'Fifty Shades' Fans Pack Galleria to Meet Author E.L. James

When Fargo residents Jane Heilmann and Larayne Longtine first heard author E.L. James was going to be signing copies of her "Fifty Shades" Trilogy at the Barnes & Noble in Edina's Galleria shopping center, they knew a road trip was in order.

"We started following her back in 2009, when she was doing fan fiction online," Heilmann said. "We've been fans for years, so when we found out she was going to be here, we said, 'We've got to go.'"

They made the nearly five-hour drive to Edina and camped outside of the Galleria beginning at about midnight on Wednesday to be some of the first people in line for James' Thursday evening appearance.

Heilman estimates she's read the "Fifty Shades" books at least three times, calling it "a really great love story."

"I like the characters," she said. "It's a little humorous in parts, too. I just think it's a really great story. Very compelling stuff."

They were in good company, to be certain. Hundreds of passionate "Fifty Shades of Grey" fans packed the halls of the Galleria Thursday for a chance to meet James during an appearance at the Edina store.

Bloomington resident Daniel Fischer didn't have to travel quite as far as some of his companions in line. Despite being the first person to head through the doors of the book store, he actually wouldn't label himself as a die-hard fan of the books.

In fact, he spent nine hours sitting outside of the Galleria in chilly overnight temperatures all for the sake of his girlfriend.

"I read the first book, but this is basically for her," Fischer said. "I guess there's like 10 guys waiting in line, so at least I'm not the only one."

Widely labeled "mommy porn" by critics, the books delve into a sadomasochistic affair between wealthy entrepreneur—Christian Grey—and student Anastasia Steele.

The series is quite popular among Twin Cities readers. In fact, the Hennepin County Library system currently has more than 1,300 holds for the first book alone.

Chicago resident Hope Conway made the long trek to the Twin Cities to meet James, who she said has "created a firestorm just out of her own imagination."

She brought along her "Fifty Shades" box set to get it signed by James, though it's one of three copies of the books she owns. While she couldn't peg the exact number of times she's read the series—she's lost count—Conway said she read the books nonstop from April until July.

"It was hard to put down," Conway said. "Dishes didn't get done. Laundry didn't get done. Meals were not prepared. It's a real page-turner."

Sue and Steve Meyer, of Robbinsdale, came out so Sue could get the three books she and two close friends shared signed by James. Steve just came along for the ride, standing in place for one friend who had to work.

"He's gaining points with all of the women in my life," Sue said.

"It's always good to have a few points on the side there," Steve said, laughing.

Sue said the books might start out focused on sexual fantasies, but she liked that the relationship between the characters developed over the course of the series. 

"They developed a relationship, so it wasn't just that it continued as fantasies all the way through," she said.

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