Universally Yapping

Happy Hump Day! The middle of the week is always nice -- the uphill struggle to get to mid-day on Wednesday, and then the lovely downward slide towards the weekend begins. But, as always, we have a lot going on, so let's hump on over to it.

For today's stop on the Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour, we have something a little different. Head over to Lu's Buchgefluester where there's a new interview with yours truly. She asks some new questions, too, so don't miss it even if you've read the yap before. As with all the other stops, you can win a copy of any one of the first 9 books in the Alien series, signed and personalized, and open internationally. This is a German blog, but the interview and giveaway portions are in English, so don't give up when you hit the first paragraphs (unless you also read and speak German, which many of the Alien Collective do, in which case, enjoy it all) and keep on down to the interview and contest entry information.

There are still more Tour stops to come, and you can still get entered to win at the prior stops as well. Some of the contests end SOON, so hurry up and get entered to win so you 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 OVER, winner announced
11-12 A Buckeye Girl Reads, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-13 Bibliognome, contest ends Nov. 18th
11-14 boeklogboek, contest ends Nov. 25th
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell contest ends Nov. 30th
11-18 I Smell Sheep, contest ends Nov. 25th
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster, contest ends Nov. 28th
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

Speaking of contest ending soon, today is the last day to get entered for the fantastic prizes that awesome author Caris Roane (http://www.carisroane.com/celebrate/) is giving away for her big Celebration Event. Prizes are from a host of cool authors, including moi, Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Jennifer Ashley, to name only about a 1/3 of the authors who have bookie wookies up for grabs. So don't miss out, get entered to win right now!

Sensational Six is available now, for the amazingly low price of $0.99, for a limited time, anyway. Yes that means it won't stay this price forever. So don't delay, get your set today! And remember, at this price, it's a great way to give someone a Thanksgiving or early holiday present that they'll love without killing your own wallet.

What's in the set? Six great stories from seven authors -- Six Gals and a Guy -- including The Night Beat, Necropolis Enforcement Files #1, along with an extra-long excerpt of Night Music, Necropolis Enforcement Files #2. And right now, this boxed set is the only place where you can get both The Night Beat and the Night Music excerpt, and since you can get them both AND five other awesome stories for less than a dollar, there's really no reason not to race out and grab them right now! And to make it easy for you, here are all the buy links ('cause I'm a giver, me).

Kobo
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
iTunes
Barnes and Noble

Speaking of Night Music, and just to prove that it's really coming to you in early 2015, head on over to my Premieres page where you can see the worldwide unveiling of the cover! Yes, once you have a cover, you know it's real, and it's really real!

The Sensational Six Blog Tour is also in full swing. Details for all stops are here at the Blah, Blah, Blah, Blog (see posts below). Every stop has prizes and there's a gigantic grand prize, too, so definitely get entered to win. And if that's not enough, there's a big party on Facebook this Thursday, Nov. 20th, aka tomorrow, starting at 3pm EST. RSVP now so you don't miss out because, of course, there's going to be authors chatting and prizes being handed out the entire time!

Already got Sensational Six? Already read some or all of the stories in the set? Do all Six Gals and a Guy a favor and leave a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, Smashwords, Kobo, iTunes, or Goodreads. Review (like pre-orders) help books and authors tremendously, and right now, Sensational Six needs reviews!

That's it for today but, as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the beginning of the downward slide to the weekend, and let's be winning and reviewing readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Monday: Night Owl Yapping

Happy Sunday!

Go me for late notice and all that, but I wanted to advise all y'all that I'll be live chatting -- along with awesome authors Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Caris Roane, aka The Paranormal Romance Dream Team -- over at Night Owl Reviews this Monday, October 6 at 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8 Eastern. International attendees are encouraged to join us, too!

The chat room will appear on the scheduled chat day (like magic, apparently). Chat Schedule, all times Pacific, is:
(5:00 PM) Erin Quinn
(5:15 PM) Gini Koch
(5:30 PM) Caris Roane
(5:45 PM) Erin Kellison

Oh, and, lest we fear it's all just yap, there will be prizes, too. Knowing the four of us, lots of prizes.

You will need to RSVP by 4pm Pacific on the 6th in order to be entered for prizes. Details for how to RSVP are on the event page.

Hope you're all having great weekends and I also hope to see a bunch of you at the Night Owl Reviews chat on Monday evening!

Love,
Gini

Collective Kaiju

Hey there! Hope everyone had a great week last week, a wonderful weekend, and are having a fantastic week this week. I had a fabulous time at the SDSU Writers' Conference. But before I tell you about that, there's LOTS of exciting things going on, so let's get to them!

First up, I'm super excited to share a Kaiju-Level Big Reveal: the cover for Alien Collective! Check it out over at my Premieres page! And remember, it's never too early to pre-order, either online or from your favorite bookstore!

After that, The Writer Librarian is talking about Alien Research, and Feeling Fictional, Bring on the Books, and Open Book Society all have new reviews of the bookie wookie up as well.

The SDSU Writers' Conference was great. In addition to getting to spend tons of time with the Awesome Editor, I also got to run the yap with the fantastic and talented Susan Squires, Jennifer Ashley, Erin Quinn, and Mark A. Clements, and hang out with authors Shelley Coriell, Jeff Mariotte, Henry Herz, and Lisanne Norman. All this PLUS I got to spend time with several Members of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing including Glen, Allison, Joseph, and Mariann. All while celebrating my birthday in style. It was a fantastic weekend, and if you're an aspiring author or one on the brink, I can't recommend this conference highly enough.

Of course, there was more to the trip than just the conference. For all that plus many things geeky and nerdy, check out the latest edition of More Geek Than Gay either in audio or on YouTube. Then, for a little retro (as in earlier this month) fun, check out Blogging With Badger and his brush with fame via The Dish -- read all the way to the end for the big reveal!

Speaking of reveals, the ebook version of Kaiju Rising is out to the Kickstarter backers, as is the final cover for the physical books! Head over to SF Signal to get a bigger look, and get ready to read my short story, "With Bright Shining Faces" by moi writing as J.C. Koch along with a ton of other awesome shorts soon, very soon. (Perhaps sooner than you think...)

Speaking of Kickstarter anthologies (oh, yes we were), there's still time to get in on Unidentified Funny Objects 3. And there are still a couple of tuckerizations of mine left, so if you want to be immortalized in some way in the story I'll be writing for this anthology, or just see what I and all the other awesome authors involved do with it, then head on over and fund as you're able.

Speaking of short stories (yes, we definitely were), I'm doing several for Penumbra eZine this year. And why do you care, aside from the fact that it's moi writing them? You care because each and every one of them will be set in the Alien series universe. That's right -- the Clockwork Universe anthology has sparked a trend! AND, the first one, coming out in May (just like Clockwork Universe, and Alien Collective), will be something you've all been waiting for -- how Reader met Gower. I know! It's too happy to be true! But wait! There's more!

Each month Penumbra offers you fantastic fiction on a theme. And right now, they're offering you 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!

Last but in no way least, a reminder that I'll be heading to Daytona Beach, FL and Coastal Magic Con in a week. Looking forward to seeing many of you there! If you haven't registered but still want to go, send me an email, and I'll give you the legal "back door" into registration.

That's it for today, but as always, there's more on the way. So enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend, those who watch enjoy the Superbowl and its commercials, 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

Recap Winning

I'm ba-ack...after the awesome Tucson Festival of Books, where I got to see so many awesome Members of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing. But before the recap, we have some business to get to. The business of WINNING.

We have our winner of the Christopher Baldwin giveaway. So, the lucky winner of Spacetrawler #1 is:

Root

NOTE TO OUR WINNER: You have until Thursday, March 21st to respond via email to gini@ginikoch.com with full name and physical address. If the winner does not reply by the 21st, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice.

Speaking of which, the first winner of the Erin Kellison giveaway did NOT check in (shame, shame, the Gods of Random withdrew your name). So the newly minted winner is:

Betty Hamilton
  
NOTE TO OUR WINNER: You have until Thursday, March 21st to respond via email to gini@ginikoch.com with full name, email address, book selected, and requested e-format. If the winner does not reply by the 21st, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice.

One of the Members of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing, the velvet-voiced Bob Mutascio gave me a lovely shout-out during his last At The Show show on Killradio. Check it out and guess which song he dedicated to moi! Then check out what KD Did It thought of Alien Tango.

And now, back to the Tucson Festival of Books. It was cold, rainy, and windy, but it was still a fantastic weekend. I got to hang with awesome authors like Marsheila Rockwell, Christopher Baldwin, Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Jeff Mariotte, Kris Tualla, Jennifer Ashley, and tons more! I got to panel with the ever-wonderful Nancy Holder -- twice! -- as well as the excellent Jennifer Roberson, Ed Hoornaert, and Chris Marie Green. And, thanks to the wonderful Eric Penney Haury, I got to meet Ted Danson in person. And, let me just say that not only is he gracious, he's even more handsome in person than he looks onscreen. (As in, I've recast Richard White in my mind. For reals. FOR REALS.)

Many thanks to all the Alien Collective who came by the Arizona Dreamin' booth, to my signings at the Mysterious Galaxy and Poisoned Pen booths, to Nicole from The Book Pushers () for the goody bag, and especially Hal and Dee Astell who brought me the newest cool addition to my awesome sparkly pink hat collection! Pics are on Facebook for those who want to see the hat as modeled by the Travel Poof.

And now, it's time to get Alien Research done. Because it's due, um, soon. Really soon. Scary soon. SO, if you don't hear from me too much for the rest of the month, it's because, well, the Awesome Editor would like to actually get this book in hand, and I have a long, long way to go before I sleep.

So, enjoy the coming weekend, beware the Ides of March, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Last Days of Winning Disco

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, that's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So everyone have a wonderful weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Pinning Moi Down

Happy Hump Day! This is coming out a little late because, well, there's so much going on it took me a while to gather it all. (Yes, that's my story -- versus "I was up late and got up late and am just running late, late, late" -- I think "so much going on" sounds way better, don't all y'all?) So, let's roll! (Yes, I know, I sound so gangsta when I say that. ;-D)

First up, head over to RT Book Reviews where they've totally done me the honor of including me in their Recommended Science Fiction Romance list! I'm there with some other awesome authors, so check it out and grab some reads you may have missed!

Romancing the Genres has a nice listing of some cons worth attending, including Arizona Dreamin'. I still have one half price ticket available for this year's AZD con, so if you want it, let me know ASAP. It's a great opportunity to hang out with moi and 19 other awesome authors, including Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Caris Roane.

Speaking of Erin Kellison, tune in tomorrow, because she's our featured Spotlight guest. And yes, in addition to learning fun things about her, you'll also have a chance to win one of her excellent books.

Next up, see who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her Favorite Female Book Characters. Then see what books My 5 Monkeys can't wait for. Then hit Gizmo's Reviews and see who her Top 10 Auto-Buy Authors are.

My awesome assistant Colette (aka She Who is Saving What's Left of My Sanity) has dragged me kicking and whining (but not screaming, so there's that) onto Pinterest. So, check out my Pinterest boards, pin away, and follow me so I can follow you back! In addition to series pins, I have a board for pins from the Alien Collective, recipes and food ideas from the Alien Collective, and pins so you can See The Characters (which I promise to fill in as much as I can :-D) as I do in my mind, or at least, close to.

Remember that this is the last week of the Tidy My Office contest, and the marked up galley for Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by moi writing as G.J. Koch is up for grabs. But it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on? Now's really the time to get on. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com, and you'll be in and get the rules for entry sent right to you.

Speaking of which, it's time to announce the winner of the marked up galley for Alien vs. Alien. So, without further ado, here's who the Gods of Random liked this week:

Kathryn Willadsen

Note to our winner: You have until Sunday, March 3rd to check in by sending me an email with your name (first and last) and your full mailing address. If I don't hear from you, the Gods of Random will demand a sacrifice and a new winner will be chosen.

That's it for today, but more's on the way. Enjoy the downward slide to the weekend, and let's be readers out there! See you tomorrow for a stellar Spotlight, and peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

TFOB Stuffed Penguin Contest

FOR HOOK ME UP! ONLY -- INTERNATIONAL CONTEST

I went to the Tucson Festival of Books and all you're getting is...well, a lot!

First off, there's a lovely, black, sleek yet sturdy Penguins Classics totebag. And what's in that tote? Lots and lots and lots. Buttons, bookmarks, keychains, a water bottle, and more. Books. Signed books. Books by Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Carrie Weaver, Holly Lisle and more! And, you know, a book from me might slip in there, too...you never can tell! ;-D

Contest runs from Thursday, March 17th through Sunday, March 20th. This is an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, and are on Hook Me Up!, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

So, Hook Me Uppers!, answer me this: What stuffed animal would you take with you on a trip to visit the A-C Home World and why?

Love, Gini

ADDENDUM: Some of you haven't actually entered the contest yet. Check the last Hook Me Up! emails to ensure you're properly entered entered. (Yes, I'm saying this 'cause several of you who've commented are NOT actually entered as of yet.)

Friday Fun

Happy Friday, one and all! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got a short and sweet, but fun, one for y'all today, so let's get to it!

First off, head over to The Amber Scott Project to discover 10 things you didn't know about moi. Trust me, these are things you really DON'T know about me. And this is your only shot to find out. After this, it's back to the mystery that is moi. *snort*

After learning all there is to know about yours truly, hit Escape Between the Pages to see what she's waiting on, then head to Lovin' and Livin' Life Reviews to see who won what and why.

Reminder: I'll be at Borders Waterfront tonight from 5-7pm signing "Touched by an Alien". (I may also be signing "Alien Tango". Hey, anything's possible, right?) I'm not alone there, seeing as there's 8 of us signing, and we're all bringing goodies and raffle prizes, so if you're in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area, you might want to stop by.

Then on Saturday, as in tomorrow, I'll be at the Desert Rose Fifth Annual Fall Writer's Workshop. It's free, I'm doing a panel with the awesome Erin Quinn and we're also in the Q&A session at the end. It's at the Scottsdale Public Library and runs from 9am-4:30pm.

So, see some of you tonight and tomorrow, love all of you as you well know, enjoy your weekend and keep on reading!

Love,
Gini

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, I was going to do my World Fantasy Con roundup today, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, a massive number of deadlines earned at WFC combined with some "fun" computer issues has put me behind, and my roundup isn't ready. I know, I know, crushing disappointment from all, I'm sure, but hey, there's other stuff going on, so let me catch you up quickly on all that, and then, NEXT time, the roundup, cross my heart and hope to be whisked away by an A-C.

What other stuff, you ask? Why our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing and "Alien Tango" ARC winner My 5 Monkeys has her review up. And lest anyone think "Touched by an Alien" has been forgotten, Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama has her review going strong. Hit them both, leave some Alien Collective love, you know the drill.

Smootchies and thank yous to Dark Wyrm Reads and Tempting Persephone who are encouraging one and all to take a look at the excerpt from "Alien Tango" that's up on the Deathless Prose page. If you haven't checked it out yet, don't delay! Head over and whet the ol' appetite for Kitty, Martini, and the rest of the gang. And smootchies to all on Twitter and Facebook who are also spreading the excerpt love. Y'all rock!

Speaking of advanced reading opportunities and My 5 Monkeys (ooh, a DOUBLE), check out who's getting to borrow her "Alien Tango" ARC. Congrats to those who are getting to paw the precious! Hope you all enjoy it as much as Julie did!

Site updates are going on all the time in the background. If you've reviewed "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien Tango" (woot!) and don't see your review listed on the Accolades page, let me know so we can rectify.

In Person/Con Reminder: I'll be in Tucson for TusCon 37 from November 12-14th. If you're in or around the Greater Tucson area, try to stop by. I'm doing a large number of panels and, if memory serves, a reading, as well as partaking in the book signing. Plus, many other of my fave awesome authors will be there. You'll be glad you made the trip, I promise.

Also, aspiring authors in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, don't miss the Fall Writers Workshop at the Scottsdale Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 20th. I'll be there, leading a session with the awesome Erin Quinn on "Two Faces of Paranormal", and there's much, much more. And it's FREE. Chance to meet a ton of authors? Check. Chance to learn a lot? Check. All for free? Double check. So, hope to see you there!

That's it for today. Enjoy the slide to the weekend and keep it alien! Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

The Weekend's in Sight!

We're on the downward slide of the week! Whoo hoo!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, after the whirlwind that was the beginning of the week, we're back to calm and relaxed in Gini Land. Well, sort of. Team Gini might argue, 'cause they've been busy little worker bees.

Check out the updated Accolades page for the latest and link to any reviews of "Touched by an Alien" you might have missed. Have a review I haven't linked to somehow? Let me know and we'll rectify that pronto!

The Datebook also has yet more new events on it. My BookTour.com page is all up to date. And if you missed the fun interview with Erin Quinn we did here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog from a few weeks ago, it's now live on Spotlight.

Speaking of interviews, if you haven't checked out my latest, head over to The Book Addict and do it right now. She's giving away cool prizes all week long but you have to comment to win!

Also speaking of interviews, don't forget that we have Alien Collective member Amber Scott here on Monday to discuss her latest release, "Play Fling", as well as a giveaway! Amber's also got some cool news about an upcoming 1st Turning Point interview, with someone I consider a mentor, so check out The Amber Scott Project and mark your calendars! Authors aspiring to publication in particular should check this out.

I'm heading out to see Dream Theater and Iron Maiden. Hope you all have something equally fun and awesome planned for your weekends!

Love,
Gini

Winning Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's all about the winning today. Lots and lots of winning. And, hey, we all like winning, so it's all good!

First up, the winner of the "Touched by an Alien" giveaway at That's QUEEN Bitch to You has been announced. Head on over and offer your Alien Collective congrats (or envy)!

Next, remember that the chance to win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" from Tempting Persephone ends this Friday, May 28. Hurry on over and leave a comment to have a chance to win! Friends don't have "Touched by an Alien" yet? Well, send them over, too!

If you're not on Hook Me Up! yet, remember that you have until Sunday, May 30th, to sign up to be eligible for the last week, Week Four, Exclusive contest. Just send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be all set to have a chance to win some great prizes!

Week Two's winner, Carien Ubink, chose the Limited Edition Gini Bag as her prize. It could be yours, too -- or an Amazon gift card, an iTunes gift card, or a signed and personalized copy of "Touched by an Alien" -- all you have to do is send that email, get signed up, and enter to win!

And, speaking as we are of winning, there's MORE to win. Our own Amber Scott has a chance to win her book, "Play Fling", up at The Amber Scott Project. Head on over, leave a comment, get entered to win. Also, while you're there, check out the latest from last week for Project Pay It Forward.

Last but in no way least, Erin Quinn's spotlighting author Donna Grant, and there's a chance to win Donna's latest release, "Forbidden Highlander". Again, head on over, leave a comment, get entered to win.

I told you it was all about the win today! So, go forth and conquer!

Love,
Gini

So Much To Choose From...

...Do 'Em All!

Happy Friday! As we head into another fabulous weekend and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have more going on in Gini Land. First up, The Galaxy Express has a great piece on humor in science fiction/science fiction romance. Head on over, have a read, and leave a comment, because, clearly, if you're part of the Alien Collective, you appreciate the funny and undoubtedly have views about it. (Y'all had views about the Badge of Honor, now, didn't you?)

Our own Amber Scott has the latest on the status of Project Pay It Forward up at The Amber Scott Project. Head over, show her blog some Alien Collective love, see what's happening so far with the copies of "Touched by an Alien" heading out on their journeys, and, for those of you doing similar, share what's been happening for you, too!

Remember that the "Haunting Beauty" giveaway runs through Sunday, so if you haven't hit yesterday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog interview with Erin Quinn and left a message, get one up there, pronto, so you can be entered to win. Yes, international readers, this means you, too.

Another reminder -- our own ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway is still open as well. Head over and leave a comment, and send over those who haven't read "Touched by an Alien" yet, so they can sign up for a chance to win, too!

Finally, remember to check out the Free Stuff page to see what you might want to get. Some quantities are really limited (cover flats of "Touched by an Alien" in particular), so if you think you want one, send an email right away to gini@ginikoch.com and get yours reserved. All details are now on the Free Stuff page.

By the way -- if you're going to be at Comic-Con in San Diego, California this year, drop me a line at gini@ginikoch.com so we can coordinate a meet-up! Same again if you'll be hitting CopperCon30 in Mesa, Arizona. Or World Fantasy Con in Columbus, Ohio. (Yeah, I'm gonna be a busy girl.)

Still not on Hook Me Up!? Why not? The Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest starts next week. So, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you can be on the list and entered into the contest. You'll be glad you did!

Love,
Gini

Erin Quinn Interview & Giveaway!

Well, as promised, we have a treat today. Awesome author Erin Quinn’s joined us to talk about her latest release, “Haunting Warrior”. As most of you know, Erin was my first author Spotlight interview. As many of you may not know, she’s also been a mentor to me, helping me through the excitement and total chaotic fun that is the release of your first book. (Yeah, in other words, she’s heard me whine a LOT …and put up with it, for which I’m sure she deserves some kind of reward.)

But without any further delay (I know, too late!), let’s get on with the interview! Erin, welcome to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, where the Yap Runneth Over.

Hi Gini! Thanks so much for having me here on your site. You asked some fabulous questions. Hope my answers do them justice.

Oh, they will. They definitely will. So, let’s dive right in.

Q. “Haunting Warrior”, which released on May 4th, is the second in your Haunting series. The first book in this series, “Haunting Beauty”, dealt with romance, time travel, clairvoyance, and ghosts (in a sense) -- awesome paranormal romance all the way. Is the tone of “Haunting Warrior” different or similar to “Haunting Beauty”?

A. I would say yes . . . and no. “Haunting Warrior” is much more action oriented than “Haunting Beauty”. It’s the story of Rory MacGrath and I really torture that poor man. I’ve got him running for his life and fighting to protect the woman he loves for much of the story. Of course I left ample time for romance and some snooky. As part of the MacGrath family, Rory has his own special powers and must learn to embrace them in “Haunting Warrior”.

Awesome! We love the action and the snooky here at Team Gini. So…

Q. Is “Haunting Warrior” a continuation of Danni and Sean’s story, or is it a new set of characters?

A. New set of characters, although Danni and Sean do make an appearance in the story. Rory is Danni’s twin brother. Readers met him in “Haunting Beauty” and learned that the night that changed history for Danni and Sean also altered Rory in ways he has never managed to cope with.

Q. In “Haunting Beauty”, Danni and Sean have to avert a horrible crime in the past in order to actually have a future. What challenges will your hero and heroine in “Haunting Warrior” be facing?

A. Oh my! That’s a loaded question. The night that Rory’s father disappeared from the cavern beneath the castle ruins, Rory disappeared too—but only for a few minutes. In “Haunting Warrior”, you find out where Rory went and what happened when he was there. Rory has to face his past as well, but not in the same way as Danni and Sean did.

Q. There’s a lot of Irish in your Haunting Series. Was that a nod to your heritage, or just because you love Ireland, and Irish lads, in general?

A. All of the above. When you’re named for a place—Erin/Ireland—it’s hard not to feel an affinity for it. The Irish are an incredible people and though physically I may be a mutt, spiritually I will always claim Irish as my heritage.

Q. What is the string/s that ties your Haunting Series together?

A. The ancient and mythical Book of Fennore is the common thread through the entire series. Each story digs a little deeper into what it is, how it came to be, what it can do . . . .and how to destroy it . . . .

Cool. I, personally, loved the Book, so I’m glad, in that sense, that it’s going to remain a major player. Good evil shouldn’t go to waste!

Q. I liked how you used Celtic language in “Haunting Beauty” -- it was always appropriate and I could also always figure out what the words meant, even if I hadn’t seen them before, without your doing a lot of narrative or dialog exposition. How hard, or natural, was that for you to do? And will there be more of that in “Haunting Warrior”?

A. It’s really funny—I have no ear for languages. I can barely speak my own, ha ha. My husband is fluent in two languages and can understand a handful of others but me . . . not so much. However, my writer’s ear is very good with them. I can write a dialect I can’t speak and probably couldn’t understand if I heard it if that’s not the craziest thing you ever heard. I don’t know how it works, but it does so I take it as a gift.

Q. I loved “Haunting Beauty” because of the complexity of the situation as well as the characters. What will I love about “Haunting Warrior”?

A. Rory. Rory. Rory. I loved writing Rory and I still think of him all the time. He was such a wonderful hero to work with. He’s special because he has so many issues but he really wants to be the man Saraid (our heroine) needs him to be. Saraid helps him get there and I think the chemistry between the two of them brings the whole story to life.

He sounds hunkalicious. Sean was a total hunk and a half, so can’t wait to see what you’ve done with Rory. Now…

Q. Some may have already gotten and devoured “Haunting Warrior” by now. For those who haven’t grabbed it or read it yet, can you give us a little taste?


A. Absolutely! So here’s a slice from the scene when Danni and Rory talk of the Book of Fennore. She’s just picked him up from the airport -- his first time home since he was sent away as a kid. He’s come back for his grandmother’s funeral -- a funeral the ghost of his grandmother invited him to attend.

Rory shoved his hands into his pockets, afraid they might shake as they had last night. “Nana came to see me,” he said softly.

Danni gave him a sharp look. “When?”

“Night before last.” A part of him couldn’t believe he was saying it out loud. A part of him wanted to laugh even as he remembered how it felt when he’d realized who was sitting in his car. “When I got off work, she was waiting for me.”

Danni made a sharp sound of amusement. “Bet that scared you out of your knickers.”

He forced a stiff smile.

“And what did she say?” Danni went on as if they were discussing the price of milk and eggs. “I’ve died, so come home?”

“Something like that.”

“She wanted something, didn’t she? She called you home to find the Book. Is that the way of it?”

He shouldn’t have been surprised she’d know that detail, too, but he was. Reluctantly, he nodded.

“I can see there’s no point in telling you not to do it, but it’s dangerous seeking something that shouldn’t be found. What did Aunt Edel say when you told her?”

“I didn’t tell her. Why would I?”

Danni looked at him in shock. “You mean you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“Edel has used the Book, Rory. Did you never notice her eyes? How queer they are?”

Rory stared at his sister, open-mouthed.

Edel had used the Book? Edel, who he’d lived with until he was old enough to move out on his own?

Suddenly it made so much sense. Suddenly he understood why his parents had sent him to his crazy aunt with her flat, dark eyes. Why she alone had been able to put fear into Rory’s heart. They were kindred in more ways than blood.

“Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?” he asked, angry.

She shook her head, clearly as surprised as he by this giant hole in his education.

“Who told you?” he demanded.

“I don’t know. I’ve just always known.”

If he hadn’t hidden himself so far from home, perhaps he would have known, too.

“Rory,” Danni said, and something in her voice had changed. He looked at her, found himself staring into those luminous eyes of hers—gray and stormy, like the Irish Sea itself. For one weak moment he’d wanted nothing more than to embrace his sister and tell her how much he’d missed her. How much she meant to him. How sorry he was for hurting her along the way to his liberation. But he didn’t move and he didn’t speak.

“I have something for you,” she said. “In case I don’t get the chance to talk to you alone later.”

She pulled a small green box from her pocket. He stared at it curiously but made no move to take it.

“Nana wanted you to have this and she knew mum would keep it from you if she could, so she made me promise that I would give it to you.”

She thrust the box out to him with a reluctance he couldn’t miss.

And suddenly he knew what was inside before he even opened the lid, knew what it meant that Nana had gone to so much trouble to make certain he received it. Knew this was what she’d told him he would need. Slowly he took it from his sister, his big hands dwarfing the tiny box. He hesitated, and then finally he lifted the lid.

Inside, nestled on a piece of cotton, was the pendant.

Whoo hoo! The pendant’s back! (Those who’ve read “Haunting Beauty” will know why I’m excited. Those who haven’t should grab a copy. Hmmm…and keep reading…)

Q. After “Haunting Warrior”, what’s next and when are they coming?

A. “Haunting Desire” is slated for March 2011 and “Haunting TBD” for October 2011!

Super, I can’t wait! Especially for “Haunting TBD”…I love that title best, I think.

Gini, thanks so much for hosting me here! This was such a fun interview! I would love to give an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty” away to one of your blog readers!


Wicked cool! Okay gang, you’re all used to how this works, I know. Leave a comment for Erin here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog any time between now and Sunday night. On Monday we’ll do a random drawing and one of you will win an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty”. And for the dudes in the Alien Collective -- trust me, your womenfolk will want you to try to win.

Love, Gini

P.S. Check out Erin's blog and website, for more about her Haunting Series.
http://www.erinquinn.info
http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/

Can't wait to get your hands on "Haunting Warrior"? Order it here.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425234142
Barnes&Nobles: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9780425234143
Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425234142
Indy bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425234143

We Have Winner Liftoff!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've finally achieved a respectable majority vote on the Alien Collective Badge of Honor. *drum roll, please...*

Option 2 is the big winnah!














(Option 3 lovers: the support group is in place.)

Check out the Free Stuff page over the next few days to get access to the Badge as well as other avatars and freebies...and, now that we have an official Badge selection, more will be coming (just as soon as we at Team Gini get them printed up and ready.)

In other website news, the Accolades page is up and running -- keep the cards and letters coming! Remember, Sightings in the Wild is always looking for new pics of "Touched by an Alien" in its various natural habitats. And if you haven't read it yet, we have a great Spotlight interview with author Deborah LeBlanc.

Coming Thursday will be the Blah, Blah, Blah interview with author Erin Quinn, along with a giveaway, so you won't want to miss it!

Love,
Gini

New Spotlight Interview!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got an action-packed week for you here in Gini Land, so fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be an exciting ride.

First up, we've got a new interview with wicked cool author Deborah LeBlanc. Head on over to my Spotlight page and check it out!

For those of you who missed the Weekend Update, our own ALPHA Reader has an interview with moi live and kicking. She's also giving away a copy of "Touched by an Alien" to one lucky blog follower. So stop on by and give her blog some Alien Collective love! And if you or someone you know doesn't have a copy of "Touched by an Alien" yet, start following her blog, post a comment, and you'll be entered to win.

And, a reminder that an informative blog post from yours truly (I know, I know, what were the odds?) is up at 1st Turning Point and our own Amber Scott's got "Touched by an Alien" paying forward via her P.P.I.F. Launch Party, so stop by and give those some Alien Collective attention, too!

Is there more? By golly, there's more! On Thursday, May 6th, I'll be interviewing awesome author Erin Quinn right here on the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog about her latest release, "Haunting Warrior", which hits the shelves tomorrow. There will be something special going along with all the yap, so plan to stop by, say hi, ask those probing questions we authors love, and find out what all the fuss is about!

And...the Hook Me Up! Exclusive Contest is going to start next week. So, if you're somehow still not on Hook Me Up!, now's the time to get hooked up. Just send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be all set to have a chance to score an exclusive prize...maybe more than one prize...

Love,
Gini

Whole Lotta Informin' Going On!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's more going on at Team Gini Central. First off, there's a new question, and, therefore, a new answer, in the Ask Gini! section of the Extra Me! page.

There's also a new Playlist up (I know, don't faint -- the soundtrack doesn't stop, but I sometimes forget to let y'all know I've changed the channel), and for those of you who may have missed it, the Cool Links page has been revised, improved, and added to. And, as I'm sure you've noticed, the Blog Roll on Blah, Blah, Blah... keeps expanding 'cause, well, there's a lot of cool blogs out there.

I know I promised a Desert Dreams Conference update, and you shall finally have it.

It was awesome.

Okay, okay, I'll toss out some details. It's always a great conference -- lots of great authors and aspiring authors, great speakers, lots of learning, networking and fun. I got to hang with several members of the Alien Collective, even though I didn't get to hang with them as much as I'd thought I would, because we were all so busy racing around being individually awesome. (It's a tough job, being as awesome as we all are, I know, but that's just the cross the Alien Collective has to bear. You all do it so well, though, that you make it look easy.) I didn't get a full count, but it seemed like we had between 200-250 people there.

Got to moderate informative and fun sessions for Tina Gerow, Jennifer Ashley, and Deborah LeBlanc and learn a lot in the process. Got to sign books sitting between Deborah and Kathryne Kennedy. Since Deborah and I know each other, but get to see each other like once every two years, we might have been a tad raucous. But the rumors are totally untrue and unfounded and not based in any kind of fact at all! Got to have dinner with Eileen Rendahl who is even cooler and more fun in person than you already expect from her books. Had Cat Brown ASK if she could have Romance Junkies review "Touched by an Alien", even before we realized we're both total NCIS nerds. Got to hang at the bar with Erin Quinn and Calista Fox. Again, the rumors are SO not true! Well, okay, maybe a little true.

Hmmm, this sounds like all I did was party. Well, I was also left in charge of a large sum of money, which somehow only struck a few of us as potentially dangerous. It struck ME as foolhardy, but the folks in charge seemed to think the money was safe and secure in my paws. Amazing, really. All's well that ends well and all that -- Erin came to her senses and took the cash before I could get into trouble with it. And no, we were NOT spending it in the bar! That was different cash.

But enough about that! As I said earlier, I had my first book signing, which was both totally beyond awesome and very successful. Many thanks and much love to the non-conference-attending Alien Collective folks who showed up, "Touched by an Alien" in hand, for the signing, as well as to all those who bought the book from me and will hopefully be joining the rest of us in the Collective. And...drum roll, please...Diana Gabaldon bought my book! Many thanks to Little Bit, the youngest member of the Collective, for her awesome and precocious salesgirlship in the brokering of that deal.

I'm sure there's more, there always is. But that's going to have to do for now. I mean, I have to save SOMEthing for tomorrow.

Love,
Gini

Contest Winner Announced!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, info about my first contest winner is up on the Win Stuff page. Head on over, see who was both right and lucky, and check out what 'extra' prize the winner's scoring in addition to an autographed Erin Quinn (writing as Erin Grady) book!

Then keep your eyes on the Blah, Blah, Blah blog for more, more, more that's coming this week.

Oh, yeah, by the way..."Touched by an Alien" officially releases tomorrow, and will be in bookstores near you! Just thought you might want to know...

Love,
Gini

Yet Another Interview, With a Prize Attached!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a very good Friday for me, because I'm running the yap again, this time over at Erin Quinn's blog. Head over and see what Erin and I are talking about, and feel free to comment and ask questions! And you'll WANT to comment because Erin's offering a $10 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky winner who comments about aliens on the blog. My readers should be experts, so head over and try to win!

Speaking of winning, as you all know, one of Erin's books will be going to my grand prize winner, along with a special treat from me. The contest is closed now for everyone but those on Hook Me Up! Contest winner will be announced on Monday, April 5, right here on the Blah, Blah, Blah blog and the Win Stuff page.

Oh, and in case you've somehow forgotten, "Touched by an Alien" officially releases on Tuesday, April 6th. So if you don't have your copies yet, you will soon!

Love,
Gini

My First Contest Is Alive!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, my first contest is alive, well, and beginning now. Head over to my Win Stuff page and check out the rules as well as the awesome prize options. (I'll give you a hint -- the winner is going to get a signed book from awesome author Erin Quinn, writing as Erin Grady, plus a little something extra from me...I know! TOO cool!)

If you aren't on Hook Me Up! yet, now's the time to join. My HMU! subscribers will get the contest questions first, as well as some clues, plus they'll have a short extension date to get their answers in -- that those of you only reading the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog won't get. (I know...life's not fair, is it? Unless, of course, you sign up for Hook Me Up!, and then life's great.)

Good luck to all, and may the one with the best Gini Knowledge win!

Love,
Gini

Author Interview on Spotlight!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I have a new interview up on my Spotlight page.

This one's with author Erin Quinn. She's a great writer with a new series out from Berkley Sensation, and she has some great advice for other authors hoping to break in.

There's also a new Playlist up, and more to come! So read Erin's interview and take a look around as we continue to put on new paint and wallpaper. So to speak.

Love,
Gini