were. Someday, maybe, our paths will cross, but in the meantime, just know how much joy you have both brought me with the words that you write. Life the last four years has been challenging for me, with lots of personal losses, but having your books to read has been a great de stressor for me. As a proud member of the book devouring horde, I’m so glad I found your works.
Ah – the horrors of being well loved!
Enjoy your tea,relax, look at and admire your new books and yarn but do NOT give into temptation (unless you just must! Who am I to stop you?)
I live in Houston and yes please would love if you had an extra event in Austin, I was unable to attend the tour event there!
Aww this was such a sweet post. My hand hurts thinking about all those signatures. Thank you for everything! This is the best horde to be apart of and it is so nice to feel a part of this community. It really is a bright spot in my life.
+1
I’m so glad you are putting in so much time and effort to get the bookplates signed for the Horde. I’m personally not going to add to your burden, because just the words you write are enough for me.
I have to add that I get so much enjoyment from your tremendous talent that I, too would not be able to resist gifting you something if you ever came to Colorado (PLEASE!!!) because just paying for your books doesn’t seem enough thanks. You are giving me such an incredible experience, not just with the initial reading but with all the re-reads, listens, and all the blog goodies. Thank you again, enjoy your tea and happy writing.
I’d love for you to come to Colorado too!
Ilona, I think you might like this: https://www.tshirtpalace.com/products/dragon-colorful-yarn-eggs-just-so-we-are-clear-yarn-is-mine-gift-t-shirt_dcy1257189-at?color=black&size=L&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=22599255962&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0_jT88rwkwMVXBitBh2UrhtvEAQYAiABEgKM_vD_BwE
Every time I see it, I think of you.
Hah, you made both me and my husband laugh.
Ha! I need one with fabric. It would save a lot of explaining to family! Lol
So glad there was enjoyment on your tour! It’s a lot of work.
BDH loves you!
Glad the tour had enjoyment as well as work!
I was a beta reader so I enjoyed seeing the changes and development.
+1
I would love a signing around Austin!
If at all possible, I would really appreciate if you might plan a signing in San Antonio? The end of the school year is super busy for us and I’ve been so gutted I keep missing you in Austin!
I live south of Austin and would love to meet up again.
Thank you for your kindness. I missed you this time, but it is epic for others to enjoy your company. So glad for all.
Best place for special editions?
All official special editions will be included here as soon as they become official https://ilona-andrews.com/maggie-the-undying-2/#special
I live in San Antonio and would love to go to a book signing.
I love you guys so much!
Ahhhhh! I was the one who gifted the earl grey starlight! I’m so so so delighted that you enjoyed it. Thank you for all the wonderful stories and for coming to the Twin Cities. It was so awesome to meet you both in person.
I was so excited about the tea that I thought to try it! £2.34 for a trial ounce (perfect) £33.46 for shipping, nearly choked on my hob nob biscuit!! Will be giving it a miss and living vicariously through Iona drinking it!
I’m from Kentucky and lived in Lexington for several years. It makes my Kentucky heart so happy that you enjoyed your visit. Come back and see us! Louisville is pretty great too. (And fun aside: I work for the publisher that produces the horse coffee table book. 😬)
Glad you had a great time with the Horde across the areas you toured.
Just be careful with the wrists when doing all that signing.
Thank you for all the past, present, and future precious. 📚😁
I am glad you had a good time, even with all the setbacks!!!
I hope someday you will come to Europe for book signing tour!!! I promise I will bring yarn and yummy things to be consumed!! Heheheheh
Finally finished Maggie #1, and whoa, what a ride. Absolutely superb in all ways.
Now I get to w**t breathlessly for the se**els.
It was not in the cards to see yall this time but maybe for Maggie 2 we can have a tour stop either in NC or upstate NY. I love another Earl Grey tea recommendations. For a second it looked like the one from adagio but this link is even better. We are the Horde and Obsessed. We are mighty, hear us roar! Yah Roar
I’m in the Austin area and would be happy to attend a meet and greet, or listen to y’all talk to local authors. I saw Jessie Mihalik at your event at the Barnes & Noble Arboretum.
Dearest Ilona, did you run this by your support people? Offering a generalized “we’ll hang out in Austin all day” seems a dangerous(ly wonderful) offer… 😁
My local sub-Horde is already figuring out how we can justify another trip from WTX to ATX!! 💛
Malabrigo! Yum
Interested in the Round Rock get together! How fun!
So very interested in the Round Rock get together. I’m loving every page of Maggie’s adventures! Thank you for this literary treasure. ♥️
200 people at a book signing. The Horde is puissant!
Despite my horror of crowds, wish I was close enough to express my love of your books in person. While I chalantly w*at for new ones (which never disappoint) the older ones have graduated to comfort reads. 📚
Thank you for all you do House Andrews! The Horde supports you!
I wish I lived closer to attend something like this but I am way up north. I’m so north that all of my family and friends are above the Mason-Dixon line. This sounds amazing though and I would be interested if I was closer.
You see, the Horde provided you with these gifts because we are in awe of your power and don’t want you to kill off any of our favourite characters. That or we are Dushegubs in disguise and want to know whether you wish to bargain 😂.
Joking aside, this warms my heart. You two deserve all the rest and relaxation after that tour and I’m glad you got some joy from it!
+1
Any chance you’ll be coming to Cullowhee? You’re my favorite authors, and I would dearly love to meet you. Thanks for all your hard work.
I have discussed with my husband- if you do another event- even if it is informal- I will be there!!! I’m still kicking myself for missing my chance when y’all were in Dallas years ago!
thanks for all you both do, and nice finds with the tea and yarn. have a question I’ve been wondering on, what is Gordon tea and yarn? I’d guess food and a moat but that might be right, (what might work to get a few more pov’s Rogen, Curran, or maybe even Hugh, Sean…) just asking, no request…just a fact I don’t have so just wondering. regardless loved Maggie, finished it, so do rereads of the other series, love all your books, Thank you both again
I asked for you and the answer was “Coffee and action figures. Please don’t get me either, I have too many and nowhere to put them.” 😀
If it’s not too intrusive and he doesn’t mind sharing, does Gordon have hobbies and suchlike similar to the things Ilona shares – we see her knitting, cooking and teas etc? What action figures does he collect for example, does he have a crafting hobby? I vaguely recall some of his book recommendations before because I’d read a few (I enjoy military SF more but have read straight action too). I sometimes feel like he’s an international man of mystery 😉
I highly recommend Jamie Lomax and her Doodles. She presented to my knitting guild last month – very well done and much fun! I have a set of her Doodles in a southwest theme that I’ve used in both knitting and mosaic design.
Thx for sharing!
I’m in Houston but would absolutely drive to Austin just for the chance to let you know in person how much I have loved all your books! Immediate must reads the moment they are released. And like everyone else in the BDH I am chomping at the bit having to wait for your writing brilliance to shine forth with more of Maggie’s adventures! I’m happy to possibly have another opportunity to see you since I wasn’t available to come to Austin when you were there at the end of March.
I have been listening to the audio books while sewing and live them. I get them as they come but have the Innkeeper Chronicles series. These I listen to every month in order. I would love some more in this series. Also loved the Inheritance book and look forward to an audiobook. Regards from Sydney Australia.
I live in the San Antonio/Hill County area and would love to go to one of your events!
So so so wish I could attend an event! Sadly, Maine is a far as you can get away from TX to the northeast… *very sad face* It’s a long way, and I can’t travel that far, due to working, and financial stuff! Maybe someday! Any other Maine BDH? I can’t be the only one of my kind! 😂
The yarn is gorgeous! But I’m curious about the bracelets. One visibly seems like rose quartz, but what’s the blue one? Blue quartz? Sodalite? This crystal lover wants to know! 😅
For you, I would even venture into the Texas Heat. Huzzah! Long live the Horde!
I would absolutely attend a larger meet and greet, I keep missing yall by a few hours.
I love how amazing you are!
Glad that you both get to relax at home a touch (around Maggie 2) after what sounded like a full on whirlwind. If you ever do a tour of Europe (though I fear with said whirlwinds, it might be a bit too stress inducing) I’ll do my best to join the international Horde teams in being there!
I’ve also just finished listening to the GA of 💎 🔥. So good…must remember to keep dushbaging them to encourage Maggie offerings for the Horde 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
Hi, any chance of a European tour ? please, please, please……
s il vous plaît, s il vous plaît…. 😀
are you considering coming to France? i would so love to meet you 😍
I’m reading Maggie’s story veeeerrry slowly so it will last.
I’ve read all your stories and loved them again multiple times which is unusual for me and a compliment to IA (the very best opposite of AI!)
Come to Australia- Brisbane!!
What a hoot. We even have great coffee and tea!!
Thanks for the joy.
Your comment about Lexington struck home with me. I attended a meeting there some years ago and while I typically would strictly limit work trips to as short a time as possible, I made an exception for Lexington. I have an interest in the Shaker religion and particularly in its crafts and aesthetic. Outside of Lexington is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. I rented a car and drove about an hour out to see it. There are a number of buildings left and I was able to walk in the beauty of the country and their amazing talented furniture. There are shops, a restaurant, a hotel, etc. I highly recommend it. One of the evening events at this meeting was a dinner at Woodford Reserve distillery. I don’t even like bourbon but it was one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen. If you and Gordon ever have the time to re-visit Lexington, you might find lots to see and explore. I’m glad your tour was so successful and that you are back home.
You seriously are the best, I feel so lucky that I got to see you in Baltimore. I had my son with me, he got to be part of the picture which made his grandparents day (they are huge fans). Appreciate the heads up on being able to ask to be moved up if waiting gets hard for him. I lucked out and met two awesome horde members and now we have a book club going. Thanks for making my first book signing so great, hopefully we can see you for the next book of you head this way again!
A little off topic, but I’m currently listening to the audiobook of This Kingdom. I had to go get a cracked bridge replaced at the dentist, and I asked for Nitrous oxide— dentists freak me out, and that procedure is very painful.
So I’m lying in the chair high as the International Space Station, and the audiobook hits THAT scene. I always empathize with your heroes, but, uh… I empathized a little more than usual.
In retrospect, I find it kinda funny, and I’m loving the book. Had to listen to the scene again because I couldn’t hear it that well with all the dentist going on. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know you always get me through the rough stuff. 😊
I just finished Maggie’s book last night and loved it! Give me a Kingdom where you can influence events through your own knowledge and new found family and gorgeous, complex men? Where is it best served to review and I’m on it.
I am so happy you liked the book!
Any of the big platforms with visibility, Amazon, Goodreads, B&N etc (depending on retailer you used ofc)
Ah, the BDH , that literally buries you with gifts and their numbers! Pretty soon you will need to bring a portable battlement with you to each event to keep them away:)
And the horde is likely to grow. With Maggie you said you chose conventional publishing to get the book promoted and in bookstores as a strategy to increase your audience.
Well I have at least one example where it worked. My wife on her Instagram feed had a video come up with a young woman who is one of the book tokkers ( or whatever they call it) who is big on fantasy. She was talking about a fantasy book she was reading on Kindle but then showed herself going to the bookstore for it in hardcover.
However, she came home with a cache of books ( apparently this is normal for her) and yep, one the books was Maggie! She said someone had highly recommended it to her as a portal romantasy ( or some such) and when she saw it with the new books (Yay Tor!) brought it home. She apparently has like 500k followers so if she reviews it ( and hopefully likes it) you may be gaining the new audience you were seeking. And likely other book tokkers will pick up on Maggie as well since they all tend to follow each other.
From what my wife tells me and what I have read if you want to pick up younger readers, being in traditional print is huge. Apparently younger readers are heavily oriented to reading print books ( talking people under 40 generally, the younger the more likely to read print books). So again the decision to go trad pub looks like a good one.
Congrats! Waiting to read Maggie when I finish my current projects du jour and can read it when not exhausted 🙂
I find that interesting. If I’d had to guess, I would’ve said that younger readers would’ve preferred digital. Didn’t know they do more print! I, obviously, don’t follow trends though. 😄
Maybe it’s because more seasoned readers have already filled up all the spots they have (and then some) for print and the younger ones still have room? 🤷♀️🤣
I think in part it may be a kind of place away from the digital world we are enmeshed in. Same thing is going on with physical media vs streaming, ppl are buying CDs and lps and dvds rather than streaming,and again it seems to be younger people ( you can tell how old I am, when I say someone under 40 is young lol).
I had the same reaction you did when my wife told me that younger ppl preferred books, I later saw publishing industry ppl saying it was happening. another reason might be the crazy cost of e books, there are ebooks that are more expensive than the hard covers and often it is a couple of bucks cheaper than the hardcover..Would love to see the justification for that one.
I would love to see you in Austin, San Marcos or San Antonio anywhere really. I probably won’t make it this time , I’m having left hip replacement next week.
Maybe y’all could randomly have a get together once a year??? The Hoard could meet in person/ connect, visit with you, a come and go for half a day?
+1
I would absolutely LOVE to see you both at a signing or meet and greet one day. I live in Kate Daniels area just north east of Atlanta Where the Beast Lord built his keep 😉 I would love it so much if you ever come out this way 🙂
I love that your generosity and kindness is reciprocated by the Horde. You are deserving of all the love and respect. Thank you so much for making such wonderful books a part of my life!
I simply need to say, “You are the best.”
please let me know how to buy the book plates that are signed i don’t live in the east coast so could not go to any of the signings. thanks
Wow that’s pretty nice stuff! Glad you enjoyed the tours despite everything weather related. There were rather a lot of us! I admit to feeling guilty about bringing extra things for you to sign! Thank you for the books and all the fun!
I like an occasional “Cambridge” tea – which is Earl Grey, simple syrup and milk latte, frothed up! And the Adagio tea company makes a “MOONLIGHT” Earl Grey that is perfect for making Cambridges!
https://www.adagio.com/black/earl_grey_moonlight_tea.html?searchTerm=moonlight
It was great to see you both in Minnesota 🙂 I think you are right about limiting the number of signed items in the future. My daughter and I were one of the people that (sadly)left the signing without meeting you, because there was no way we would’ve made it to the table before 10 pm, and with the ice storm looming we didn’t want to take our chances on the road.
Some members of the BDH brought in BAGS FULL of your books for signing.
I can’t even image how many items you’ve signed in one week. Hopefully you didn’t get carpal tunnel syndrome after this book tour 😉
Even though I haven’t been able to make any of your tours (CO BDH member), I’m happy that you get to see in person how much you and your books are appreciated and loved.If we could get away with it, we’d probably give you many more gifts!
You’re so going to get overrun in Austin!!😄
wow! I wonder if that’s the mystery tea my friend’s mum gave her, and she passed along to me. It certainly *looks* like it with the blue flowers, but perhaps that’s common in specialty teas? It was so fragrant and yummy and definitely creamy, very different Earl Grey. I’m thinking vanilla would fit too, though I’m rubbish at identifying flavours.
I’ll definitely give it a try if I have the opportunity
I know you guys vacation in Florida sometimes and I want “vacation” time to be exactly that for you both. At the same time, I really hope you guys are able/willing to do a signing in FL for the next book maybe.
I’d love a day at a hotel for a meet and greet! Ideally, the Midwest please? Thank you!
So excited for bookplates! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
sencha tea is such a nice brand! I love going to their tea shops in Minneapolis and was considering sending you the recommendation when you asked for it but I figured someone else covered it.
Greetings from one of the Islands of Northern Germany.
The tea you got is definitely very yummy. I’ve got some of that at home too… Also: love the yarn!
For obvious reasons I can’t come to your signings but it sounds like fun. I would love a chance to chat with you and am happy for everyone who gets that chance.
Dear Ilona and Gordon (+msMod) ,
You’ve brought so much joy and happiness into our lives that we can’t show you our appreciation enough. I live in Europe and can’t partake in these signings but I’ll let you know that I’m cheering on the BDH with all my heart. Buying your books is a gift to ourselves and way for us to disappear from our lives and jump into whatever new stories and offerings you have for us. The gifts are a way to show you our appreciation. Please don’t ever see it as a burden. Apparently the smile on my face was so huge and bright while reading this that my family asked what was up. I told them about the many beautiful people that came to see you and all the nice gifts you got. Knowing my love for your books, my 14 year old son said “ Good very well done by the horde. If they receive a modicum of pleasure from the books like you do , then good on them for showing their appreciation to the authors “ as a mother I’m chuffed.
The 1st book signing I went to was such a let down, I was fairly certain that I would never do it again. Then I realized that The Twin Cities were 3 hours away and decided to give myself a small bday trip. I am so glad that I did, I meet some wonderful fellow readers and seeing you in person was awesome. I did not let my 17 year old drive home, I was only teasing you and it really was all rain.
im in fort worth but I’d gladly try to get up Austin to meet you!! and buy a “real” book
🙂 also, Sushi. I want a Sushi plushie. And a sequel. and I want them both Now…. hahaha
If you do a small meet and greet in Austin, please let us know. I don’t live there, but I have a friend who I can, hopefully, bribe into getting a books signed for me. <3
I was fortunate enough to be at the Arboretum signing, and even more fortunate to come across other members of the BDH that helped me get my book signed when my five year old, neurodivergent companion had reached her limit. I will be forever grateful for their kindness and understanding. What an incredible horde you have inspired.
I had hoped to be able to personally thank my favorite authors at the signing, so seeing that I may yet have the opportunity to do so made my literary loving heart soar! I’m not far from Austin and I would jump at the chance to meet and greet!!
Heart of the Siren is not good. Writing is ok. Not a fan if the “voice.” Lots of “I don’t know why something is happening” when said thing was previously explained, and acting powerless to move the plot forward.
The Sench Earl Grey Starlight is excellent. Thank you for that recommendation!
I really appreciate how you prioritize meeting readers over sales numbers – that authenticity shows in your books too. Sorry to hear some people couldn’t get their books signed due to time constraints, but it sounds like the 200+ turnout is a testament to how much the Horde loves you both. Hope you can find a good solution for the stock signing limits that works for everyone!