Win a Copy of Alien Nation!

The interwebs are still talking and you've got a chance to win a print copy of Alien Nation right now over at I Smell Sheep!

You've got 7 days to enter and win yourself (or if you're more generous than I, a friend) the next book in the Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Series. May the flip of the coin land on heads - assuming of course you called heads and if not well...you get the picture

-Ro

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

Happy Friday, Happy Holidays

Happy Friday! No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Got sick the moment my mini book tour ended and have still been writing like a crazed wolverine on Alien Collective. But there's been so much going on that I need to catch all y'all up now or else the next HMU! will be about as long as one of my novels. So let's get to it!

First up, In Media Res is doing a great Holidays giveaway, and this week includes books from moi. If you're in the US you can win a signed copy of Alien in the Family, if you're International you can win an ecopy of The Night Beat. So check it out, and don't miss out! The contest has been running all month, with new authors announced each Friday, and will also run next week as well.

Next up, more reviews are in for Alien Research. See why RT Book Reviews gave it a top pick, and see what boeklogboek, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, I Smell Sheep, and Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of it as well. And, OMG, Alien Research hit #35 on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list in its first week of release! THANKS to all of you who helped make that happen!

Next, next up, this is a little behind, but better late than never. Check out the recent releases listings from DAW Books and Adventures in SciFi Publising.

Did you miss seeing the me at Mysterious Galaxy San Diego, Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach, or The Poisoned Pen? No worries. The Pen did a last minute LiveStream so you can see that interview now. And in the Adventure Time! episode of More Geek Than Gay, my wonderful PA Joseph fills you in on all you missed out in on our SoCal trip.

Speaking of Alien Research (have I stopped once yet?) see what Bibliognome chose as her favorite lines from the book. Then check out what Bibliognome and Larissa's Bookish Life think are the top 5 covers for 2013.

Head over to see some great examples of awesome artist Dan Dos Santos' cover work at Through a Shattered Lens. Then see what my BFF Marsheila Rockwell has to say about the passing of an actor that mattered to both of us, and also what she has going on. Hint: It has something to do with DarkCon, and it's not too late for you to register and join us to kick of the new year in a really fun and wild fashion! 

Speaking of cons -- I was hoping to make it, but sadly, I've had to pull out of 2014's RT Booklovers convention. SO, right now, your only chance to see the me on the East Coast will be in February, at Coastal Magic so make your plans to get away to the beach and hang out with moi and a whole lot of other cool authors in a smaller, and more relaxed, setting.

Last but not least, DAW Books, Inc., the unofficial blog of DAW Books, is discussing Alien Research. Head over and give your opinion!

Whew, that's it for today! But as always, more's on the way. But, barring major announcements, probably not much for the rest of the year. I need to get Alien Collective wrapped up in a big bow and sent to the awesome editor, and, like the rest of us, I want to focus some time on my family.

My wish for all of you is the happiest and healthiest of holidays and end of year times, and a wonderful and prosperous 2014. You're the best fans in the world and I love each and every one of you -- you're the best gifts an author could get, and I'm grateful for all y'all each and every day.

So enjoy the weekend, the various holidays for those who are celebrating and those who are just watching, those working the holidays be sure to take time for yourselves as well and know that the rest of us appreciate your time, effort, and sacrifice, 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

Steampunk vs. Aliens

Happy Tuesday! Well, I'm heading off to San Diego Comic-Con, but I'm going to catch you up on all the happenings before I go.

First off, let's check out some reviews. See what I Smell Sheep thought of Alien in the House. Then see what Under the Covers thought of Touched by an Alien.

Then, check out who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her Favorite Fictional BFFs.

Next, head over to Slice of Sci Fi for a new webcast, Sci-Fi Stamps, and find out, among many other cool things, what I would have named Pluto's two recently discovered moons if I'd had the chance.

Now, for some big news. I'm going to be a part of a really cool anthology, CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE: STEAMPUNK VS. ALIENS, from new small press Zombies Need Brains. I know! So awesome! And check out this awesome cover art, "Steampunk Octopus", by Alex Broeckel!

This anthology is going to be funded via Kickstarter, and among the things you can choose to support the antho is tuckerization in my story and others'. What's tuckerization? The author names a character after you. And, GUARANTEED, whoever buys my tuckerization will be a major supporting character (or one of the leads, should your name "sound right"). I KNOW. When do opportunities like this come around, right? Well, this one comes around tomorrow. The link goes live on Wednesday (meaning, you know, I'll be at SDCC), but all the details are at the Zombies Need Brains Facebook page so don't miss out! While you're there, also

Tuckerizations and some other really cool level options are expected to go fast, so definitely check it out sooner as opposed to later. And, as with all thinks Kickstarter, even a dollar matters, so please, give what you can for what's going to be a really awesome anthology.

How awesome, you ask? Here are a few of the other authors who are going to be in this antho with me: Scott Lynch, Seanan McGuire, Ian Tregillis, Gail Z. Martin, Bradley Beaulieu, and Caitlin Kittredge! So, definitely check out the CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE Kickstarter campaign, starting tomorrow!

Reminder that my SDCC schedule is here at the Blog, just a couple entries down, so if you're heading to San Diego, be sure to come and see the me!

Everyone who won't be enjoying the biggest geekfest on the planet be sure to have a wonderful week and even better weekend. I'll be checking in on Facebook and Twitter as time permits, but otherwise, I'll catch all y'all on the flip side. So, peace out my li'l gangstas, and let's be Steampunk vs. Aliens readers out there!

Love,
Gini

A Cup of the End of the Way, Way Iron Man University

Or, as we can also call it, Reviews, Reviews, Reviews. Oh, and, Reviews.

Happy weekend to all!  I'm getting ready to head to San Diego Comic-Con, so things are in (even more) slight disarray (than normal). And, since we're in the midst of the summer movie extravaganza, I have a lot of movie reviews coming up. So, I figured, what the heck, I'd just give them to you NOW, because I'm a giver, me.

First up, though, check out what I Smell Sheep thought of A Cup of Joe by Anita Ensal (yes, that's moi).

Then, if you missed out on watching our live taping of Slice of SciFi, well, go catch the first show, Pacific Rim Robots Rock. Is this one of the shows where the ever-awesome Ben Ragunton sings the opening credits and you hear a laughing hyena (aka moi) in the background? It could very well be. (Hey, I just was NOT prepared for the awesome that was Ben bursting into song to share the lead stories, okay? He has a lovely voice, too, which was a bonus.)

Speaking of Slice, check out my review of This is the End over at Slice of SciFi.

And speaking of reviews, I've seen several movies over the past couple of weeks that I'll tell you about right here.

Finally caught Iron Man 3. I know, I know, where was I? I was on deadline for Alien Research, that's where I was. But now that said bookie wookie is safely turned in and all edits aside from galley are through, I got to catch Marvel's latest. And what did I think? Really enjoyed it. No, it's not as good as The Avengers, but it's better than Iron Man 2. And I happen to like that Tony Stark spends most of the movie cracking wise in the face of danger -- it's something I appreciate. There are a couple of plot points I filled in for myself, but it would have been better if the film had done so for me and the rest of the audience. But still, a nice conclusion to the Iron Man trilogy.
Rating: A-

Also finally caught Monster's University. As with all things Pixar, it was great. Not the same kind of heart at Monster's Inc., this was truly more like Revenge of the Nerds, but since I like Revenge of the Nerds, I was fine with it. Got home and watched Monster's Inc. right after it -- strongly suggest you not do that in the reverse, as there are some small continuity issues between the two films that would have bothered me a lot if I'd watch MI before MU. Great choice for a family film, though of the animated sequels I've seen this summer, I liked Despicable Me more than Monster's University. However, that's like saying I prefer cotton candy to snow cones.
Rating: A-

And now to my most recent movie experience, The Way, Way Back. There are two actors I love who have tended, until recently, to fly far under the radar, recognized by critics and their peers as awesome, but ignored by audiences. Peter Dinklage is finally getting some of his long-deserved due in Game of Thrones, and Sam Rockwell is starting to get a higher profile as well. So, I was very excited about this movie because he's in it in a major role. Is this the film that will do for Rockwell what Game of Thrones did for Dinklage?

The Way, Way Back is a coming-of-age film starring Steve Carrel playing WAY against type, Toni Collette, Liam James (who played the original version of Young Shawn on Psych, meaning I've watched this kid grow up), Allison Janney, a whole fistful of other great and good actors, in addition to my man Sam. James plays Duncan, a 14-year-old having the worst year of his life -- parents have divorced, dad's moved across the country with his younger wife, and mom's new boyfriend (Carrel) is pretty much a textbook definition of a bullying tool.

The actors are all good, but this is really two films being merged into one, though both of them are coming-of-age. One is the dramatic side of this genre, and one is the wacky, Meatballs side. I loved one of the movies, and didn't love the other. (Three guesses for which, and the first two don't count.)

The dramatic side of this movie is inert and heavy and depressing. It's also slow -- there's a running joke in the movie that Rockwell's character, Owen, is always telling Duncan that they need to speed up their conversations. That's the issue for any portion of the film that Rockwell isn't in. I wanted them to speed it up, mostly so we could get back to scenes with Rockwell in them, but also because the scenes seemed to go on too long, too slowly, and without enough actual action or dialog that moved the movie forward. (And before you say that this was because I love Rockwell, I point to the fact that I've watched James grow up on film and was excited to see him in a major role, and I pretty much like all the other actors in this movie.)

When Rockwell or the water park are on the screen, this movie is alive. Even when Rockwell's not being funny his scenes are lively, even if he's just standing there. And the water park, old though it is, looks like fun. Everyone's fun or funny at the water park. The dramatic moments there have a lot more life and energy.

The rest of this movie is not fun. The rest of the movie is not as light, either, and I mean that in both figurative and visual terms. I'm sure that was the filmmaker's point -- that life is sucking for Duncan everywhere but when he's near Owen and the water park. Thing is, we didn't need 2/3rds of the movie to tell us this and only give us 1/3rd Owen and the water park. I wanted 75% Owen/water park and 25% dreary exposition. Frankly, it's me. I wanted 100% Owen and the rest of the film could go sulk off in its corner.

Is this a bad movie? No. It's well done and it's heartfelt. And there is no easy, "happy ending". The lessons learned are about self-reliance and why people who build younger people up are way more beneficial than those who drag them down. All these points are noble and true. But noble and true don't always make for a great movie. I had some quibbles with the passage of time as well, since it's not clear in the film if weeks, days, or only hours have passed. I don't ever need to see it again, but I don't regret seeing it and am glad that I did. And, if you're a fan of any of the actors in this movie, or the genre as a whole, then you'll probably enjoy this movie, at least parts of it, if not all of it.

But, Sam Rockwell! Being awesome! As with The Heat, there's sometimes one thing that affects a grade for me, up or down. In this case, the mere presence of one of my Great Ones being there and enhancing the film moved its rating up for me.
Rating: B-

That's it for now, but I'll check in at least once more before I head to Comic-Con. Trying to find out where you can see the me there? Hit my SDCC Schedule blog post (scroll down one) and make sure we meet up!

Love,
Gini

Names and Other Strangers

Happy Hump Day! Well, Arizona Dreamin' was a lot of fun, and coming right after Phoenix Comicon means I was also a lot of tired. LOL But I'm done with cons until San Diego Comic-Con next month, so revving back up. My con wrap up is coming (still), but there's again so much going on that it'll have to wait while we get to all the new!

First off, head over to Shadowhawk's Shade where the yap is large and in charge, talking about names and how I create and use them.

Next, head over to The SF Site and see what they thought of Alien vs. Alien.

Others have managed to get their Phoenix Comicon recaps done. So, head over to I Smell Sheep for some fun con pics, to They're Biodegradeable for Marcy Rockwell's take on things, and to More Geek Than Gay  for a full blown (2.5 hours!) worth of podcast mostly about the con, complete with clips.

Some of you have asked, and Team Gini has answered. There's now a complete, easy-to-read Bibliography  at the website, linked off of the Bookstore page. So, check out what deathless prose of mine you might be missing.

Change to the information on DarkCon -- I was told the wrong dates, so here are the REAL dates for this con: January 9-12, 2014. SO, please alter the plans made and make plans to attend -- I'm the Local Author Guest of Honor and it's gonna be a big party you don't want to miss!

And now, for something kind of completely different. Two somethings, really. First, for those of you who've been asking me when the next Alexander Outland book would be coming, I direct you to Media Bistro and A View From Corona for the explanations of why there's been no sign of Book 2 and why I can't tell you when Book 2 will be coming. But I do plan on writing at least two more books in the Alexander Outland series...I just can't yet tell you when to expect them.

Second, there's another kind of drama going on related to SFWA. For a good recap, check out this article at Adweek. Then check out the plethora of author responses, nicely collected by author Jim Hines. Then...I wasn't going to actually participate in all of this, feeling that Kitty and Victoria and my other female characters already speak my thoughts clearly, but author Stuart Sharp has pulled me into it, with the Huffington Post coming down firmly on the side of women authors being allowed to write whatever they want, and Sharp giving his rebuttal of same.

My response to this will be my June column at Slice of SciFi/It's Comic Book Day!, going up somewhere in the very near future, just as soon as my editor there can find the appropriate beefcake and women in uniform shots.

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way, hopefully but not limited to my con recaps. So, 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

The Yap Runs With Monstrous Sheep

Happy Hump Day! Miss me? I missed you! Though, happily, not all of you, because I got to see tons of you at Phoenix Comicon this past weekend! The con was great and I had a blast. There's a big PCC update to come, but I was "gone" a week and we know what that means, don't we? Right, it means a lot of update going on. So let's get to it!

First off, the yap is indeed large and in charge over at I Smell Sheep with an interview from the floor of Phoenix Comicon. Plus you can enter to win a signed, personalized copy of either Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien Proliferation, or Alien Diplomacy, plus a set of cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers. Contest ends June 3rd, open internationally.

Next up, head right on over to Book Monster Reviews where a full series recap AND the latest Top 10 List is up -- things you NEED to know about Kitty and Martini. And, shocking no one by now (at least, I hope not) you can enter to win a signed, personalized copy of either Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation, plus a set of cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers. Contest ends June 1st, open internationally.

Next up, let's hit some reviews. See what Jackie at Wicked Little Pixie and Bibliognome thought of Alien in the House, then see what Dog-Eared Pages thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi).

Haven't started Alien in the House yet? Check out the Sentence Sneak Peek over at Bibliognome. Have and want to chat about it? Share in the discussion over at DAW Books Review. Then finish up by checking out Gizmo's Reviews Top 10 Favorite Kick-Ass Heroines, and some of the recent fave reads from My 5 Monkeys.

That's it for today, and while more's on the way, since I'll be at Arizona Dreamin' this weekend, more probably won't be coming until next week. So enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend, have a great weekend when it gets here, I'll see some of you at AZD, and let's be readers out there! Peace out my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Yapping About Silken Sheep's Houses

It's another short and sweet one today, but, trust me, it's action-packed. It wouldn't be the week after Alien in the House's release and the week before Phoenix Comicon without more yap and more winning, now, would it? You read that right -- as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's MORE WINNING on the way. So let's get to it!

First off, head over to Silk Screen Views and check out a brand new interview with moi. While you're there, enter The Alien Contest and you could win your choice of Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation, signed and personalized, along with a set of cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers. Open internationally.

Next, head off to I Smell Sheep to find out the Top 10 Ways to Tell if Your Boyfriend is an Alien. Is there a giveaway? Of course there is! Winner's choice of Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien Proliferation, or Alien Diplomacy, signed and personalized, along with a set of cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers. Open internationally.

That's it for today, but never fear, more's on the way. So enjoy the downward slide to the weekend, and let's be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Gnomish Thursday

It's a short and sweet one for you today. I know, sometimes I toss a short one out there to keep all y'all guessing. (And sometimes it's because I'm in the middle of doing galley edits on Alien vs. Alien and I know what you'd all rather I focused on.)

So, head out to Bibliognome, the next stop on the Necropolis Blog tour, check out the latest excerpt, and get entered to win -- contest ends Sept. 19. Yes indeed, you get yet ANOTHER chance to win a copy of The Night Beat. Is there no end to our generosity? As I look at the list of blog stops, where you can win a copy of the bookie wookie at each stop, I conclude: No.

Remember to hit all the prior stops as well. If you hit them all, and in order, you'll have read the first 10 chapters of The Night Beat. Pretty sweet, huh? It's like I can't stop giving.

So, visit and enter at: Stop 1/Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, contest ends Sept. 27; Stop 2/My 5 Monkeys; Stop 3/I Smell Sheep, contest ends Sept. 28; Stop 4/boeklogboek, contest ends Sept. 20; Stop 5/Ex Libris, contest ends Sept. 21; and Stop 6/Pearls Cast Before a McPig, contest ends Sept. 29.

That's it for today, but more's just around the corner. So enjoy the blog hopping, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Lovecraft Humping

I know that made you look...

Happy Hump Day! Well, we're at the midpoint of the week and get to enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend. But the Necropolis Blog Tour isn't slowing down in any way, shape, or form.

Head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig to get not only the next excerpt and yet ANOTHER chance to win a copy of The Night Beat -- contest ends Sept. 29 -- but also to read my guest post about H.P. Lovecraft and why I think he's dreamy.

And, remember to hit the prior stops on the tour. If you hit them all, and in order, you'll have read the first 10 chapters of The Night Beat. Pretty sweet, huh? You can also get entered to win a copy of the bookie wookie at every stop. That's not one book total, that's one book PER BLOG. I know what you're thinking -- Gini is the soul of generosity! Yes, it's true, spoken modestly, God love me.

So, visit and enter at: Stop 1/Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, contest ends Sept. 27; Stop 2/My 5 Monkeys, CONTEST EXTENDED TO Sept. 20*; Stop 3/I Smell Sheep, contest ends Sept. 28; Stop 4/boeklogboek, contest ends Sept. 20; and Stop 5/Ex Libris, contest ends Sept. 21.

After all that touring of the blogosphere, head over to Portland Book Review and see what they thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi).

Speaking of Alexander Outland, I have some exciting news to share. *drum roll, please* As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know... Alexander Outland: Space Pirate will soon be available in audio format! Yes! I just spoke with the voice artist yesterday (and he's so GOOOOOOD) and he'll be recording soon (as in, this week soon). The moment I know when the audio version will be available you, of course, will be the first to know. This is my first audio book, ever, so I'm super thrilled and can't wait to hear the finished product.

Well, that's it for today, but more's coming tomorrow. So have a great one, keep your eye on the weekend, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Thoughtful Tuesday

Today's an interesting day. 12 years ago, it would have just been another day. Now, it's a day of remembrance. For me, it's also a day when I have about a dozen friends and family who are celebrating birthdays. So, while 9-11 is a sad day in many ways, it's also a day where we can remind ourselves that the human spirit goes on and a few bad people truly can't win over the rest of us. (And I get to go broke due to birthday gifts, but that's another story.)

Okay, I know, I'm not the girl you go to for deep, meaningful, and thoughtful. (Well, not intentionally.) So, let's all have a moment of silence for all of those we've lost over the years, on 9-11 and any other time, because loss is never easy, and then head back to where we all know I live -- on the corner of Funny Street and Yap Avenue.

The Necropolis Blog Tour is still going strong. Head over to Ex Libris where you not only get the next excerpt AND another chance to win The Night Beat -- contest ends Sept. 21 -- but you also get a new interview with moi.

Remember to hit the prior blog stops as well, where you can also get entered to win: Stop 1/Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, contest ends Sept. 27; Stop 2/My 5 Monkeys, CONTEST EXTENDED TO Sept. 20; Stop 3/I Smell Sheep, contest ends Sept. 28; and Stop 4/boeklogboek, contest ends Sept. 20.

Upcoming In Person Appearances:
Saturday, October 6 -- Workshop (Writing from the Hindbrain) and Book Signing at The Well Red Coyote, Sedona, AZ 2-4pm
Tuesday, October 9 -- Workshop (Love ME: Promotion for Authors) and Can't We All Just Get Along: How to Work with Beta and Crit Groups) at The Queen Creek Writer's Group, Queen Creek Library, AZ, 5-8pm
Saturday, October 13 -- Book Sales and Signing, Centennial Authors and Artists Weekend, Hotel Gadsden, Douglas, AZ, 10am-4pm

That's it for today, but never fear, more's coming. So, get entered to win all over the blogosphere while simultaneously getting to read the first 10 chapters of The Night Beat. In other words, let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Boek-y Monday

Hope everyone had a great weekend and that Monday wasn't too much of a bummer. I know, I know. It's Monday. It's Monday's lot in life to be a bummer. But hey, let's move on to some fun things that will do their best to make Monday better.

First up, head over to boeklogboek where the yap is both large and in charge for Aurian and Maia's first Author Interview AND where the next installment of the Necropolis Blog Tour, and therefore the next excerpt of The Night Beat, is front and center. You can also win a copy of The Night Beat, contest ends Sept. 20, so don't delay, get entered today!

Remember to hit the prior blog stops as well, where you can also get entered to win: Stop 1/Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, contest ends Sept. 27; Stop 2/My 5 Monkeys, contest ends TOMORROW, Sept. 11; and Stop 3/I Smell Sheep, contest ends Sept. 28.

Next up, check out the newest cover for my upcoming release, Three Card Monte, coming from Musa Publishing on Friday, October 5th.

That's it for today, but there are more Invasion of the Blog Tour stops all week, with more excerpts, a Q&A, a guest post, and more, so get ready, it's gonna be a fun undead ride!

Love,
Gini

Baa-ing for the Weekend

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has some awesome weekend plans ahead, and hopefully they include reading. My plans include writing, and lots of it, because Alien in the House is due to the awesome editor soon, and then to all of you in April, and I know better than to keep any of you waiting.

But in between waiting for Alien vs. Alien's ARCs to arrive and that contest to start, and waiting for Three Card Monte to release (October 5th), and all those other things, we have the Necropolis Blog Tour in full swing, and you don't want to miss it!

Today's installment is over at I Smell Sheep. Check it out, and get entered to win (contest ends Sept. 28th). Win what, you ask? Well, at all stops along the way, you can get entered to win a copy of The Night Beat. And at the last stop, there will be an even bigger giveaway.

So don't miss out on LOTS of chances to win! If you haven't yet hit Stop 1/Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell -- contest ends Sept. 27th -- or Stop 2/My 5 Monkeys -- contest ends Sept. 11th -- do so now, and increase your chances of winning the bookie wookie.

And check out Invasion of the Blog Tour for the rest of the tour dates. Then head over to Smash Attack Reads and see what she and On a Book Bender thought of Alien Proliferation.

We'll have more fun stuff tomorrow, including some new Running of the Yap, but that'll do for today. So, until then, peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Sheep in Space

Happy Friday! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a short and sweet one that's also a fun start to the weekend for you. So let's get right to it!

Head on over to I Smell Sheep where the yap is large and in charge and talking about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate as well as Pluto's status, Peeps, what big things we like, and the ever-popular Rapid Fire. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, which is open internationally, so don't miss out!

The Alexander Outland giveaway is also still open at Bastard Books, so hit 'em both and double your chances of winning!

That's it for today, though there's more coming over the weekend. And speaking of the weekend, have yourselves a wonderful one, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Diplomatically Speaking...

...Get Thee to a Bookstore!

Happy Alien Diplomacy Release Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had beyond a blast at the Jambalaya Writers' Conference...and I'll be giving you my full recap later this week. But since today's Alien Diplomacy's big day, let's check out what's going on around the web in honor of release day!

First up, head over to Tynga's Reviews and catch the yap running large and in charge. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alien Diplomacy, so don't miss out and get entered to win!

Speaking of winning, if you're on Twitter, the Alien Collective Virtual HQ is giving you a chance to win a copy of Alien Diplomacy merely by retweeting their tweet about Alien Diplomacy. I know! It's so meta. Anyway, follow me (@GiniKoch) and you'll be able to find the message to RT, and it'll be wonderful, wonderful...an you might win, too.

Now, onto the reviews! Check out what RT Book Reviews thinks of Alien Diplomacy (hint: They made it a Top Pick). While you're at it, see what A Buckeye Girl Reads, Hanging with Bells, Books 'n' Kisses, and Book Lovers, Inc. think of Alien Diplomacy. Then check out what A.B. Keuser thinks of the book that started it all, Touched by an Alien.

There's lots of great books out this month, and RT Book Reviews, DAW Books Inc., Vampire Book Club, and The Galaxy Express all have great, and different, lists of them.

There's another kind of competition going on, and Kitty and I need your help. The I Smell Sheep gang is at it again, with the 2nd Annual Boogity Boo Awards. Please head over and vote for your favorite replies in 4 categories (including Rapid Response, where I'm nominated, writing as Kitty).

That's enough for today. But never fear, more's coming. So, enjoy the linking, the voting, and, hopefully, the winning, and most of all, enjoy Alien Diplomacy!

Love,
Gini

The Yap Gets Wooly

Well, I planned to send this out hours ago, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, my PC had other plans. Nefarious plans. Time-wasting nefarious plans. But that's all in the past! Right PC? RIGHT? At any rate, let's get to all we would have gotten to earlier, if my PC had been in the mood to cooperate.

As those of you keeping an eye on my Datebook know, I've just come back into town and am heading out again for TusCon in a day or so. But fear not -- I'll be coming back with even MORE stuff for the ComboCon Contest (again, you should really say that three times fast). And just look what we have to tide you over!

First up, head over to I Smell Sheep where the yap is running wild and free. There's also a chance to win the newest Sheeped Shirt as well as a signed copy of "Alien Tango", so be sure to leave a comment and be entered to win.

Next, check out who Larissa's Bookish Life has chosen as the Top 5 Gun-Toting Heroines. Then, head over and join the discussion of the Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Katt series at Goodreads.

Next up, check out what Paranormal Haven thought of "Hotter Than Hell". And check it out over at Musa Publishing if you haven't yet gotten your copy.

Speaking of copies and getting and all that jazz, "The Disciple" by Jemma Chase and "When Josie Comes Home" by A.E. Stanton are also available now from Musa. And don't forget to pre-order "Alien Proliferation" and "Alien Diplomacy", because yes, pre-orders really do matter.

Aspiring authors in or near the Greater Phoenix Metro Area should check out, and attend, the Free Fall Writer's Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 19th. I'll be there as will a slew of other published authors, each teaching on different aspects of the "how to get published" business.

Last but in NO way least, I'm excited to share that "Alien in the Family" has made it onto the RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Awards! I'm in such great company, it's really thrilling. Also excited to share that my friends Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James, Caris Roane, and Diana Rowland are also nominated! (Check out their books if you haven't yet -- all great reads!)

There's more coming -- new releases, the ComboCon Contest (truly, say it three times fast, fast, fast), and all that jazz, but that's all for today. Have a great rest of the week and weekend, and I'll catch you on the flipside. Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Humping Towards Phoenix Comicon

Happy Hump Day! Well, the Poster Frenzy contest is going strong. It's for Hook Me Up! only, of course, so if you're not on, it's not too late to join the fun and get entered to win! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and get your win on!

Speaking of winning, there's still time to get entered to win your choice of one of my books and/or a Beastie Poof. Details at I Smell Sheep and Pearls Cast Before a McPig.

We have some great new reviews of "Touched by an Alien", so go check out what On a Book Bender and The Itzel Library thought of it. Then see what On a Book Bender thought of "Alien Tango".

There's new stuff up on the site, including new merchandise (and more coming) at the Alien Collective Depot -- Team Dazzler, you are in the house! Spotlight, Datebook, and Accolades also have new stuff.

We have exciting news to share. Lisa, aka the Head of Team Gini, is pregnant with #3. So, we will have another junior member of Team Gini arriving sometime in January. Just wanted to give my girl her shout out -- Congrats, Babe!

I'm heading to Phoenix Comicon starting tomorrow, so we'll be on the usual radio silence other than Twitter and some Facebook. If you're in the general vicinity of the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, try to stop by. Should be an amazing time, with celebs like Leonard Nimoy, George Takai, Billy Dee Williams (BILLY DEE!), Ernie Hudson, William Atherton, and Stan Lee (STAN LEE!) attending. Oh, yeah, and I'm doing panels and signings and such, too. So, really, it's gonna be huge...come on down!

For those in the Tornado Zone, stay safe, we're all thinking of you. For those who celebrate, Happy Memorial Day. And for everyone, keep it unreal, get down with your bad selves, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Character Yapping & Winning, Too!

The Poster Frenzy contest is about to launch, but before we get there, there's other exciting stuff going on in the Alien Collectiverse.

Head over to I Smell Sheep and check out the interview with Kitty, Lorraine and Claudia, where they dish on things like brains (and why they're dreamy), shopping, and more. Then hit Pearls Cast Before a McPig for your chance to win a signed book of mine of your choice and/or a set of Poof Beasties! (The closest things to Poofs we have...for now...)

Then go to Fresh Fiction and see what they think of "Alien in the Family".

And, now iiiit's tiiiiiiime! Time to announce the winners of copies of Diane Dooley's "Blue Galaxy", as chosen by the Gods of Random!

*drum roll, please*

And the winners are:
Jen B.
and
Kelly

Congrats! You'll be hearing from Diane to arrange delivery of your books!

Poster Frenzy will kick off at the Blog later today as well, so keep those eyeballs peeled. Of course, it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on yet, rectify now. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and get ready to let the winning commence!

Last Call for Alcohol...um, I mean Chocolate and Prizes: In addition to having chocolate on hand at my book signing this Saturday, one lucky attendee will go home with a Huge Poster Pack, just for showing up and showing me their smiling face. So, if you're in the Greater Phoenix Metro, don't forget to head over to see the me!

May 21, 2pm-4pm
Barnes & Noble Dana Park
1758 South Val Vista Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204
480-545-8507

Love,
Gini

Lotsa Linking Going On

Well, as promised (threatened? forewarned? whatever...) we have a LOT going on today. So, rather than hold up the Lots of Links feature, let's get right to it, shall we?

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, reviews and giveaways are going on all over the place. Check out what Bring on the Books and Calliope's Domain have to say about "Touched by an Alien".

Then see what The Bibliophilic Book Blog, MyShelf.com, I Smell Sheep, and Penny Pimpin' have to say about "Alien in the Family".

WINNING: Check out what Aria's Dark Musings..., Mark of the Stars, and Love To Read For Fun have to say about "Alien in the Family", and also get entered to win a copy of the book! Each blog is giving away a copy so get entered at all three and increase your chances!

In case you missed it, The Galaxy Express has a nice little write up on what's going on with "Alien Tango" in Germany. Check out what's coming this month over at I Smell Sheep. And give some big congrats to Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing Jessica Subject who just signed her first author contract!

Upcoming In-Person Events:

Book signing, with author Erin Quinn
May 21, 2pm-4pm
Barnes & Noble Dana Park
1758 South Val Vista Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204
480-545-8507

Phoenix Comicon
May 26-29
Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

Desert Rose RWA
Presenting: How to Have a Good Author/Agent Relationship
(with my own awesome agent!)
May 31, 7pm (meeting starts at 5pm)
Monti's La Casa Vieja
100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ

Arizona Dreamin' Reader Event
June 4
INN SUITES Hotel Tempe/Phoenix Airport, AZ

Queen Creek Writer's Group
June 14, 5pm
Presenting: Writing From the Hindbrain
Queen Creek Library, Queen Creek, AZ

San Diego Comic-Con
July 21-24
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA,

If you're looking at coming to Arizona Dreamin', I have a special offer for TWO attendees. Whoever lets me know they're coming first can get the $39 buffet dinner registration for the $20 price. (If you've already registered, let me know what date and what name.) This offer is first come, fist served. If you're bringing a friend along, and are first in, yes, that deal can cover 2 of you.

Lots of things updated at the website including but not limited to Newsy Stuff. Last but in no way least, remember that the interview and giveaway with author Diane Dooley is still live and goin' on one post below this one. Have a read and a laugh, leave a comment, get entered to win!

Love,
Gini