Meet the Crew!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a good start to the week. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I'm getting ready to head to the Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in a couple of days, so this is the only update for this week. Does that mean it's action packed? Does a bear poop in the woods?

So, let's roll! (I know...I always sound so "street" when I say that.) First off, head over to My World...in words and pages for the first-ever character interview with the crew of the Sixty-Nine from Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi), so get entered to win! Giveaway open until May 1st, so enter early and often. Sort of thing.

After you check everyone out and get entered into the contest, check out what My World...in words and pages thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate in her review.

Next, find out what My Bookish Ways thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. While you're there, don't forget to get entered to win a copy of Alexander Outland, too. Giveaway open until April 30th, so don't miss out on your chance to win!

Then, see what boeklogboek thought of Alien Diplomacy. And check out Smash Attack Reads and what she considers her book blogger influences.

As a reminder, even though Desert Dreams is sold out, there's a mass author book signing on Saturday, April 28, from 5:30-7:00pm that's open to the public. So if you're in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, don't miss the chance to drop by and get books signed by me and a ton of other awesome authors!

That's it for today. Have a great rest of the week, see some of you at Desert Dreams, and all of you remember to be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Yapping Into the Weekend

Happy Friday! It's almost the weekend! It's almost the weekend! And look at all the things we have going on to send you merrily into those nice days.

First off, head over to Much Cheaper Than Therapy where the yap is large and in charge...and a secret about moi is revealed. (Ooooh. LOL) There's also a chance to win a signed, personalized copy of Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, or Alien in the Family, open internationally, of course.

Speaking of winning, check out what Short & Sweet Reviews is offering up as part of the Showers of Books Giveaway Hop, also open internationally. And remember that you still have time to enter to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate from My Bookish Ways.

Next up, let's check out some reviews. See what Reading Amidst the Chaos, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, and Bring on the Books thought of Alien Diplomacy.

Now, head over to Ex Libris where she's asked authors to chime in on one of the hot buttons of the writing world these days -- To Comment or Not to Comment? Then see what My World...in words and pages is looking forward to.

Last, but in no way least, check out what my BFF Marsheila Rockwell's eldest is doing as his HS Senior Project -- Finding a Cure for Max. Great cause, great kids, so if you can give a little, please do. And please pass it along, so he can meet and hopefully exceed his goal.

That's it for now, but, as always, more's coming soon. So, have a great weekend, let's be readers out there, and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Yap for the Win

Hope your week is going well and you're eying the downward slide to the weekend with antici- ... pation! (Fist bump to all the Rocky Horror fans who just did that with me in their minds. Or aloud.) But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have winning going on, so let's get to it.

First off, head on over to My Bookish Ways where I'm running the yap about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi), so don't delay and get entered to win today!

Then, head over to My Para-Hangover and see what she thought of Alien Diplomacy. Then check out who's the lucky winner over at Civilian Reader.

This is the last day of the Night Shade Books 50% off sale which includes pre-orders such as Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, so if you haven't taken advantage of this opportunity yet, now's the time.

Shockingly, that's it for today. But there's more coming, so until next time, have a great one and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Let's Yap Outland

Hope everyone's having a great week so far. We have more fun for you today, so let's get to it! First off, head over to the always fun and entertaining Pearls Cast Before a McPig and check out the first-ever interview with G.J. Koch (yes, moi, but still, it's the first AS G.J. Koch, so, you know, go with it) talking about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. And pigs. Because we can.

Speaking of Alexander Outland, we're in the last days to get 50% off on every book at Night Shade Books, including pre-orders. Get your book on, buy or pre-order at least 4 books, get 'em for the price of 2. Such a deal! After you've scored great books for half price, remember to check out my guest blog over at The Night Bazaar.

Next up, the Bitten By Books Alien Diplomacy Launch Party is still going for one more day (today) so you still have time to get entered to win a 10-Book pack from Penguin, plus 2 other chances to win books from me. While you're there, see what Bitten By Books has to say about Alien Diplomacy. Then, get over to the DAW Books Community and add your $0.02 into the discussion of Alien Diplomacy. Make it All Alien Diplomacy All The Time, at least for a few minutes.

