Holy Whirlwind, Batman!

Well, as you all know, I released my beautiful cover for "Alien in the Family" yesterday. And as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know -- wow, the internet is hopping now, and not just about the cover!

First up, we have a new wonderful review of "Touched by an Alien" over at Book Noise. Have a read, leave a comment, show the Alien Collective love!

Then, check out Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing Dark Wrym Reads and Books, According to Nicole for their take on the new cover for "Alien in the Family".

Now, head on over to 1st Turning Point and check out my latest article, Twitter Right. A lot of you use Twitter, and use it well, so please add any comments or suggestions you might have!

Reminder that my interview over at I Smell Sheep is still going strong, as is the chance to enter to win the "Sheeped by an Alien" t-shirt, so if you haven't hit the interview to get a chance to win, rectify that omission now!

Not enough? Well, if you want to promote the new "Alien in the Family" cover, or just look at it more up close and personal, send me an email and we'll send it right over so you can. Want more? "Alien in the Family" avatars and such will be up on the Free Stuff page soon!

Still not enough? Well...it'll have to be...'cause tomorrow is Friday, and we all know what Friday is, right? That's right -- it's the start of the "Alien Tango" ARC Giveaway, for Hook Me Up! only! What? You're not on Hook Me Up! yet? You don't want to win the ARC of "Alien Tango" along with a ton of other totally awesome goodies? What's wrong with you? Oh, wait...you DO want to win? Then sign up for Hook Me Up! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it today, 'cause Friday's coming up fast!

Love,
Gini

It's Here! It's Here!

You thought the cover for "Touched by an Alien" was awesome, and indeed it was. You thought, wow, the cover for "Alien Tango" is even BETTER, and indeed, that's true. But, let me tell you, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

So, with no further delays, let me proudly unveil to you the new, the awesome, the...

ALIEN IN THE FAMILY COVER!



Isn't it BEAUTIFUL? Doesn't it just POP?

Yes, it's true -- Daniel Dos Santos IS the greatest cover artist IN THE WORLD! (And no, I'm not biased at ALL...I mean, LOOK AT IT!)

Off to go gaze lovingly at my new precious...

Oh, for a larger view, check out the Bookstore page!

Love,
Gini

P.S. If you want to show off the awesome cover at your blog, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com, and we'll send you the image along with the reminder to credit the amazing Daniel Dos Santos. And avatars and such will be up on the Free Stuff page very, very soon!

The Sheep Hits the Fan

Or something like that...

Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the news I was hoping to share last week or even yesterday is now promising to be ready to be shared later this week. I'd gnash my teeth and all, but it does no good. Instead, I'm choosing to chew some cud.

Say what? Say we've got another interview up! This time it's at I Smell Sheep, who are, as we know, Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing. New questions, newer answers, and, finally, someone has asked me the question I've been waiting patiently for since "Touched by an Alien" first released. So, head on over, have a read, leave a comment, get entered to win the excellent "Sheeped by an Alien" t-shirt!

Reminder for those in the vicinity of Southern Arizona and Tucson: I'll be at the RinCon 10 Gaming Con, running the yap from Friday, Oct. 8th, through Sunday, October 10th. If you're nearby, come on by, say hi, listen to the yap in person, or challenge me to a game of whatever's on the tables (there's a Celebrity Texas Hold 'Em game, but the hubs has forbidden my participation, on the grounds that it's the one form of poker I have no idea how to play). Should be fun, so let me know if you think you'll be there!

Remember: the "Alien Tango" ARC Giveaway starts this Friday, October 1st. It's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on Hook Me Up! yet, head over to the Win Stuff page and see what could be yours -- and there's a lotta "what" to be won, too. And it could all be yours! But only if you're in with my in-crowd. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it now. Friday's coming faster than you realize.

Love,
Gini

Hump Day Anticiaptions

Well, with a title like this, I'm sure you're all wondering just what's going on. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, what's going on is anticipation, and lots of it.

First off, I have an ARC of "Alien Tango" in my hot little hands. Only 1, sadly. But we all know what that means right? We don't? Let me share, then. It means another huge Hook Me Up! exclusive contest, that's what it means! In addition to a chance for the ARC, there's going to be lots of other things you can win. So keep your eyes peeled -- contest will be starting Oct. 1st, and details will be up soon on the Win Stuff page.

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Now is truly the time to rectify that situation. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and all set to try to get your hands on that "Alien Tango" ARC, as well as other awesome prizes.

My next interview is less than a week away. But the teaser info for it is up now. Check it out at I Smell Sheep and keep your eyes peeled for the full thing next week.

Next, we'll be having a big unveiling soon. As in, likely end of the week soon. Trust me, you'll all like it.

Larissa's Bookish Life extended her contest to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien" to the end of this week. So if you haven't hit the interview and contest yet, you have the extra time to do so now!

Speaking of contests, All Things Urban Fantasy has an amazing book giveaway going for their Blogoversary, including "Touched by an Alien"...and 34 other titles. (Yes, 35 books in all to ONE lucky winner!) Head over and enter, this is a book lover's dream contest.

So today's phrase is: keep the eyeballs peeled. And good luck with all the winning currently available and to come!

Love,
Gini

Yet Another Manic Monday

Happy Monday to all! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I'm happy to announce that I'm done with my final editing/read-through round on "Alien in the Family", and that puppy heads to my awesome editor tomorrow. (And there was MUCH rejoicing.) Next up? Carrying edits through to Book 4, "Alien Proliferation". I know, I live, don't I?

We have a lot of focus on reviews today, and not just because I've been doing a lot of editing. There's a lot of reviews and review-related stuff going on out there in the happy blogosphere.

First up, Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing have a dual review of "Touched by an Alien" on the docket. Check out what The Book Pushers have to say, leave some Alien Collective love, you know the drill.

Next, if you're a book reviewer, you've read and reviewed "Touched by an Alien", you're open to reading and reviewing more Science Fiction Romance, and you're NOT on this list compiled by the folks at The Galaxy Express, let them know, pronto, so they can add you. (Hint: many SFR authors are looking for SFR-friendly reviewers to send books to for review, and they'll be using this list for reference.)

Another Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing has "Touched by an Alien" on her Unexpected Treasures list. Check out what A Buckeye Girl Reads has to say, leave the love, share what books you didn't expect to love that you did.

Yet another Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing just awarded her 500 Followers Birthday prizes. Check out what the winners at Ex Libris picked as their book prizes. (Yeah, of course "Touched by an Alien" is on the prize list. ;-D)

Datebook reminder: If you'll be in the Tucson area over the weekend of Oct. 8-10th, check out the RinCon Games 10 con. I'll be there, yapping and gaming (nonstop and probably badly, respectively).

Contest update: There might be more contests before this one, but the next biggie I'm planning is an ARC giveaway for "Alien Tango". But if you're not on Hook Me Up! you won't be eligible. Save yourself the agony later and sign up today. It's free, and easy. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you're in, and all ready for the chance to get your hands on "Alien Tango" before anyone else does. Really, what are you waiting for?

Love,
Gini

Better Late Than Tomorrow

Well, as you can tell, this is posting REALLY late. (Hey, I was busy. And not actually by any computer for most of the day.) For some of you, it'll be so late that it's EARLY. (That's my spin and I'm sticking with it, thankyouverymuch.)

First off, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, winners of the latest Hook Me Up! exclusive contest, Deck the Walls, are announced on the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, just below this post. Scroll down and either squeal with joy or offer your begrudging congratulations.

Next up, we have a lot of "Touched by an Alien" activity going on. First off, Bibliognome has a great review up. In addition, our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing has created a really cool Chapter First Lines Sneak Peek. So head over, check it all out, leave some love, you know the drill.

Next up, The Book Addict is guest posting at The Book Vixen -- say that three time fast -- and has her Top 10 Didn't Know I'd Love It Books listed. Check out to see where "Touched by an Alien" falls (today, anyway ;-D). Then head over to Melting Before Your Eyes and learn a fact about me I'd wager most of you didn't know.

Now for something a little different -- a preview of sorts. Head over to Dark Faerie Tales and check out their upcoming event, Spooky Legends. Why? Well, in addition to it being all kinds of fun, I'm on the docket...and you'll get to hear from Kitty and Company about their (and my) favorite urban myth. Coming in October, but check out the line up now!

Finally, a reminder that my interview is still up and going strong at Larissa's Bookish Life. The chance to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien" ends September 20th.

So, it's better to get late than to receive never, right? Right? (Of course right!)

Love,
Gini

Deck the Walls Winners!

Okay gang, here's what you've been waiting for -- the winners of the Hook Me Up! exclusive CopperCon Movie Poster Packs Giveaway!

But first, a big thank you to all who entered, especially to those who increased their entries with blog comments. Y'all rock!

Now, let's see who the Gods of Random Numbers have chosen to have the ability to deck their walls with Hollywood cool.

WINNER: POSTER PACK #3/SMALL AND MIGHTY
Marty Shaw

WINNER: POSTER PACK #2/BIGGER IS BETTER
Katie Dalton

WINNER: POSTER PACK #1/GET 'EM ALL
Amber Scott

Congratulations to all the winners!

Winners: Please send me an email (gini@ginikoch.com) with your full mailing/shipping address (no P.O. Boxes, please -- posters don't fit). If you're local to me we can make arrangements for in-person delivery/pick-up. (Winners will be sent an email as well, and will have a week to get their info to me. If Poster Packs are not claimed, another drawing will be held and the new winner will receive the Poster Pack. So, no delays!)

And the Yap Runs On

Well, as the blog title indicates, and my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have another interview with moi large and in charge. But there's more than just an interview with moi out there. AND more things to win. So let's get to all the news, shall we?

First off, Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing Larissa's Bookish Life has an interview with yours truly. There's also a chance to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien". Head over, learn yet more about me and my so-called "process", leave a comment, you all know the drill.

Next up, there's another interview, but it's not with me (though I did get a lovely shout-out). Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing I Smell Sheep have interviewed Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing and awesome author Amber Scott. There's a chance to win a copy of "Play Fling". So, head over, read the Sheep Girls' first interview, check out Amber's much more of a real process, leave a comment, again, y'all know the drill.

Now, head over to another Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing, the Bibliognome Blog, and check out the contents of the Comic-Con Ultimate Swag Pack Becky the blog owner won from yours truly. Then check out her listings of free things available out there -- my Free Stuff page and contents get a lovely shout out.

Speaking of winning, my latest contest, the CopperCon Movie Poster Pack Giveaway is closed to entries. We'll be tallying the entries and have the winners for you tomorrow. (So, you know, stay tuned and all that.)

Speaking of Comic-Con, the pictures are finally up. Well, some of them are up. Team Gini's threatening to add some catchy captions to them, but so far my threats of retaliation have worked. Sorta. Check it all out at Sightings in the Wild.

Finally, a reminder for those Alien Collective members in or around the Tucson and Phoenix, AZ and Columbus, OH areas. I'll be at several cons and workshops through the end of the year. All info is on the Datebook page, but here's the relevant info:

RinCon 10, Tucson, AZ - Oct. 8-11
World Fantasy Con, Columbus, OH - Oct. 27-Nov. 1
TusCon 37, Tucson, AZ - Nov. 12-15
Desert Rose Writers Workshop (FREE event), Scottsdale, AZ - Nov. 20
Author Workshop & Book Signing (FREE event), Borders Scottsdale Riverfront, Scottsdale, AZ - Dec. 8

So, until next time (yeah, yeah, tomorrow, when I announce the CopperCon Poster Pack winners), remember that nothing says "I love you" like pre-ordering "Alien Tango". (I did warn y'all that the drumbeat for pre-orders was starting...but don't worry, the moment you've all confirmed your pre-ordered status, I can stop.)

Love,
Gini

Mixed Nuts

Happy Friday! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a grab bag for you to roll into the weekend with, and since I'm clearly on the "slow and steady manages to get updates out sometime" plan, let's just get right to it all.

First up, Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing Life According to Nicole has a CopperCon recap, complete with pictures. And, if that's not enough, she's also participating in Blog Fest 2010 and has some really cool prizes, including a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien".

The Vampire Wire girls have a couple of interesting articles going that include
discussions of "Touched by an Alien", covers and cover artists, and the best part, prizes: Contest Weiners & Catsup'ing Up! & Alien Gropers, and
Cover Artists & Contest for Ghost Ocean by S.M. Peters & Disco Thursday.

Next, awesome author Weston Ochse has also done a CopperCon recap complete with different pictures. Check it out, it's funny and, to lure some of the Alien Collective over, he writes about zombies.

So, yes, everyone else has done a more comprehensive CopperCon recap than moi. Hey, I was busy getting posters and divvying them up!

Speaking of which, as a reminder for the new folks, there's still time to get in on this contest -- IF you're on Hook Me Up! If you've somehow resisted the lure, resist no longer! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be in, and learn how you can win!

Oh, and for those of you trying to keep score at home, I just got invited to TusCon 37, Nov. 12-14, in Tuscon, AZ. And I forgot to mention that I'm also going to be at the Tucson Festival of Books, Mar. 12 & 13, in Tucson, AZ. Yes, that does mean I'm going to, at last count, a zillion cons. But hey, I love cons, so it's all good! Check the Datebook and my page at BookTour.com for full details, and if you're going to be anywhere near any of the cons I'm going to, let me know 'cause I'd love to hang with any and all of my Alien Collective.

So, have a wonderful weekend, and let's be winners out there!

Love,
Gini

Poster Pack #3 - Small and Mighty

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

This Poster Pack from CopperCon knows that smaller doesn't mean less...it means more. Posters from "Inception", "Resident Evil 3D", "Going the Distance", "Ghost Writer", "Cop Out", "Legion", "The Expendables", "Salt", and more!

Plus, you get a NeverendingPanel.com bookmark and a signed bookmark from author Weston Ochse.

Small but mighty, you know that's right.

Question: What "small" movie is your all-time favorite? (By small we mean didn't cost a lot to make and/or didn't do a lot of bank in the theaters, or possibly even on DVD.)

Love,
Gini

Poster Pack #2 - Bigger is Better!

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

This Poster Pack has the big stuff from CopperCon -- two movie marquee-sized posters of "Australia" (Hugh Jackman huge AND wet!), large sized "Prince Caspian", and two big "Expendables" psoters. You also get some regular posters for "Legion", "Resident Evil 3D", and "Inception". It's also got a pirate button, a "Scott Pilgrim" bookmark, and a signed bookmark from author Dani Kollin.

Bigger really IS better.

Question: What movie star's face would you most like to have on your wall in life-sized or larger-than-life-sized Technicolor?

Love,
Gini

Poster Pack #1 - Get 'Em All

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

This Poster Pack has everything I could get my grubby little paws on at CopperCon, including huge, movie marquee-sized posters for "Kick Ass" and "Australia" (Hugh Jackman HUGE...'nuff said). Still large but not giant posters for "The Expendables" and "Prince Caspian". And small, regular posters of everything including: "Sherlock Holmes", "Scott Pilgrim", "Salt", "Knight & Day", "Resident Evil 3D", "The Last Airbender", "Going the Distance", "Robin Hood", and "Legion"...plus LOTS more.

Not enough? Get a pirate button AND bookmarks signed by awesome authors Weston Ochse and Dani Kollin.

Yeah, you know you want it.

Question: What movie poster, of all time, would you most like to have?

Love,
Gini

Poster Packs for the Win!

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

I went to CopperCon and all I came back with were a TONNAGE of posters. Well, and some special signatures, too!

This contest is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. If you're not on, don't delay. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be in and get the rules for how to participate.

Contest will start today, September 9, and run through Monday, September 13. Winners will be announced by Wednesday, September 15.

Each Poster Pack will have its own blog post (Hook Me Up! subscribers know why). Check 'em out, and may the most ardent poster lovers win!

Note for International Entrants: Contest is open internationally, but international winners may be asked to pay for postage/shipping.

Love,
Gini

The Swag Returns!

Happy Hump Day everyone! Well, it's been a week since you've heard from me, and what a busy week it was! And, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, what a busy update we have today, as well.

First off, there's a new review of "Touched by an Alien" up at Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks. Check it out, leave some Alien Collective love, you know the drill.

Next up, CopperCon was awesome! Much love and tons of smootchies to my beloveds who came to see me -- Chrissy, Terese, Nicole, Lynn, Colette, Steven, Diana, and Vaughn. Per the Posse, my "Alien Tango" reading went well (it really IS all about the 'gators) and, heaven help us, they recorded it, so there could be Live: Bootleg Gini out there somewhere.

Panels were so much fun. I was on them with our own awesome Lynn Crain, as well as with other cool authors such as Weston Ochse (pronounced "Oaks"), Dani Kollin, Marsheila Rockwell, Emily Devenport, Janeen O'Kerry, Michael D'Ambrosio, and Patti Hultstrand. I was also on with non-author experts like Craig Porter, Kevin McAlonan, and Henry Vanderbilt. Met tons of aspiring authors and fans, got to hang at the pool with the Posse, ate and drank more than a lot. All in all, good info, fun times, the yap ran nonstop. (You know, routine.)

But, from the subject line, you know there's more. More for YOU. Well, if you're on Hook Me Up! there is! There were tons, and I do mean TONS, of movie posters available for the attendees, and I grabbed a bunch. Included in them are posters for Kick Ass, Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, Salt, The Expendables, and many, MANY more. There are also signed bookmarks from Weston Ochse and Dani Kollin to go along with all the cool wall coverings. I haven't divided them up into Poster Packs yet, but there will be at least 2.

The contest announcement will be coming out soon, very soon. If you're not yet on Hook Me Up!, now's the time to stop dragging those heels. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. Do it today, so you don't miss out on the next sets of swag!

Is there more? A bit. I'm confirmed to be at RinCon 10, October 8-10, 2010 in Tucson; at LepreCon 37, May 6-8, 2011 in Tempe; and Phoenix ComicCon, Memorial Day Weekend-ish (they're still finalizing for this one) in Phoenix. That's in addition to World Fantasy Con 36, October 28-31, 2010 in Columbus, OH. Datebook and my page at BookTour.com will have updates as they become available.

So, keep your eyeballs peeled for the Next Great Poster Giveaway, and remember that no matter where I go, I'm always thinking of YOU, 'cause y'all rock.

Love,
Gini

Ready for the (CopperCon) Weekend!

Well, CopperCon 30 starts tomorrow and since I'm on 8 panels, doing a signing and, as we all know, my very first public reading from "Alien Tango", we're going to radio silence, other than Twitter, until mid-week next week.

But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I've got some things to tide you over until then. First up, The Galaxy Express has a write up on the October issue of RT Book Reviews. Why am I so excited about this? I'm in it, in the "Sci Fi's Newest Stars" inset! Yes, I'm uber-thrilled. So, hunt down a copy and check out the whole issue, it's all good and will highlight a lot of other authors in addition to moi who you'll enjoy!

Next, Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing, Steven's Spot, has a nice little write up on "Touched by an Alien". Check it out, leave some love, you know the drill.

Last but not least, it looks like I'll be hitting another con this year. I've been invited to participate in RinCon 10, a big gaming con in Tucson. Will be finalizing the deets while at CopperCon, but I'm all kinds of excited about it. Alien Collective Gamers -- wanna hook up at RinCon?

So, have an awesome weekend (and, for those in the U.S., a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend), and until sometime next week, remember to get down with your bad selves and keep it alien! Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini