Last Days of Winning Disco

Happy Friday! Well, the weekend is upon us, but before we get to go relax, party, and run a zillion errands, let's do a short and sweet catch up on some things going on all over.

First up, check out a love letter from Martini to Kitty, as envisioned by Julie from My 5 Monkeys over at Vampire Book Club. So cute!

Remember that the Erin Kellison Spotlight interview along with a book giveaway is live right here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog (click the link or just scroll down). If you haven't read Erin yet, get entered to win and find a new author. If you have, get entered to win a book of hers you might not have yet. It's a win-win all the way and open to anyone, international included!

Speaking of winning, we're in the last days of the Tidy My Office contest. But, as most of my contests are, this is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on? Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and you'll be added on and get the rules sent right out to you so you can get in on the win!

Speaking of fun, you know I've been talking about Arizona Dreamin'. Well, someone else is talking about it today over at StephsBookRetreat. My half-price tickets are gone, but even at full price of $79 for the weekend, this is a great deal. You'll get to hang with moi, our Spotlight author Erin Kellison, Erin Quinn, Amber Scott, Caris Roane, and 15 other amazing authors. Lots of access, lots of fun, so make your plans to join us now!

For those wanting to see the me before May and June, you're in luck, because Tucson Festival of Books is next weekend (how did it get here so quickly?). Come to the 4th largest book fair in the country and see me, a lot of those Arizona Dreamin' authors, and a ton of other cool and famous authors for a weekend at a book lover's Disneyland.

Well, that's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So everyone have a wonderful 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

More Winning, Really?

Happy Friday! More winning? Can it be true? It can be, it can be. But first, a word from our sponsors. Oh, okay, not sponsors, so much as more news and reviews. So, let's get to it, and then you'll get the new winning news!

First off, check out the latest review of "The Royal Scam" at Night Owl Reviews. Then head over to see what Reading the Paranormal thought of "Alien Tango". Bounce over to see what Smash Attack Reads! thought of "Alien in the Family". Finally, check out who Amber Scott Books stalks, and why.

New In-Person Signing:
I'll be at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, AZ on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, as part of a group signing for "A Mother's Wisdom". If you'll be in the area, come on by and bring any other books of mine you have and I'll happily sign them, too!

Now, what, again, I know you've all been waiting for. What "more" in terms of "winning" am I talking about? Well...

The UPS man showed up with MORE ARCs of "Alien Proliferation". Yes! It's TRUE! So, I'm adding in another ARC to the current contest -- that's FOUR copies up for grabs, meaning the price of playing poker just got better, so to speak. But only for those on Hook Me Up! Not on? Now's the time. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!' in the subject line, and we'll send the instructions for how to enter.

Get out there, win stuff, read stuff, have a wonderful weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday! Having a great time in and around New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia -- wish you were here! (Waves madly to Rich, Stacey, Michele, Marnie, Katie, & Gerrie, who all know why.) No, really, I do. But before I tell you what my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, ergo, the latest reason why I wish you were all here, let's get to what else is going on.

First off, we have some great new reviews. Head over to The Book Pushers and check out their joint review of "Alien in the Family". Then hit For the Love of Books and check out a new review of "Touched by an Alien".

Now, for the smackdowns. There are two going on, and I need your votes for both! Head over to Bitten By Books and vote to defend "Alien Tango" against the competition. Then hit I Smell Sheep and vote for me in their Boogity Boo Awards, which will ultimately give a sheep to a needy family. (Trust me, I am really eating others' dust in this one, and need the votes.)

Amber Scott questions a current hit song...and its inspiration. Was it a certain series featuring some really amazing aliens? Inquiring minds want to know... In fact, The Book Addict seems sure. Check out what she has to say on this rockin' topic!

Check out some cool new releases over at Absorbed in a Book. Then check out the preliminary cover sketch for "Alien Proliferation".

Wait. That's right. You can't. Unless you happen to be coming to my book signing on Saturday, April 16th. I'll have it with me and the ONLY way you'll ever see it is if I'm physically showing it to you. (We don't share Dan's prelims anywhere.) (Unless I happen to be at DAW Books and wheedle a copy out of them.) (Which I was and did.)

So, want to get that sneak peek along with the chance to hang out with moi and other cool members of the Alien Collective? Then head to Grand Central Station on Saturday!

Book Signing/Meet & Greet
Posman Books
Grand Central Terminal
9 Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212.983.1111
Fax: 212.983.1849
Saturday, April 16, from 4:30-6:00pm

Happy blog hopping, enjoy the reading, vote in the contests, get your copies of "Alien in the Family" if you haven't already, pre-order "Alien Proliferation", rock out, and just generally get down with your own bad selves. You know, like always!

Love,
Gini

The Yap Smells Sheep

Well, the "Alien in the Family" ARC contest is now closed. Now the tabulation begins, followed by my special time with the Gods of Random. You'll find out soon who won all the coveted prizes and who's going home with an ARC in hand!

Now, on to the rest of today's activities! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, first up, and as promised, there's a new interview with yours truly over at I Smell Sheep. And check out the new Sheep Shirt that's the prize for one lucky commenter -- A Sheepish Tango!

Next, head over to check out what author Amber Scott has to say about "Alien Tango", and what author Misa Buckley has to say about "Touched by an Alien".

Then, hit Bitten by Books and see what "nexts" are hotly anticipated (yes, "Alien in the Family" is on the list).

The Worth Your Weight in a Gator Battle runs through the end of this month, so if you haven't been tagged into the ring yet, head to the Win Stuff page and check it out.

For those in and around the Tucson, Arizona area, and those planning to come into the area for the Tucson Festival of Books on March 12 & 13, it looks like I'll be on two panels, one on Saturday, one on Sunday, and also doing two book signings, both at the Mysterious Galaxy booth. More concrete info will be coming, and you can also check out my BookTour.com and Datebook pages for up to the minute info.

That's it for today, but as always, there's more on the horizon. Until next time, get down with your bad selves, and peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Character Interview & Mega Prizes

Today's blog is pubbing a little later than usual 'cause, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I spent the morning chatting it up and sharing spoilers at the 2nd Birthday Chat. But, despair not if you missed it, 'cause there're other cool happenings today, too!

Head right over to Tigris Eden's Forbidden Blog and check out the second part of the two-part interview...this part with characters from the Alien series taking the mic, so to speak.

Leave a comment, and then be sure to leave a comment on yesterday's interview and review of "Alien Tango" combo post, too. Why? Because there are some amazing prizes being given away, but only to those who leave comments on BOTH blog posts.

What prizes, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

The Grand Prize: Signed, Limited Edition Gini Bag; Signed & personalized copy of "Touched by an Alien"; Signed & personalized copy of "Alien Tango"; Full set of cover postcards (3); Full set of cover magnets (3); Set of Gini Koch & Anita Ensal flyers (one each signed & personalized); Alien Tango pen; Alien Tango mousepad; Alien Collective baseball cap; Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, and Alien in the Family cover flats, all signed & personalized; Team Martini magnet (winner can swap for Team Christopher or Team Gator instead)

Collective Pack: Alien Collective totebag; Alien Collective mousepad; Alien Collective baseball cap; Alien Collective pen; Full set of cover postcards (3); Full set of cover magnets (3); Set of Gini Koch and Anita Ensal flyers (one each signed & personalized); Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, and Alien in the Family cover flats, all signed & personalized; Team Martini magnet (winner can swap for Team Christopher or Team Gator instead)

Once you're all entered, head over to Mark of the Stars and check out her interview with awesome author Amber Scott, who lists some of her inspirations, as well as sharing an excerpt from her latest, "Love Lust".

Remember that you still have time to get entered to win an "Alien Tango" spiral notebook and pen if you leave a comment at my Guest post at Book Lovers Inc.

That's a lot of winning going on. So go forth and good luck to all!

Love,
Gini

Welcome, Mr. New Year!

Happy first blog of 2011! Hope you all had a fun, happy, safe and healthy New Year's weekend. Now, it's back to business! And what's our business? The business of fun! At least, that's how I see it.

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, a lot went on out in the Greater Blogosphere Area over the past few days, so let's get right to it!

First off, the urban/rural fantasy anthology, "Boondocks Fantasy", releases today from DAW Books. I have a short story in it under my Anita Ensal pen name, "Being Neighborly", and there are other great stories, too, by authors like Gene Wolfe, Timothy Zahn, Anton Strout, and more. It's available in mass market and ebook formats, so get your copy today! DAW Books Review has a full listing of all of today's DAW releases, as well as a teaser for some fun things to come. (Yes, said fun things include moi.)

On the exciting news front, The Salt Lake County Library System does a Reader's Choice award yearly, and "Touched by an Alien" has been nominated! Results announced in April, but it's definitely a thrill to be on the list! Confessions of a Book Habitue has the full listing of nominated books.

Speaking of lists, we've got some more Best Of 2010 for you. Check out what Thrifty Reader, Ex Libris, Books, According to Nicole, and Novel Reaction all loved for 2010.

This is also the time for Anticipations for 2011 lists. Check out what Mixed Book Bag and Nothing but Reading Challenges on Goodreads are looking forward to this year. And The Galaxy Express has a current listing of all 2011 SFR releases.

The Monthly Aspectarian has an interesting article on SFR, SF/F and other things, including "Touched by an Alien".

Then, the I Smell Sheep crew have some cool pics, including one of awesome author Amber Scott hangin' in Syndey, Australia in her stylin' Sheeped by an Alien t-shirt and holding this season's must have accessory, "Alien Tango". And speaking of pics, there are new ones up on Sightings in the Wild -- check 'em out and send in any of your own for the Book Walls!

Finally, for those keeping score at home, Catfest 2010 ended with a purr, not a caterwaul. The Interlopers have been accepted as Junior Members of the Killer Kitties League, and Mr. Fluffykins, after ruining one of my fave purses and showing me in some other ways that he never wants this kind of disruption again, has decided to forgive me. Dementia Kitty is her usual self and back on her feeding schedule. Lapcat and Squirrel are enjoying livin' large. And the Canine Death Squad have grudgingly accepted that they now have to wait TWO CATS LONGER to get their breakfast and have also settled down. So, all is calm and animal-laden in the casa. I think a breakfront of cat condos looks swell in the living room. The hubs is not so sure, but has learned when not to argue.

So, goodbye 2010 and Happy 2011 to all! Now, get on with your bad selves and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Can't Stop the Yap Signal

Well, here we are, a week after "Alien Tango" has hit the shelves! And while things are a little slower today than they were yesterday, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the whirlwind is still going strong! There's lots of fun stuff ahead, so let's get to it!

Head over to Hanging With Bells where she has a new interview with yours truly. And, it just so happens, Kitty, Martini, and Reader, too. You also have a chance to win both "Touched by an Alien" AND "Alien Tango", so check out the Share the Love post while you're there. Contest ends Monday, Dec. 20th.

Speaking of winning and end dates, time's running out on some great contests. Today, Dec. 14th, is the last day to enter to win either "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien Tango" from Fiction State of Mind. You have until tomorrow, Dec. 15th, to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango" from The Amber Scott Project, until Friday, Dec. 17th, to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango" from Larissa's Bookish Life, and until Saturday, Dec. 18th, to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien" from Book Lovers Inc.

Speaking of which, tomorrow, Dec. 15th, is the last day to enter for the Combo-Con contest. If you haven't gotten your registration entries in, now's the time, and it's also the time to add on some extra blog entries to increase your chances of winning.

Combo-Con Blog 1
Combo-Con Blog 2
Combo-Con Blog 3

That's it for today. Catch you on the flip side, get those contest entries in, enjoy the interview, and keep on reading!

Love,
Gini

Getting Ready for the Weekend

Happy Thursday! What's on tap for today, you ask? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we're short and sweet, with a couple of new things and a variety of important reminders. (Hey, I think contests and in-person announcements are important! They're important to ME.)

First up, head over to Mixed Book Bag where there's a new interview with moi up and active. Learn some new info about the moi, support an Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing, you know the drill.

Then hit the Penguin Community for today's blog, "Metamorphosis". And, if you haven't already, check out the other blogs from this week while you're there! And remember to catch it tomorrow, too, when "Non-Threatening Science Fiction" will be the blog of the day.

Winning Reminders:
There's a nice big comprehensive contest listing at Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick. You can still enter to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango" at The Amber Scott Project, through Dec. 15th, and at Larissa's Bookish Life, through Dec. 17th; you can enter to win either a copy of "Alien Tango" OR "Touched by an Alien" at Fiction State of Mind, through Dec. 14th; and you can enter to win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" at Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog, through Dec. 19th.

And yes, the Hook Me Up! exclusive Combo-Con Contest is still going strong. There are three book and poster combo packs, all with a signed 2011 Gini Koch/Alien Series calendar. Contest, and the registration thereof, is open through Dec. 15th. The specific blog posts are starting to fall off the main page, but you can access them easily via these links:

Combo-Con Blog 1
Combo-Con Blog 2
Combo-Con Blog 3

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Then you're not eligible for the contest. Solve the problem by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll get the rules and be able to toss your name into the hat!

Last night's workshop and signing was a lot of fun, thanks to many from the Alien Collective (*waves madly to those in attendance*). It was great to see so many of you last night, and I'm looking forward to seeing others from the Collective on Saturday.

December 11, 2010 -- spotlight author at the Mysterious Galaxy Holiday Party, San Diego, CA, 6PM - 9PM. 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.

I leave for San Diego and Mysterious Galaxy tomorrow, so we'll be heading to radio silence, other than Twitter (and possibly Facebook, but don't count on it), starting on Friday and going through Monday, most likely. So, hit the interviews, get your win on, read the Penguin Community blogs, and get down with your bad selves!

Everyone have their copies of "Alien Tango" yet? If not, don't delay, get yours today and enjoy your reading throughout the weekend!

Love,
Gini

Wednesday's Winning Ways

Happy Hump Day! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's pretty much all about the win today, and I'm sure you join me in going, "yippee, free!"

So, getting to the business portion first, check out today's blog at the Penguin Community which is large and in charge.

Now, let's get to all they ways you can win things going on right now! First up, for many of your contest needs, hit Just Contest Stuff for a wide listing of much of the free going on.

In terms of specific moi-centric contests, you can still enter to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango" at The Amber Scott Project, through Dec. 15th, and at Larissa's Bookish Life, through Dec. 17th; you can enter to win either a copy of "Alien Tango" OR "Touched by an Alien" at Fiction State of Mind, through Dec. 14th; and you can enter to win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" at Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog, through Dec. 19th.

Of course, the Hook Me Up! exclusive Combo-Con Contest is still going strong. There are three book and poster combo packs, all with a signed 2011 Gini Koch/Alien Series calendar. Contest, and the registration thereof, is open through Dec. 15th, but if you're not on Hook Me Up! it won't matter. So, rectify that situation today and send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you'll be all set to win even more!

Combo-Con Blog 1
Combo-Con Blog 2
Combo-Con Blog 3

In Person Event Reminders:
December 8, 2010 (that's TONIGHT) -- 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 - 9PM. 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.

Hopefully see some of you tonight at the workshop and signing! Until next time, keep it real and keep on reading!

Love,
Gini

Friday's Winning, and I MEAN Winning, Ways

Happy Friday! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we're back to the whirlwind again today. But what a whirlwind it is! There are tons of winning opportunities as well as lots of other good stuff. So let's get to it, shall we?

First up, head to Reading on the Dark Side where the yap is running in full force in a new interview, there's an "Alien Tango" excerpt, AND you can win a copy of "Alien Tango".

Then hit Larissa's Bookish Life where there's a classified briefing on the Alien Collective's favorite girl, an excerpt from "Alien Tango", AND a chance to win a signed copy of "Alien Tango". (I'm sensing a trend...)

Yes, the trend's official! Go to The Amber Scott Project because for this week's Project Pay It Forward, she's giving away at least one signed copy of, you guessed it, "Alien Tango".

Speaking of winning, Dren's B-Spot has announced the winner of the "Alien Tango" PLUS either "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien in the Family" prize pack. Congrats!

Now, because "Touched by an Alien" was feeling left out, head to About Happy Books where there's a new great review up.

Want some more reading and book gift ideas? Then, head over to see what author Seanan McGuire is recommending on her holiday shopping list, books-wise. (Have you checked out Seanan's October Daye series yet? If you haven't, rectify! They're awesome books.) The Galaxy Express has a full listing of all the SFR releases coming, including "Alien Tango" and "Love and Rockets". DAW Books Reviews will be telling you what's coming from my beloved publisher all month long as well. (It's run by my pal and fellow author Josh Palmatier, so check it out.) And Romance Dish has a very full listing of what's releasing this month, and they're giving away a book to one lucky commenter.

Is that all? Not quite. The 3rd Combo-Con Pack will be coming later today, for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Time to fix that. Check out Win Stuff for full details on the contest and how to get signed up and in with the in crowd.

Next week, being Release Week and all that, will be just as action packed. As a preview, there are 5 guest blogs from me at The Penguin Community (you need to register for the Community, it's easy, but you might want to do that before Monday...just sayin'), 3 new and different interviews, 2 book signings, and a Martini in an "Alien Tango" releases Dec. 7th tree. Truly, rest up over the weekend -- next week's gonna be HUGE.

Love,
Gini

I'm Ho-ome!

I'm back from chilly but lovely Columbus, Ohio, and, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, boy, is this blog's gonna be filled to bursting with all kinds of stuff! So let's leap into it, shall we?

First off, World Fantasy Con was awesome. AWESOME. My WFC update will be coming, but not today. However, if you want to get a taste, check out awesome author Celina Summers' blog update at Elf Killing and Other Hobbies for an update from the first day. Why weren't there more updates, you ask? Because we were so busy with the awesome, that's why! (Yeah, okay, awesome was and is the operative word. So sue me.)

Speaking of awesome authors, check out The Amber Scott Project and see what Amber's meme looks like -- and check out who she takes some musical cues from!

Next on the hit parade, check out a new review of "Touched by an Alien" over at Cuidado com o Dálmata. Then check out what Alliflash Pack winner Panic in the Lingerie has to say about her swag. Then see what The Geeky Bookworm has to say about her top October reads, and yes, they include "Touched by an Alien". And if you missed it, check out her review at Book Lovers, Inc. as well.

By the way, in case you missed this somehow (hey, it's possible...unlikely, but possible), the Bookie Awards are announced, and "Touched by an Alien" and I are nominated in 4 categories. Very cool!

Wondering where the "Alien Tango" love is? Look no further than at My 5 Monkeys, where you can enter to win a chance to get the lone precious into your hot little hands, at least for a while.

Oh, and speaking of "Alien Tango", remember how I said something was coming today? Well, today is here, and so is the something. Check out my Deathless Prose page, and click on the cover for "Alien Tango" and...well, there, if I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise, won't it? Okay, I'll give you a little hint...it's a taste of things to come.

So, hit the links, read and enjoy, and, until next time, keep it awesome like I know you all do!

Love,
Gini

Meme Fun

One of my good friends, Steve Sarber, hit me with the Meme Challenge this past week. A meme is basically a mini-interview, started by someone who picks a set number of people to answer a group of questions, those people copy the questions to their blog and pass them on to the set number (in this case 3) of unsuspecting victims, who pass it along, and so-forth.

So, since we KNOW I love to run the yap here we go:

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
You know, I get asked this a lot, mostly because of "Touched by an Alien" and my also being a total comics geek-girl. My answer tends to vary, but these days, I think I have to go for the Flash's super speed, because I just cannot seem to get it all done and the only way to get more hours in the day is to be able to go faster than everyone else. Or something like that.

2. Who is your style icon?
ROFL. Style Icon? Who makes up these questions, Heidi Klum? But, okay, I agreed to play along. Marilyn Monroe. For all the obvious reasons and a lot of the not-so-obvious ones.

3. What is your favorite quote?
Oh, I have a lot of these. Most are listed on my GoodReads page. BUT, if forced to choose, I really have to go with this one:

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying." Woody Allen

4. What is the best compliment you've ever received?
I'm happy to say I've received a lot. I think my all time fave though was from when the chicklet was young. It was Halloween, and, per her request, we were dressed as tigers -- Mama Tiger and Tiger Cub. The hubs was with us, but not in costume. We hit the home of an older man, who proclaimed thus when he opened the door: "Awww, isn't that cute? A mama tiger and a baby tiger...and Mama Tiger's a KNOCKOUT!"

I was willing to stay with this gentleman and chat, potentially for hours, but the hubs, for some strange reason, ran up and dragged us off...

5. What playlist/CD is in your CD Player/iPod right now?
My Alien playlist, because I'm working on "Alien Proliferation". So, lots of Smash Mouth right now, particularly "Get the Picture?" For all playlist options and updates, hit my Playlist page.

6. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
What is this morning you all speak of and why do you seem to like it so? Night owl, all the way. I'm a night creature and prefer it that way.

7. Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I love them both, but when forced to choose, cats. I also love horses, bunnies are just fine, as are ferrets, etc. I'm not much of a girl for birds, though...

8. What is the meaning behind your blog name?
It's what my MC of my Alien series, Kitty, says all the time, kind of her catchphrase. I also felt it was fitting, since this is where I most consistently run the yap.

Choosing who to hit next was hard, since this one's limited to 3. So, I went for other authors:
Amber Scott
Marcy Rockwell
Weston Ochse

The Love Keeps A'Comin'!

Happy Monday, everyone! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers know better than anyone, it was a busy weekend, with lots of "Alien Tango" ARC contest entries and tons of awesome blog posts. The contest doesn't close until Oct. 15th, but if you're not on Hook Me Up!, you're not eligible to win. Rectify that situation and send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and get in while the getting's really good!

There's more going on than my contest, of course. First up, we have another great review of "Touched by an Alien". Head over to That Bookish Girl, check out her review, leave a comment, show the Alien Collective love, you know how it goes.

Then, check out the latest on Project Pay It Forward at The Amber Scott Project. What are YOUR reasons?

Next up, the "Alien in the Family" cover is getting more and more love! Check out what Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing ALPHA Reader, Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks, and newly minted author Diane Dooley have to say about the awesomeness that are covers by Daniel Dos Santos!

We have an Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing speaking up, and paying up, for a great cause. Check out what Babbling About Books has going on to support anti-bullying foundations, leave a comment, do what you can to help.

Last but not least, congrats to our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing Patti/The Book Addict, for being the winner of the "Sheeped by an Alien" T-shirt from I Smell Sheep,. Some people use the random number generator...but not the Sheep People! Check out their (hilarious) way of choosing who wins.

Reminder: I'll be at RinCon Games 10 con in Tucson all this coming weekend. If you'll be there or nearby, let me know!

Love,
Gini

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

Strangeness Afoot!

Last week, I recieved quite the honor. Our own beloved Sullivan McPig awarded me with the Strange Men in Pinstripe Suites Blog Award. Seeing as I am strange (and mysterious! Let's not forget mysterious!), I see this as an acceptance of my general skills. So, without further ado, here's what all the blah, blah, blah's about!


Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits Award

What it's about:

This award is based on the release of Cate Gardner's short story collection, Strange Men in Pinstriped Suits. The book is available for pre-order and at a discount of $1.99 off of the cover price. To help celebrate this release, Cate and Strange Publications have a contest with two prize packages to choose from.



The 'Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits' award is given to only the strangest of folk, and as the recipient of such you are deemed very strange indeed.

Congratulations.

Now you must go forth and celebrate the strangeness of friends (and strangers - strangers are always allowed) by nominating blogs run by strange folk. *Beware, some people don't like you to refer to them as strange…Try to avoid them if possible.

Some rules:

1. Add the logo of the award to your blog post.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you (don't mess with strange people).
3. Nominate seven other blogs telling us why you think the recipient is strange enough to deserve the award.
4. Leave a message for those nominated on their blogs.
5. And, if you email catephoenix(at)gmail(dot)com and tell her you've received the award for your strangeness, she'll enter you in the biggest kick-ass Strange Men competition ever. Details over at strangemeninpinstripesuits.com (click on the award link on the home page)

So, now it's time for moi to pick 7 strange friends. The challenge isn't in coming up with 7. The challenge is STOPPING with 7. (Those left out, no fear -- I still love you and your fuzzy li'l strange hearts all to bits...but rulez is rulez.) So, in no particular order of strangeness, I give you:

Melting Before Your Eyes - Because she's a dancing hippo in granny panties.
Lilium's Realm - Because she mothered Grasshopper and Minion.
That's QUEEN Bitch to You - Because you always have to recognize the Queen.
Hanging with Bells - Because she rocks the hottie pics.
I Smell Sheep - Because, well, they smell sheep...I think they potentially OWN this award, for all time.
Amber Scott Project - Creativity in action.
June "Bug" Kramin - 'Cause you never forget your first Bug.

Of course, those awarded may choose to ignore their strangeness and/or the award, but I suggest embracing it and passing it along!

Reviews, Readings & Previews, Oh My

Happy Friday everyone! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we're all about new reviews for "Touched by an Alien" today. Well, and maybe a couple other things, too.

First awesome review is from Darkly Reading. Next up, there's a review at Epinions.com. And last but not least, there's a third review up at SFReader.com. Check 'em all out, leave some Alien Collective love...you know the drill.

I've been keeping Team Gini hard at work, so there's new pics up at Sightings in the Wild, Amber Scott's blog interview is moved to Spotlight so it's easier to find, and Datebook is updated. Yes, there will be more to come all over the site in days to come.

CopperCon 30 update: I think my reading time has changed, but it's still happening. It's also not too late to attend the con if you're on the fence -- do your best to come 'cause it's gonna be a blast! And since my first reading (ever!) will be of "Alien Tango", those hoping for a sneak peek should do their best to show up.

If you're planning to attend and I don't know about it, send me an email ASAP -- I'm having a party for all Alien Collective members in attendance, and therefore need to ensure I have enough stuff for all. For those of you who I already know are attending: no, I don't know what day OR time yet, they just moved some things around. I'll let you know. Soon. Or at least by the time the con starts. Oh, and one last thing -- not only will those in attendance be the first to see the initial sketch for the "Alien in the Family" cover...you'll get to see the final artwork, too.

That's it for today. Hope you all have a fabulous, alien-filled weekend! And remember...it's never too early to do your girl a solid and pre-order "Alien Tango".

Love,
Gini

The Yap Runs Wild

Happy Thursday, one and all!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's another short one today. Well, short for me, anyway. I know, I know, that's probably not short in normal terms, but it's my blog and I'll yap if I want to.

Considering the title, when I share that the yap is running again, it's unlikely to shock any of you. This time, though, it's educational yap. Because she's an Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing, Amber Scott convinced me to become a columnist at 1st Turning Point, a site dedicated to helping authors learn the ropes of publicity and promotion. The first of my two-part article, Promotion at Conventions, is up right now. Part two airs on Monday. (Don't worry, of COURSE I'll remind y'all about it.)

Another one of our own Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing has an interview up, and since she gave "Touched by an Alien" such a super shout-out, I have to return the favor. Check out the For What It's Worth interview with Stella - Ex Libris. (SIX languages? Girl! Wow...)

That's it for today. But don't worry, there's more to come soon, because the yap never sleeps...

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

Monday Update

Happy Monday!

The winner of Amber Scott's "Play Fling" is identified in the blog post below. Congrats to our lucky (chick wins ALL the time, everywhere!) winner! And, despair not if you didn't win. More winning will be coming in the near future!

Reminder for those in the area: I have a book signing tonight at my chiropractor's office (no, I really wasn't kidding about that). Lots of food and drink will be served, the office is lovely and has plenty of parking, so come on over, would love to see you! (I'll be the one in the Aerosmith t-shirt.)

Haggard Chiropractic
18205 N. 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
Monday, June 28, 7:00 PM
602-843-6300

Sightings around the web: The Galaxy Express has a fun listing of all SFR with the word "Alien" in the title, so check it out, there's some cool stuff there; nice thread start at Hurog; Babbling About Books has some lovely things to say regarding her mid-year review; and Amber Scott's not only suggesting everyone pre-order "Alien Tango" (yes, please!) but she's also looking for another debut author to start the next round of Project Pay It Forward, so head over and give her your suggestions.

Of course, my Hook Me Up! subscribers knew this first. Why not join them and be in the Gini Know sooner? You get access to cool HMU! only contests, info, and much more! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and get in with the in crowd today!

Love,
Gini

Announcing the Winner...

...of a personalized, signed copy of Amber Scott's "Play Fling"!

And the winner is...

*drum roll*

...the ever-lucky, wins all the time, Kelly Anderson! (I think I should do a series, "Kelly Anderson Can't Lose" 'cause it seems like she wins everywhere. Kelly, rub the ol' keyboard for luck, will you?)

Congrats, Kelly! Contact me via email to arrange getting your book! And thanks to everyone who participated...more winning is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Love,
Gini