Weekend Winning

Hey there! Hope everyone's having a wonderful weekend. I certainly am, but since there's some cool winning going on, I had to share now, lest you miss out.

Head over to A Buckeye Girl Reads and get entered to win a variety of prize packs in celebration of her Blogoversary! Lots of goodies from me, Jennifer Estep, and Katie Lane! Don't miss out, the contest is open internationally (for my prize pack) and closes May 23rd. While you're there, don't forget to register to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi); this one ends on May 22nd.

Next up, see what Readaholics Anonymous thought of Alien Proliferation and Alien Diplomacy. Yes indeed, that's two reviews for the price of one!

Finally time for the Desert Dreams Writers Conference roundup. First off, there are a ton of great pics up at the Conference Blog. It was a really fun conference, with a lot of excited folks in attendance. I addition to my solo panel that Bob Mayer sat in on (making me nervous for one of the only times in my public speaking life, LOL), I got to panel again with the awesome Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Caris Roane, doing our patented paranormal panel. I also got to hang out with Jordan Summers and Amber Scott, and have a great dinner with my awesome agent and all of her clients who were in attendance (we arrived at the restaurant at 8pm...we got home after midnight...and don't even ask when we all got to bed...LOL). Got to see many members of the Alien Collective and spend time with them as well, so all in all, a great conference.

Now, I know what the more veteran among you are asking. No, no, I really do. "Where's the swag, Gini?" That's what you're asking, isn't it? Yeah, see, told you I knew. And, there is indeed swag, much of which is swag in the form of books. (Stop salivating. Or, rather, pace yourselves on the salivation.) Due to my deadlines and travel schedule, I'm not able to do a giveaway right now. HOWEVER, as you're all aware, I'm heading to Phoenix Comicon next week. And then will be going to King of the Swag, San Diego Comic-Con, in July.

What does that mean for all of you? It means that somewhere in late July/early August there's going to be one HECK of a Combo-Con Contest coming. And it's going to be for all of Hook Me Up! only. So, look to the future, because it's gonna be full of win for a whole lot of you.

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Get that rectified so that you can be in on the big winning. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in with the winning in-crowd and all set for the next Combo-Con Contest.

That's it for today, but never fear, more's always on the way. Until then, enjoy the rest of your weekends, get down with your bad selves, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Meet the Crew!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and a good start to the week. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I'm getting ready to head to the Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in a couple of days, so this is the only update for this week. Does that mean it's action packed? Does a bear poop in the woods?

So, let's roll! (I know...I always sound so "street" when I say that.) First off, head over to My World...in words and pages for the first-ever character interview with the crew of the Sixty-Nine from Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi), so get entered to win! Giveaway open until May 1st, so enter early and often. Sort of thing.

After you check everyone out and get entered into the contest, check out what My World...in words and pages thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate in her review.

Next, find out what My Bookish Ways thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. While you're there, don't forget to get entered to win a copy of Alexander Outland, too. Giveaway open until April 30th, so don't miss out on your chance to win!

Then, see what boeklogboek thought of Alien Diplomacy. And check out Smash Attack Reads and what she considers her book blogger influences.

As a reminder, even though Desert Dreams is sold out, there's a mass author book signing on Saturday, April 28, from 5:30-7:00pm that's open to the public. So if you're in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, don't miss the chance to drop by and get books signed by me and a ton of other awesome authors!

That's it for today. Have a great rest of the week, see some of you at Desert Dreams, and all of you remember to be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Let's Yap Outland

Hope everyone's having a great week so far. We have more fun for you today, so let's get to it! First off, head over to the always fun and entertaining Pearls Cast Before a McPig and check out the first-ever interview with G.J. Koch (yes, moi, but still, it's the first AS G.J. Koch, so, you know, go with it) talking about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. And pigs. Because we can.

Speaking of Alexander Outland, we're in the last days to get 50% off on every book at Night Shade Books, including pre-orders. Get your book on, buy or pre-order at least 4 books, get 'em for the price of 2. Such a deal! After you've scored great books for half price, remember to check out my guest blog over at The Night Bazaar.

Next up, the Bitten By Books Alien Diplomacy Launch Party is still going for one more day (today) so you still have time to get entered to win a 10-Book pack from Penguin, plus 2 other chances to win books from me. While you're there, see what Bitten By Books has to say about Alien Diplomacy. Then, get over to the DAW Books Community and add your $0.02 into the discussion of Alien Diplomacy. Make it All Alien Diplomacy All The Time, at least for a few minutes.

In Person Reminder: I'll be at the Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, April 27-29. There is an Open To The Public Mass Book Signing on Saturday, April 28, from 5:30-7:00pm. So whether you're attending the con or not, come on by, get your bookie wookies signed, and check out the TON of authors who'll be there signing in addition to me, myself and I -- Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Caris Roane, Amber Scott, Kathryne Kennedy, Bob Mayer, Brenda Novak, Tara Taylor Quinn, Vicki Lewis Thompson, and MORE!

That's it for today, but don't worry, more's coming. Have a great time, and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Weekend Update & Yapping Roundup

Happy Weekend! I know you don't usually hear from me on the weekends, because I'm always doing exotic things like writing like a fiend and/or running the yap in person, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's so much going on that I had to sort of slip this one in.

First off, I'm now the Resident Guest Blogger over at The Night Bazaar, which is for Night Shade Books authors with releases coming out in 2012. My first blog for the Bazaar is live on the site, so please go have a read and feel free to leave a comment, too. Nothing to win other than my undying gratitude, but hey, isn't that enough?

No? Then a reminder that now through April 19th, Night Shade Books is having a 50% off sale on all their books, both in stock and forthcoming, with a 4 book minimum order. That's a deal you don't want to miss out on, especially since you can pre-order Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (aka moi) for 50% off. It's such a great deal, you should buy two copies, right? Of course right!

Coming Monday, there's a huge Release Party Event for Alien Diplomacy over at Bitten By Books . RSVP now for the event, which includes an amazing 10 Book Pack giveaway from Penguin Books, plus books from my backlist for 2 additional winners. You have to RSVP for the event in order to be entered to win the prizes, so don't miss out!

Now, onto the roundups I've been promising for weeks and days.

First up, Jambalaya Writers' Conference. Located in lovely Houma, LA in Terrebonne Parish, this is a conference focused on teaching aspiring authors the various tricks of the trade. I could go on and on about how lovely all the folks were, what an awesome location they have (the Terrobonne Public Library), and how great the students were. And I could wax even more rhapsodic about the food. But what shocked me the most was how inexpensive this writer's conference was. I'm used to entry costs of $250 per person, minimum. This one? $35.00 Yeah, you read that right. So, next year, if you're in the vicinity of Louisiana at the end of March/start of April, don't miss out on this great conference, a deal at twice or even three times the price.

But a conference is only as great as its presenters, right? Well, in addition to moi, there were a ton of amazing authors and industry professionals there. In addition to Rick Bragg, Heather Graham, Debra Holland, Eileen Dreyer, and MANY more, children's book authors Robert San Souci he of "Mulan" fame (and the nicest man on the planet) and Dianne de Las Casas were also there. Dianne's a hoot and a half, btw, so if you get a chance to see her in person, don't miss it. I got to hang out with these folks, and all I can say is "wow". Great authors, awesome people. For those of you with kids, I can't recommend Robert's and Dianne's books enough.

Next up, LepreCon. This is an annual fan convention in Tempe, AZ, so topics range from writing how-to to discussions of the pros and cons of book to TV/movie adaptations and everything in between. Local cons are great fun, and a wonderful way to get up close and personal with authors, actors, fans, and readers.

I was on a ton of panels with some really cool and interesting folks, including the guest of honor, SF/F Grand Master Joe Haldeman and comic book legend Bryan Augustyn. I got to hang with a variety of cool Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing (waves madly to Janeen, Penni, Terry, Raul, Hal, Dee, Chris, and Alisa) which of course made the whole experience even better.

I also paneled with, in no particular order of awesomeness: Janeen O'Kerry, Bruce Davis, Emily Devenport, Saul Garnell, Rick Novy, Ernest Hogan, Chris Swanson, Susan Lindsey, Jack Mangan, and Don Wiest. I know, that's a lot, but there were probably more. It was a busy con, so I'm sure I've forgotten some things and people (and beg their forgiveness for the oversight, of course).

I also got to visit with my beloved Winston, aka Weston Ochse and one of my all-time favorite artists, Gilead, and his lovely wife, who've been mentoring me in cons since my very first one.

So, much fun was had by all, but it's also nice to be home. For a week or two. Before the next event which is Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in Scottsdale, AZ at the end of this month.

That's it for this Weekend Update. Enjoy the links, RSVP to win, and have a great, restful rest of the weekend! And let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Yappin' It Up

Hey there! Hope everyone's week has been going swimmingly. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, mine has been focused (still) on getting Alien vs. Alien done. (Status Update: Still not done. But, soon. Very soon. Um, 'cause it's due next week.) But enough about me and my stress! Let's get on to what's going on, so to speak.

First up, head over to Were-Vamps Romance and check out the latest interview with moi. There's also a chance to win a signed copy of Alien Tango.

Next, see what Crow Pickings thought of Alien in the Family.

Reminder that Book 2 of The Neighborhood, by Anita Ensal (yes, that's moi), Being Neighborly, releases tomorrow, March 23, from Musa Publishing.

In-Person Update:
-- Jambalaya Writers' Conference on Saturday, March 31, Houma, LA. Heather Graham and Rick Bragg will be there, too, along with a ton of other big names, so if you're anywhere near New Orleans (Houma's about an hour away), you don't want to miss this one.
-- LepreCon 38, April 6-8, Tempe, AZ. Don't miss the chance to meet Stephen Furst (Flounder from Animal House/Vir from Babylon Five) and amazing author Joe Haldeman, as well as tons of other guests (including, you know, moi).
-- Desert Dreams Writers' Conference, April 27-29, Scottsdale, AZ. In addition to moi, awesome authors Bob Mayer, Erin Quinn, Caris Roane, Erin Kellison, Amber Scott, Brenda Novak, and MORE will be there.
-- Phoenix Comicon, May 24-27, Phoenix, AZ. Check out the easy to read guest list at Geek News Network because there are too many big names coming for me to list here. And more guests are adding weekly, so don't miss out!

That's it for today. I'm going back to Alien vs. Alien. You go back to getting down with your bad selves. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Characterizing Friday

Happy Friday! Hope everyone's had a great week. I've been busy, busy, busy doing final edits on Alexander Outland: Space Pirate and writing Alien vs. Alien, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the game's afoot, so let's get y'all caught up!

That Sherlock Holmes homage wasn't by accident. Check out Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks where there's a two-part post about what makes characters great. And yes, yours truly has chimed in for today's half. Have a read and chime in yourselves!

After that, it's time for some reviews. Head on over to boeklogboek and see what she thought of Alien Tango. Then see what Mixed Book Bag thought of The Royal Scam. And then head over to see what I Smell Sheep thought of Contingency Plan by Anita Ensal.

Upcoming event reminders:
Tucson Festival of Books, March 10-11, Tucson, AZ
Jambalaya Writers' Conference & Book Fair, March 31, Houma, LA
LepreCon 38, April 6-8, Tempe, AZ
Book Monster Reviews LIVE CHAT, April 13, 6pm-8pm EDT
Desert Dreams Writers' Conference, April 27-29, Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Comicon, May 24-27, Phoenix, AZ
Queen Creek Writers Group, Guest Lecturer, June 12, 5pm-8pm, Queen Creek, AZ
Mysterious Galaxy Books Summer Solstice, June 20, 7pm, San Diego, CA

Last but not least, please remember that, more and more these days, pre-orders matter. Please do your girl a solid and pre-order Alien Diplomacy (and Alien vs. Alien and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, when they become available, too).

Have yourselves a wonderful weekend, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Christopher Yaps it Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Coppery Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Another Gini Expose'!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, things are still wild here in Gini Land! First up, there's yet another interview with moi, this time at Babbling About Books. I know, I know, there's a certain symmetry to my running the yap at a place that clearly loves the babbling, right? So you KNOW you've got to read it. Head on over, find out yet more interesting and obscure facts about yours truly, and show the site some Alien Collective love! Lots and lots of awesome reading matter at BAB, too...and keep the page up...more to come there soon, very soon...

Next up, I met very cool author Lynn Crain at the Desert Dreams conference, and she's said some very cool things about "Touched by an Alien" at her blog, The Many Shades of Life and Love. Head over and see what she's got -- there's some really great stuff up there.

Dark Wyrm Reads is helping boost the Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research. Check out the article, check out the blog, then hit the auction -- there's lots of tempting auction items up there, and it all goes for a great cause.

Finally, remember that the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is well underway. Send your answers to Week One's question to gini@ginikoch.com by Sunday, May 16, to be included in the first random prize giveaway on Monday, May 17th. Need a refresher on the prizes? Check out the Win Stuff page and know that it could all be yours...

Love,
Gini

Guess What?

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, more reviews for "Touched by an Alien" are in! Take a look at what "That's QUEEN Bitch To You" and Jacqueline Lichtenberg from "Alien Romances" have to say. The last one is a longer post, but well worth reading (or you can just skim on down to the TBAA cover and go from there).

And, watch this space, and "Pearls Cast Before a McPig", because there will be an interview up there on Monday. (Three guesses who with, and the first two don't count.)

So, head over and give all these places some Alien Collective love!

I'll be at the Desert Dreams conference this weekend, and for those of you in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area (Summer in April!) I'll be a part of the mass book signing at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday, April 17th, from 5:45-7:00p.m. Hope to see you there!

Love,
Gini