Yesterday was Christian Grey's birthday, but today Fifty Shades fans around the world are celebrating another special occasion – we finally have a director! E L James made the announcement on Twitter earlier today.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features have chosen British director Sam Taylor-Johnson to helm the film adaptation of James' bestselling novel Fifty Shades of Grey. Even though many observers felt a female director would be ideal (yes, Sam is a woman!) the choice of 46-year old Taylor-Johnson is still surprising, given the high profile of the project and her limited number of credits. She only has one feature film directing credit to her name – 2009's Nowhere Boy, a chronicle of John Lennon's early years. The film garnered the rookie director a pair of BAFTA nominations and was well received by critics. Formerly Sam Taylor-Wood, the director married the star of the film, 23-year-old British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Our favourite fictional boyfriend turns the big 3-0 today! Lucky for us, our friend Victoria from Ruffles & Restraints has created a couple fabulous illustrations that mark the special date. This first illo titled "Big Things in Small Packages" depicts the scene in Fifty Shades Darker when Ana finally gives Christian her answer to his marriage proposal. Love it! As if Ana really needed that long to think about it, right? I will say this, that was a fantastic idea for a birthday present for the man who has (or can buy) just about everything. Don't you agree? You can find Victoria's most recent birthday illustration titled "Snack Attack" below.

Now for an extra special birthday treat! The bestselling author of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, E L James, has shared with her fans a never before seen outtake that she "wrote back in the day" for a friend. You can read it here or check it out on Ms. James' personal blog. Enjoy!

Happy Monday!

Our normal Sunday Oh Fifty Book Club entry was pushed back a day due to Father's Day. This week we will be reviewing Chapter 22 of Fifty Shades Darker, the final chapter of our current book club selection. We will be taking a summer break before we return with our next book club selection, Fifty Shades Freed. We will be sure to give you advanced notice when Oh Fifty Book Club resumes. 

If you would like to participate in the book club, please register now or log in to access the members only forums. If you are interested in hosting chapters – this would include writing a summary, listing characters, locations, significant quotes, and providing discussion questions – please get in touch via our contact form. 

Thanks for joining us. We'll be back soon!

Greetings from Fifty!

British retailer Marks & Spencer is now carrying a line of greeting cards inspired by some of the most iconic quotes and images from the bestselling book Fifty Shades of Grey. Okay, so there may only be eight different cards – not fifty as the title of this post might suggest (sorry, I couldn't resist!) – but that's still plenty to choose from and share with your friends and family.

Wow, this week is just flying by!

For a Thursday treat we have added 29 new images to the Anastasia Steele gallery. Three new galleries with 20 photos have been added for three new faces: Analeigh Tipton, Willa Holland and Alexis Knapp. Along with those we have added 9 new photos of our top fan favourite Emilia Clarke so head on over to the gallery and check out all the new pics! 

If you want your favourite added to the Anastasia Steele gallery there are a few ways to do it: