Pre-San Diego Comic-Con Catch-Up

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a super week. I got the teaser pages for Alien Separation done and turned in and am reviewing copy edits for Universal Alien while simultaneously doing research for my X-Files story and generally living the writer life.

I'll be at San Diego Comic-Con next week, and, as a reminder, here's my schedule:

Thursday, July 24 -- PANEL: World Building and Storytelling, Room 32AB, 7pm-8pm
Saturday, July 26 -- BOOK SIGNING, Mysterious Galaxy Booth #1119, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Saturday, July 26 -- PANEL: Small Print 101 (Indie/Small Print Run Comics), Room 9, 8pm-9pm
Sunday, July 27 -- BOOK SIGNING, Penguin Booth #1028, 3:30-4:00 pm (Note: Penguin will be giving away 48 copies of Touched by an Alien -- you'll need to get tickets for that prior to the signing; I'll also be signing any other books anyone has with them.)

If you're going to be there, be sure to let me know so we can meet up!

Next up, Geeks 4 Good has a great silent auction going on, to help out Oakwood Creative Care, a great place providing alternative innovations in senior care options. In addition to great stuff from a wide variety of folks, including authors Sharon Skinner, Tina Williams, and Marsheila Rockwell, I have an Alien Starter Pack up for grabs (Lot 28) worth $75. Bid often and early, the silent auction only goes until Friday, July 25th.




After you've bid on cool things for a good cause, head on over to something else cool -- the audiobook for Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters, which features "With Bright Shining Faces" written by moi writing at J.C. Koch. And news alert...physical copies of Kaiju Rising are on their way and very nearly here!


Next, see what More Geek Than Gay has going on.

After that, head over to the DAW Book Review to see what they thought of Alien in the House.

Then hit The Nameless Zine and see what they thought of the cool collection, Tales of Sand and Sorcery, by my BFF Marsheila Rockwell. Do you need this collection? Yes, yes you do.

That's it for today, and probably for the rest of the month, seeing as for most of it I'm going to be getting ready for, heading to, at, and coming home from Comic-Con. Facebook and Twitter followers will have the best chances of hearing from me while I'm gone, but all y'all will be in my thoughts! So, have a wonderful rest of the month and let's be readers out there while I'm away! Peace out my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the far flip side!

Love,
Gini

Schedules & Covers & Announcements, Oh My!

Happy Hump Day! Hope everyone's been having a great week. I sure am! The edits for Universal Alien are done and it's turned in to the awesome editor, and I have a fun weekend planned with my crit partner, who's visiting Hell's Orientation Area in the middle of the monsoon season because, um, I'm worth it. (Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.) But there's lots going on, so let's get to it!

To start us out, it's official -- I'm going to be one of the authors in an upcoming X-Files anthology set, edited by Jonathan Maberry! There are just a TON of awesome authors included in this anthology set, and so far, there are 3 volumes planned, and I'll be in Vol. 3. Jonathan's shared the full list at Facebook if you want to peruse and see what other fave authors of yours are going to be a part of this. I'm really excited about being able to become a little part of the X-Files mythology, and while I can't say much about my story yet, I think it's safe to say that those of you who have a fondness for Gigantagator and Alliflash will enjoy it. ;-D

Another cool anthology I'm in, this one writing as J.C. Koch, is The Madness of Cthulhu Volume 1, edited by S.T. Joshi. This Lovecraftian anthology is coming October 7, 2014. But as we know, it's never too early to pre-order, so check out all the awesome authors in this with me and get your copy lined up today! I mean, did you check out the names on this cover? Look at them! (I'll wait.) SEE? It's a darned exciting anthology, this one, and your library won't be complete without it!

This will be one of three anthologies I'm in that are all coming out in October. In addition to The Madness of Cthulhu, I will also have a story in Unidentified Funny Objects 3, and Two Hundred and Twenty-One B Baker Streets. UFO 3 is edited by Alex Shvartsman and is filled with funny SF stories, and 221B is edited by David Moore and is filled with Sherlock Holmes stories set anywhere, any time, and anyhow, and both of them are made of awesome. And you can pre-order BOTH of them right now! I mean, why not be sure you have lots of fun things to read in October?

Also, lest you think that I'm only in these upcoming anthologies, I'm also in A Darke Phantastique, writing as J.C. Koch again. This another cool Lovecraftian and horror collection, edited by Jason Brock. The link is for the collector's edition, but there will be other editions coming down the line. And don't forget Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens, edited by Joshua Palmatier, and featuring "A Clockwork Alien". This one has been a little delayed, but should be out later this month.

After you've gazed at all these pretty covers, remember that the July issue of Penumbra eMagazine, featuring my next Alien series short, is on sale now. Don't miss out on "Mr. Dash Saves the World", and also don't miss out on the Gini Special, where you can get a full year's subscription for half price, plus the 2012 and 2013 Best Of issues. Use 2014Gini when you order to get the deal!

Next up, see what Larissa's Bookish Life chose as the top five book covers of the first half of 2014! And speaking of book covers, while I can't show it to all y'all yet, I've seen the final art for Universal Alien and Dan Dos Santos has done it yet again! The cover is GORGEOUS and I can't wait to share it with you the moment I'm allowed to!

Now it's time for my upcoming appearances schedule!

First up, San Diego Comic-Con! I'm there for the whole con, but here are my scheduled appearances:
Thursday, July 24 -- PANEL: World Building and Storytelling, Room 32AB, 7pm-8pm
Saturday, July 26 -- BOOK SIGNING, Mysterious Galaxy Booth #1119, 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Saturday, July 26 -- PANEL: Small Print 101 (Indie/Small Print Run Comics), Room 9, 8pm-9pm
Sunday, July 27 -- BOOK SIGNING, Penguin Booth #1028, 3:30-4:00 pm (Note: Penguin will be giving away 48 copies of Touched by an Alien -- you'll need to get tickets for that prior to the signing; I'll also be signing any other books anyone has with them.)

San Diego Peeps: Make sure to let me know if you'll be at SDCC so we can all meet up!

Saturday, August 2: I'll be signing at the Cosplay/Superhero Day at Dog-Eared Pages from 2pm-4pm.

Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24: CopperCon FANtasm. I'm one of the author guests and this is a great, intimate con, where you get to hang out with all the guests and talk all things geek all weekend.

Late September: I'll be in the Chicago area. Appearance dates to come.

Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29: Greater MENSA Regional Gathering, Phoenix Phiesta XXXII -- "Phifty Shades of Mensa", at the Hilton Garden Inn in Central Phoenix. I'll be presenting on both days and non-MENSA members are encouraged to attend (and take the MENSA test, too!)

Saturday, December 6: Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, time TBD. I'll be signing Universal Alien either alone or at the MG Holiday Party. Hey, it's months away...plans change, but not this date, 'cause it's set. I'll have details on the rest of my book tour in a few weeks (but Las Vegas, there's a really excellent chance that I will be in you in December...just sayin'...)

Amazingly enough, I think that's it for today. But, as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the downward slide to the weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Patriotic Catching Up, Or Something Like That

Happy Day Before the Big US Holiday!

Yes, it's the US Independence Day tomorrow, and those of us in the US have big plans to eat mass quantities and make lots and lots of noise. But before then, there's lots to catch all y'all up on, and I have much to do before I sleep and all that jazz. So let's get to it!

First up, the July issue of Penumbra eMagazine is already in the hands of those who've taken advantage and gotten their subscription. This month's issue features another Alien series short story, "Mr. Dash Saves the World".

If you haven't taken advantage of the half-price for a year's worth of awesome stories deal, there's still time. Just enter 2014Gini when you order, and you'll get the deal, PLUS the 2012 and 2013 Year's Best of Penumbra issues. Such a deal. And there's a third Alien series short coming in November. Truly, get on board NOW.
And yes, if you missed out, you can still get back issues, like the May issue featuring "Alien on the Runway".

Next, check out the awesome cover for the next cool anthology I'm going to be in -- Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets: An Anthology of Holmesian Tales Across Time and Space. It's available for pre-order and it's going to be a totally cool anthology -- every author was allowed to take Holmes and Watson and put them anywhere, any time, any how. Yes, it's moi writing a straight mystery, and this is going to be an anthology you don't want to miss! It's releasing October 7th, so make sure you've got your copy heading to you by pre-ordering!

Speaking of pre-ordering, I've seen the cover for Universal Alien and it is STELLAR! Can't reveal it yet, but rest assured that I will as soon as I possibly can, because it's da BOMB! And, since you'll be racing off to pre-order the 221 B anthology, do your girl a solid and pre-order Universal Alien at the same time. Because pre-orders matter a lot, yes they do.

