Educational Preview

Happy Monday!

Alien Education's not all that far away. In fact, just about a month away. And you know what that means?

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, that means it's time for all y'all to hit the Deathless Prose page for the prologue and first chapter, that's what it means!

Enjoy the "pre-read" and, while you're at it, please remember to do the other "pre" and pre-order Alien Education (and Aliens Abroad), too, 'cause those pre-orders matter.

Know what else matters? Cool Kickstarters getting funded. It's basically the last days of disco for the Unidentified Funny Objects 6 Kickstarter. There's no book if it doesn't fund and, much to my dismay, this one's still got a ways to go to fully make it.

So please take a look, check out all the great backer rewards, and help this cool, fun, and funny anthology see the light of day!

Next up, while the Tuscon Festival of Books seems so far away now (you know, 3 weeks), it's right here, because the HBS Author's Spotlight has done a lovely write-up of the Dreams booth where I and a ton of other awesome authors were based. We routinely get voted the best author booth at the Festival, so check out why! Candid photos, book blurbs, and more for your perusing -- and new book/author finding -- pleasure! (And I think the candid taken of moi is very good, too!)

Remember that I'm going to be all over the place in the coming months, so hit the Datebook early and often to be sure that you don't miss seeing the me!

And, while you're at it, check out Newsy Stuff for top headlines, the Bibliography for new (or old) releases you may have missed, Extra Me! for interviews, reviews, and all that jazz, and the Alien Collective Depot for all your cool swag needs!

That's it for today but, as always, more's on the way. Enjoy the first week of April and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Playing Catchup

Happy Monday! I know, I know, it's been literally ages since you've heard from me. My only excuse is that I have an absolute tonnage of deadlines and they're requiring a lot of focus. (Apparently editors really like your stuff turned in in at least a semi-timely manner -- who knew?) So, it's lots of updates or it's lots of writing, and I think I know how we all vote. However, lots has been going on, so let's get all caught up so that I can go back into the writing cave and not come out again until I see my shadow. Or something like that.

First up, it's official! I'll be a presenting author at Phoenix Comicon again this year! The con runs from Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31. I'll be on panels and in the exhibit hall in Author's Alley. I'll be doing a prize in conjunction with the Amazing Wyked Writers. I'll also be doing my usual Evening Erotica event and also a Food With Fans event during the con. When and where and what times and all that jazz is still up in the air, but as soon as I have my schedule you'll hear from me about it (pinky swear).

Speaking of in-person event, Phoenix Comicon falls right in the middle of my book tour supporting Alien Separation. The chicklet is also graduating from law school during this time. Because it's a lot more exciting if everything's going on at once! So, I've got my standard book tour stops, but despite plans (and pleas from some of you) I'm not adding on any more stops this time, because I don't think my brain can handle it.

So, come see the me, pre-order your bookie-wookies from, and get them signed at:

Mysterious Galaxy Books Birthday Bash, Saturday, May 9, 1-4pm; I'll be on at 2pm, right before cake! There WILL be a Food With Fans event after the party is over.

Barnes & Noble Henderson, Sunday, May 17 1-4pm, join me and some of the Amazing Wyked Writers -- T.L. Smith, Alan Black, Sharon Skinner, Marsheila Rockwell, and Jeffrey Mariotte -- for yapping, book signing, and more! There WILL be a Food With Fans event after the party is over.

The Poisoned Pen, Monday, June 8, 7-8pm. While there will not be a Food With Fans event after this signing, there will be goodies at the signing and there WILL also be a LiveStream of this event, so if you can't make it in person, plan to attend via the interwebs. As we did last time, we plan to involve the internet audience and yes, there will be at least one prize given out to someone watching via LiveStream, so add the event to your calendars now, whether you'll be with us in person or just in internet spirit!

Please remember to do your girl a solid and pre-order Alien Separation (and Alien in Chief, if you're so inclined) from any online or physical retailer. If you're coming to see me at an in-person event (or just ordering books to get signed and sent to you), please pre-order from that bookstore. It helps them, it helps me, it's the right thing to do!
 
The Disciple and Other Stories of the Paranormal by moi writing as Jemma Chase is out now and you can get your copy from  Amazon, Smashwords, BandN.com, and CreateSpace, or in person from me at any event. You can also get/order copies from Mysterious Galaxy and The Poisoned Pen. So, if you want to get this baby signed at the same time as you get Alien Separation signed, let the bookstores know and they'll make it happen.

Next up, I know we all thought the X-Files: Trust No One would be out by now, but issues with certain aspects of the overall property have delayed its release. So, it's still coming and you can still pre-order, but we don't know what the new release date is yet. Could it be delayed because Fox has announced a new limited run of the TV series? I don't know, but the truth is out there...

And now, for some reviews! Check out what All Things Urban Fantasy thought of the audio version of Touched by an Alien.

Then see what Books in Brogan thought of Universal Alien, and the entire Alien Series as a whole so far.

Speaking of the whole series, check out the Order of Books site, where they have the Alien series and many other listed. Then see what Cat's Books: Romance lists as their top Diplomatic and Ambassador romance leads.

Then check out what Amazing Stories thinks of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by moi writing as G.J. Koch.

After that, head over to Slice of SciFi and see what I thought of Furious 7 and what I thought of Knights of Badassdom as well. I loved one and was totally disappointed by the other, so if you agree or disagree, join the discussion over at Slice! And while you're there, check out all the gag reel from Galavant.

Now, for some science! NASA has made another cool discovery, and it's that there's a lot of water floating around in space, on Ganymede specifically. And Space.com has some interesting information on wormholes or, as Algar calls them, superhighways.

Speaking of cool, the Alien Collective Depot has been updated and enhanced for your enjoyment, and that includes new T-shirt designs! And yes, we have Poofs, Poofs, and more Poofs. Pocket Poofs are only available from me in person, but you can still order Adult and Baby Poofs, or Poof Families, through the Depot.

I'm leaving you today with one of the funniest things I've read in a while, collected from Tumblr by Chaos Cat -- get ready for the funniest insurance advertising fanfiction ever created. Trust me, it'll make your Monday much, much better.

So, everyone have a wonderful week, pre-order those bookie wookies, make your plans to see the me, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Nerdy, and Ghostly, Yapping

Hey there! I'd have gotten today's blog up a trifle earlier but was chatting with the Awesome Editor about many things, San Diego Comic-Con and Alien Research among them, and time got away from me. So let's get to what's going on, so I'm not even later, shall we? We shall!

Head over to The Nerdy Paige where the yap's large and in charge at today's Nerdy Notes. Yes, it's a new interview, and some new questions are asked, so definitely check it out.

Next, see what Drugs Called Books thought of Touched by an Alien.

Then...don't faint, but Sightings in the Wild has its new look up and live on the site. Yes! I know! IN OUR LIFETIMES! It's not all up there yet -- not by a long shot -- but Team Gini's got it goin' on and, finally, some pictures are back, and they're even *gasp!* NEW. (Yes, the old ones will be up too, sometime soon. And now we actually have a hope that soon means soon and not before the end of this millenium.)

There's also a new Playlist up at the site, and new Team options at the Alien Collective Depot.

And last but in no way least, I have a new novelette release. Check out "The Happy Acres Haunted Hotel for Active Seniors" -- an urban paranormal with a little romance and a lot of humor. Welcome to Happy Acres, where the residents, both living and dead, are always happy to meet new friends, spark new romances, and occasionally get rid of odious relatives. Enjoy the read, available via Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords. Physical copies will be available soon via Amazon and selected booksellers.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the downward slide towards 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

The Return of the Yap

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and those of you who watched the Oscars enjoyed the red carpet fashions, the jokes, and finding out which movies you haven't actually seen won what awards. Or maybe that was just me. Anyhoo, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a lot going on this week, so let's get to it!

First up, the yap is running over at the Ethan Jones Blog. Check out his 10 Questions for moi. There will also be something you'll be interested in at Ethan's blog later this week, but you'll have to wait to find out what. (Hey, I live spoiler free, but NOT teaser free.)

Next, head over to CGHUB and gaze lovingly again at the artwork for Alien Diplomacy. Then, note that the AD cover is RIGHT NEXT TO the Firefly cover that Daniel Dos Santos did recently. That's RIGHT. Kitty is right next to Captain Tightpants. (Yes, these things DO make me happy, why do you ask?)

Now it's time for reviews. See what Crow Pickings and the Abilene Public Library thought of Touched by an Alien. Then check out the Alien Tango review over at Fiction State of Mind. After that, see what Frogs of War thinks of Alien in the Family and the rest of the series.

But wait, there's more. See what boeklogboek thought of Alien Proliferation. And finally, see what Genre Go Round and Alternative Worlds thought of Alien Diplomacy.

In Person Reminder: I'll be at the Tucson Festival of Books on Saturday and Sunday, March 10th and 11th. I'm on panels at 10am on both the 10th and 11th, and signing at the Mysterious Galaxy booth 255 at 3pm on the 10th. Info on this, and other appearances, is up at the Datebook.

Last, but in no way least, we have something some of you have been waiting for, some of you have been begging for, some of you have been whining for, and some of you have offered bribes for. What are these "somethings", you ask? Well, head to the Alien Collective Depot and find out...

So, until next time, have a great week, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Monday Roundup

Happy Monday! We have much in store for you today, but first, a PSA that's somewhat near and dear to my heart. In more ways than one.

I had my annual mammogram today. I know, I know, TMI and ugh, right? Well...maybe. But I love each and every one of you, and breast health is vital for women, meaning all of you who are women and all of you who love the women in your lives need to make sure that you and they get this exam on a regular basis. And by regular I don't mean once a decade. Is it painless? Well, I can tell you for certain that breast cancer is more painful. Is it kind of icky? Can be, but again, early detection saves much icky in the future. So, do your check ups and take care of your bad selves, because the Alien Collective would be greatly lessened by the loss of any of you, and we can't be havin' with that!

Now, PSA over and we're on to the far more fun stuff! First up, and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a new review of "Touched by an Alien" from Love 2 Read for Fun. Check that out, then head over to The Book Addict where we have another early review of "Alien Tango"!

Next up, if you're on Goodreads, the nominations are open for Book of the Month for December and if you wanted to vote for "Touched by an Alien", which is one of the nominees, well, I wouldn't tell you not to. ;-D

After voting, head to Ordinary Day and see what she bought with her paycheck. Then hit The Qwillery to see all the December releases, including "Alien Tango" in a nice little listing.

In Person Event Reminders:
December 8, 2010 -- Writer's Workshop Wednesdays at Borders Waterfront, Scottsdale, AZ, 7PM-8:30PM; I'll be presenting "Walking the Line in SFR" as well as signing "Alien Tango", "Touched by an Alien" and, as Anita Ensal, "Love and Rockets".
December 11, 2010 -- spotlight author at the Mysterious Galaxy Holiday Party, San Diego, CA, 6PM - 8PM. Come get your copies of "Alien Tango" and "Love and Rockets", get them signed, and hang out with yours truly at the coolest bookstore around.
March 12 & 13, 2011 -- Tucson Festival of Books, Tucson, AZ; Panel & Book Signing on Sunday, March 13, 1PM-2:30PM
April 2011 -- it's confirmed, I'll be in NY/NJ/PA from April 9th through the 21st. If you're in the area, let me know and we'll figure out how to meet up. Yes, a book signing will be happening, just not sure when or what date(s) yet.

New Swag: We have 2011 calendars available now, up at the Alien Collective Depot. Check 'em out, they're pretty cool, in my totally unbiased opinion!

That's it for today, but I promise there's more coming (like a Combo Con Contest...say THAT 5 times fast -- but only if you're on Hook Me Up! 'cause it's a Hook Me Up! exclusive) so hit the links, leave the Alien Collective love, and count down the days 'til "Alien Tango" hits the shelves and eReaders all over -- what's that, in 14 days? Wow. Two weeks. That's nothing. The time'll fly by. I promise. And if not, well, hey, there is that contest coming to keep you occupied...

Love,
Gini

Contests! And More

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's more contests afoot! And not just mine. I know! The giving out there right now is amazing. So, let's get in on it!

First up, though, let's take care of that "more" in the headline. There's more swag for your perusing pleasure up at the Alien Collective Depot as well as a new, more interesting look to the launch page. Team Gini worked hard on it, so check the new look and the new stuff out!

Now, onto the contest info! The Book Lovers Inc. is doing a big giveaway, and on their list of prizes are not one but TWO copies of "Touched by an Alien"! Along with some other really cool prizes! So head over, show some Alien Collective love, and get yourselves entered!

Next, this is more of an "early excitement" alert. I know for a fact that several members of the Alien Collective in excellent standing are planning a few cool things this month -- interviews with moi, giveaways, etc. (*cough* The Bibliophilic Book Blog *cough* Hanging with Bells *cough* and more *cough*) So, keep your eyeballs peeled 'cause my inside scoop says things are starting this week -- in some cases, already started.

Speaking of already started, my awesome Hook Me Up! exclusive Comic-Con Swag Pack Giveaway started last week. For those of you who came in late, here's the rules: You have to be on Hook Me Up!

Yes, it's true. If you're not on Hook Me Up! yet, you can't enter, 'cause only my Hook Me Up! gang knows what to do and how to do it (in SO many ways). So, rectify your situation and send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, so you can get in on the biggest contest around!

Love,
Gini

One Last Thing Before I Go...

Well, as if y'all didn't know, I leave tomorrow for Comic-Con (wait for it...once more...with feeling...AS a PROFESSIONAL!). So, we're going to (mostly) radio silence while I'm gone.

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I'll check in as I can, but the easiest way to do that will be via Twitter, so if you're not yet following me there and you want the Comic-Con & vacation updates as they happen, now's the time. Plus, my 300 Twitter followers contest is still going on too, so you can get a double! Follow @GiniKoch.

Where it won't be silent but WILL be fun whilst I'm gone is at The Galaxy Express. Check out the Parallel Universe promo and remember -- July 20th is when it starts and when my Alien Diversity Panel will go live. Comic-Con won't have started yet, so I'm hoping to check in if I'm able to, so be sure to leave questions or comments!

We've already gotten more requests for more swag at The Alien Depot and Team Gini hopped right on it, so the Depot is already revamped! Check it out, browse the now-considerably-more merchandise, enjoy yourselves! And remember, there's still plenty of freebie swag on the Free Stuff page, too!

Much love and thanks to all who showed up at my author workshop and book signing Wed. night, and particular love and smootchies to those Hook Me Up! subscribers, aka the Most Dedicated of the Alien Collective, who were there, too (you know who you are, my beloveds!). It was a great turn out and I enjoyed running the yap (I know, when don't I?), and much chocolate and good times were had by all!

While I won't be there 'cause I'll be at Comic-Con (insert standard addendum here), our own Amber Scott will be doing her author workshop and signing (for "Play Fling") at the same bat time and same bat channel next week. Amber's a fun speaker, so if you enjoyed mine, or missed mine, make it to hers!

Writers Workshop Wednesdays
Borders Scottsdale Waterfront
7:00 p.m., July 21
7135 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(Note for AZ folks -- this is at the Waterfront Borders in Scottsdale, NOT the Biltmore Borders in Phoenix)

Speaking of conferences and signings and all that jazz, my next conference is CopperCon 30. I'm doing a lot of panels, a book signing, and a reading...from "Alien Tango". (Yes, so that would be a preview BEFORE any ARCs are available...) We already have some awesome Hook Me Up! and Alien Collective members coming (waves with excitement) and to sweeten the pot for those of you on the fence, I'm going to be throwing a small party for Alien Collective members only. In addition to the fun just hanging out together will entail, there will also be special swag there. Oh sure, there will be Free Stuff swag...but there will also be...Depot Swag. So, if you can make it, you don't want to miss it!

I will, however, miss all of you while I'm gone. Leave comments on the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, send Tweets, send emails, etc. I should get 'em all and will try to reply in a semi-prompt manner. Everyone have a great rest of July, and until August, peace out, li'l gangstahs!

Love,
Gini

Sliding Slowly Towards the Weekend

It's Hump Day! Or it was when I started writing this. At the rate I'm going, we're gonna be well on the downward slide before you get to read it. So, since my theme this week appears to be getting info out really late, let's get right to all the news that's fit to print!

First up, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a new lovely review of "Touched by an Alien" from A Buckeye Girl Reads. Check it out, share some Alien Collective love.

Next up, the Accolades page has been updated. If you've done a review, and you don't see it listed here, please let me know and we'll get that rectified immediately, if not sooner!

Last reminder for this -- my author workshop & book signing is tonight:

Writers Workshop Wednesdays
Borders Scottsdale Waterfront
7:00 p.m., July 14
7135 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(Note for AZ folks -- this is at the Waterfront Borders in Scottsdale, NOT the Biltmore Borders in Phoenix)

I'd send you to BookTour.com for all the deets, but the site's been going through a facelift and it's a little wonky right now. If you do use it to keep track of me, never fear, it'll be smoothed out by next week. (I have it on good authority from the nice man over there in tech support who kept me from jumping off the roof when it looked like all, and I do mean ALL, my data had been wiped out.) This is also, therefore, making my Datebook page a little wonky, but again, it'll smooth out soon.

Last, but not least, we've already had requests for additional swag at the Alien Collective Depot. So, we're getting to those and will have something up by the time I'm back from Comic-Con, if not sooner! (Oh, btw...did I mention that I'm going to Comic-Con as a professional?)

BTW, if you're not on Hook Me Up!, get on before I get back from Comic-Con. I'll be doing another Hook Me Up! exclusive contest, and it'll have some great stuff in it, including whatever coolness I come home with from Comic-Con...and there's a lot of cool gonna be there! So, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, so you're all set for the winning to come!

Love,
Gini

Ta Da -- Stuff is Here!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, finally, "it's" here! The "stuff" I've been hinting about. I know, the anticipation has been great! But don't worry. I don't have ONE new thing to tell you about...I have TWO. That's DOUBLE. (Yeah, I'm getting a little punchy this close to leaving for Comic-Con, why do you ask?)

First up, several of you have been asking, nay suggesting (okay, demanding) something, insinuating that you would like to have something to show your love of certain things from "Touched by an Alien". We at Team Gini thought long and hard and decided giving in to your demands was probably the way to go. (Because our motto is: The Alien Collective is Always Right.)

So...check it out! The Alien Collective Depot is here! Browse the merchandise, find your favorites, and yes, trust me, we'll be adding new things as we go along. 'Cause we at Team Gini are really distracted by all the shiny options out there and are always going, "Oooooh, GOTTA have THAT."

What could possibly top the Depot? Well, The Galaxy Express is aware that there's going to be a lot of radio silence in the next couple of weeks, and not just from me. So, running concurrently with Comic-Con and RWA Nationals will be the Parallel Universe! Authors of SFR, yours truly included, will be posting articles, doing "panels" (and, spoken modestly, I think you'll love mine), and answering questions. It's going to be an 11-day extravaganza you won't want to miss!

The Parallel Universe starts on Tuesday, July 20th. Lisa Paitz Spindler will kick it off in the morning and then...I'll be up that evening! You'll definitely want to catch my "Alien Diversity Panel", which will include and be run by...but there...don't want to tell you too much. It'll spoil the surprise. Suffice to say, members of the Alien Collective will enjoy it tremendously. And I'm hoping to drop in, certainly on the 20th, and as I can thereafter, to answer questions, etc. So a fun time should be had by all!

The full Parallel Universe schedule should be posted at The Galaxy Express this Thursday, so be sure to check it out and mark your calendars!

There's more to come, but it'll wait until tomorrow. Until then, I'm back to editing "Alien in the Family", reminding peeps to pre-order "Alien Tango", and trying desperately to decide what to pack (or, in my case, what to leave behind) for Comic-Con (where I'm going as a professional! Yeah...really...admit it...you KNEW it was coming). And y'all go on with being your own wonderful bad selves and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini