EL James is 50 shades of nice. Photo: Michael Lionstar/PR

Just got off the phone with EL James, author of the insanely popular, BDSM-spiced "50 Shades" trilogy. She seems like tons of fun, but don't ask her anything too racily personal. "It used to be harder, but I've learned to say I'm not going to answer that question," she said. Very nicely. Though it was hardly her goal at the outset, she says that underground club owners have come up to her at events, crediting her with bringing more curious people to their doors. James will be at the Barnes & Noble at Galliera in Edina at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 to sign copies of her books. Plan on a crowd. More on the delightful Ms. James to come, in a story running earlier in the week of her appearance.