Tours of Duty

Happy Veteran's Day! Hope Monday treated everyone well and we're all fully into the flow of the week. For those of you off work today, enjoy the time! For everyone, though, today is Veteran's Day in the U.S., and everyone, worldwide, should take a moment to thank those who have served in your country's armed forces, especially those who gave all. William Cox, Michael Gower, Gladys Gower, Naomi Gower-Reynolds, and Fuzzball salute all those who served and the memories of and families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour is going strong, with three stops today!

Head over to Larissa's Bookish Life for my Top 10 Fave TV Shows and a chance to win one of the first 9 books in the Alien series. Then hit Feeling Fictional for my Top 10 SciFi Heroes, and another chance to win. And last but not least, hit Gizmo's Reviews for Christopher's Top 10 Kitty-isms, and yet another chance to win! All contests are open internationally.

And, while you're over there, check out what Gizmo's Reviews thought of Universal Alien.

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
11-12 A Buckeye Girl Reads
11-13 Bibliognome
11-14 boeklogboek
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
11-18 I Smell Sheep
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster
11-20 Under the Covers
11-21 Word of the Nerd
12-01 Books-n-Kisses
12-01 Readaholics Anonymous
12-02 Smart Girls Love Sci Fi

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

Speaking of tours, yet another stop on my upcoming December Book Tour has been confirmed! Here are all the Tour dates so far, one of which (Dec. 2nd) includes a webcast event so that everyone can join in, even if you can't be with me in person!

Tuesday, December 2nd
Universal Alien Release Day Signing and Party
Cake, readings, signings, games and prizes!
7pm, The Poisoned Pen
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd., #101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-947-2974
Additional LiveStream Event runs concurrently, so even if you can't be here in person you can still join in the fun!

Saturday, December 6th
Universal Alien Signing and Party
2pm, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
5943 Balboa Ave., Suite 100
Balboa Mesa Shopping Center
San Diego, CA 92111
NOTE: Mysterious Galaxy has moved! New location listed above. See you there!

Saturday, December 13th
Universal Alien Signing and Wycked Women Who Write Party
Come Party With Us From
1-4pm, Barnes and Noble Bookstore
567 North Stephanie
Henderson, NV 89014
702-434-1533

Wednesday, December 17th
Universal Alien Signing and Party
7:00pm Barnes and Noble Bookstore
Desert Ridge Marketplace
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 42
Phoenix, AZ 85050
480-538-8520

More dates may be coming, so keep watching the Datebook for updates!

Have you gotten your November issue of Penumbra eMagazine yet? If not, why not? You're missing out on "Alien Pick-Up", and you know you don't want to do that! Also, if you've missed the May issue, featuring "Alien on the Runway", and/or the July issue, featuring "Mr. Dash Saves the World", you want to get those, too. And you can, easily, because Penumbra has all their back issues for sale, too.

That's it for today, but as always, especially during Tour Time, there's more on the way. So let's be honoring readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Collectively Yapping on a Friday

Happy Friday! Well, it's been a busy week, hasn't it? Hope that all y'all had a wonderful week, both in the blogosphere and elsewhere, and that you all have fantastic weekends planned.

But before we get there, we have another stop on the Alien Collective Blog Tour! Head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig where you can find the latest interview with moi (and, amazingly enough, everyone asked different questions, so if you want an insight into my, and Kitty's, process, check out all the stops along the way!), Sullivan McPig's review of Alien Collective, and another chance to win a signed, personalized copy of your choice of Books 1-8 in the Alien series. Open internationally, ends May 25.

And don't forget about the other stops that have come before! Most have interviews and/or reviews and all have chances to win. And all are open internationally. So if you've missed a stop that's still open, rectify!

-- A Buckeye Girl Reads, ends May 12
-- Under the Covers, ends May 13
-- boeklogboek, ends May 14
-- I Smell Sheep, ends May 15
-- Bibliognome, ends May 15
-- Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, ends May 18
-- Pearls Cast Before a McPig, ends May 25
-- Gizmo's Reviews

Speaking of rectification, here's a special prize available, at every stop on the Tour but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

Next up, check out what Gizmo's Reviews thought of Alien Collective.

Now it's time to remind you that I'll be in SoCal for the next stops on my mini book tour. So, if you're in or around San Diego come see the me and get your signed copies of Alien Collective and all the other bookie wookies at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, on Saturday, May 10, from 10am-5pm, I'll be speaking and signing from 1-2pm, but will be around all day.

Your other option is in the South Bay, where you can come see the me at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, from 7:30-8:30pm on Monday, May 12.

A good time shall be had by all at each location, so don't miss out!

I'll be relatively quiet next week (don't faint) because of being in SoCal and working on Universal Alien and other things of a writerly and deadliney nature. Therefore, I'm giving you more reminders now. Because that's just the nice kind of girl I am.

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

Have you checked out and bid on the many excellent offerings at the Brenda Novak auction? Check out my fantastic Alien Pack -- and bid early and often!

Last but in no way least, Touched by an Alien is out in audiobook form. If you haven't scored your copy yet, now's a great time. They do make lovely Mother's Day gifts. ;-D Get your copies today, from Audible, Amazon, Tantor Audio, and other fine retailers all over.

That's it for this week, but as always, more's on the way. So, enjoy the slide into the weekend, see some of you in San Diego and others of you in Redondo Beach, and still others of you in other places. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

More Collective Yapping

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Release Day Yapping & Winning!

Happy Alien Collective Release Day! Sooo, what are all y'all doing today? Reading? Really? How...shocking. Well, to add to all that shocking, we have lots going on today. So, let's get you reading all the stuff all over, so that you can get back to reading all about Kitty!

First up, the next two stops on the Alien Collective Blog Tour are live. So head over to Gizmo's Reviews where she has an interview with Kitty and a chance to win one of the first 8 books in the Alien series. And after you've read and entered to win over there, go to A Buckeye Girl Reads, where she has another interview with Kitty along with another chance to win! (Yeah, Kitty's doing all the yapping today. Seems only fair, right? Of course right!) Oh, and all the Blog Tour contests are open internationally.

There's a special prize available, at these two stops as well as at Larissa's Bookish Life  (contest ends TODAY, May 6), Bibliognome (contest ends May 15), and Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell (contest ends May 18), but it's for my Hook Me Up! Subscribers only. Not on? Perhaps now's the time to rectify that mistake. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and sent the special instructions!

Next up, head over to see what Under the Covers thought of Alien Collective.

Now it's time for some "live action" stuff. Okay, it's podcasts and videos, but that's close enough! Check out the latest More Geek Than Gay audio podcast, which include some of moi yapping at my signing at The Poisoned Pen. And then head over to Extra Me! in the Interactive Gini section, scroll down, and find my 6 short Q&A interviews for ASU's Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. If you're an aspiring author, these, and the others in the series, are well worth checking out. And if you just like hearing me run my yap, these are also a must.

Reminders (because not everyone remembers and no one should miss out):

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


Also, the bidding is going strong at the Brenda Novak auction. Check out my fantastic Alien Pack -- and bid early and often! All proceeds go to a great charity!

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

That's it for today, but we have much more release week excitement coming your way. So, peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be winning readers of Alien Collective out there!

Love,
Gini

Word is the Word that You Heard

Happy Hump Day! As promised yesterday, there's big news today! So let's get right to it, shall we? We shall!

As shared by Word of the Nerd, the audio rights for Touched by an Alien have been sold and the audiobook will be available a week from today, April 16, 2014! So, all of you who've asked me over the years when the audiobook would be available, the answer is -- this month!

Rights for the rest of the series have not been bought yet, so if you want to hear all the books "live", you need to do your girl, and yourselves, a solid and support this one. It will be available for download from Audible and iTunes, and available for CD and MP3 purchase from most major retailers. The Word of the Nerd article has all the current buy and pre-order links. And yes, requests to your local libraries to stock copies are as greatly appreciated as purchases. Get the word out so we can, um, get the words out!

Speaking of words, see what Word of the Nerd thinks of Alien in the Family and Alien Proliferation.

After that, head over to see what Gizmo's Reviews has stacking the shelves. Then hit the Spacefrieghters Lounge and cast your vote for covers with or without shirtless heroes. I confess to being on the side of shirted heroes, and NOT just because Alien Tango is one of the covers supporting that side. But it helps.

As many of you have reminded me, Alien Collective will release in less than a month. I know many of you are also bitter that you didn't win the flash contest. However, once my author copies arrive, I promise another contest will be on the way. But, if you aren't willing to risk it all on the Gods of Random, a reminder that I'll be at these fine bookstores in early May, so don't miss your chance to see the me and get the bookie wookie signed and personalized and all that lovely jazz! (And remember that all 3 bookstores take pre-orders, will get the books signed for you, AND will ship to you. So if you can't be there in person, you can still get your book signed by moi.)

Mini Book Tour Dates:

Saturday, May 3rd, 2:00-3:30pm
ADVANCED BOOK RELEASE PARTY for Alien Collective -- it's rare to get your publisher to allow you to release your book in advance of official release day, but the Pen and I did it, so make sure you make your plans to come party with us! And get YOUR book DAYS before everyone else!
The Poisoned Pen
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-947-2974/888-560-9919

Saturday, May 10th, 10:00am-5pm
Signing Alien Collective & all the other bookie wookies
My spotlight will be at 1:00pm with official signing immediately after (and after that there will also be...CAKE!)

Mysterious Galaxy Birthday Bash 

Mysterious Galaxy San Diego
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite #302, San Diego, CA 92111, 858-268-4747

Monday, May 12th, 7:30-8:30pm
Signing Alien Collective & all the other bookie wookies
Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach
2810 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90278, 310-542-6000
That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be listening readers out there!

Love,
Gini

It's Funny Time

Hey there! Well, as promised, we have a lot going on today. Including but not limited to the winners of my Coastal Magic Con contest. But more on that later. (Oh, not much later. Stop whining.)

First up, a big announcement happened over at Amy Lane's Yarning to Write blog yesterday, discussing a lot of new March releases. But because some of you may be impatient to know why I'm caring about March releases, it's because I have one. My first humor collection, Random Musings from the Funny Girl, is now available in both trade paperback and ebook! Yes, it's true, and if you've ever wanted to know the inner workings of my mind, or just what I find funny, this book is for you.

Now, it's live interview time! Head over to More Geek Than Gay, where you can listen to or watch their 50th and 51st video podcasts. Why should you tune in? Both feature a two-part exclusive live and in person interview with moi, that's why! Check out Episode 50 audio, Episode 50 YouTube, Episode 51 audio, and Episode 51 YouTube for all the fun!

Next up, it's the Writing Process Blog Tour. If you missed last week's entry from T.C. Blue go check it out now. Then hit yesterday's post here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog for information on my so-called process. You'll also find the links to next week's entrants, authors Marsheila Rockwell, T.L. Smith, and T.M. Williams

After that, see which series Larissa's Bookish Life doesn't want to end. Then see who Gizmo's Reviews picks as the top 10 female characters in all genres. 

Now it's time for some reviews and such of Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters, which includes my story, "With Bright Shining Faces", written as J.C. Koch. See what Fantasy Book Review and Mass Movement Magazine think of the anthology. Then head over to Delirium Tremens where you can get a sample of Ed Erdelac's story.

Now for something a little different. My critique partner's husband (Andrew Dovichi) is a cool game designer, and he, along with other hotshots in the gaming industry, was interviewed by Polygon in a really interesting article about checkpoints and why they're good, bad, and many times ugly.

Big reminder that I'll be at the Tucson Festival of Books March 15 and 16. It looks like all my panels will be on Saturday the 15th but that could change. I'll be signing at the Poisoned Pen's booth on Sunday (I believe), times to come. And you can find me all the rest of the time at the gigantic Valley of the Sun booth, #s 107, 108, 109, 118, 119, and 120. If you're anywhere near Tucson next weekend, don't miss this Festival or your chance to see the me!

Last but in no way least, the Gods of Random have chosen the winners of the Coastal Magic Con Contest. So, without further delay, but with a nice drum roll, a big whoo hoo of congrats, and some tossing of confetti, here they are:

U.S. Winner: Brenda Hyde

International Winner: Dawn Murphy

Winners, you have until this Sunday, March 9th, to send me an email confirming your win, with the US winner providing their full mailing address and the international winner providing both their email address and what eformat they would like to get their books in. If the prizes are not claimed by the due date, the Gods of Random will demand a sacrifice and choose another winner. Meaning you will be sad and someone else will be very happy.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. Peace out my li'l gangstas, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

2014's Starting Off Busy

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. See some of you at DarkCon this weekend. The rest of you enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Extra Winning!

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini 

Last Days of...

Hey there! Yet another short and sweet one today. I know! I either save it all up and you don't hear from me for a week or more, or I dribble it out, one little thing at a time. It's all down to my whim and the timestamps on the "things".

In this case, we have two timestamps! Number one -- hit Books Make Me Happy for the third and final day of the Coastal Magic con giveaway featuring dinner with moi. Today's the last day to enter and win, and the winners from Days 1 and 2 are already announced, so this puppy moves fast!

Our other timestamp is on the Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters Kickstarter. We're down to the last 2 days, and the last few hundred dollars to make the last stretch goal, which is some awesome, Kaiju Rising specific, full color artwork. This is a great anthology, filled with awesome authors including moi, writing as J.C. Koch. So if you haven't funded yet, today's really the day. Check it out, you'll be glad you did! 

Last but in no way least, check out the covers Gizmo's Reviews is loving on right now.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the upcoming 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

Kaijuing Up the Catch Up

I know, I know...I've been back from WorldCon for a week and yet you haven't heard from me. WorldCon was made of awesome, by the way. But I'll catch you up on that later. (And I can HEAR you all going, "Oh yeah? Like you've caught us up on Phoenix Comicon and San Diego Comic-Con and CopperCon? Just like that, Gini?" And I say, "Yeah! Just like that! Only WITH information. Coming soon. I swear!" But I digress...) And there's been so much going on! Well, um, that's part of why you haven't heard from me. LOL Well, that and the combo of jet lag and con lag that have had me moving in molasses. But, enough whining -- let's get to the stuff!

First up, I'm in a new Kickstarter anthology, writing as J.C. Koch, and this one's about monsters! Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters to be exact! There are a ton of cool levels and even more cool horror authors involved, so head on over and fund it today!


After that, head over to The Nameless Zine, where there's an interview with awesome SF/F author L.E. Modesitt, Jr. as well as a review of The Happy Acres Haunted Hotel for Active Seniors in The Book Nook section. Then see what SF Reader has to say about Alien Proliferation.

Then hit Gizmo's Reviews and see who she thinks are the Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters. Speaking of reviews, check out what I thought of "Riddick" over at Slice of SciFi. 

And now, for the upcoming events! First off, for those of you in the Central and Northern Arizona areas, I'll be up at the NARWA meeting on Saturday, September 21, doing not one but TWO presentations -- Writing from the Hindbrain at 11am, and Archetypes, Stereotypes & Cliches at 1pm. Join us if you're able, at the Prescott Golf & Country Club, 1030 Prescott Country Club Blvd., Dewey, AZ 86327.

Next up, I'll be doing a live chat with the other members of the Paranormal Dream Team -- Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Caris Roane (like us on Facebook!) -- over at the Literal Addiction Paranormal Book Club, on Thursday, October 10, from 7:00-8:30pm EST. And yes, there WILL be prizes, so don't miss out!

Then, on Saturday, November 9th, it's the 8th Annual FREE Fall Writer's Workshop, where I'll be presenting Finding Your Voice, and will also be on a panel of successful published authors to tell you What Does It Take to be Happily Published Today? The Workshop runs from 9:30am-4:30pm, Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. We could charge a lot for this event...but we don't, so be sure you take advantage of all the great education being offered!

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

Love,
Gini

Winning Catch Up

Happy Hump Day! I know, I know, it's like I've fallen off the face of the Earth. That's what deadlines do, gang, and yes, I'm still on deadline for Alien Research. But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's so much going on, including the announcement of the winners of the Advanced Final Copies of Alien in the House, that I just had to stop and catch everyone up. So let's get to it!

First up, my April column for It's Comic Book Day! is live, so check it out and see what I do, and don't, recommend this month.

After that, head over to Medusa's Library where she's discussing gateway drugs -- for science fiction, that is.

Then check out what Gizmo's Reviews and Bibliognome are excited about. And check out Bibliognome's Bon Jovi Concert photos while you're there!

Speaking of excited, check out what Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of Alien in the House. Then see what Silk Screen Views thought of Touched by an Alien and Alien Tango.

I'll be visiting the Goodreads group Girls, Guns and Grimoires later this month to yap about the Alien series, so if you want to join in, join the group!

Speaking of my running around and running the yap, it's time for another roundup of In Person Events -- where you get to come see the me and have a good time while doing so!

Short Story Workshop -- I'll be teaching how to write short stories, and why that can be both harder and easier than novels, Saturday, May 4, 2013, 11:00am-3:30pm, Queen Creek Library, Queen Creek, AZ. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Book Signing -- for Alien in the House, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 7:00pm-8:30pm, The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale, AZ. This is my only signing event in Arizona before Phoenix Comicon, so don't miss out!

Mysterious Galaxy 20th Birthday Bash -- signing Alien in the House and eating cake all day, Saturday, May 11, 2013, 10:00am-5:00pm; I'm in the featured Arizona Authors Spotlight with awesome authors Jeff Marriotte and Marsheila Rockwell from 11:00am-12:00pm, San Diego, CA. This is my only Southern California signing before San Diego Comic-Con, so don't miss out!

Phoenix Comicon -- May 23 to May 26

Arizona Dreamin' -- May 31 to June 2

San Diego Comic-Con -- July 17 to July 21

DarkCon 2014 -- January 9 - January 12, 2014, I'm the Local Guest of Honor and DarkCon is hosting GiniKon on Sunday the 12th;  hotel reservations are now open! Get registered today, this event's gonna be huge!

I know you're all wondering who won the latest contest. And the time to find that out is now! So, without further ado, here are the lucky winners of an advanced final copy of Alien in the House:
  
--Marlise Perkins
--Bananas in the Void
--Clara Miller
--Silk Screen Views
--Ratkin

Special Mention Winner, who also gets an advanced copy of Alien in the House, chosen because she supported my "not awarding for grossest story" statement (hey, I'm capricious that way): Write With Butterfly Wings

NOTE TO THE WINNERS: You have until Sunday, April 21st, to send me an email with your name, complete mailing address, and any requested personalization -- any prize not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. More of me furiously writing Alien Research, true, but more of other things, too. So, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l ganstas, 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

Yapping While Galley Humping

Happy Hump Day! As you know, the Tidy My Office contest officially started yesterday. But, since it's running for 7 weeks, you're not too late if you haven't entered yet. However, remember that each galley is only "up" for 1 week, so if you want to win, increase your chances and get entered each week, starting today, for the Touched by an Alien galley. (And yes, as always, this is an international contest.)

But it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers, only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and we'll get the contest rules right out to you.

But there's more going on than just winning, so let's get to it! Though, our first stop also involves winning -- 'cause I'm a giver, me. Head on over to Under the Covers where the yap is large and in charge with new info (It's true! Well, some of it's true...) AND a chance to win your choice of one of the first four books in the Alien series (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation), signed and personalized. And yes, also open internationally.

Once you're done over there, head off to see what Kathy Takes on Books and The Anfractuous Bookaholic thought of Touched by an Alien, and what Medusa's Library thought of Alien Tango. Then see what Gizmo's Reviews is waiting on.

That's it for today, so get to the winning, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini