Saturday, April 14, 2012

Weekend Update & Yapping Roundup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Changing Times

Happy Friday! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, because I'm heading off to LepreCon today, it's truly going to be a short and sweet one.

Head over to Tote Bags 'n' Blogs and check out my guest blog: The Times, They Are A-Changin'. Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of either Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, or Alien in the Family, signed and personalized (of course!).

Full LepreCon and Jambalaya Writers' Conference updates will be coming next week. See some of you later today. All of you have a fabulous weekend no matter what you're doing (reading Alien Diplomacy, I hope), and I'll catch you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Can't Stop the Yappin'

Happy Thursday! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a (relatively) short and sweet one for you today. (I know, what were the odds?) So let's roll.

Head over to Books 'n' Kisses where the yap is large and in charge. Enter to win your choice of any one of the first four books (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation), signed and personalized, too.

Check out the latest review of Alien Diplomacy over at Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind.

Reminder that I'll be at LepreCon all weekend. If you're in or around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, definitely drop by. Need incentive? Here's my schedule:

Friday
1-2pm Good, Bad and Ugly of Genre Fiction
5-6pm 12 Seconds of Fame & Social Networking
6-7pm SF & Fantasy Going Prime-Time
7-8pm Hiring & Working with Editors

Saturday
1-2pm The Alien Encounter
4-5pm Autograph Session
6-7pm Comics vs. Books
8-9pm Eye of Argon Reading

Sunday
11am-12pm World Building
2-2:30pm Reading (from, depending on audience, Alien Diplomacy or Alien vs. Alien)
3-4pm Science Research for Book Writing

Okay, so maybe it wasn't that short. But, hey, can't blame a girl for trying. More tomorrow, but until then, let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Yappin' It Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Poster Frenzy Contest!

It's time for Poster Frenzy! And Books, TOO. But more Posters. Lots more. (Contest entry deadline extended with Phoenix Comicon Freebies added into EACH pack!)

FOR HOOK ME UP! ONLY -- INTERNATIONAL CONTEST

Posters! We got posters! Well, I got posters at LepreCon 37, but I got them for you! So, how do YOU get them?

1. Be a registered Hook Me Up! subscriber. (Not on? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line.)
2. Respond as instructed to the Hook Me Up! messages that will go out from May 19 through May 29, 2001. (Yes, you can join Hook Me Up! after the contest starts, but you’ll lose out on chances to win.)
3. Cross the digits that you’re one of the winners selected by the Gods of Random!

So, what can I win, already?
There are a variety of Poster Packs available, some with books included.

The Blockbuster (1)*
This one has it all! Huge posters, including “Limitless”, large posters, including “Narnia”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”, and “Black Swan”, and regular-sized, including “Twilight: Eclipse”, “Insidious”, “Legion”, “Green Hornet”, “The Fighter”, and so many, many more! Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

Simply Huge (1)*
These are the big, movie marquee posters. Perfect for wallpapering any room or covering any window. And with “Limitless”, “Saw”, and “Rabbit Hole”, among others, why not paint the room in paper? Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

Gimme Gimme (2)
All the large and regular-sized posters, including “Narnia”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”, and “Black Swan”, and regular-sized, including “Twilight: Eclipse”, “Insidious”, “Legion”, “Green Hornet”, “The Fighter”, and so many, many more! PLUS it comes with books and other swag, including a “Spacetrawler” comics sheet signed by author/artist Christopher Baldwin. Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

The Consolation (1)
One large and one small poster, PLUS it comes with books and other swag, including a “Spacetrawler” comics sheet signed by author/artist Christopher Baldwin. (Winner will be chosen by dint of making me laugh the most/hardest/so much I snort Coke through my nose. So get your funny, snaky, sarcastic comments prepped and on center stage!) Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

The Grab Bag (1) - NEW!
Assorted swag from Phoenix Comicon including a signed badge, plus books and whatever else I toss in there.

Five (NOW 6!) Packs in all. So what are you waiting for? Get your win on!

Hook Me Up! Gang, riddle me this: If we were going to catch a movie, any movie, what would we see and why, and would we do a double feature or not?

Love,
Gini

Catch-22’s, Gotchas, Legalese
You must be registered on Hook Me Up! to play and win. Sign up by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line. Full contest rules will be emailed to you.

