As promised, there were tiers and platters full of various sorts of biscuits (cookies) and a large canister of delicious iced tea. The shop sells many Steampunk items, from a table constructed of gears and glass, to jewelry crafted from gears and cogs, as well as beautiful tiny Victorian hats. Hanging baskets, made to look like airships, offered visitors fresh popcorn.
Kymberli, Renee, Emily, and I came in our Steampunk costumes, and we soon found ourselves surrounded by group after group of guests dressed in glorious, full-on Steampunk attire. As the evening progressed, and more visitors arrived, a consistently festive mood permeated the shop.
We signed, sold, and read from copies of our books, and were also met with earnest promises to return for copies, to be signed later. We were asked about our calendars by those who wished to follow us. Friends who had already purchased our books showed up to cheer us on.
As this is also San Jose Fashion Week, a cadre of incredibly lavishly dressed princesses sauntered in, accompanied by their photographers. At one point, those lovely ladies surrounded Emily and I at our signing table, along with our hostess, for a spontaneous and protracted photo shoot
So, to wrap up this report, it was Steampunk, festive, well beyond anything we had expected, lucrative, and wonderful fun! Emily and I extend a heartfelt thank you to all who made it out. To those who couldn't be there this time, we hope we'll get to see you at our next author event.