Big Thing Monday

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Mine was busy, filled with Alien in the House and Alien Collective (no, we never sleep here at Team Gini). But things roll on and we like to keep you advised of them. And since many of them involve winning, we know you want to know.

First off, head over to The Qwillery where there's not only a review of Alien vs. Alien, but a chance to win signed copies of Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, and Alien in the Family. "Oh, pshaw," I hear you say. "I have signed copies already." Maybe you do. But do you have them signed by moi AND awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos? No, you do not. But one of you will, if you race over and get entered today!

Speaking of reviews, check out what Kirkus Reviews thought of Alien vs. Alien. And speaking of winning, head over to For What It's Worth where she's giving away two boxes full of books, one of which contains Touched by an Alien and Alien Tango.

Remember that on this Friday, December 14th, I'll be at Barnes & Noble Desert Ridge, in Scottsdale, AZ, from 7-8:30pm, so come for the next Alien vs. Alien release month extravaganza and get your bookie wookies signed!

Next up is the Next Big Thing. I know, I promised it on Friday, but I got around to it today. So sue me. Check out some insights into Alien in the House, and be sure to read 'til the end, 'cause there's more info after the, um, info.

What is the working title of your book?
Alien in the House, and it's not a working title, it's the title that's coming out May 7, 2013.

Where did the idea for the book come from?
It's the next in my Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Katt series, and it came from events that have happened in the series already, so to speak.

What genre does this fall under?
Science Fiction (with a lot of romance, action, and humor)

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie version?
This answer changes all the time, and is dependent upon a lot of things. Today I'd pick Emma Stone for Kitty and Chris Hemsworth for Martini, but, as always, Matt Bomer for Reader.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of the book?
When a newly elected Representative dies under mysterious circumstances while at the American Centaurion Embassy, it’s up to Kitty Katt-Martini and the rest of the Diplomatic Corps to find out how and why and stop the killer, before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties, particularly the replacement Representative -- Jeff Martini.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Repped by my wonderful agent and coming from the ever-awesome DAW Books.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Longer than either I or my editor wanted.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Um, the other books in this series. LOL I haven't had time to do anything but write madly for a while now, so I can't do a good comparison. I leave that to my readers.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My characters and my contract.

What else about your book might pique the interest of readers?
I consider this the team's first official murder mystery story. Of course, it's a murder mystery in Kitty's world, so it won't be easy to solve. But the view to a kill, as always, will be good. Oh, and one other thing: Jeff Martini in a trench coat and fedora. Enjoy the visualization! Trust me, Kitty does. ;-D

And now, a confession.
This is supposed to be a chain letter of sorts. But as anyone who's known me a while knows, I am the Chain Letter Killer, wanted in at least fifteen states and territories for my abject apathy when it comes to passing things along, rules or no rules. My BFF, awesome author Marsheila Rockwell, tagged me, and then between her and other awesome author Yvonne Navarro, who tried to tag me, they covered all my first easy picks. I could ask others to do this. I could, especially if I had more time. OR I could finish my edits on Alien in the House. (Ah, good, I see we agree.)

BUT, never fear, I've covered it. In a way. Tomorrow, we're going to turn the Spotlight on excellent author Caris Roane, who is not only going to share tidbits, but also has an A-MA-ZING contest going that you will NOT want to miss. (See? I knew you'd forgive me for breaking the chain.)

So, that's it for today, but we'll see you tomorrow. Until then, enjoy the beginning of another great week, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Hump Yappin'

Happy Hump Day! Well, the last blog was short and sweet, so y'all must have been prepared for the next one to be, shall we say, longer, right? (And we SHALL say longer, oh yes we shall.) So, let's roll (I know, I sound so "street" when I say that) right into all the goings on.

First up, head over to Civilian Reader and check out my latest interview. There are new things said there, I promise. And there's also a giveaway. Leave a comment, get entered to win a signed, personalized copy of Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, or Alien in the Family.

Reminder that you can still enter to win over at Tote Bags 'n' Blogs and Tynga's Reviews. Both contests close Friday.

After you read my latest yappings, head over to Heroes and Heartbreakers and read Matzah For Thought by one of the Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing, Stacey Agdern.

Next on our tour of the interwebs, check out what Bitten by Paranormal Romance thought of "Contingency Plan" by Anita Ensal (yes, that's moi).

Then head over to io9, The Ranting Dragon, and The Deadline Dames and check out their listings of new April releases.

Next, see what Miss Vain's Paranormal Fantasy got in her mailbox. And find out what Pages of Forbidden Love is hoping to do to get out of a blogging funk.

Have to share the latest cover of my BFF Marsheila Rockwell's latest upcoming release, Skein of Shadows. It's a gorgeous cover and I can't wait for the book!

Mega Congrats to the awesome Daniel Dos Santos and Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant who are up for Hugos again this year! May the best (meaning Dan and Seanan) win!

Live Nude Girls! Oh, sorry, not really. Well, live and girls is right. And since I'm talking about a live internet chat this Friday the 13th (oooooh) with Literal Addiction and Book Monster Reviews, the nude is always a possibility when in one's own home, innit? Head over to the Literal Addiction Author Chat at 6pm Eastern Daylight Time and run the yap with me. Yes, burning questions might indeed be asked and answered. But you won't know unless you're there, will you?

Well, I was going to do my Jambalaya and LepreCon roundups, but frankly this puppy's pretty darned long already, so we'll save those for another day. So, until then, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

The Return of the Yap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Happy Valentine's Day!

First off, wanted to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Valentine's Day. Whether you're in a new relationship or old, or looking at today proudly as Singles Awareness Day, I just wanted you to know that, to me, my readers are da BOMB and I love you all.

Now, on to the rest of all that is going on...and it's a lot, so let's get to it!

First up, Night Shade Books is officially announcing the publication of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch. But that's not all. There's a brand new short story from G.J. Koch (yes, aka moi) up as well. So, enjoy a Valentine's gift from Night Shade and moi to all of you!

Then, it's Alien Diplomacy time! First off, the first reviews are in! See what ALPHA Reader, and Larissa's Bookish Life have to say about April's upcoming release. Then, head over to Muddy Colors to learn about the process the awesome Daniel Dos Santos used...and just who he had collaborate with him on this particular cover.

Next, see what Long and Short Reviews thought of The Disciple by Jemma Chase (aka moi, in case you've forgotten somehow ;-D).

Last but in no way least, for those attending the Tucson Festival of Books, I've got my schedule. I'll be doing panels at 10am on Saturday, March 10 AND at 10am on Sunday, March 11. I'll be signing right after both panels, and also doing a signing in the Mysterious Galaxy booth, #255, at 3pm on Saturday, March 10. Hope to see you there, and please let me know if you'll be going! (I'll be the one in the pink, sparkly, cowgirl hat. :-D)

That's it for today. Go out and have a great one and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Whole Lotta Lotta Goin' On

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I was incommunicado because the chicklet graduated from college on Friday and, strangely enough, I wasn't able to keep up with everything. I know, shocker, right? But hey, the relatives are gone, and I'm back to business, so let's get all caught up on all that's going on. And trust me, it's a lot.

First off, a reminder that the Combo-Con Contest is still active. It's also still for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. If you're not on, scroll down a bit and see what you're missing, then rectify by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. There's a LOT to win, so if you want to ensure you get some of it, don't delay, get it going today! Contest ends this Thursday, Dec. 22nd, midnight Hawaii time.

After you get entered to win...get entered to win some more. Head over to The Fictorian Era to find out which of my heroes is my favorite (the answer may surprise you...or it may not) and while you're there, get entered to win both a copy of "Alien Proliferation" AND a limited edition Alien Series 2012 Calendar.

Now we move on to some reviews. Check out what Reading Amidst the Chaos, Bring on the Books, and A Book and a Short Latte thought of "Alien Proliferation". Then see what Giraffe Days thought of "Alien Tango". And check out what Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell thought of "Deacon's Ark" by A.E. Stanton (yes, that's moi).

Still haven't gotten "Alien Proliferation"? Well then check out the sneak peek over at RomCon Inc. Have read "Alien Proliferation" already? Then head over to DAW Books Reviews to join the discussion and share your thoughts about it.

Then, head over to see what Larissa's Bookish Life felt were the Best Books and Best Authors of 2011. Then check out what Paranormal Romance Fanatic thinks are the Best Books Released in 2011.

Still doing holiday shopping? Check out what Absorbed in a Book suggests for hard-to-buy-for friends and family.

Last but not least, check out the latest cover by awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos. Yes, it's true! I'm now only one degree of separation from Nathan Fillion -- we're sharing the same cover artist! (And for all Browncoats and Castle lovers out there, isn't this cover DA BOMB?)

That's it for today, but never fear, more's on the way. So enjoy clicking all those links, get your contest entries in for the Combo-Con Contest, grab a copy or three of "Alien Proliferation", and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

A Few Short Words Before I Go...

Well, I'm heading off for World Fantasy Con in San Diego, CA -- hope to see some of you there and/or at the Meet & Greet at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore -- but before I leave you, wanted to catch you all up on the latest stuff going on.

Remember to check out the world premiere of the cover for "Alien Diplomacy" over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Then check out some more awesome covers by Daniel Dos Santos over at What An Art.

"When Josie Comes Home" from my A.E. Stanton pen name will release on Friday, Oct. 28th from Musa Publishing and you can still pre-order it now. Speaking of covers and pre-orders, the ACVHQ will have the world premiere of the cover for "The Disciple", the next release by my Jemma Chase pen name, going live this coming weekend, and you can pre-order it now -- "The Disciple" releases Nov. 4th. And, last but in no way least, "Field Trip" by my J.C. Koch pen name will be in the Penumbra eMag November issue, on sale Nov. 1st.

For those in and around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, a reminder that I'll be part of the group signing at Changing Hands Bookstore on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, from 7-8:30pm.

The Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger contest is over and the Gods of Random have made their selections! So, without further ado, heeeeeeere they are!

Consolation Prize 4 Winner:
Jessica from Mark of the Stars

Consolation Prize 3 Winner:
Velvet from VVB32 Reads

Consolation Prize 2 Winner:
Mel from Mel's Random Reviews

Consolation Prize 1 Winner:
Rebecca from Rebecca's Random Musings

Grand Prize, including the last ARC of Alien Proliferation, Winner:
Saskia from Book That Thing

Congrats to all the winners, and all the awesome bloggers who entered! Didn't win? Fear not. More contests are coming, so stay tuned! They'll be for Hook Me Up! only, though, so if you're not on, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, so you'll be all ready to win, win, win!

Have an awesome rest of the week, a fabulous weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Peace out, li'l gangstas, and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Royally Scammin'

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was filled with lots of things, most focused on writing "Alien vs. Alien", and prepping for the releases of "Alien Proliferation" and "The Royal Scam".

Speaking of which, the first review for "The Royal Scam" is in! Check out what A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of it. Then head over to Musa Publishing and pre-order your copy -- Musa officially launches Oct. 1st, aka this Saturday.

Then check out Concept Art World where they're featuring some of the awesome Daniel Dos Santos' works in all their beautiful glory.

I know I mentioned an upcoming combo-con contest. That'll still be happening. But something else has arrived and will, therefore, have to, just have to, go ahead of it. What could possibly move ahead of a con-related contest? Guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out, but trust me, it'll be worth it.

So until next time, when the mystery of the next contest will be revealed, peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Weekend Wrap-Up & Virtual Yapping

I've been quiet, because, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I've been busily working away on "Alien Diplomacy". But the blogosphere never sleeps, so let's catch up on what's going on out there!

First off, The Alien Collective Virtual HQ has the premiere of the final of the "Alien Proliferation" cover. Check it out! Yes, you can take it for your own blogs (and please do!), just remember to credit the ever-awesome Daniel Dos Santos with the artwork. Want to see it without the type? Hit my Ta-Daaaa! page. Wanna talk about it? Hit the AC Virtual HQ Forum and speculate away! (I might even confirm or drop hints about things over there. You never can tell.)

This Saturday, I'll be participating in a virtual book signing event thanks to Calico Books in Denver, as part of their Sizzling Summer Author Extravaganza. Check it out, attend in person if you're in the Greater Denver Metro Area, and listen in at Carra's Blog Talk Radio if you're elsewhere! The event runs from 11am-2pm Mountain Daylight.

Next up, we have a new review of "Touched by an Alien" over at Fiction State of Mind.

Then, check out the redesigned website The Book Pushers just unveiled, and get entered to win some amazingly awesome prizes! They're so good I want to enter. But that would be wrong. Because in addition to other things, you can win a signed book of your choice from me, too. And trust me, there are a LOT of other things in the prize packs they're giving away! Do NOT miss out!

The website has new updates on Free Stuff, Bookstore, Deathless Prose, and Accolades.

Last but not least, my particular panel at San Diego Comic-Con is already getting press. Check out the article about one of the fab folks who I'll be paneling with next month, Ernest Cline.

Talk to some of you on Saturday, and may all of you have fabulous, alien-filled weekends! So, until next time, peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Friday Catch-Up, Catch-All, Catch of the Day

Happy Friday!

I know, this is coming out on Saturday for some of you. Hey, better late than never, right? Right?

As promised, we have recaps and winners. Recaps first. Phoenix Comicon and Arizona Dreamin' were great! Now, on to the winners.

Made you look.

Both cons WERE great. I got to hang out and panel with a variety of awesomely cool authors at Phoenix Comicon, including but not limited to: Marsheila Rockwell, Jordan Summers, Kevin Hearne, Yvonne Navarro, Cherie Priest, Jennifer Ashley/Ashley Gardner, Ravyn Crescent, Michael Stackpole, and Robert B. Sawyer -- some of whom did actual play-by-play updates (so, um, go read their very interesting blogs!).

Also got to see a ton of awesome fans - hugs to all who were there (and thanks again to Heidi for getting me a LB&C from Einstein's and thereby saving my life - Browncoats to the rescue!) - hope you had as good a time as I did! Pictures are inching their way onto the Sightings page, too. (And if you have some to share, send 'em along!)

Arizona Dreamin' was also totally cool. I got to hang out with more awesome authors, including our own beloved Amber Scott, Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Janeen O'Kerry. (If you haven't read their books yet, what are you waiting for?) Fans were all readers, and they were all just a joy to be around, making this event very fun from an author standpoint. We're doing it again next year, so if you missed this year's event, do NOT miss 2012's!

I got a lot of swag, most of it posters, from Comicon, and some lovely stuff from Arizona Dreamin', too. But you knew that. What you want to know is who won it, right? (Yeah, I know what makes my li'l gangstas roll.)

So, without (too much) further ado...I give you the winners of the Poster Frenzy Contest!

The Blockbuster:
Van Pham

Simply Huge:
Samantha Briffett, aka Calliope

Gimme Gimme (2 winners):
Tara Winther, aka ducknme
and
Carolyn Lee

The Grab Bag:
Dana Alma

The Consolation:
Rich Atkinson, aka ratkin
(Hey, we felt we needed to do something to cheer him up in the Old Folks Home ;-D)

Congrats to all the winners!

NOTE: Winners, PLEASE be sure to check in to claim your prizes, or else the Gods of Random will demand a new sacrifice and winner be chosen (deadline to respond before a new winner will be picked is Thursday, June 30th). Send me an email with your snail mail address (no P.O. boxes, please), along with how you want anything that can be personalized to be personalized (as in, what name to sign to).

Next contest likely coming? San Diego Comic-Con Swag Packs. Those of you who were around last year KNOW why it's gonna be the best reason in the world to be on Hook Me Up! But if you're not on yet, now's the time. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you can be ready for the Mother of All Swag Giveaways!

We also have a couple new great reviews to check out. See what The Musings of M.D. Christie thought of "Touched by an Alien", then see what Book Mom has to say about "Alien in the Family".

Have you seen the new cover for "Alien Proliferation" yet? Whether you have or haven't, check out the cover retrospective Book Noise did, and share whether or not YOU think Daniel Dos Santos is an artistic genius.

Oh, and yes, some spoilers are being dropped over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ, so if you haven't visited and/or registered yet, what are you waiting for?

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Eclectic Collective

Happy Tuesday!

Well, here it is, the day before I leave for World Fantasy Con. And I'm totally calm! Ahahahahahahahahaha! *cough* Okay, maybe not THAT calm. And, for those keeping score at home, I'm way more packed than expected. Like 85% packed, maybe 90%. Be impressed. Really.

Of course, after yesterday, any update's gonna seem slim. But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, this one still has lots in it. So, before we go to radio silence (other than Twitter, where those who follow me - @GiniKoch - have a shot of hearing what's going on) until Nov. 2nd, let's get to it!

First up, head over to Muddy Colors and check out what Dan Dos Santos, aka the greatest cover artist in the world, is up to. Hint: talking about, and I quote, "What's fast becoming the coolest series I get to work on." Yes! Yes, he's talking about the Alien series! Woot! (Yes, my cover artist loving my series makes so very, very happy. It's the simple things you treasure, really.)

Then, check out what our "Alien Tango" ARC winner got in the mail! My Five Monkeys has a couple of great shots of all her Alien Swag.

Remember that the Spooky Legends event at Dark Faerie Tales and All Things Urban Fantasy is going on through the 31st. And, if you haven't hit my entry, check out Aliens on Earth, get entered to win, and leave a comment!

You'll want to have your eyes on my website come Nov. 2nd, btw. Why? Oh, no reason. Other than you may want to really check out the Deathless Prose page. I've heard a rumor that there could be some kind of excerpt or something there that day.

Last, but in NO way least...the first review of "Alien Tango" is up! Check out what Merry Genre-Go-Round has to say!

Well, that's it for today, and, therefore, that's it for a whole week. A WEEK! What WILL y'all do with your bad selves while I'm gone? Hopefully, hit all the links, re-read "Touched by an Alien" in anticipation of "Alien Tango", and generally show your Alien Collective coolness in all that you do. You know, routine.

Love,
Gini

Yet Another Manic Monday

Happy Monday! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's crazy time over here. I'm loaded with things to do -- like packing -- before I leave for World Fantasy Con (on Wed. morning much earlier than I like to get out of bed, but then again, since I'd like to stay in bed until at least noon every day, that's not really telling you much), and we're loaded with things going on in the blogosphere, too. So let's get to it!

First up, if you missed it yesterday, it's not too late to catch it today. Catch what, you ask? Why my entry into the Spooky Legends event going on at Dark Faerie Tales and All Things Urban Fantasy. Check out Aliens on Earth, leave some Alien Collective love, get entered to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien".

Next up, Locus Magazine has an interview with the greatest cover artist in the world, aka Daniel Dos Santos. Check it out, learn some more about Dan and his process.

Then, head to Babbling About Books and check out which upcoming covers are getting babbled about. Then, hop to another good review of "Touched by an Alien" over at What If Books. Then, check out what came in the mail for Thrifty Reader.

Catch your breath, and then head to Dark Wyrm Reads where he highlights some of the nominees for the Bookie Awards, including yours truly. Dark Wyrm also has a great contest going on right now that you'll want to enter, so after you check out his highlighted nominees, skip over to the Spooktacular Book Giveaway and get entered to win!

Speaking of the Bookie Awards, if you'd like to see all the categories and nominees, check out Authors After Dark. Congrats to everyone nominated and good luck to all, too!

Whew! I think that's all for today. So enjoy blog-hopping and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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

It's Here! It's Here!

You thought the cover for "Touched by an Alien" was awesome, and indeed it was. You thought, wow, the cover for "Alien Tango" is even BETTER, and indeed, that's true. But, let me tell you, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

So, with no further delays, let me proudly unveil to you the new, the awesome, the...

ALIEN IN THE FAMILY COVER!



Isn't it BEAUTIFUL? Doesn't it just POP?

Yes, it's true -- Daniel Dos Santos IS the greatest cover artist IN THE WORLD! (And no, I'm not biased at ALL...I mean, LOOK AT IT!)

Off to go gaze lovingly at my new precious...

Oh, for a larger view, check out the Bookstore page!

Love,
Gini

P.S. If you want to show off the awesome cover at your blog, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com, and we'll send you the image along with the reminder to credit the amazing Daniel Dos Santos. And avatars and such will be up on the Free Stuff page very, very soon!

Thrilled Thursday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I know what I'm doing when at Comic-Con! For anyone who's going, or knows someone who's going, I'll be on the Friday, July 23, 10:00-11:00 panel: With Great Powers Come Great Stories (Room 32AB). We're the Superhero Superfiction team, which consists of me, Lou Anders, Chris Roberson, Matt Sturges, Mike Carey, Jackie Kessler, Caitlin Kitteredge, Caroline Spector, and Kevin Andrew Murphy. I'm trying not to visibly vibrate from excitement, but so far, it's been a challenge!

There will be a book signing right after the panel, then I should have another book signing somewhere in there. Otherwise...heh, heh, heh...I'm on my own. And for those of you who know about my "Castle" addiction, the cast is supposed to be there! While I'll do my best to get up close and personal, I doubt I'm even going to be able to see Nathan Fillion's head, let alone anyone else's, let alone manage an autograph. But, I'll do my best, 'cause that's just the kind of girl I am.

Yes, yes, I'll take autograph requests. Just know that the likelihood of me getting any (other than possibly from the other authors on the panel with me) is slim to none.

But wait, I hear you ask, what about a review of "Touched by an Alien"? Fear not, I've got one for you! Check out what Smokin' Hot Books has to say. Then, jump over to Iron Inklings for some teaser fun.

Remember that there's still time to get in on a chance to win a signed, personalized copy of Amber Scott's "Play Fling". Just leave a comment on Monday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog post and you're good. Contest ends Sunday, June 27; winner announced at the Blog on Monday, June 28.

Now, back to getting all that info together for Daniel Dos Santos...don't want to delay his start on the cover for "Alien in the Family".

Love,
Gini

Tango Tuesday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know and you've undoubtedly guessed from the title of the blog post, we're focusing on "Alien Tango" today.

The Galaxy Express is featuring the most awesome cover, so head over and share your Alien Collective love about all that is the wicked cool Daniel Dos Santos artwork!

Heather Massey from TGE also has an article up at Tor.com for those of you who are interested in the science fiction versus romance versus Science Fiction Romance debate. It's a good message, and the comments so far are very interesting. (Would particularly love the male Alien Collective members to chime in on this one.)

Our own ALPHA Reader has a great "Where are they now" column that's featuring "Alien Tango" as well as some other great, upcoming releases. Head over, check it out, share what books you can't wait for!

The new "Alien Tango" freebies are in and available! Check out the Free Stuff page for details and get your requests in! (BTW, they look AWESOME, possibly more awesome than the TBAA ones, which is saying a LOT.)

Lest "Touched by an Alien" feel left out, it's still popping up all over the web. Here are some mentions to check out: Fun interview with our own Lynn Crain at Midnight Seductions; author Audra Wyatt has a good explanatory piece up about the workshop series I'm a part of; cute post up at the Random Book Girl site about her initial impressions of "Touched by an Alien" based on cover and title.

Remember that the giveaway for Amber Scott's "Play Fling" is still going on. Hit yesterday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog post, leave a comment or a question, and you're entered to win! Also, for those of you participating in the Project Pay It Forward, don't miss the latest updates.

Speaking of winning, it's not too late to win over at The Book Addict -- not only is there a "Touched by an Alien" giveaway, but there are lots of other great giveaway chances, too! Don't miss out, head over there today!

I'd share more, but I have to get certain descriptions of certain key things from "Alien in the Family" over to awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos, so must dash. (Yeah, I DO like to tease all of you...what's your point?)

Love,
Gini

Exciting News Bulletin

I know. There was no "Happy Friday" blog, yesterday. Barely any tweets and nothing much at all on Facebook. What, had I forgotten all about you? Decided that there was no news fit to print? Been taken to Alpha Centauri for a tour? (Yeah, I only wish on that last one.)

Nope, nope and, sadly, nope.

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I was on the phone all day. With my most awesome editor. Going over edits on Book 3 and discussing the Alien series in general (as in, "Oh, and then in THIS book I plan to do this and in THAT book I plan to do that" and all that good, fun stuff I get to do with my editor 'cause she gets it, gets me, and gets the series).

And yes, I could have waited until Monday to share. But I decided that the Hook Me Up! subscribers shouldn't be the only ones to know (albeit, they knew first).

So...

"Alien in the Family" has an official release date. *drum roll*...wait for it...

April 5, 2011! Yes! And you know what else? That's only four months after the December 7, 2010 release of "Alien Tango"!

And, wanna know what the whipped cream AND cherry on top of that news is? (Oh, I know you do...)

Daniel Dos Santos will again be doing the cover!

*Waits while entire Alien Collective does the rapturous Happy Dance.*

Book 4, "Alien Proliferation", has no confirmed release date yet, but y'all can consider that "Winter 2011" about covers it and place your bets from there.

Will there be more on Monday? Of course there will be! And will you know it first? Well, if you're on Hook Me Up!, sure you will. And if you're not...maybe you should get on it now. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and be on the front lines of information. And you will, as is right and proper, hear it first!

Until then, happy weekend to all, and to all a good Alien Collective read!

Love,
Gini

The Web Pages, They Are A'Changin'

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, my website is going through a graphic overhaul.

Since my cover art is so awesome, I want it everywhere. So, expect some visual alterations, but, at its core, the site's still chock full of things to read and explore.

In addition to more new content coming as well, in the near future, look for excerpts from "Touched by an Alien" (have I mentioned this is available for pre-order from Amazon.com and Borders.com yet? I have? Let me just mention it again, in case you forgot...) as well as new interviews at Spotlight, new shorts in Expanding Universes, and other up-to-the minute news on all that's going on.

So, pardon our virtual dust!

Love,
Gini

One legal point -- the cover art was created by Daniel Dos Santos and reproductions are only allowed if he gives his permission for them. So if you want to copy and/or post it, BEFORE doing so, please let me know and/or ask his permission directly. Artists and writers have to watch each other's backs on intellectual and created property; it's that professional courtesy thing. Here endeth the legalese.

The Happening Update

The excitement just keeps on coming in "Touched by an Alien" land!

You can pre-order the book from either Amazon.com or Borders.com RIGHT NOW!

As any and all authors will tell you, pre-orders are a wonderful thing. So, do something wonderful and pre-order "Touched by an Alien"...right now! If you like action, adventure, romance and/or humor, "Touched by an Alien" is for you, and at the reasonable price of $7.99US/$9.99Canadian. Don't delay -- pre-order one of these puppies now. You'll be glad you did.

Hurry! Off you go. Don't wait. Order now. Operators are standing by. And so forth.

If you've missed seeing the cover (somehow), take a look at my Bookstore page and behold the beauty that is the artwork of Daniel Dos Santos.

And I'm heading to World Fantasy Con in San Jose, where I'll be meeting with my amazing editor, hanging with my awesome agent, and showing off my fabulous book cover. Oh, yeah, and mentioning that everyone there can pre-order "Touched by an Alien", too.

What can I say? A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. And I gotta tell people to pre-order.

Love,
Gini

Check It Out!

As my Hook Me Up! readers already know...the cover art for "Touched by an Alien" is up and live on the site! Check it out on my Bookstore page. Isn't it awesome? Doesn't it just pop?

My brilliant cover artist is Daniel Dos Santos -- check out his website for more examples of his awesome artwork: http://www.dandossantos.com/home.html

And watch the site -- over the next few weeks it's going to get a new look, in honor of the most awesome cover.

Now, I'm off to gaze lovingly at my cover art again. *sigh*

Love, Gini