This is a worldwide contest. You must have a deliverable address (no P.O. Boxes, please).

Contest will run from Thursday, May 19, 2011 through Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Winners will be announced week of June 13th. In order to share the loot at least somewhat fairly, once you win a prize, you're out of the running for any of the others. 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.

Winners should receive their prizes in 4-6 weeks. If it’s going to take longer for some reason, we’ll let you know.

*Shipping constraints mean The Blockbuster and Simply Huge Packs won’t have books or swag that can’t roll up in them.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Roundups and Winning

Happy Hump Day! Well, I've been promising two things -- recaps of my NYC trip and LepreCon and a Hook Me Up! exclusive contest to give away all the stuff I picked up in NYC and at LepreCon.

The memory is a bit fuzzy, since I've been working nonstop on first getting "Alien Proliferation" edits done and in to DAW, and then working on getting "Alien Diplomacy" finished, but here are the highlights!

Had a great time in NYC and surrounding areas, but the best times were seeing Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing all through the week, leading up to the big day in Grand Central Terminal, with the book signing at Posman Books, and at dinner later. The food was great, the company was better! Thanks again to everyone who came out -- especially because you did it in the very heavy rain. And, I don't think it's bragging to say that Posman sold out of every copy of my books. Thanks SO much to all of you who made that happen!

I also visited a variety of editors, and got my hands on a variety of books. But more on that later...

LepreCon was a lot of fun and they kept me nice and busy. Got to run the yap a lot, sign books, share the first sketch for the cover of and read excerpts from "Alien Proliferation". (Reminder to those in the room: No sharing those spoilers!)

I also got to hang with the awesome Marsheila Rockwell, as well as be on panels with the hilarious Christopher Baldwin, the ever amazing triple-threat Seanan McGuire, new author Kevin Hearne, the always fun Michael D'Ambrosio, the sweet Janni Lee Simner, the fun and snarky Chris Swanson, as well as many other awesome authors and fan panelists. (I have to stop listing folks...I was on a LOT of panels!) Plus I got to see several Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing (waves madly) for more than a few minutes, which was great.

Oh, and I picked up posters. Movie posters. Huge ones, large ones, regular sized ones. Lots of them. Tons of them. Cascades of them. But...more on that later...

Well, why wait, right? I've got Poster Packs. They include such gems as "Black Swan", "Your Highness", "Twilight", "Saw", "Legion" (because you can never see that shot of Paul Bettany's abs enough), "Limitless", "Priest", "Green Hornet" and more, so very many more. And books? We have books, too.

So, what's a girl to do? Why, give them all away, of course! There are going to be a variety of poster packs up for grabs, many of which will include books. So, watch this space for the official contest start (coming before the end of this week...because Phoenix Comicon is just around the corner, and you KNOW I'm coming home with swag from that). Until then, get your trash talking skills out of mothballs, because we're back, baby, better than ever!

Oh, unless you're not on Hook Me Up! yet. Then, there's nothing to see here. But, you can rectify that situation. Just send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in. But do it fast, because the winning waits for no one!

Love,
Gini

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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Virtual Tour, Real Prizes

Happy Thursday! There's lots going on, and more over the weekend. But as you all know, I'll be at LepreCon 37 over said weekend, so gonna try to pack it all in here today. Thank me later. But FIRST...as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know...there's some exciting news.

I got word this week that Piper out of Germany will be coming out with the German language version of "Alien Tango" in April, 2012! That follows the German language version of "Touched by an Alien", retitled "Aliens in Armani", that's coming in October, 2011. So, German Alien Collective Members, get ready and get the word out!

Now, on with the countdown! First off, the KLB Virtual Tour for "Alien in the Family" is going strong. Someone's already won the prize from Dren's B-Spot, but other prizes are still up for grabs. So, don't miss the review and prizes from Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind or Nancy McGregor's Big Bad Blog. Prizes galore are up for grabs at Hanging With Bells! and The Order of Smut Vixens -- and I do mean galore! Books, swag, it's all there, so get over and get entered to win!

The Rest of the Tour:
5/6 Larissa's Life: Feature
5/7 Chena (Guest Blogging): Review
5/8 Aria's Dark Musing: Review & Giveaway
5/9 Mark Of The Stars: Review
5/10 Love2Read4Fun: Review & Giveaway
5/10 KLB: Discussion & Swag Giveaway

Don't miss out -- hit each of those blogs on their day and get entered to win all the awesome!

Other reviews are also large and in charge. Check out what Babbling About Books and Lynette's Two Cents have to say about "Alien in the Family". Then head over to Smash Attack Reads to see what she thinks of "Touched by an Alien". And check out what Ellie Garratt has for her Tuesday Teaser. And then check out what I Smell Sheep has coming for the month of May.

The Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Katt series is this week's Book Chat over at Bitten By Books. So drop in and share your thoughts on the series.

From now until next week, we'll be on radio silence (other than Twitter and possibly Facebook) while I get ready for and am immersed in LepreCon 37. However, on Monday, we have a treat -- an interview and giveaway with Diane Dooley, newly minted author! It's a cool, fun interview, and you can win her cool, fun book, "Blue Galaxy", so don't miss it!

Until then, get down with your bad selves, read some books, hit some links, have great days, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

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Monday, May 2, 2011

Touring, Virtual Style

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that the week's looking good for all. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got a lot to get to this week, so let's roll. (I know, I sound so street when I say that.)

First up, KLB Virtual Events is sponsoring a 10 day, 10 blog virtual book tour for "Alien in the Family" with lots of reviews, goodies and giveaways. Stops 1 and 2 are open, so hit Dren's B-Spot and Hanging with Bells! to get entered to win!

Here's the rest of the Virtual Tour lineup:
5/3 Ramblings Of A Chaotic Mind: Review & Giveaway
5/4 The Order of Smut Vixens: Feature
5/5 Nancy McGregor's Big Bad Blog: Review & Giveaway
5/6 Larissa's Life: Feature
5/7 Chena (Guest Blogging): Review
5/8 Aria's Dark Musing: Review & Giveaway
5/9 Mark Of The Stars: Review
5/10 Love2Read4Fun: Review & Giveaway
5/10 KLB: Discussion & Swag Giveaway

Be sure to hit the Tour every day so you don't miss out!

Is that all? Not by a long shot. Check out what Mixed Book Bag and Night Owl Reviews have to say about "Alien in the Family".

Next up, "Alien Tango" is in an all out brawl with Gena Showalter's "Ecstasy in Darkness" over at Bitten By Books. Please head over and vote so Kitty and Company can make it to the next round of the big Smackdown.

Mark of the Stars has her big blogoversary blowout wrap-up, including all the big winners. Congrats to all!

There's more updates on the website, including Sightings in the Wild, Cool Links, and Spotlight.

Reminder that I'll be at LepreCon 37 in Tempe, AZ this weekend. If you're in the area, come on by and join in on all the fun! Yes, I'll be doing readings and signings.

That's all for today. Have fun, go get your win on, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Whole Lotta Everything Goin' On!

Happy Thursday! Hope everyone's having a wonderful week. We have a lot going on, though not quite as much as we had on Sunday (but close, very close), so let's get to it!

First off, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, the yap is running again today, and the main subject sort of became the Poofs. For those of you who've somehow not yet read "Alien in the Family", well, it won't spoil it for you. So, check out the interview with moi over at Ex Libris and also get entered to win a copy of any one of the three books in the series so far!

After checking out the yap, check out what Nancy McGregor's Big Bad Blog and Dirty, Sexy Books have to say about "Alien Tango".

Then check out the DAW Books Community discussion starter about "Alien in the Family". After that, check out the latest Vlogs from Parajunkee's View and Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind.

More website updates including Sightings in the Wild, Accolades, and Extra Me!.

The KLB Virtual Events "Alien in the Family" Virtual Book Journey starts Sunday, May 1st and runs through Tuesday, May 10th. Check out all the awesome blogs that are going to be a part of it!

Lots and lots of in-person stuff is coming up, too. For those of you in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area in particular, or for those planning to be here, there's lots of chances to see the me coming up in the next couple of months.

May 6-8
LepreCon 37
Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ

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

May 26-29
Phoenix ComicCon 2011
Hyatt Regency/Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ

June 4
Arizona Dreamin' Reader Event
Hotel Tempe, Tempe, AZ
With VERY Special Guest Cover Model Jimmy Thomas

That's it for today -- should tide you over until Sunday at least, right? Have a wonderful, fun, safe and happy weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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