So Much Goin' On (Like Winning)

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great week last week and an even better weekend. We have a lot going on, starting with my leaving for Book Tour and other events very soon, so let's get to everything...including something you've all been waiting for!

First up, a reminder of where I'll be this month and next, particularly because once I head out later this week, I'm going to be very silent on HMU/the Blog because I'll be traveling, signing, running my yap, and more. Remember that you can pre-order Alien Separation from all of these bookstores STILL. You can also order from them and get Alien Separation and any other book of mine signed and personalized and shipped to you. So, come see the me at:

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy 22nd Birthday Bash, Saturday May 9th from 11am-5pm. I'll be on at 2pm, which is right after the cake! Food With Fans will happen immediately after the party is over.

Barnes and Noble Henderson, with the Amazing Wyked Writers, Sunday, May 17th from 1pm-4pm. Come hear six cool authors -- moi, T.L. Smith, Sharon Skinner, Alan Black, Marsheila Rockwell, and Jeffrey Mariotte -- talk about all things writing and get a whole lot of books signed! Food With Fans will happen immediately after the party is over.

Phoenix Comicon, Thursday, May 28th through Sunday, May 31st. I'll be in Author's Alley, the AWW Tables are #s 17115, 17117, and 17119. There will be a cool basket of goodies some lucky winner will walk away with! Food With Fans will be on Friday evening, May 29th, and the Evening Erotica event will be on Saturday evening. I'll also be at the Steampunk Tea Room and on panels. My full schedule (ever changing as the con gets closer) and every other author's attending is on the Authors Page at the con site.

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, End of Tour Party, Monday June 8th, 7pm-8pm. This is the one for everyone, because even if you can't come in person (and will therefore miss many prizes and lots of goodies) you can attend simultaneously via the LiveStream event. All LiveStream attendees will also get a chance to win a prize! (There will be no Food With Fans event after this, but we've made up for it with goodies at the event.)

And now, let's check out some reviews of Alien Separation, just to get you all ready for tomorrow's release day! See what Pearls Cast Before a McPig, Tome Tender, Bibliognome, and boeklogboek thought of it. Warning: the boeklogboek review has some early-in-the-book spoilers in it. Then check out Bibliognome's favorite lines from the book (spoilers are hidden).

Then see what Rich's Random Book Blog thought of Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets. And if you need more reading ideas, see what Science Fiction by Mr. Valentine has listed coming out this month. And Penguin Random House has the info up for Alien in Chief! No, no cover yet -- I just gave Dan some details last week so it'll be a while before that cover gets to premiere (though it's never too early to pre-order, hint hint, ;-D).

After that, head over to Slice of SciFi and see what I thought of The Avengers: Age of Ultron.

And now for some science! First up, stay at Slice of SciFi because T.L. Smith has asked five friends, including moi, about FTL travel. After you see what we all have to say about it, check out Raw Story where NASA talks about their latest warp drive tests!

And now, what you've all been waiting for. That's right, it's giveaway time! And for longtime Hook Me Up! subscribers, we're trying things a little differently this time. (Oooh, the excitement!) There are two contests, one for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, and one here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog. The one for Hook Me Up! subscribers only is for signed copies of Alien Separation. The one here (below the signature line) is for a signed copy of any one of the first ten books in the Alien series. Yes, Hook Me Up! subscribers can enter both contests, but if you're not on, you can only enter here at the Blog. So, if you're not on Hook Me Up! now might be the time to get in gear and send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll get in with the in-crowd and have the Alien Separation contest link sent to you.

Both contests are open internationally, both have multiple ways for you to get extra entries, and both will run from today through Friday, May 22nd. So get those entries going and good luck to everyone!

That's it for today, and while more's on the way, it's unlikely that I'm going to have much time this month to do updates (other than on Facebook and Twitter and occasionally Pinterest). So, let's be winning, Alien Separation reading, signing and con attending readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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Universally Great News

Happy Thursday, and what a Thursday it is, too! There was exciting news yesterday...and there's even MORE exciting news today!

But first, the Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour is still going strong, and we need to check in over at Bibliognome, where you'll find which albums I play on repeat all the time (and yes, it was hard to pick only ten, BTW). And, of course, there's another chance for you to win one of the first nine books in the series, signed and personalized, and open internationally.

There are more Tour stops to come, and you can still get entered to win at the prior stops as well. So don't miss out!

Top 10 Blog Tour Stops
11-10 Pearls Cast Before a McPig, contest ends Nov. 28th
11-11 Larissa's Bookish Life, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-11 Feeling Fictional, contest ends Nov. 30th
11-11 Gizmo's Reviews, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-12 A Buckeye Girl Reads, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-13 Bibliognome, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-14 boeklogboek
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
11-18 I Smell Sheep
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster
11-20 Under the Covers
11-21 Word of the Nerd
12-01 Books-n-Kisses
12-01 Readaholics Anonymous
12-02 Smart Girls Love Sci Fi

After you've hit the Blog Tour stops, see what boeklogboek thought of Universal Alien.

Speaking of blog tours, the blog tour for Sensational Six: Action and Adventure in Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance starts, and the release is coming -- both on Nov. 17th. Yes, that's THIS coming Monday! Check out NK Blog Tours for info on all stops -- all of which have prizes! So remember to be ready to order this great set of six super stories from seven writers (aka Six Gals and a Guy) for the ultra-low price of $0.99! That's right, a ton of great reading for less than a dollar!This boxed set includes my novel, The Night Beat:  Necropolis Enforcement Files #1. AND a long excerpt from Night Music: Necropolis Enforcement Files #2. This set is the ONLY place you're going to get an excerpt until Night Music releases in early 2015! SUCH a deal, you don't want to miss out!

And now, it's time for that exciting news I mentioned earlier...*drum roll, please*...

DAW has just bought Books 14 & 15 in the Alien series! YES! It's truly too happy to be true, but true it is!

That means Alien Nation is coming your way in December 2016, and An Alien To Be Named Later (just kidding, we're still deciding on the title) is coming May 2017!

That's it for today, but, hey, that was a lot, right? Well, never fear, more's on the way tomorrow! So let's be readers who now KNOW we get to go to 15 out there!

Love,
Gini

Tour the Universe

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great week and a wonderful weekend. I had a fantastic time in Los Angeles for the A Darke Phantastique mass signing. Check out the recap from author E.E. King for deets.

I got to celebrate a fun, fast in-and-out trip to SoCal by being back home to see the Cardinals beat the Rams (yes, I'm a football fan, but, seeing as I'm a Cardinals fan, I tend to fly under the radar...but this year, wowza!) live and in person. But there's lots going on, and lots to come in the next few weeks, so let's get to it all, shall we? We shall!

First up, the Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour begins today! Head on over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig to see what Jeff & Kitty's Top 10 Vacation Spots are AND get entered to win one of the first 9 books, signed and personalized! Contest open through Nov. 28th.

The rest of the stops are:
11-11 Larissa's Bookish Life
11-11 Feeling Fictional
11-12 Gizmo's Reviews
11-13 A Buckeye Girl Reads
11-13 Bibliognome
11-14 boeklogboek
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
11-18 I Smell Sheep
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster
11-20 Under the Covers
12-01 Books-n-Kisses
12-02 Smart Girls Love Sci Fi

Every stop has either a new Top 10 List or an interview, and every stop has prizes to be won, so make sure you hit 'em all! And remember to do your girl a solid and pre-order Universal Alien online or from your favorite bookstore, including any bookstore where I'm making a Book Tour stop.


And don't stop there! See what Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of Universal Alien. Then, check out Bibliognome's Pre Review Ravings and Favorite Quotes/Lines are from Universal Alien.

Next up, see what Books-N-Kisses thought of Alien Research, and what Feeling Fictional thought of Unidentified Funny Objects 3.

Then see which Top 5 Characters Larissa's Bookish Life would like to hang out with!

See any movies last weekend? If you missed Big Hero 6, check out my review at Slice of SciFi to see if you should see it or not. (Spoiler: you should see it.) Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion over at Slice!

Amazingly enough, that's it for today, but based on the fact that the Top 10 Blog Tour is large and in charge, expect to hear from me a lot in the upcoming days. So get ready to start the latest rounds of winning, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Winding My Way Down On Baker Streets

Happy Thursday! Hope everyone's had a wonderful week! It was great chatting with some of you over at Night Owl Reviews with the Paranormal Romance Dream Team, and also on Reddit with other authors who'll be in the Temporally Out of Order anthology. We'll get to more on that in a bit.

But first up, the latest anthology to have a story by moi within its illustrious pages has hit the shelves! And check out what's being said about Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets, and many times my story, "All the Single Ladies", over at VENTUREREADLAXRE, Second Bookshelf on the Right, Criminal Element, Reading Bitfrost, Bibliognome, and A Fantastical Librarian.

If those reviews don't tempt you to grab this awesome anthology right away, check out the guest post over at The Book Beard's Blog and interview over at Tea Talks Books, both featuring the antho's wonderful editor, David Thomas Moore.

Speaking of interviews with editors, the Temporally Out of Order Kickstarter is in its last days for funding. We've hit the first goal -- hurray! -- but there are so many wonderful stretch goals that we're truly hoping we'll exceed and reach them all. And to tell you more about it, editor Joshua Palmatiere visited SF Signal and the Press & Sun-Bulletin to share more details about the anthology. BTW, there's still one tuckerization of mine left, and should all three be taken, I have a special surprise for the three buyers. So, if you're wavering, or know someone who's thinking about it, go for it, because you'll like the surprise, trust me.

Of course, there's another anthology I'm in that just came out, too -- Unidentified Funny Objects 3. Don't miss out on picking up this cool and hilarious collection, in part because you don't want to miss my story, "Live at the Scene".

Next up, check out who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her Top 5 favorite female book characters. Then see what Medusa's Library picked up at her favorite used bookstore.

And now for some Science! Check out the cool news about the U.S. and India that Raj feels his behind-the-scenes maneuvering helped create over at WSJ.com. Then see what NASA astronaut, and beloved "member of the team", Reid Wiseman has to say about life in space over at NBC.com.


Can't wait for the release of Universal Alien? Me either! Neither can The Poisoned Pen, where I'll not only be kicking off my book tour for said bookie wookie with quite the party -- games, prizes, cake -- but where I'll also be doing a LiveStream broadcast at the same time. If you can't be with me in person, make plans to be with me virtually! Those of you who've tuned in before in the past know it's a good time, so mark your calendars now -- December 2nd is when Universal Alien releases and we party all around the world!

BTW, yes, pre-orders do matter, a whole heck of a lot. So if you haven't pre-ordered Universal Alien yet, do your girl a solid and get to ordering now. Remember that you can pre-order from any bookstore, including ones I'm making book tour stops at, such as The Poisoned Pen, Mysterious Galaxy, and Barnes & Noble. Even if you're planning to attend the signings, pre-orders help me and the bookstores both. And check out the newly reformatted Datebook for a smoother way to get all the information in order to come see the me all over!

That's it for today -- I know, amazing, right? But never fear, more's on the way, including a contest that will be, as they usually are, for my Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Now's the time to rectify that error! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and all ready for what's looking to be Contest Season around here.

So enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be pre-ordering anthology readers and supporters out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

More Collective Yapping

Hey there! Have we all been enjoying release week? I have, in part because so many of you are enjoying Alien Collective! But there's more in store, and it's a short but very sweet one today, so let's get to it!

First off, head over to I Smell Sheep where they have both a review of Alien Collective and a chance for you to win your choice of one of the first 8 books in the series.

Then hit Under the Covers where they have the latest running of my yap and yet another chance to win. I know, it's too happy to be true!

There's a special prize available, at this stop as well as at Bibliognome (contest ends May 15); Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell (contest ends May 18); Gizmo's Reviews; A Buckeye Girl Reads (contest ends May 12); and boeklogboek (contest ends May 14) but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

That's it for today, but, yet again, more's on the way! So, peace out my li'l gangstas, and let's be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Yapping to Win

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that the start of the week is treating all y'all well. I had a fantastic early release party at the Poisoned Pen, and am sending much love to all the Members of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing who came and made it so fantastic! But we have a ton coming this week, so let's roll, shall we? I know, I sound so "street" when I say that...

First up, the Alien Collective Blog Tour rolls, and yaps, on! Head on over to Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for the latest interview and review of Alien Collective along with yet another chance to win a copy of your choice of Books 1-8. Open internationally, ends May 18.

There's a special prize available, here as well as at both Bibliognome (contest ends May 15) and Larissa's Bookish Life  (contest ends May 6), but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

Alien Collective releases tomorrow, and so do several other great books from DAW. So check out the DAW Books Review and see what else you should be grabbing at the bookstores tomorrow!

Get the May issue of Penumbra eMagazine so you, too, can read the first Alien series short available, "Alien on the Runway". The other stories in this issue are da bomb, as well. And, if you want to keep up and get the rest of the Alien series shorts I'll have in Penumbra later this year, get a subscription! If you use 2014Gini when you order, you'll get the subscription for half price AND get the Best Of issues for 2012 and 2013, too! Offer ends August 1, and the May issue is available right now, so don't wait, get your deal, and your monthly great reading, going today!

Also, the bidding is going strong at the Brenda Novak auction. Check out my fantastic Alien Pack -- and bid early and often!

Make your plans to see the me, and get your signed copies of Alien Collective and all the other bookie wookies, at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, on Saturday, May 10, from 10am-5pm, I'll be speaking and signing from 1-2pm, but will be around all day; and/or see the me at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, from 7:30-8:30pm on Monday, May 12. A good time shall be had by all at each location, so don't miss out! Hey, even the papers are talking about it!

Last but not least, I lurched into action and have many new things up at Pinterest so if you want to see some pretty pictures of things like covers, who I see as the characters, and more, check it out! And the website has its latest facelift that includes many little new things here and there, should you wish to peruse and see what you may have missed recently. 

That's it for today, but there's more -- MUCH more -- on the way for the rest of the week, including more Blog Tour stops, many more interviews, some live and some written, and, of course, more ways to win. And, you know, a little thing like Alien Collective being available. So, peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's collectively be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Collective Offerings

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a wonderful week and that the weekend is full of fun and rest and all that good stuff. The weekend is full of book signing for me, and I hope to see a lot of you at The Poisoned Pen on this Saturday, May 3, from 2-3pm. Prizes, fun, and Alien Collective three days earlier than you can get it anywhere else! So, come see the me and get your bookie wookie before everyone else can!

But that's not all that's going on. No, indeed, we have the Alien Collective Blog Tour in full swing! Head over to Bibliognome and see what she thought of Alien Collective. Then, check out her stop on the Alien Collective Blog Tour & Giveaway where there's a little interview with moi AND winning. That's right, you can enter to win your choice of one of any of the first 8 books in the series, signed, personalized, and with accompanying swag. Open internationally.

And the same contest is still going on at Larissa's Bookish Life as well, so don't miss out on even more chances to win!

There's a special prize, at both Bibliognome and Larissa's Bookish Life, but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

After you've entered to win, check out what Bring on the Books thought of Random Musings from the Funny Girl.

But wait, there's more! The May issue of Penumbra eMagazine went on sale yesterday, and within its pages is the first Alien Series short available, aka the story of When Reader Met Gower, aka "Alien on the Runway". Want more reasons to get this issue? Check out the Big News -- complete with, yes, more yapping from moi -- at the Penumbra blog.

So, have you bought your subscription to Penumbra eMagazine yet? If not, what are you waiting for? I've read this issue and every story in it is great. But that's just a reason to get May's issue, right? BUT, I have two more shorts coming in Penumbra this year. And, sure, you could just buy each issue separately for $3.99 each.

Still need a little more convincing? Well, how about this -- there's a special deal going. Right now, you can get The Gini Special -- instead of paying $3.99 an issue, you'll get a year's subscription for just $24.00; that's half price. But there's more! You'll also get the Best of Penumbra 2012 AND 2013. That's a full year's subscription for half price plus two free Best Of collections and three Alien series shorts that will only be available in Penumbra...as long as you use this coupon code (exactly as shown here) when you order: 2014Gini This offer is good only through August 1, 2014, so don't miss out and get your subscription going today! Right now. Hurry up, before the stories get read by everyone other than you.

Oh, and lest we forget, the bidding opened up at the Brenda Novak auction yesterday, and will be going on all month. Check out what my offering is -- a fantastic Alien Pack -- and bid early and often!

Lest we forget #2 -- Have you gotten Touched by an Alien in audio format yet? Well, if not, join the aural party! Available from Audible, Amazon, Tantor Audio, and other fine retailers all over.

Lest we forget #3 -- I'll be in SoCal for the rest of my mini book tour. Saturday, May 10 at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, party goes from 10am-5pm, I'll be speaking and signing from 1-2pm, but will be around all day. Monday, May 12 at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, from 7:30-8:30pm.

That's it for today but, trust me, more, a lot more, is on the way. So enjoy the downward slide into the weekend, see some of you on Saturday, enjoy "Alien on the Runway" as an appetizer for Alien Collective, and let's be winning readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Collectively Yapping & Winning

Hey there! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that everyone's week is starting out great. There's a lot going on, much of which can make many of your weeks even greater, so let's get to it, shall we? We shall!

First up, the yap is large and in charge all over the place. And many of those places have chances for you to win books. First up, head over to Paranormal Haven and see what Kitty would do on a Spring Vacation. There are also 3 prize packs to be won, so don't forget to enter while you're there!

After that, race right on over to Larissa's Bookish Life for a brand new interview with moi. You can also win your choice of one of the first 8 books in the Alien series. Open internationally. And, there's a special extra, but only for my Hook Me Up! subscribers. Not on yet? Now's the time to fix that. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in, and told what the special secret extras actually are!

After that, head over to Bibliognome for her Pre-Review Ravings about Alien Collective.

Next up, head over to Word of the Nerd, where they have reviews that include interviews with moi for Alien vs. Alien, Alien in the House, and Alien Research. Hey, I told you the Yap was running strong.

Remember that my mini book tour for Alien Collective starts this Saturday. That's right, three days prior to Alien Collective's official release! So, come see the me at The Poisoned Pen on Saturday, May 3, from 2-3pm, and get your bookie wookies before anyone else! Also, many times the Pen does a Livestream of my author events, so you may want to check in a little before 2pm Pacific time on Saturday to see if you really get to see the me, even if you're not in the store!

Also, for those of you not in Phoenix but in SoCal, some see the me, and a bunch of other awesome authors, and get your copy of Alien Collective -- and birthday cake! -- at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego for their 21st Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 10. The party runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and while I'll be there the whole time, my official presentation and signing is from 1:00-2:00pm. And/or, come see me up at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach on Monday, May 12, from 7:30-8:30pm, where it's just me, and all my books.

If you're not in AZ or SoCal and still want in on the fun, and the signed book action, remember that both The Poisoned Pen and Mysterious Galaxy have great signed book programs, and they ship internationally.

Speaking of opportunities to hear the dulcet tones of my voice (trust me, we were), The Blog Goddess is running a replay tonight of the interview I did there a couple months ago, so if you missed it, check it out now!

Today in Science, and potentially Today in Upcoming Books, astronomers have found a new sun close by. Check out the info on Earth's Fourth-Closest Neighbor. Thanks to alert Member of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing Michelle for the astrological head's up!

And last but in no way least, check out my Alien Pack over at Brenda Novak's Auction. Bidding starts May 1st, so don't miss out on your chance to win a whole lotta goodies!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So get ready for Alien Collective and let's be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Just Can't Hide It

Happy Friday! Hope everyone's had a wonderful week and has an even better weekend in store! It's been busy over here, but that's good, right? Of course right! There's lots going on, but first, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a big announcement, and I'm so excited about it! (Points to those who now get the point of the headline.) (Extra points to those who got it before reading this paragraph.)

The votes are in for the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards and guess what won Best Futuristic Romance? Go on, guess! Oh, I can't wait for you to guess -- it's Alien in the House! I'm extremely thrilled that it won, especially considering the awesome books it was up against. Check out all the winners and nominees in all the categories -- there's a lot of great reading there!

Speaking of great reading and the Alien series, I'll have 3 Alien Series short stories in Penumbra eMagazine this year; the first one comes out in next month's/May's issue. The magazine sells for $3.99 an issue, and I suppose you could just buy the three I'll be in. But, each month there are great stories, and Penumbra has a special offer for you, all because of moi. 'Cause I'm a giver, me.

Right now, you can get The Gini Special -- instead of paying $3.99 an issue, you'll get a year's subscription for just $24.00; that's half price. But there's more! You'll also get the Best of Penumbra 2012 AND 2013. That's a full year's subscription for half price plus two free Best Of collections and three Alien series shorts that will only be available in Penumbra...as long as you use this coupon code (exactly as shown here) when you order: 2014Gini

This offer is good only through August 1, 2014, so don't miss out and get your subscription going today!

Speaking of the Alien Series (no, we haven't really stopped), check out the Table of Contents for Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens. Should be coming in May (could be delayed due to printer issues, but the publisher is still hoping for May), and it contains "A Clockwork Alien", which is the first Alien Series short I've ever written (and the story that started the craze, so to speak).

Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens Table of Contents
Introduction by Patricia Bray
“The Cavorite Job” by Ian Tregillis
“Gracie’s Fire” by Leah Cutter
“Quinta Essentia” by Bradley P. Beaulieu
“When Comrade Ekaterina Died for the Motherland” by J.R. Hargenrader
“A Clockwork Alien” by Gini Koch
“Heart of the Empire” by Jason Palmatier
“The Red Queen and the White” by C.B. Pratt
“The Wizard of Woodrow Park” by Jean Marie Ward
“Of War and Wings” by Tansy Rayner Roberts
“Airship Down:  A Sound and Fury Adventure” by Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin
“Steamsuit” by David J. Fortier
“Fingers of Steam, Veins of Gold” by Brad Hafford
“Heart of Clockwork” by S.C. Butler
“Lady Antheia’s Guide to Horticultural Warfare” by Seanan McGuire

Don't those all sound great? Yeah, I can't wait for this book, either! If you weren't part of the Kickstarter campaign, you can pre-order from Zombies Need Brains to be sure you get your copy!

Speaking of not waiting, see what Bibliognome is going to be reading this weekend. And then, check out the first review of Alien Collective over at boeklogboek! After that, see what Word of the Nerd thought of Alien Diplomacy. Finish up over at my Deathless Prose page, where you can get the prologue and first chapter of Alien Collective for your teaser reading pleasure!

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

Love,
Gini

Captain Contest

Happy Friday! Now that the weekend is here, what should do with it? In my opinion, and as promised, you should read my review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier over at Slice of SciFi and plan accordingly.

Planning to stay home this weekend? No worries. Check out my review of Star Wars: Clone Wars, Season 6 also over at Slice of SciFi to see if you should choose it for your Netflix binging pleasure.

And if you just want to hang out and listen to all things geek, check out the latest installment of More Geek Than Gay. Then, check out what's on Bibliognome's TBR pile. Speaking of which...

What else shall we do with this weekend's time? Well, I have a couple of books that a couple of people might, you know, want. That's right, it's time for a Flash Contest! Yes, you read that right. There are two copies of Alien Collective up for grabs. There will be another contest coming (when I get my other copies in), but since DAW saw fit to toss a couple extras to me fast, I'm seeing fit to do the same for all of you. Yes, it's open internationally. All you'll need to do is answer THIS question: If you could pair Kitty up with any superhero not in the Kittyverse, who would it be and why?

Yes, this one requires a specific Blog comment in order to enter. Contest runs through Monday, April 7. Winners announced on Tuesday, April 8. Because it's a flash contest (get it? Flash? Heh, oh, I slay me) so it's gotta go FAST. As always, if the winners don't claim their prizes fast, as in by Thursday, April 10, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and choose a new winner. Because they're more like Loki than Thor, that's why.

That's it for today, but as always, there's more on the way. So let's be pop culture consuming winning readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, catch you on the flip side, and may the Gods of Random smile upon you.

Love,
Gini

2014's Starting Off Busy

Happy New Year! I know, that was so last week ago, right? However, as long as it's January, it's still new in my book. And speaking of my books, there's much going on, so let's get caught up, shall we? We shall.

First, a reminder that I'll be the Local Author Guest of Honor at DarkCon this weekend. For those dropping by, or still considering dropping by, here's my schedule: 

 

VIP Party & Raffle, Thursday 6p-10p, DarkSuite room #1014
Grand Opening Gala, Thursday, 9pm – ??, Yuma 
Kaffee Klatsche, Friday 3p-4p, Terrace
Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches, Friday 5p-6p, Sagebrush
SF vs. Fantasy in Literature,Friday 6p-7p, Yuma
VIP Brunch, Saturday, 11a-12:30p, Yuma
Autographing, Saturday, 1p-2p, Merchant’s Room, my table
Kaffee Klatsche, Saturday, 3p-4p, Terrace
Dr. Who vs. Serenity Smackdown, Saturday, 4p-6p, Sagebrush
Evening Erotica w/Gini & Tina, Saturday, 6p-8p, Sagebrush
Aliens Among Us, Sunday 10a-11a, Sagebrush
Autographing, Sunday, 11a-Noon, Foyer
Worlds of Gini Koch, Sunday, Noon-1:30p, Sagebrush
Writing Different Lengths in Multiple Genres, Sunday 1:30p-2:30p, Sagebrush

I will also have a table in the Merchant's Room: 
Friday, 10a-7p
Saturday, 10a-7p
Sunday, 10a-4p

Right after DarkCon I head to San Diego for the SDSU Writers' Conference, January 24-26. I'll be on these panels -- all on Saturday, January 25th (happy birthday to me! LOL), times and rooms still TBD:
Science Fiction/Fantasy--To Infinity and Beyond
The Hybrid Author--Publishing in Both Traditional and Indy Arenas
Speculative Fiction: The Weird, The Wild and the Scare-You-to-Death

Once I'm back from that, I head out again in February to Coastal Magic, Feb. 6-9; Tucson Festival of Books, Mar. 15-16; my Mini Book Tour for the release of Alien Collective, most dates TBD but I'll be at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego on Saturday, May 10 for their 21st Annual Birthday Bash, and at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach doing a signing at 7:30 on Monday, May 12, for sure; Phoenix Comicon, June 5-8; and San Diego Comic-Con, July 23-27. So far.

Now, on to some things that don't require travel! See what Bibliognome, Gizmo's Reviews, and Seeing Night Reviews thought of Alien Research. Then see what klondykewriter thought of Touched by an Alien.

Then check out what Larissa's Bookish Life thinks are the best books of 2013. And see which are the top 10 books that Gizmo's Reviews wishes Santa had brought her.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. See some of you at DarkCon this weekend. The rest of you 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

Happy Friday, Happy Holidays

Happy Friday! No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Got sick the moment my mini book tour ended and have still been writing like a crazed wolverine on Alien Collective. But there's been so much going on that I need to catch all y'all up now or else the next HMU! will be about as long as one of my novels. So let's get to it!

First up, In Media Res is doing a great Holidays giveaway, and this week includes books from moi. If you're in the US you can win a signed copy of Alien in the Family, if you're International you can win an ecopy of The Night Beat. So check it out, and don't miss out! The contest has been running all month, with new authors announced each Friday, and will also run next week as well.

Next up, more reviews are in for Alien Research. See why RT Book Reviews gave it a top pick, and see what boeklogboek, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, I Smell Sheep, and Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of it as well. And, OMG, Alien Research hit #35 on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list in its first week of release! THANKS to all of you who helped make that happen!

Next, next up, this is a little behind, but better late than never. Check out the recent releases listings from DAW Books and Adventures in SciFi Publising.

Did you miss seeing the me at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, or The Poisoned Pen? No worries. The Pen did a last minute LiveStream so you can see that interview now. And in the Adventure Time! episode of More Geek Than Gay, my wonderful PA Joseph fills you in on all you missed out in on our SoCal trip.

Speaking of Alien Research (have I stopped once yet?) see what Bibliognome chose as her favorite lines from the book. Then check out what Bibliognome and Larissa's Bookish Life think are the top 5 covers for 2013.

Head over to see some great examples of awesome artist Dan Dos Santos' cover work at Through a Shattered Lens. Then see what my BFF Marsheila Rockwell has to say about the passing of an actor that mattered to both of us, and also what she has going on. Hint: It has something to do with DarkCon, and it's not too late for you to register and join us to kick of the new year in a really fun and wild fashion! 

Speaking of cons -- I was hoping to make it, but sadly, I've had to pull out of 2014's RT Booklovers convention. SO, right now, your only chance to see the me on the East Coast will be in February, at Coastal Magic so make your plans to get away to the beach and hang out with moi and a whole lot of other cool authors in a smaller, and more relaxed, setting.

Last but not least, DAW Books, Inc., the unofficial blog of DAW Books, is discussing Alien Research. Head over and give your opinion!

Whew, that's it for today! But as always, more's on the way. But, barring major announcements, probably not much for the rest of the year. I need to get Alien Collective wrapped up in a big bow and sent to the awesome editor, and, like the rest of us, I want to focus some time on my family.

My wish for all of you is the happiest and healthiest of holidays and end of year times, and a wonderful and prosperous 2014. You're the best fans in the world and I love each and every one of you -- you're the best gifts an author could get, and I'm grateful for all y'all each and every day.

So enjoy the weekend, the various holidays for those who are celebrating and those who are just watching, those working the holidays be sure to take time for yourselves as well and know that the rest of us appreciate your time, effort, and sacrifice, and let's all be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Releasing the Research

Happy Tuesday! Yes, it's true! It's the official release day for Alien Research! I realize that half the world seems to have gotten this book early, but for those of you who haven't, today's the day!

Haven't gotten the book yet? Check out the PRR (Pre Review Ravings) at Bibliognome to tide you over. Or whet your appetite. Or both.

Team Gini swears that any pics you take of the bookie wookies in the wild will get up onto the Sightings page, and who are we to argue, especially since they've made it all pretty again? So, if you get some shots, please send them in! Speaking of the website, Free Stuff is updated, so check it out and see what new things you can get for, yes, free.

So, what will I be doing to celebrate Alien Research's release? I'll be getting a mammogram and a bone density test. (Because my life is just that kind of exciting.) But, honestly, the mammogram especially is an important test and I do one yearly (and this year's just happens to fall on release day). One of my BFFs didn't get one for years. Her husband spotted something -- and that something was very virulent breast cancer. She's a totally positive person and quite the fighter, and it looks like she's going to beat this. However, per her and her doctors, if she'd had regular screenings, this would have been caught before it was at the terrifying level. So, please, if you have the ta-tas, go get them squished for the safety of your health. And if you love someone with ta-tas, encourage them to get a yearly mammogram. Because losing even one Member of the Alien Collective is one member too many.

Medical stuff out of the way, this weekend and next week I'll be doing fun things, and seeing some of you at them!

--Saturday, December 7, Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, CA, Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event, 3-5pm
--Sunday, December 8, Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, CA, Holiday Party, 3-5pm
--Thursday, December 12, The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale, AZ, Book Signing, 7-8:00pm

Hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful Thanksgiving, is having a happy Hanukkah, that everyone had a great weekend, and that everyone has an even better week. See some of you in SoCal this coming weekend, and let's all be Alien Research readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Extra Winning!

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that this week's started off well for all. We have a bunch going on, much of it related to winning things, so let's get to it!

First off, a reminder that the current contest to win a signed, early copy of Alien Research is going on now, but it ends TOMORROW (Wed., Nov. 20th) so get your entries in TODAY. But it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on? Now's the time to fix that. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in with the cool kids and get a copy of the rules sent right to you.

Speaking of winning Alien Research, Project Paranormal also has a contest going! So get entered over there, too! And theirs is a two-fer, so get entered to win today! 

Next up, see what Larissa's Bookish Life thinks are the best books to read on vacation. Then, see what Bibliognome and Gizmo's Reviews got in their mail.
 
After that, head over to Slice of SciFi and see what I think of Sleepy Hollow, 5 Episodes In. Agree or disagree? Join the conversation over at Slice!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way! So enjoy the rest of the week ahead, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini