Yappers and Other Lovers

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and all the moms and those who fill mom-type roles had a wonderful Mother's Day. I got roses from the hubs, and the hubs and chicklet gave me iTunes gift cards (which the Canine Death Squad and Killer Kitties insist were also from them), which is awesome because, as you all know, I need music to write and I have a lot of writing going on, so I need a lot of new music. Whoo hoo! Also went to a fab dinner and saw The Avengers again (and it was JUST as awesome the second time around). So my day was great.

But that's all in the past! Let's get to the right now. First up, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the yap is large and in charge over at Book Lovers Inc.,plus you could win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi), so get over and get entered to win! While you're there, check out Book Lovers Inc.'s Pre-Summer Winner Post as well.

Now it's time for reviews, and there are a lot today. See what Books-n-Kisses thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. Then see what Feeling Fictional, Bob's Beach Books, and The Reading Addict have to say about Alien Diplomacy. Then check out what Single Titles had to say about The Disciple by Jemma Chase (yes, also Moi).

Last but not least, check out what Larissa's Bookish Life has chosen as her Favorite Book Quotes.

I'm getting additional panels added on for Phoenix Comicon so keep your eye on my, and everyone else's, schedule so you don't miss out.

CONFIRMED: The bookstore for Phoenix Comicon, The Poisoned Pen, will have EARLY RELEASE copies of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate available at the con. So, definitely don't miss out -- get your copy early AND get it signed by the me!

That's it for today, but never fear, more's always on the way. Until then, peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Winning for the New Year

Hope everyone had lovely and wonderful holidays. Can't believe this will be my last blog of 2011, but it will be. But, even though it's the last, it's not the least -- there's lots going on, so let's get to it!

First off, head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig, where highlights for 2011 are being reviewed, there's a short Q&A with moi (with never before asked questions!), and a chance to win "Alien Tango". Then see what Book Girl of Mur-Y-Castell thought were the best books of 2011, too.

Now, it's reviews time. See what Readaholics Anonymous thought of "Touched by an Alien" and "Alien Tango". Then see what Giraffe Days and Dirty Lab Coat thought of "Alien in the Family". After that, check out reviews from My Para-Hangover, Bob's Beach Books, and Freak Search for "Alien Proliferation".

Phoenix Comicon is looking for volunteers -- if you're local or coming in for the event, check out the options. Volunteering is fun and you get "backstage" much more than regular attendees.

Now, what you've been waiting for -- the Gods of Random have finally spoken. (Hey, the Gods were busy helping me work on my galley edits for "Alien Diplomacy"...so I'm sure you forgive them ;-D)

So, without further ado, here are our lucky winners for the Hook Me Up! only Combo-Con Contest! (Yeah, they all said it three times fast, baby!)

Prize Pack 1 - Hardback Heaven
Becky Boyer

Prize Pack 2 - The Hard Stuff
Erin Fender

Prize Pack 3 - Trade-Ins
Pamela Josephian

Prize Pack 4 - Massive Wonders
Pam Kinsey

Prize Pack 5 - Giant Wall Hangings
Stella Balogh

Prize Pack 6 - Pretty Pictures A
Kelly Mueller

Prize Pack 7 - Pretty Pictures B
Beth Blanchard

Prize Pack 8 - Pretty Pictures C
Matt Crowe

Prize Pack 9 - Hodgepodge
Debbie Forde

Prize Pack 10 - Massive Blood
Cristina Olguin

There was SO much stuff that after divvying it all up, there's just enough for a couple of extra smaller packs. And why keep them for "later" when giving them out now makes so much more sense?

SURPRISE Prize Pack A
Marnie Walski

SURPRISE Prize Pack B
Jesse Ivanoff

The Honorable Mentions were REALLY hard to pick this time. Pretty much everyone made me go "awwww" and at least half made me laugh. And while I wish I could send something to all of you, these two managed to edge out the very tough competition.

Honorable Mention 1 - You Slay Me
bejeweledcat

Honorable Mention 2 - You Complete Me
Kathy Miller

Congrats to all the winners, and for those who didn't win this time, never fear...another contest is always right around the corner.

NOTE FOR WINNERS: You MUST send me an email with your full name (first & last), your COMPLETE physical mailing address, and what name you want anything getting personalized made out to, by Friday, Jan. 6th in order to claim your prize. If I don't get this info from you by the 6th, the Gods of Random will take back the prize and demand a new winner.

Lastly but most importantly, I just want to wish all of you a safe, fun and happy New Year's Eve, and a wonderful, prosperous, joyous 2012. I wish for all of you that this new year brings you every happiness and success, because you all deserve that and more. Peace out, my li'l gangstas...I'll catch you on the big flip side!

Love,
Gini