In Person Reminder: I'll be at the Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, April 27-29. There is an Open To The Public Mass Book Signing on Saturday, April 28, from 5:30-7:00pm. So whether you're attending the con or not, come on by, get your bookie wookies signed, and check out the TON of authors who'll be there signing in addition to me, myself and I -- Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Caris Roane, Amber Scott, Kathryne Kennedy, Bob Mayer, Brenda Novak, Tara Taylor Quinn, Vicki Lewis Thompson, and MORE!

That's it for today, but don't worry, more's coming. Have a great time, and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Yap Biting

Happy Monday! Don't faint, but as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got another short and sweet one for you today. I know! What were the chances? (Based on most of the last week's blogs, the chances were slim, but we do persevere.)

Head over to Bitten By Books where I'm talking about Alien Diplomacy AND you have a chance to win a 10-Book Pack from Penguin, as well as your choice of Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation.

So, ask your burning questions at the Bitten By Books chat, get entered to win an awesome prize pack, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Weekend Update & Yapping Roundup

Happy Weekend! I know you don't usually hear from me on the weekends, because I'm always doing exotic things like writing like a fiend and/or running the yap in person, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's so much going on that I had to sort of slip this one in.

First off, I'm now the Resident Guest Blogger over at The Night Bazaar, which is for Night Shade Books authors with releases coming out in 2012. My first blog for the Bazaar is live on the site, so please go have a read and feel free to leave a comment, too. Nothing to win other than my undying gratitude, but hey, isn't that enough?

No? Then a reminder that now through April 19th, Night Shade Books is having a 50% off sale on all their books, both in stock and forthcoming, with a 4 book minimum order. That's a deal you don't want to miss out on, especially since you can pre-order Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (aka moi) for 50% off. It's such a great deal, you should buy two copies, right? Of course right!

Coming Monday, there's a huge Release Party Event for Alien Diplomacy over at Bitten By Books . RSVP now for the event, which includes an amazing 10 Book Pack giveaway from Penguin Books, plus books from my backlist for 2 additional winners. You have to RSVP for the event in order to be entered to win the prizes, so don't miss out!

Now, onto the roundups I've been promising for weeks and days.

First up, Jambalaya Writers' Conference. Located in lovely Houma, LA in Terrebonne Parish, this is a conference focused on teaching aspiring authors the various tricks of the trade. I could go on and on about how lovely all the folks were, what an awesome location they have (the Terrobonne Public Library), and how great the students were. And I could wax even more rhapsodic about the food. But what shocked me the most was how inexpensive this writer's conference was. I'm used to entry costs of $250 per person, minimum. This one? $35.00 Yeah, you read that right. So, next year, if you're in the vicinity of Louisiana at the end of March/start of April, don't miss out on this great conference, a deal at twice or even three times the price.

But a conference is only as great as its presenters, right? Well, in addition to moi, there were a ton of amazing authors and industry professionals there. In addition to Rick Bragg, Heather Graham, Debra Holland, Eileen Dreyer, and MANY more, children's book authors Robert San Souci he of "Mulan" fame (and the nicest man on the planet) and Dianne de Las Casas were also there. Dianne's a hoot and a half, btw, so if you get a chance to see her in person, don't miss it. I got to hang out with these folks, and all I can say is "wow". Great authors, awesome people. For those of you with kids, I can't recommend Robert's and Dianne's books enough.

Next up, LepreCon. This is an annual fan convention in Tempe, AZ, so topics range from writing how-to to discussions of the pros and cons of book to TV/movie adaptations and everything in between. Local cons are great fun, and a wonderful way to get up close and personal with authors, actors, fans, and readers.

I was on a ton of panels with some really cool and interesting folks, including the guest of honor, SF/F Grand Master Joe Haldeman and comic book legend Bryan Augustyn. I got to hang with a variety of cool Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing (waves madly to Janeen, Penni, Terry, Raul, Hal, Dee, Chris, and Alisa) which of course made the whole experience even better.

I also paneled with, in no particular order of awesomeness: Janeen O'Kerry, Bruce Davis, Emily Devenport, Saul Garnell, Rick Novy, Ernest Hogan, Chris Swanson, Susan Lindsey, Jack Mangan, and Don Wiest. I know, that's a lot, but there were probably more. It was a busy con, so I'm sure I've forgotten some things and people (and beg their forgiveness for the oversight, of course).

I also got to visit with my beloved Winston, aka Weston Ochse and one of my all-time favorite artists, Gilead, and his lovely wife, who've been mentoring me in cons since my very first one.

So, much fun was had by all, but it's also nice to be home. For a week or two. Before the next event which is Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in Scottsdale, AZ at the end of this month.

That's it for this Weekend Update. Enjoy the links, RSVP to win, and have a great, restful rest of the weekend! And let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Yappin', Yappin', Yappin' Day and Night

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a fun weekend planned, but don't head into it without checking out my latest yappings over at Book Monster and Literal Addiction. There's a chance to win Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation, signed and personalized, at BOTH blogs, so TWO chances to win today!

Live Girls Chatting Update: I got the start time wrong (shocking, well, no one, probably). The REAL start time is 8pm Eastern, so 5pm Pacific, TODAY and whatever other times. I'll be there (where?) and you should be, too! Secrets may be revealed, spoilers may be shared...you never can tell. Literal Addiction Author Chat.

We have a new Q&A up at Ask Gini in the Extra Me! section. Then check out the nice things My World...in Words and Pages has to say about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (that's moi, for those of you who just joined the Alien Collective).

Speaking of Alexander Outland, reminder that from now until April 19th, Night Shade Books is offering every title, both existing and forthcoming, for 50% off, with a 4 book minimum. And that INCLUDES Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. This is a GREAT opportunity to get my bookie wookie AND at least 3 others for the price of two! Night Shade has great titles from awesome authors, so don't miss this chance to score books now AND in the future for half price!

I was going to do my LepreCon and Jambalaya Conference roundups today, but as with earlier in the week, this puppy's already long enough. So, expect that soon, soon-ish, before I forget what happened, and until then, enjoy linking, saving, and chatting! Catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Alexander Outland 50% Off on Pre-Order RIGHT NOW

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a short and sweet one today because the headline is true. Right now, from April 12-19, in other words, for 1 week only, all of Night Shade Books' titles are 50% off...and that INCLUDES titles you can pre-order!

Head over to Night Shade Books right now and pre-order Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi). There's a 4-book minimum to get this deal, but that means you're getting at least 4 books for the price of 2! Such a deal! Don't miss it!

The link takes you to the Forthcoming list where you can pre-order books. Once you're done there, go to the Catalog section to find existing titles. Happy shopping!

Love,
Gini

Hump Yappin'

Happy Hump Day! Well, the last blog was short and sweet, so y'all must have been prepared for the next one to be, shall we say, longer, right? (And we SHALL say longer, oh yes we shall.) So, let's roll (I know, I sound so "street" when I say that) right into all the goings on.

First up, head over to Civilian Reader and check out my latest interview. There are new things said there, I promise. And there's also a giveaway. Leave a comment, get entered to win a signed, personalized copy of Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, or Alien in the Family.

Reminder that you can still enter to win over at Tote Bags 'n' Blogs and Tynga's Reviews. Both contests close Friday.

After you read my latest yappings, head over to Heroes and Heartbreakers and read Matzah For Thought by one of the Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing, Stacey Agdern.

Next on our tour of the interwebs, check out what Bitten by Paranormal Romance thought of "Contingency Plan" by Anita Ensal (yes, that's moi).

Then head over to io9, The Ranting Dragon, and The Deadline Dames and check out their listings of new April releases.

Next, see what Miss Vain's Paranormal Fantasy got in her mailbox. And find out what Pages of Forbidden Love is hoping to do to get out of a blogging funk.

Have to share the latest cover of my BFF Marsheila Rockwell's latest upcoming release, Skein of Shadows. It's a gorgeous cover and I can't wait for the book!

Mega Congrats to the awesome Daniel Dos Santos and Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant who are up for Hugos again this year! May the best (meaning Dan and Seanan) win!

Live Nude Girls! Oh, sorry, not really. Well, live and girls is right. And since I'm talking about a live internet chat this Friday the 13th (oooooh) with Literal Addiction and Book Monster Reviews, the nude is always a possibility when in one's own home, innit? Head over to the Literal Addiction Author Chat at 6pm Eastern Daylight Time and run the yap with me. Yes, burning questions might indeed be asked and answered. But you won't know unless you're there, will you?

Well, I was going to do my Jambalaya and LepreCon roundups, but frankly this puppy's pretty darned long already, so we'll save those for another day. So, until then, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Changing Times

Happy Friday! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, because I'm heading off to LepreCon today, it's truly going to be a short and sweet one.

Head over to Tote Bags 'n' Blogs and check out my guest blog: The Times, They Are A-Changin'. Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of either Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, or Alien in the Family, signed and personalized (of course!).

Full LepreCon and Jambalaya Writers' Conference updates will be coming next week. See some of you later today. All of you have a fabulous weekend no matter what you're doing (reading Alien Diplomacy, I hope), and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Can't Stop the Yappin'

Happy Thursday! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a (relatively) short and sweet one for you today. (I know, what were the odds?) So let's roll.

Head over to Books 'n' Kisses where the yap is large and in charge. Enter to win your choice of any one of the first four books (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation), signed and personalized, too.

Check out the latest review of Alien Diplomacy over at Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind.

Reminder that I'll be at LepreCon all weekend. If you're in or around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, definitely drop by. Need incentive? Here's my schedule:

Friday
1-2pm Good, Bad and Ugly of Genre Fiction
5-6pm 12 Seconds of Fame & Social Networking
6-7pm SF & Fantasy Going Prime-Time
7-8pm Hiring & Working with Editors

Saturday
1-2pm The Alien Encounter
4-5pm Autograph Session
6-7pm Comics vs. Books
8-9pm Eye of Argon Reading

Sunday
11am-12pm World Building
2-2:30pm Reading (from, depending on audience, Alien Diplomacy or Alien vs. Alien)
3-4pm Science Research for Book Writing

Okay, so maybe it wasn't that short. But, hey, can't blame a girl for trying. More tomorrow, but until then, let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Diplomatically Speaking...

...Get Thee to a Bookstore!

Happy Alien Diplomacy Release Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had beyond a blast at the Jambalaya Writers' Conference...and I'll be giving you my full recap later this week. But since today's Alien Diplomacy's big day, let's check out what's going on around the web in honor of release day!

First up, head over to Tynga's Reviews and catch the yap running large and in charge. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alien Diplomacy, so don't miss out and get entered to win!

Speaking of winning, if you're on Twitter, the Alien Collective Virtual HQ is giving you a chance to win a copy of Alien Diplomacy merely by retweeting their tweet about Alien Diplomacy. I know! It's so meta. Anyway, follow me (@GiniKoch) and you'll be able to find the message to RT, and it'll be wonderful, wonderful...an you might win, too.

Now, onto the reviews! Check out what RT Book Reviews thinks of Alien Diplomacy (hint: They made it a Top Pick). While you're at it, see what A Buckeye Girl Reads, Hanging with Bells, Books 'n' Kisses, and Book Lovers, Inc. think of Alien Diplomacy. Then check out what A.B. Keuser thinks of the book that started it all, Touched by an Alien.

There's lots of great books out this month, and RT Book Reviews, DAW Books Inc., Vampire Book Club, and The Galaxy Express all have great, and different, lists of them.

There's another kind of competition going on, and Kitty and I need your help. The I Smell Sheep gang is at it again, with the 2nd Annual Boogity Boo Awards. Please head over and vote for your favorite replies in 4 categories (including Rapid Response, where I'm nominated, writing as Kitty).

That's enough for today. But never fear, more's coming. So, enjoy the linking, the voting, and, hopefully, the winning, and most of all, enjoy Alien Diplomacy!

Love,
Gini