Kaiju Humping

(Made you look.)

Happy Hump Day! Another short and sweet one today, but still managing to be action-packed. So let's get to it, shall we? We shall!

First up, it's Day 2 of the Alien Research Cover Reveal Contest over at Books Make Me Happy. Yesterday's winner is already chosen and announced, so get on it and get entered to win dinner with moi at the Coastal Magic con in February.

BTW, in case you'd like to see the cover along with its full back cover blurb, head over to the Alien Collective Virtual HQ for a looksee and the teaser for what's coming in December.

The Kaiju Rising Kickstarter is down to its last 3 days and last stretch goal. We've unlocked all authors and stories, and we're less than $725 away from getting some amazing new, full color artwork for supporters. So check it out and fund now if you're able, because this is gonna be huge!

Last but not least, see what Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens Kickstarter contributor Alligators and Aneurysms -- love that name! -- thought of one of the prizes for contributors: A Cup of Joe by Anita Ensal (yes, that's moi).

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!

Love,
Gini

Mega-Announcement Monday

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I sure did. It was great seeing so many of you at Barnes & Noble Desert Ridge on Friday -- made me want to do signings every night. I also got to hang out with awesome author Weston Ochse at his signing for SEAL Team 666 at the Poisoned Pen the next day. So a busy weekend was had by moi. But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's a LOT going on, especially in terms of announcements -- some I've been dying to tell you, some just discovered -- so let's get to it!

Where to start, where to start...well, let's start with this: Alien vs. Alien made the Barnes & Noble Bestseller list in its first week of release! Whoo double Hoo! And THAT is all because of all of you! Thank you for pre-ordering and buying -- all y'all rock above all others!

Speaking of which, see what A Buckeye Girl Reads and Night Owl Reviews thought of Alien vs. Alien. And if you somehow haven't gotten your copy yet -- rectify!

Speaking of rocking above all others, the Alien Collective Virtual HQ has something I think you're all gonna love -- and that's the world premiere of the cover for Alien in the House! I love this cover, and I'm pretty sure you all will, too. I can't wait until it's on the entire bookie wookie, either, can you? (Required reminder: It's never too early to pre-order -- Alien in the House, coming May 7, 2013.)

Since we've mentioned upcoming books, it's time to share something new about new upcoming books. Turned out that as I was finishing Alien in the House, I realized that the characters had a lot to do. Lots and lots and lots to do. So much to do, in fact, that it's requiring another book. And because I have the best editor in the world and DAW is the best publisher in the world, I'm getting to do that additional book. SO, officially, Alien Research will now be Book 8, coming December 2013, with Alien Collective/Book 9 coming May 2014, Universal Alien/Book 10 coming December 2014, and Alien Separation/Book 11, coming May 2015. (And there was much rejoicing, at least by me and the characters. Trust me, the characters and I NEED Alien Research.) 

Right now you're all thinking, "Wow, those are some epic announcements. Bet she's about to say that's it for today." And right now I can tell you -- you're wrong. Because...wait for it...there's MORE.

Because I'm not busy enough (apparently) and feel that even an hour of sleep is too much (really apparently), when Slice of SciFi and It's Comic Book Day graciously asked me to become their featured guest columnist and frequent yet random podcast guest/commentator, I said, "Yes! Yes! Me! Pick me!" So, beginning in January, you'll get more doses of moi sharing my thoughts on all things comics and related at regularly random intervals. I know, like you don't hear from me enough already. But now, you get MORE. I'm a giver, me.

Again you think I'm done, and again I say I'm not. As with the others, this announcement is pretty darned huge. As with the others, I could have doled them out, one per day. But no. No, I decided to do it ALL today and overwhelm and astound, 'cause that's the kind of girl I am. So...here it comes...Mega-Announcment #5...

DarkCon 2014, Jan. 16-19, 2014/Thurs.-Sun. of MLK Weekend, has asked me to be the Local Author Guest of Honor! And that's not all. They've also heard your pleas for a Gini Con of some kind. Well, when my fans cry out in the darkness, the Dark Ones listen. Not only will I be the Local GoH, but they're officially making all day Sunday of the con Gini Con -- all about the me and all about the you! So, start saving up, book the time off of work right now, lock those babysitting arrangements in place, plan to vacation where the weather's always better in the winter, and come to the Dark Side with me in 2014! Details will continue to follow, but truly, this is going to be a stellar opportunity, and the other Guests of Honor are gonna be awesome, too. You don't want to miss this one!

Whew. Well, finally, we reach the end of the Epic Announcements of Epicness. Enjoy the start of what's likely to be a hectic, but hopefully joyous, week, and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

See the Me & the New Cover!

Happy Friday!

Just a reminder that I'll be at Barnes & Noble Desert Ridge tonight from 7pm-8:30pm, signing all the bookie wookies, but particularly Alien vs. Alien. I'll also have the local premiere of the amazingly awesome cover of Alien in the House. That's right, you get to see the new precious before anyone else, but only if you're there up close and in person tonight!

For those who can't make it, stay tuned because the Alien Collective Virtual HQ will be officially premiering the new cover next week, and I'll have some exciting announcements coming, too. Until then, have wonderful weekends and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Release Day!

Happy Alien vs. Alien Release Day! Yes, it's true, the day is finally here! Alien vs. Alien is on the shelves and e-readers everywhere! Reminder that the big Release Day Party is happening at The Poisoned Pen later tonight, and that you can also watch it all live via LiveStream.

I wasn't going to send a newsletter today, but gosh darn it, there are so many reviews and contests that I just can't keep it all from you for another day. So, on with the countdown!

First off, hit the Alien Collective Virtual HQ and get entered to win a copy of Alien vs. Alien. Then, head over to Larissa's Bookish Life, find out what she thought of Alien vs. Alien, and get entered to win an ARC of said bookie wookie.

Then, head over to A Buckeye Girl Reads for Alien vs. Alien Haiku (hey, do NOT knock it 'til you try it). Afterwards, see what Under the Covers and Feeling Fictional think of the latest in Kitty & Company's exploits.

The Goodreads Choice Awards are done and...Alien Proliferation lost to Terry Pratchett. And you know what? I'm pretty darned good with losing to my favorite living author, while having had the chance to be in the running against said favorite living author. Thanks to all of you who voted, and congrats to Sir Pterry!

Speaking of authors I like, Jim C. Hines is running a fundraiser for a very good cause -- to find a cure for and help the families of victims of Aicardi Syndrome. This disease attacks girls and puts their life expectancy between 8 and 16 years. Kitty and I both, being the mothers of girls, feel that this horrible disease needs to be battled. Jim's doing his part by imitating cover poses (you have to read his blog post to get it, but trust me, the outcome is hilarious), so please donate and participate if you're able.

Well, that's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. Now I have to go do another happy dance and choose what to wear tonight -- other than the pink, sparkly cowgirl hat which will, of course, be on my head. So, have yourselves a great day, I'll see some of you tonight, and all of you enjoy the reading out there!

Love,
Gini

Premiere Yapping

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a fabulous week last week and an even better weekend. I had a wonderful time in San Diego at Mysterious Galaxy, yapping and signing and getting to visit with so many of the Alien Collective as well as The Outland's Groupies. And it was 40 degrees cooler than home, so that was also kind of fun. But I'm back in the heat, and we're back in the thick of things, so let's get to them!

First off head over to The Fictorians where the yap is large and in charge and talking about all the various ways one can be published these days.

Then, guess what we have for you today? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have the World Premiere of the cover and the blurb for Alien vs. Alien over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Check it out! (It's SO awesome!)

Now, after we've feasted our eyes on the beauty that is a cover by the ever-awesome Daniel Dos Santos, let's check out the reviews. See what A.B. Keuser thought of Alien in the Family. Then find out what A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of the first two installments in The Neighborhood series by Anita Ensal (yes, that's also moi). And last but in no way least, see what Long and Short Reviews thought of The Royal Scam and what they thought of Contingency Plan by Anita Ensal (yes, still moi).

Check out the top books for the second half of 2012 that Larissa's Bookish Life is waiting for. And one of my fellow panelists for San Diego Comic-Con, Doyce Testerman has a good teaser write up for our panel at SDCC, which might win the Longest Panel Name Award for the con: Stunted Fools, Scary-Ass Clowns, Enlightened Orangutans and other Devilish Charmers: Humor in Science Fiction and Fantasy.

That's it for today but never fear -- there's more, much more, on the way. So, enjoy the trip around the interwebs, and 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

Friday Yapping

Happy Friday! Well, it's been, as threatened, a very hectic week in Cyber Lande (we're gonna trademark that, 'cause the 'e' just makes it all seem so much classier than it really is and we're all about the illusions at Team Gini). And we're not really slowing down today, so let's keep on rolling!

First up, the yap is again running nonstop over at Much Cheaper Than Therapy. Leave a comment, get entered to win a signed, personalized copy of "Alien Tango", too. Contest runs through the weekend so don't miss out!

Then, check out The Galaxy Express for the SFR news for December. In addition to a listing of new science fiction romance releases, there's some funny tidbits strewn throughout...see if you can find the one about me and some alligators.

Next, check out what Book Lovers, Inc. thinks of "Alien Proliferation".

Speaking of "Alien Proliferation", there's one day left to enter the contest over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ for a chance to win one of five copies of the book! And it's not too late to pre-order your copy before Tuesday's release. (Yes, it's really that close to release day!) And remember to pre-order "Alien Diplomacy" -- yes, I swear to you, pre-orders matter. A lot.

Remember that the first chapter of "Alien Proliferation" is live over at Deathless Prose.

That's it for today and this week. But never fear, there's more, so much more, coming next week -- including the much heralded, long awaited, Combo-Con Contest. It'll be for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, though, so if you want a chance to win tons of prizes, including a LOT of books, you need to join NOW. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and all set.

So, let's get all set for next week, which includes the actual, official release of "Alien Proliferation". Demand it by name from your local bookstores, have a wonderful weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Peace out, li'l ganstas!

Love,
Gini

Christopher Yaps it Up

Welcome to December! I warned you -- it's Busy Busy Week in Cyber Lande. So, let's keep it rolling, shall we?

First up, as the subject line shares and my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, check out an exclusive interview with Christopher over at Bibliophilic Book Blog and find out what three things he'd want to have on a desert island.

Next, head over to see what My 5 Monkeys thought of "Alien Proliferation". (There are some great pics of some A-Cs there, too. ;-D)

Then see what great releases are coming from DAW Books over at the DAW Books Community and check out another good listing of upcoming releases at the Vampire Book Club.

Last days to enter the Alien Proliferation Extravaganza over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Don't miss out on 5 (that's right, FIVE) chances to win!

Early registration for the Desert Dreams Writer's Conference ends at the end of this month. If you're an aspiring author, or know someone who is, this is a great conference to attend. Tons of successful published authors, along with great agents and editors, combine to make it a weekend that will positively impact your writing career.

That's all for today, other than the standard request to pre-order "Alien Proliferation" (yes, yes, even though it releases on Tuesday...pre-orders still matter...oh, and pre-order "Alien Diplomacy" while you're there ;-D). Enjoy the reading and have a great day!

Love,
Gini

It's Just Another Clucky Monday

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had a great time at the Fall Writer's Workshop, running the yap and listening to the wonderful Amber Scott and Caris Roane, and it was great to see some of you there as well! It's a short (in the U.S.) but busy week, though, so enough of the past, let's get back to the future!

First up, Kitty, Martini, Christopher and Chuckie are all sharing secrets over at ALPHA Reader that you don't want to miss. Check it out, leave a comment, show some Alien Collective love. (Oh, and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, you WILL have to read the interview to find out how my subject line actually makes sense.)

Then, head over to see what Bibliognome, one of the lucky ARC winners, has to say about "Alien Proliferation". Then check out the review of "Alien in the Family" from Book Spot Central.

Next up, Fictitious Musings has some great things in their mail. They'll also have a character interview tomorrow (and not with who you'd expect). In honor of this, they're re-running their reviews of "Touched by an Alien" and "Alien Tango", and you can also find their review of "Alien in the Family" as well. They also have quite the Gratitude Giveaway going strong, so if you haven't entered for that, do it now!

Speaking of awesome things to win, the Alien Collective Virtual HQ is offering not one, not two, but FIVE copies of "Alien Proliferation" in their latest contest. Check out the Alien Proliferation Extravaganza and get entered to win today! Swept Away Again also has a nice little listing of some cool things to win.

Speaking of winning and all that jazz, "Alien in the Family" is in the semifinals at the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards for best science fiction. The competition is tough, so take a moment and vote for it again, please and thank you, so it has a chance to make it to the next round.

Speaking of "Alien in the Family" and voting and such, All Things Urban Fantasy is running a cover art contest for best cover of 2011. I've been alerted that some members of the Alien Collective have already nominated "Alien in the Family" to be in the running, so if anyone else feels like tossing their votes in as well, I'm sure Kitty and Company, not to mention the amazing Daniel Dos Santos, would be most appreciative.

Is that it? Not quite! Check out who Larissa's Bookish Life thinks are the best hero and heroines of 2011.

I know I owe you all a TusCon recap (and boy, do I have one!), but that'll have to wait for tomorrow. So, until then, be good and enjoy all the blog and website hopping!

Love,
Gini

Weekly Roundup with the Yap

Happy Friday! The weekend's in sight, but as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a lot going on before we get to it. So, let's get to it, shall we?

First up, check out the world premiere of the cover for "Alien Diplomacy" over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ!

Next, hit Paranormal Haven and check out how Kitty and Company are spending Halloween. Get entered to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango" and an ecopy of "The Royal Scam"!

Next, check out what Feeling Fictional and Alternative Worlds thought of "Alien in the Family". And watch the vlog from Pages of Forbidden Love featuring "Touched by an Alien", among others.

The latest issue of RT Book Reviews named "Alien Proliferation" a Top Pick! Get a copy now and check it out!

Check out the latest question, and answer, over at Ask Gini!. Then head over to Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' News & Reviews for an interesting NY Comic Con update that includes a shout out to "Alien in the Family". And check out Chelsea Mueller's "Open Letter to Kick-Ass Heroines" at Heroes and Heartbreakers.

Congrats again to all the "Alien Proliferation" ARC winners. If you didn't win, there's still one ARC left. Today's the last day to tag in for the Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger contest. Tag in as part of Team Blah and get entered to win, not only the last ARC, but also other cool prizes.

Upcoming In Person Events:
SAN DIEGO, CA: Mysterious Galaxy Meet & Greet - October 26, 6:30-8:30pm
SAN DIEGO, CA: World Fantasy Con - October 27-30
TEMPE, AZ: Changing Hands Bookstore, Group Signing - November 2, 7-8:30pm

That's it for today. (I know, I know, that's enough for an entire week, but I must share the news with you as soon as I get it, 'cause that's just the kind of girl I am.) Have a fabulous weekend and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Yapday

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a stellar weekend. Mine was, as per usual, busy as all get-out. And this week doesn't look to be slowing things down at all. So, let's get to it!

First off, as the title indicates, the yap is running large and in charge again. Check out my latest convo with Agent Z at The Galaxy Express.

Then, see what Feeling Fictional thought of "Alien Tango".

Have you entered the Alien Proliferation ARC Giveaway contest yet? If you haven't, get it done now -- the contest ends this Thursday, 10-13. Of course, it's for Hook Me Up! only, so if you're not on, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and we'll send you the instructions for how to get your chances to win.

Also, to increase those winning chances, the Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger blog contest is still in effect, which includes an ARC of "Alien Proliferation" in the grand prize. Check it out over at Win Stuff and tag in as Team Blah. This contest ends Friday, 10-21.

And, last but not least on the winning update, the Daddy Crazies contest ends tonight at midnight over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. If you haven't entered, do it NOW!

There's more coming, but that's probably good for today. Go forth, make your winning chances better, and I'll catch you later, alligators! (Yeah, I miss Gigantagator and Alliflash, too. They're trying to make a cameo in "Alien vs. Alien", so stay tuned.)

Love,
Gini

Oh Baby, Baby

Happy Hump Day! There's a lot going on today, and much of it's centered around winning. I know, there's so much going on, can we stand one more contest in the mix? I think we can.

But before we get to the winning, let's catch up on the news. Head over to the Alien Collective Virtual HQ where they have the world premiere of the cover for "Hotter Than Hell", my first release with Musa Publishing under my Jemma Chase pen name.

The Galaxy Express has a nice write up about Musa Publishing and "The Royal Scam".

Speaking of "The Royal Scam", check out what I Smell Sheep thought of it. Then hit the Musa Blog where the yap is running about it. And Anna Marie's Corner has a nice little shout out for the Alien Series.

Upcoming In Person Events:
-- Mysterious Galaxy Author Meet & Greet, Oct. 26, San Diego, CA
-- World Fantasy Con, Oct. 27-30, San Diego, CA
-- TusCon, Nov. 11-13, Tuscon, AZ
-- Annual Fall Writer's Workshop, Nov. 19, Scottsdale Civic Center Library, Scottsdale, CA
-- Mysterious Galaxy Holiday Party, Dec. 10, San Diego, CA
-- Tuscon Festival of Books, Mar. 10-11, 2012, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
-- Desert Dreams Writers Conference, Apr. 27-29, 2012, Scottsdale, AZ

Current Contests:
-- Daddy Crazies contest at Alien Collective Virtual HQ
-- Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Blog Award Contest (Tag in as Team Blah if you haven't gotten tagged into the ring yet!)

NEW Contest:
Yeah, I know it's what you read through the rest of this blog to get to. ;-D The Alien Proliferation ARC contest is about to begin. But, as with most of the contests, it's for Hook Me Up! only. Not on? Truly, what ARE you waiting for? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it now, so you don't miss out!

Love,
Gini

Royal Monday

Happy Monday! Hope everyone's weekend was awesome. Mine was exciting, what with the official release of "The Royal Scam".

Speaking of which, check out what Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of the first installment of the Martian Alliance Chronicles.

Then, check out some other new reviews. First off, Venus Ascendant has chosen "Touched by an Alien" as the first review for her new site. Check it out and please leave some comments to support the newest blogging member of the Alien Collective!

Smash Attack Reads! has a review of "Alien Tango". And JPSorrow has a review of "Alien in the Family". Check 'em all out, leave some love, you know the drill.

Next, hit I Smell Sheep and see what's for sale in the Sheep Store (hint: some cool Sheep Shirts inspired by the Alien series).

Fresh Fiction has a nice listing of many upcoming blog events for October, including the Halloween event at Paranormal Haven which I'll be a part of.

Still plenty of chances to win lots of goodies going strong. The Daddy Crazies contest is still live at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. The Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Blog Award contest is also still live - check out my Win Stuff page and enter as part of Team Hook if you haven't been tagged in yet (consider this your official "tag in" from me :-D).

But wait, there's more. More coming, anyway. I have more ARCS of "Alien Proliferation" and I'm going to give them away...but the contest is only for Hook Me Up! subscribers. Not on? Get on! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. Contest will start on Wednesday 10-5, so get ready to rumble!

Love,
Gini

Friday's Winning Roundup

Happy Friday! Are you ready for the weekend? I sure am, but before we get to that, can't leave you without all the latest news.

First off, contest reminders. The Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Blog Award contest is going strong. If you haven't tagged in yet, hit Win Stuff, get the instructions, and go to town. I think a Fight the Fuglies Starter Kit AND an ARC of "Alien Proliferation" are worth fighting for, so have at it!

The Daddy Crazies contest is in full swing over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Check it out and check in, get entered to win some more cool prizes!

Musa Publishing has their grand opening tomorrow! In addition to your being able to get "The Royal Scam" immediately, there will also be prizes and such being given away, so be sure to drop by.

Also, a reminder for all German and German-reading Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing -- "Aliens in Armani", the German language version of "Touched by an Alien", will release from Piper Fantasy tomorrow as well. Get your copies, and someone let me know how it reads! :-D

Speaking of how things read, we have another early review of "The Royal Scam". Check out what Absorbed in a Book had to say about Book 1 of The Martian Alliance Chronicles.

Then, head on over to My 5 Monkeys, and check out her Top Ten Books to Reread and her shout out to Musa.

Then hit The Galaxy Express where they're doing an interesting series on Adventures in Sci-Fi Romance.

That should keep y'all busy until Monday. And believe me, you want to be paying attention on Monday. Trust me. You'll be glad to be paying attention on Monday. (Hint: another contest is starting on Monday, and it's for Hook Me Up! only. Wait, you're not on Hook Me Up! yet? Rectify now! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you'll be all set for the next awesomeness.) So, until then, have a wonderful weekend, get down with your bad selves, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Friday Follies

Happy start o' the weekend! No, we don't really have Follies going on. I just like the word. But as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we do have a fun short and sweet one for you today.

Head over to the Alien Collective Virtual HQ and check out who won the Cravings contest. Then join the fun and get your bad selves entered into the Daddy Crazies contest.

I've also sold two more series to Musa Publishing under my Anita Ensal pen name -- The Neighborhood Series and The Asteroid Belt Series. So yes, there's more, so much more, coming.

But right now, what's coming is the weekend. Have a blast, be readers out there, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Friday Wrap-Up

Happy Friday! It's been a busy week over here. What's been going on, you ask? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know -- lots! So let's get to it!

Team Gini's been particularly busy. Check out the new live links at the Author Splash page, the Extra Me! page has been revamped including a new question (and answer!) under Ask Gini!, and Newsy Stuff has new news.

But wait -- there's more! Pre-orders are open for "The Royal Scam" over at Musa Publishing. It releases October 1, 2011, and now that the cover's premiered over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ, check it out even larger and more in charge at my Ta-Daaaa! page.

Also, the Powers That Be have been kind and granted me an intern. Will he last? We can but hope. So, for however long, help me welcome Chris who has already started saving tiny bits of my sanity. (No, he's not "that" Christopher, though he said it was okay if y'all thought of him that way. ;-D) Check out Blogging with Badger where Chris shares his untold joy with his new position, particularly with his introduction to the Canine Death Squad. (Okay, that may just be how I'm choosing to see it, but it's my party and I'll fantasize if I want to.)

That's it for this week, though there's lots more coming on the horizon. So, get down with your bad selves, have as much fun as possible over the weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Coppery Friday

Are you ready for the weekend? I am! I'm heading off to CopperCon 31 in a few hours, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, before I go, wanted to share the latest with all of you.

First up, head over to Fictitious Musings and see what they have to say about "Alien in the Family".

Then, hit the Alien Collective Virtual HQ, where they have the world premiere of the cover of "The Royal Scam", my upcoming release from Musa Publishing. There's also a discussion thread in the Forum.

All the winners have checked in for the Comic-Con Swag Packs, but never fear. I'm going to a con this weekend, remember? So you KNOW that means another contest is on the near horizon. Plus, I have that nifty first-in-a-new-series release coming and I'm sure I'll have to have a contest in its honor.

Trying to pick one con to go to? Wondering if there's one that'd be worth the time and money? Hit this year's TusCon 38, Nov. 11-13 -- you'll get me AND Patricia Briggs, plus a host of other awesome authors. You can't go wrong with this one!

If you're an author and looking for a good writer's conference, come to the 2012 Desert Dreams Writer's Conference, April 27-29. Tons of published authors, agents, and editors will teach, review, take pitches, and more. The networking alone is worth it, and you'll get a ton out of this weekend, no matter what writing level you're at.

Once again, enjoy your weekend, and those Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing in the U.S., enjoy your long weekend! I'll catch you on the flip side, so peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Humping Towards the Weekend

Happy Hump Day! Hope everyone's weeks are going well. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's still bedlam as viewed from the air over here, but I did want to stick my head up out of the pile to update you on the latest. So let's get to it!

First off, keep your eyes on the website, since, with all the recent new sales, things are adding on all over the place. Playlist, Accolades, and Author Splash have all been updated, and there's more to come!

Next, head over to Fictitious Musings and check out what they're waiting on.

I'll be at CopperCon this weekend. If you're nearby, stop in! I'm on panels, doing a reading, doing a signing, and running the Sidekick Smackdown. Truly, you don't want to miss it!

Other upcoming appearances:
Sept. 13 - Queen Creek Writer's Group, Queen Creek Library
Sept. 21 - Foxy Dahlings Book Club
Oct. 27-31 - World Fantasy Con
Nov. 11-13 - TusCon 38
Nov. 19 - Desert Rose Fall Writer's Workshop, Scottsdale Civic Center Library
Apr. 27-29 - Desert Dreams Writer's Conference

Last days to enter the Cravings contest over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Don't miss out on the overall Big Arrival contest, because there are lots of awesome prizes to be won!

Both "Alien Proliferation" and "Alien Diplomacy" are available for pre-order. Yes, pre-orders matter, a lot, so do your girl a solid and pre-order both today.

Enjoy the downward slide towards the (long in the U.S.) weekend, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Author Splash

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I was busy. Busy, busy, busy. Busy doing what, you ask? Busy doing things that will, hopefully, help tide you over until "Alien Proliferation" releases. What would that be, you ask?

I've been signing contracts.

As I've hinted around a little on Twitter, I have some exciting news to share! I've just sold several works to Musa Publishing. The first one, "The Royal Scam" will release October 1st. More to come on this, including blurb and cover art as they're available, but please mark the calendars now!

As many of you know, I write under a variety of pen names. So, to make it easy to keep track of what's coming from whom and when, allow me to introduce the Author Splash Page. Now when you enter the website, you'll choose where you want to go and what you want to look at, but, never fear, all roads lead back to the main site.

We also have some new reviews. Check out what All-Consuming Books thought of "Touched by an Alien", "Alien Tango", and "Alien in the Family".

The Comic-Con Swag Pack Winners will be announced later this week. Winners WILL have to check in with me to confirm their prizes. So, if you entered, be paying attention, because you'll have limited time to claim your prize before the Gods of Random demand a new sacrifice.

Reminder that the Alien Collective Virtual HQ is doing a series of awesome contests leading up to the release of "Alien Proliferation". Check out the Big Arrival contest information and rules, then get yourselves entered into the Cravings contest.

Have a great week, and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Contest Humping

Happy Hump Day! There's lots of winning going on, as well as other things, so let's get right to it, so everyone gets their chance to share in lots of loot!

First off, this is the last day to enter my Comic-Con Swag Packs giveaway. If you've somehow put it off until the last minute, well, it IS the last minute right NOW. It's for Hook Me Up! only, so if you're not on, rectify that omission immediately by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, so you can get in with the in-crowd and score directions for how to enter the Contest of Contests.

Next up, the Alien Collective Virtual HQ is doing an awesome series of contests running up to the release of "Alien Proliferation". Head over and check out the Big Arrival details, prizes, and rules. Then get yourself going on the first contest, Cravings.

Lots of you are happily chatting about other author's books and such while earning yourselves extra Swag Pack entries over at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog. But the contest is about to end. What's a bunch of fun loving yappers to do? Well, head over to the AC Virtual HQ's Forum and check out all the threads, INCLUDING the thread on Suggestions on Similar Authors. Don't let the yappiness die! Carry over to the Forum, where I actually participate (well, on occasion, LOL), and carry on!

Next up, check out the lovely review of "Alien in the Family" from Fresh Fiction.

Reminder that you can still get entered to win a signed, personalized copy of either "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien Tango" over at Were Vamps Romance.

In Person Schedule:
CopperCon 31, Sept. 2-5
Queen Creek Writer's Group, Queen Creek Brank Library, Sept. 13
Foxy Dahlings Book Club, Phoenix, AZ, Sept. 21

I have some cool announcements coming, that I'm desperate to share with all of you...but I have to wait a day or two. Maybe three or four. But soon, very, very soon, will be sharing more exciting stuff from the Land O' Moi. Until then, have a good rest of your weeks, remember to pre-order both "Alien Proliferation" and "Alien Diplomacy" (yes, these days, pre-orders MATTER), and stay as cool as all y'all always are!

Love,
Gini