Next up, see what Fresh Fiction thought of Alien Collective. Then see what Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her top 5 books of the first half of 2014. After that, head over to see what John DeNardo of SF Signal has to say over at Kirkus Reviews about the SF&F Merry-Go-Round.

In other audible news, the Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters anthology, with a story by moi writing as J.C. Koch, is now available in audiobook format! As is Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by moi writing as G.J. Koch. AND as is Touched by an Alien by moi writing as moi. I know! All the listening you can do!

Speaking of Touched by an Alien, check out the headline True TV chose for the new Halle Berry series, "Extant". No, this isn't my announcement that the series has gone Hollywood (sadly LOL). I just think it's funny. And last but in no way least, for the aspiring authors out there, some words of wisdom from Jennifer Crusie on the publishing part of this business we call show.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. For those of you celebrating the 4th, have fun, be good, and be careful. Everyone everywhere enjoy the weekend to the fullest, and I'll catch all of you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be firework level readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Insert Witty Catching Up Title Here

Happy Monday! I know it's been a while (okay, like, um, about 2-3 weeks), but I'm back from Phoenix Comicon AND Universal Alien is done and turned in to the Awesome Editor! Meaning, I get to catch up on all the things, like updating all of you, that I had to let slide to get the bookie wookie in on time. And there's a LOT to catch you up on, so let's get to it, shall we? We shall!

First up, check out the great Table of Contents for Unidentified Funny Objects 3, courtesy of SF Signal featuring "Live at the Scene" by yours truly, moi. It's coming in October, but you can pre-order UFO3 right now! Hint, hint.

Speaking of pre-orders (we always are, trust me), it's never too late or too early to pre-order Universal Alien, coming to your bookstores December 2, 2014. You can also pre-order Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens at the Zombies Need Brains website (scroll down to find the book pre-order), featuring short story that started my writing short stories set in the Kittyverse.Yes, pre-orders matter, a lot, to publishers of all sizes, so pre-order often and early!

Next up, let's check out some reviews! See what Another Castle thought of Kaiju Rising (featuring "With Bright Shining Faces" from moi writing as J.C. Koch). Then see what Zwartraafje thought of Alien in the House. Check out what Gizmo's Reviews thinks are the 10 best books she's read so far in 2014. And last but not least, see what A Succubi's Tale thought of Hotter Than Hell by moi writing as Jemma Chase.

And now it's time for some science! Check out the news about a gigantic underground ocean, or, as I put it, see how Jules Verne was a reporter, not a novelist. Then watch the amazing time lapse video of a Stellar Explosion or, as I put it, see Sandy up close and personal. Then, once again proving my hard science fiction and Star Trek loving grandma right in that what man can imagine, man can create, check out the real life Enterprise that's set to take us where, um, no man has gone before (ACE allowing).

My San Diego Comic-Con schedule will be finalized soon, so keep the eyeballs peeled. See as many of you as possible there!

Have you made your plans to hit CopperConFANtasm August 22-24? You should, 'cause I'm an author guest and it's going to be a fun, intimate con. This is the con where you get to hang out with all the authors, artists, and scientists because that's just how it rolls.

Chicago Area Peeps -- I will be there at the end of September (25th-30th); book signing dates are (hopefully) getting set up, but if you're there, let me know so you can see the me and I can see the you! I am NOT in this part of the country very often (um, this would be the first time in at least 10 years), so if you're in the Greater Chicago Metro and Outlying Areas, this will likely be your only chance, so let's be sure to make it happen! And yes, if you have a local bookstore that wants me to do a signing during this time, let me know and we'll do what we can to make that happen.

More in-person announcements are coming, as well, so stay tuned!

And now, finally, it's time for my extremely belated Phoenix Comicon wrap-up. The con was wonderful and it was great to see so many of the Alien Collective out in force! I'd list everyone here, but there were a LOT of you, so just know that I loved seeing (and hugging) you all and cannot wait for the next time!

And speaking of "out in force"...we had almost 79,000 people attend. So, yeah, it was big, and it was great, too. But don't just take my word for it. See what Rissa Watkins thought of it, too. I got to have breakfast in the con's guest suite with two very nice guys who happened to be Billy Tucci and Mark Evanier. Mark in particular was extremely gracious and we had an interesting chat about editors and deadlines. He even stopped by my booth to tell me he'd enjoyed meeting me, and wrote about his con experiences as well at News From Me.

I got to panel and hang out with and at least say hi and give hugs to a ton of cool authors and some artists, and because this is already scary long I'm just going to do the roll call here: L.E. Modesitt, Jr.; Seanan McGuire; Jim Butcher; John Scalzi; Wesley Chu; Marsheila Rockwell; Jordan Summers; T.L. Smith; Patrick Rothfuss; Myke Cole; Amber Benson; Tom Leveen; Weston Ochse; Yvonne Navarro; David Lee Summers; Joe Nacisse; Leanne Renee Hieber; Kris Neri; Robert Elrod; Mike MacLean; Zachary Jernigan; Gilead; Ed Erdelac; Jaye Wells; and many more besides who I am forgetting because I have had to sleep, and had to write a lot, since then.

Everyone was awesome and I loved all my panels, but one of my favorite things was doing my impromptu Food with Fans event which I plan to make a "thing" and have happen every year, because it was so much fun this year and last year, too.

Sadly, I did NOT get to hang out with either Nathan Fillion, Stephen Amell, John Barrowman, Michael Rooker, or Carey Elwes. Because I was hella busy, that's why. Yes, all my friends have pics with Nathan or John or Stephen. I have pics with my fans, and I'm happy about that :-D. I DID, however, get to share an elevator with Danny Glover (that man is TALL) and walked by and spoke to John Rhys Davies (that man is TALL and HANDSOMER in person than on screen). I may have had other celebrity sightings or moments, but if I did, they're just moon dust now. Next year the con is May 28-31 -- don't miss it!

Finally...that's it for today. But, as always, more's on the way. So stay tuned, have a fantastic week, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

My PCC Schedule & Other Cool Things

Hey there! I know, I know, again I'm gone for over a week with no word. Well, I imagine all y'all will forgive me, since I'm writing like a crazed wolverine on Universal Alien. Yeah, I thought you'd be okay with my silence.

I also have Phoenix Comicon starting this Thursday, June 5. My schedule is:

THURSDAY, June 5
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 4:00pm - 9:00pmFRIDAY, June 6
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 10:00am - 12:30pm
*Comedy's Hard-The Secrets of How and When to be Funny, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Sheraton Hotel, Valley of the Sun Room
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 3:30pm - 7:00pm
*Evening Erotica, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, North 126bc
SATURDAY, June 7
*Star Wars, Star Trek, & The Terminator All Had It-What Is It?, 10:30am - 11:30am, North 128a
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 12:00pm - 7:00pm
SUNDAY, June 8
*Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters Anthology, 10:30am - 11:30am, North 128a
*Keeping a Long Running Series Fresh, Sunday 12:00pm - 1:00pm, North 132
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
*Crossing the Streams - How to Effectively Cross Genres in Your Writing, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, North 127c
*Exhibit Hall, Table 2426, 4:30pm - 6pm

My hours in the Exhibit Hall are subject to change (in case I can stalk and capture Nathan Fillion and Stephen Amell and so on), but I should be there mostly as noted. Hope to see a ton of you there!

DAW Book Reviews has a discussion of Alien Collective going on. And I'm dropping in there as I can, so if you want to yap about Kitty's latest adventure, head on over!

Missing some books? Walmart Online has the Alien Series on sale. Then, head over to Mixed Book Bag where she's musing about Alien Collective. And after that, check out what More Geek Than Gay is talking about -- Phoenix Comicon among other things...I know, what were the odds -- either on audio or video.

Some of what More Geek is talking about I'm going to talk about right now. My BFF author Marsheila "Marcy" Rockwell has an AWESOME announcement you really want to read about right now. No, trust me, right now. You do. You really do. 'Cause it's really huge.

After oohing and aahing over what upcoming book of Marcy's you cannot wait to get your hands on, it's time for some science! Check out what Algar and his people are doing over at Phys.Org News. I know! IT'S SO COOL!

Speaking of cool -- my next Alien Series short story, "Mr. Dash Saves the World", will be in the July issue of Penumbra eMagazine. If you haven't taken advantage of the special subscription rate you get merely by typing in 2014Gini when you order, well, now's the time. And, you can still get the May issue if you missed it, featuring "Alien on the Runway".

Thanks to all of you who bid on my Alien Pack, and all the other great things at the Brenda Novak auction. The auction did really well, and I'm thrilled that my Pack went for well over it's listed value. So it's a win all the way around!

That's it for today. Well, really, that's it for this week. Needless to say, what with PCC and Universal Alien taking my focus, you're not going to hear from me again until I'm back from the con and the book is turned in (this month...let's have a rounding chorus of You Can Do Eeet!). So, see some of you this coming weekend, all of you have a wonderful week and weekend and week after it regardless of where you are, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Fridays of Future Past

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had wonderful weeks and are looking forward to even better weekends. It's Memorial Day Weekend in the US, so while you go about BBQing and having fun, please take some time to thank those who have served in your countries' armed forces. Regardless of ideology, these people protect and serve and deserve our love and respect.

Speaking of the weekend, going to hit any movies? If you are, or even if you're not, check out my review of X-Men: Days of Future Past over at Slice of SciFi, and join the discussion there, too!

Then head over to Bloody Cake News where the yap is running as the latest in their Perilous Roses interview series. They ask new questions, BTW, so there are new answers. It's all made of win!

More Geek Than Gay has details on my SoCal trip, either via YouTube video or audio.

Remember that Phoenix Comicon is just around the corner, and you really want to be there if at all possible. Moi, other fantastic authors like Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris, and tons of media guests like Nathan Fillion and Stephen Amell. And so very many more. This con is growing in leaps and bounds, so don't miss it -- it's gonna be BIG.

CopperCon FANtasm is just around the corner, too. While I'm the first Author Guest announced, I won't be the last, and this con has a great focus on literature, so if you want an intimate con where you're hanging out with all those people you came to see, this is the con for you.

May's almost over -- have you gotten your May Issue of Penumbra eMagazine and your yearly subscription yet? If not, why not? May's issue has the first of my Alien series short stories in it, "Alien on the Runway". And July's issue will have the next -- "Mr. Dash Saves the World". And a third is coming later in the year. So, don't delay, use the coupon code 2014Gini to get your subscription for 50% off AND get The Best of Penumbra 2012 and 2013 as well!

The Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes also is ending at the end of the month. Have you bid on my cool Alien Pack yet, or on the tons of other awesome things up for grabs? All funds go to a great cause, so bid a lot!

Last but not least, author Chuck Sambuchino has a great article on the things you can do to support the authors you love. They're all easy, and they're all hugely appreciated.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way! So enjoy the (for some of us long) weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Collectively Catching Up

Hey there! Hope everyone had a wonderful past couple of weekends and past week, and I hope all the moms of all kinds out there had perfect Mother's Days. I had a fantastic time at both Mysterious Galaxy bookstores and all over the rest of SoCal! It was great seeing so many of the Alien Collective these past days. But, I'm back home and much went on while I was gone, so let's get all caught up, shall we? We shall!
First up, and speaking of the Alien Collective, the last stop on the Alien Collective Blog Tour is large and in charge. Head over to Word of the Nerd for your last chance to enter to win your choice of one of the first 8 books in the series (Touched through Research), signed and personalized. Open internationally.

And don't forget about the other stops that have come before! Most have interviews and/or reviews and all have chances to win. And all are open internationally. So if you've missed a stop that's still open, rectify!

Remaining open contests:
-- Pearls Cast Before a McPig, ends May 25
-- Gizmo's Reviews

Speaking of rectification, here's a special prize available, at every stop on the Tour but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

Once you've entered to win, see what Word of the Nerd though of Alien Collective. Then see what Bitten by Books, A Buckeye Girl Reads, and Bring on the Books thought of it as well!

Then see who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her favorite fictional mothers. And check out T.L. Smith's article at Slice of SciFi where she asks 5 friends what they'd take to colonize a new world -- and since those friends include moi, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., Weston Ochse, Bruce Davis, and Ben Bova, you know you want to check it out!

Phoenix Comicon is just around the corner, and you NEED to make plans to be there. Why? In addition to seeing the me and other amazing authors, there are some seriously cool media folks that will be there as well, including Nathan Fillion, Stephen Amell, Cary Elwes, Bruce Campbell, Stan Lee, and Danny Glover...and TONS more! Be here June 5-8, 2014 and have the time of your pop cultural life!

Remember that the Brenda Novak auction is still going on through the rest of the month Check out my fantastic Alien Pack -- and bid early and often!

I've also been announced as an Author Guest at CopperCon Fantasm, August 22-24, 2014, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Avondale, AZ. Make your plans to come to a fun, intimate con with a ton of great authors and fans!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So let's be winning, con-going readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini