Visiting the Monkey House

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had fabulous weekends and are ready for a great week ahead! And to keep you going, there's lots going on, so let's get right to it!

First off, head over to My 5 Monkeys where the latest Top 10 list, How to Recruit Team Members, is large and in charge. There's also a chance to win your choice of Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation, along with cover magnets, cover postcards, and signed flyers. And yes, it's open internationally.

After that, head over to Bitten By Books and RSVP for tomorrow's big book party there. Yes, prizes, yes new stuff, yes, me yapping with you. So, get extra entries and RSVP right now!

Now it's time for some reviews. See what Readaholics Anonymous thought of Alien in the House, then see what Silk Screen Views thought of Alien Diplomacy and Alien vs. Alien.

Finish up over at Larissa's Bookish Life where she's listing the Best Bookish Side Couples.

Thursday is Phoenix Comicon and for those of you who are going and who don't like to click the link, here's my full schedule:

Thursday
7:30-8:30 pm
West104B
Social Media for Authors

Friday
10:30-11:30 am
West105B
Author Self Publishing Options

12:00-1:00 pm                    
West104A
So You Want to Be a Writer?

1:30-2:30 pm                        
West105A
Writing Romantic Relationships

9:00 pm                            
West105B
Evening Erotica with Gini and Jordan

Saturday
10:30-11:30 am                    
West104B
Horror, Suspense, and Thrillers

4:30-5:30 pm                        
West105B
Cool Things I'm Reading

7:30-8:30 pm                        
West104A
Writing Critique Session II

Sunday
12:00-1:00 pm                    
West104B
Mixing Up the (Sub)Genres

3:00-4:00 pm                        
West105B
Gini Koch Spotlight

Other than 15-30 minutes before and after any panel (or after a set of panels), all the rest of the time I'll be in the Exhibit Hall, Booth/Table 2512. I'll have books and swag and will be signing anything and everything all y'all want. Exhibit Hall hours are:
Thursday (May 23) 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday (May 24) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday (May 25) 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday (May 26) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

So be sure to come by and see the me at PCC!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way, so let's be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Last Days of Winning Disco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Pinning Moi Down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathryn Willadsen

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

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

Love,
Gini

Comical Monday

Happy Monday! It's the last day to enter to win the marked up galley of Alien in the Family, so if you haven't entered yet, now's the time. It's for Hook Me Up! only, of course, so if you're not on, get on now. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and you'll get the deets for how to get your win on. But there's more going on than just winning a galley with my scribbles on it, so let's roll!

First off, head over to It's Comic Book Day where my latest set of pop culture reviews are large and in charge. Remember that the folks there and at Slice of SciFi love to get comments on the posts at their site, so don't be shy, share your thoughts!

Check out who My 5 Monkeys lists as her favorite bloggers and authors. Speaking of My 5 Monkeys, she's taking part in Vampire Book Club's Character Love Letters 2013 and penning her take on a letter that Martini would send to Kitty, going live on Feb. 28. Sounds like a fun month over there, so check out all the entries! Then see what Into the Dreaming thought of Alien Tango and Alien in the Family.

Alert Member of the Alien Collective in Very Good Standing Shawn pointed out a cool article over at Tor.com, where Sleeps With Monsters asks Where Are the Older Women? Chime in with your fave older heroines. (Shawn picked Angela Katt...and I do, too. LOL)

I'm excited to announce that The Royal Scam won a SFR Galaxy Award for Best Misdirection by a Shapeshifter.

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

Love,
Gini

Winning Announcments

Happy Hump Day! The contest for Alien Tango's galley is closed, and that means we have a winner to be announced. We also have another winner to announce, so if you've entered at all during the Tidy My Office contest, you want to keep reading.

For those who don't know what's going on, and who might not realize that this week's contest is for the marked up galley of Alien in the Family, that's because the contest is for Hook Me Up! 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 you'll be in and sent the contest rules.

In between entering and, for some of you, winning, let's check out some of what's going on in the Greater Blogosphere. Check out what My 5 Monkeys thought of Alien vs. Alien. See what Into the Dreaming thought of Touched by an Alien. Then go watch the lastest vlog over at The Book Tart where she shows off her latest acquisitions. And last but in no way least, head over to author Deb Erelene's page, where she's interviewing author Paige Daniels who has some lovely things to say about moi and the Alien series. *sniff*

Finish up by hitting Terribleminds, author Chuck Wendig's page, and check out some truths about writing and publishing. It's interesting for those of you who just like to know what authors go through, and it's vital for any of you aspiring to this cray-cray life we call "write".

I'm going into the Slice of SciFi studio later this week, and I can't wait! If you missed it somehow, don't forget to check out my first ever live Slice Sirius XM radio webcast over at Slice of SciFi. The Slice gang LOVES comments and feedback, and they really love calls. Calls get on the air. Hint, hint. Calls about your fave new guest 'caster get on the air, too. Hint, double hint. Call the Feedback Number 206-339-TREK (8735) to get the melodious sounds of your voice onto the airwaves, or leave a comment on any of the current Slice of SciFi on the Radio features and you, like me, could be sharing your thoughts with the world!

And now, for what you've all been waiting for -- the winner of the Alien Tango! So, without further ado, I give you this week's winner:

Bryan Teague

Note to our winner: You have until Sunday, February 2nd 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.


Why is this important? Because, sadly, last week's winner did NOT check in. And you know what that means? I know you do. Yes! The Gods of Random have snatched back their prize and demanded a new sacrifice. 

Meaning we have a new winner for the galley of Touched by an Alien. So, the new winner is:

Margaret in ON Canada

Note to our winner: As with this week's other winner, you have until Sunday, February 2nd 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 as always, more's on the way. 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

Ghostly Yapping

Happy Halloween! I actually have a lot of Halloween stories -- my fave being when I was in NYC, in a cab, with a cabbie who'd been in the U.S. exactly 2 weeks...you try explaining what Halloween is to someone who barely speaks your native tongue and thinks it's the most bizarre religious practice he's ever seen -- but today's story will be a tad more recent.

However, before we get to that, there's other things to get to first! The yap is yapping in not one but TWO interviews, and one of those interviews is bi-lingual, so it's almost like three interviews, if two of them said the same thing but in different tongues. Which they do.

So, head over to Lazy Literature where you can catch the latest interview with moi. For those who read German you can enjoy the same and let me know if the jokes translate.

Then head over to ALPHA Reader where Kitty and Martini are offering their tips for a healthy relationship.

Didn't win an ARC of Alien vs. Alien? Not to despair -- ALPHA Reader has you covered, with a contest to win an ARC of, you guessed it, Alien vs. Alien. Short window, so get entered to win today! And if you missed it from yesterday, check out ALPHA Reader's review of Alien vs. Alien while you're there.

Last but not least, hit My 5 Monkeys to see another great shot of how to be Kitty for Halloween. (Is this THE most comfortable costume ever? My vote is yes.)

Speaking of voting, a reminder that Alien Proliferation is nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Science Fiction and it needs all your votes to have a chance against the really impressive competition. Thanks to all of you whose reviews of the bookie wookie gave it this honor in the first place, and thanks to all of you who have or will vote.

And now, the ghost story I promised you.

As you know, I was in Douglas, AZ earlier this month at the Hotel Gadsden. The Gadsden has a rep as a haunted hotel. I've been to many haunted hotels. Never been haunted. Perhaps because I was never alone in a room at these hotels, perhaps because they're not all that haunted. Perhaps because they're not the freaking most haunted joint around.

The Hotel Gadsden is gorgeous -- marble columns, stained glass windows, very Old West and Roaring 20's feel. Elevator has to be operated or you take the stairs. I'm given Room 334. (This will be important later, so remember it.) I get onto the hall and it just feels creepy. The lobby did not feel creepy. But I'm on the 3rd floor waiting for a kid on a tricycle to come by saying "Redrum, redrum." I decide my active imagination is in overdrive and ignore.

Get into my room. As many (aka anyone who's ever stayed in a hotel room with me) can attest, even if I'm only there for 1 night, I hang stuff up and put it away. It's just my "thing". I'm here for 2 nights. I open the closet, decide it feels creepier than the hallway, shut the door and hang nothing up. I don't put things into the chest of drawers, either. Realize I need an extra pillow, check the creepy closet, there's one in there, grab it, and slam the closet door shut again.

The bathroom is directly across from the closet. I don't like being in this bathroom. I tell myself this is just because it's small and that imagination of mine is in hyperdrive. Of course, the creepy closet is across from the bathroom and you can see it in the mirror. I watch that closet in the mirror every time I'm in the bathroom.

It's a 4+ hour drive from Phoenix to Douglas and I was up late every night the week before. I decide I'm tired as hell and go to bed early. Not too much trouble falling asleep. Somewhere after midnight but before 4am, I wake up, feeling pressure and a tingling all over my body, but especially from the waist up and on my face. Come fully awake and realize the feeling is real.

I manage to say, "Shove off, this is my bed." Nothing changes. I then say, "NO. Get OFF. This is MY bed now." And the pressure stops. Yahoo. I roll over and go back to sleep.

I'm all jazzed about this the next day -- I've been haunted! Whoo! I figure it was someone lying down to go to bed; maybe two someone's because the pressure was REALLY strong. But whatever.

Now, Weston Ochse and Yvonne Navarro are also at this event. We have dinner together and are hanging out after in their suite on the 4th floor. The 4th floor is not creepy. At all. It's cozy. Wes and Yvonne have just gotten back from a Haunted Writer's Retreat in a confirmed as VERY haunted mansion. We're discussing this, and Wes shares that he's extremely affected physically by the paranormal.

As we go on, we realize Yvonne's seen what we're fairly sure is a full body apparition. On the 3rd floor. I mention my experiences. Yvonne says I can sleep on their pullout bed. Wes and I chuckle. I mean, nothing bad happened and it could still have been my imagination. But, to ease my mind, Wes offers to take a looksee.

Keep in mind that Wes has spent a career in Covert Ops. This is the man you want to be near whenever stuff gets real, because he's the most calm, in command, and unflappable person around. So, I figure, Wes will check out my floor and room, declare me a Silly Writer Girl, and we all go to bed.

We get onto the 3rd floor, and Wes agrees this place feels creepy, but we both think it's the tile on the floor and the lighting. And then Wes gets near my room. "WHOA!" He's covered with goose-pimples. "There's something here."

We get into my room, and Wes gets into the Closet of Creepiness. And turns white. And more goose-pimply. "There is something in here. And it's malevolent."

You do NOT need to tell me twice. When the guy who is the least likely person in ANY room and ANY situation to be scared is scared for you and suggesting you come right back up and ensure he and the wife cannot have sexy times because he'd rather you were alive the next day, you freaking back your bags and RUN.

I do just that -- run into the bathroom that's a lot less scary 'cause Wes is here, change into my nightclothes, grab my pillows and grab what I need for the night, while Wes grabs the blankets. I mention that I've taken the one pillow out of the closet. Wes grabs the pillow, tosses it back IN the closet, and says these words to live by, "When you open a closet and feel Satan inside, do NOT take a pillow out of it and put it on your bed!"

Up in the safety of the cozy 4th floor with Wes & Yvonne, it dawns on me that there's one other thing that could have been why I felt so much pressure -- if someone was on top of me, smothering me with a pillow. I'm an asthmatic. It doesn't take much to stop us from breathing.

Fully creeped out, the next day, Yvonne goes down with me. It's daylight, and she opens the curtains so sunlight's streaming in. She feels nothing. Could sleep in the closet it's so nothing. So, I have her trot off while I get dressed and pack. She's not gone 10 minutes when the creepy feeling comes back. "Aha," I say with false bravado. "You're afraid of Yvonne. She's a ray of light. Well, leave me alone or SHE'LL BE BACK!"

When I check out, I tell this story. They LOVE to hear how you've been haunted at the Hotel Gadsden because everyone gets haunted there. It turns out that the most haunted room in this place is Room 333. You know, RIGHT NEXT DOOR to my room. And all the closets in that area creep out everyone who stays there. "Could the closets be a portal?" the desk clerk asks me. "Maybe to Hell or another dimension?"

I was too busy running to my car to reply.

For those who indulge, have a happy, fun, and above all safe Halloween. And let's be readers of ghost stories and monster stories and things that go bump in the night stories out there!

Love,
Gini

Winners and Other Lovers

Happy Hump Day! Well, the votes are in and the Gods of Random have made their selection. But, of course, I'm gonna make you wait for it. Just a little bit, though.

So, first off, we have a couple of reviews. Check out what boeklogboek thought of the first installment of The Martian Alliance, The Royal Scam, then see what A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of installment number two, Three Card Monte.

Then check out who My Five Monkeys is dressing up as for Halloween. And if you recently asked me a question via email (or even if you didn't), check out Ask Gini in Extra Me! for the latest Q&A additions.

I was going to fill you in on my haunting experience at the Hotel Gadsden, but then it occurred to me that Halloween is just around the corner. So, I'm gonna trick you a little longer and make you wait for the treat, so to speak. (And my being in the throes of writing Alien in the House had absolutely nothing to do with this decision. The major power spike that caused a lot of electronics to go kaput and an emergency run to Best Buy? Now that might have had a hand in the decision. But I'm not saying for sure.)

The Mysterious Galaxy Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event date's been set -- Saturday, Dec. 1st -- but the time wasn't. And now it is! Come see the me from 3pm-6pm (give or take on the end time). It's also been confirmed that MG will have Alien vs. Alien in stock and able to be sold! (So you can get your copy a few days early and lord it over those who have to wait for Dec. 4th.) San Diego (and SoCal in general) Area Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing: let me know if you also want to meet up before or hang out after.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...the winners of the Alien vs. Alien ARCs!

In no particular order of luckiness, they are:
Jessica Whitfield
rissatoo
Michelle Watson
bejeweledcat

Special winner of the Snort Coke Through My Nose Award goes to our ancient, but hilarious, oldster:
ratkin638 (rumor has it the numbers represent his real age)

NOTE FOR THE WINNERS: You have until Sunday, October 28th to check in by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with your full name and physical mailing address; any ARC not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

Well, that's it for today. But as always, more's on the way. Congrats to the winners, everyone enjoy the downward slide to the week, and let's be 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

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

Invasion of the Blog Tour

Happy Hump Day! Hope everyone had a great weekend and got through the Tuesday that was like a Monday, at least here in the States. I had a great time at CopperCon, and will, as per my usual, be giving you that update later in the week.

Why not today, you ask? Because, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, today's a big day and we need to roll your bad selves right into it. That's right, it's the start of the Necropolis Blog Tour, in honor of The Night Beat! And in addition to getting cool excerpts of the book (if you follow along you'll get through Chapter 10) there are prizes at EVERY stop of the Tour!

Make sure you start over at my Deathless Prose page to get all of Chapter 1 of The Night Beat. Then go immediately to Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell where you get the next excerpt and the first chance to win (contest ends Sept. 27th). After that, head to My 5 Monkeys, where the next excerpt, and chance to win, awaits (contest ends Sept. 11).

The next stops are all listed for you at Invasion of the Blog Tour, so if you miss any, you can go there to get caught up.

Once you've toured for today, check out what My ParaHangover is waiting for.

That's it for today, but the Necropolis Blog Tour is running all month, so until the next time, enjoy the start of the Tour and let's be winning readers out there!

Love,
Gini

California, Here I Come

Sing it! Why? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, because I'm heading to SoCal to take the chicklet to law school (USC, go Trojans! Len and Kyle require that I say that every time I mention this.) But before I go, thought I'd catch you up on some things.

First off, because I just can't leave you without a chance to win something, somewhere, and somehow, there might be a Goodreads contest or two going on right now, and one of the prizes might be a copy of The Night Beat and one might be for an ARC of Alien vs. Alien. I'm not saying for sure. ;-D

Yes, there WILL be a Hook Me Up! exclusive contest for Alien vs. Alien ARCs (coming whenever I actually get them, which won't be for a couple of months), in addition to the one at Goodreads. And yes, I expect to have more than one copy up for grabs. But for those of you who like to cover all your bases, go forth and click the button over at Goodreads to get yet another chance to win.

Next, head over to GReads! and get to know the blogger behind My 5 Monkeys a little better. Then check out where Loki's gotten to now, on the My 5 Monkeys quest for Alien vs. Alien.

Once I'm back from SoCal, it's laundry in, laundry out, and then I'll be at CopperCon from August 31 through September 3. Don't miss out on a chance to see the me, along with a lot of other awesome authors, artists, and creative types in an intimate atmosphere that won't cost you and arm and a leg. (Just fingers, if zombies are taking tickets at the door.)

Is that it? Shockingly, yes. I do plan to try to check in while I'm gone, but Twitter and Facebook are probably your best bets for finding out where I am (not at home) and what I'm doing (things).

Know that I shall miss you all while I'm gone. So, get down with your bad selves in my absence, keep the home fires burning (so to speak), and let's be readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, I'll catch you on the flip side.

Love,
Gini

Winner, Winner, Undead Dinner

Well, as I'm sure you've guessed by the title, the votes are in, the Gods of Random have spoken, and the winners of The Night Beat are ready to be announced. But first, let's get caught up on some business, shall we?

Congrats are in order to Jo Jones, who won a copy of both The Night Beat and Skein of Shadows by Marsheila Rockwell. Never fear, though...there's another chance to win, both books, and it's coming soon.

But before then, see what both Larissa's Bookish Life and Calliope's Domain chose as the top 5 fictional houses they'd like to live in. Then see what Guys Lit Wire thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi, in case you've forgotten ;-D). And last but not least, head over to My 5 Monkeys and catch the start of Loki's Alien vs. Alien Pre-Release Tour.

And now, y'all want the winners, don't you? Well, wait no more! In no particular order of greatness ('cause they're all great), here are the winners of a copy of The Night Beat:

1. writewithbutterflywings

2. Adrian Payne

3. Denise Z.

4. Victoria Slobada

5. Krissa Klein

6. Linda J./Guinan

7. Terri Waddell

8. Bananas in the Void

9. Scarlett

WINNERS TAKE NOTE: Remember that all winners MUST send an email to gini@ginikoch.com by Tuesday, July 31 (extended from prior notices), or your prize will be forfeited and the Gods of Random will choose another recipient. In the email, if you live outside the U.S., please provide what e-version you want/need. If you're within the U.S., please advise if you want electronic or trade paperback, and, if electronic, what e-version you want/need, or, if trade paperback, your full mailing address (including first & last name, please).

Congrats to all the winners, and, until next time, aka tomorrow, when yet another contest will be announced and you just might finally get my Comic-Con Recap, peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Dastardly (Change the D to a B) Deeds

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and that you're all eyeing the start to another great weekend coming up. Desert Dreams was awesome, and I'll give you the full round up on that later on, but not today. No, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, today we have a lot going on and I want you all to get right to it!

First up, head over to Bastard Books where I'm running the show today with my take on funny...and where I also take on Sir Bastard and his evil ways. Truly, not to be missed. AND you can enter to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch (oh yes, that's moi), so definitely don't delay. The winning IS open internationally, too!

Next up, it's time for some reviews. See why Romance Junkies gave Alien Diplomacy a Top Pick, and check out what Bibliognome thought of Alien Diplomacy in a dual review. And see how Alien Proliferation scored as a Top Choice at Flamingnet.

Then, check out what books My 5 Monkeys would most like to see turned into movies or TV shows.

Reminder that I'll be at Phoenix Comicon, where new celeb guests are being added what seems like every day, later this month, over Memorial Day Weekend. The schedule's still being adjusted, but rest assured, I'll be there the entire time. AND, it's looking like if YOU'RE there, you'll be able to score an EARLY COPY of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. Yes! I know! The bookstore and Night Shade Books are working it out right now, but it looks quite likely that those coming to the con can score my next bookie wookie early AND get it signed by me at the same time. It's too happy to be true! So hopefully it remains true. I will, as always, keep all of you posted.

That's it for today, but never fear, more's coming just around the corner. So, have a great one and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Outlandish Thursday

Well, as you all know, I'm heading to the Jambalaya Writers' Conference tomorrow. (For those keeping score at home: Of course I'm not packed yet.) But before I go, there's much going on, so let's get all y'all caught up!

First off, head over to my Ta-Daaa! page and check out the full preliminary final cover of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi), coming June 5th from Night Shade Books. It's the full cover, so the back cover blurb is on there, too!

After checking that out, let's check out some reviews. See what Pearls Cast Before a McPig and My 5 Monkeys thought of Alien Diplomacy. Then, for those who speak or read French, check out what Bananas in the Void thought of Touched by an Alien.

Fiction Affliction at Tor.Com and Anna's Book Blog both have good lists of April's releases. And don't miss finding out what Larissa's Bookish Life chose as the Top 5 Book Covers so far of 2012.

By the way and in case you didn't know, Alien Diplomacy releases this coming Tuesday, April 3. However, I'm getting the good word that there are some bookstores that already have it on the shelves, so feel free to race out and see if your bookstore is one of them!

That's it for today. Must get packed (and *cough* finish Alien vs. Alien). Will see some of you in Louisiana (can't wait!) and will catch all of you on the flip side. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Wrapping Up the Roundup

Happy Monday and Happy New Year! Hope everyone had lovely holidays, took some time off, and had a wonderful first week of 2012. I was busy with galley edits on Alien Diplomacy...and speaking of Alien Diplomacy, we have some exciting news for you. But first, let's get all caught up on what's been going on, shall we?

First up, check out what My 5 Monkeys, Mark of the Stars, and Redlines and Deadlines considered the Best of 2011. Then see what Cybermage finished out the year reading.

Then, hit Goodreads and vote for your most anticipated book of 2012 (I won't complain if you pick Alien Diplomacy, of course). After that, see if your list matches the most anticipated books over at Larissa's Bookish Life.

Head over to The Galaxy Express to get an updated idea of what's coming in SFR in 2012.

Now, let's check out some reviews. See what Short & Sweet Reviews thought of Alien Tango. Then check out what Feeling Fictional and Fresh Fiction thought of Alien Proliferation.

Now, to clarify that Alien Diplomacy tease from earlier. My Advanced Reader Copies arrived, and you know what THAT means...that's right! The Alien Diplomacy ARC Contest is going to start THIS WEEK. This one's going to move fast -- but like all the best contests, it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers ONLY. Not on? Rectify immediately by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. Then get ready to get your win on!

Love,
Gini

Christopher Yaps it Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

The Dazzlers Explain it All For You

Hey there, everyone! All caught up from yesterday's Mass O' Links? Great! 'Cause as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have more for you today! Oh, not that many (okay, yes, really, that many), but still, things you don't want to miss.

First up, head over to Fictitious Musings where the first Dazzlers Only interview is large and in charge. (While there, don't forget to sign up for their Gratitude Giveaway.)

Then which authors My 5 Monkeys would like at her Thanksgiving dinner table.

Next, hit RT Book Reviews and see which series they're looking forward to.

Remember to cast your votes for your fave books in the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards. Yes, "Alien in the Family" is up for best science fiction, so please show it some Alien Collective love. And also remember to get entered to win one of five copies of "Alien Proliferation" over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ.

In Person Reminder: I'll be in San Diego, at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for their Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 10th, from 3pm-5pm. If you're in the Greater San Diego Metro Area, please come on by and get your bookie wookies signed by moi and the other awesome authors who will be there!

Now, for our TusCon recap. First off, yes, yes, more swag has come home just waiting for me to have a chance to parcel it off into prize packs and start the heralded ComboCon Contest (say it once, say it twice, say it three times). But I do owe y'all a recap. So here goes...

Got to panel with some very cool authors including Patricia Briggs, Jeff Mariotte, Marsheila Rockwell, Carol Berg, David Lee Summers, Emma Bull, Janni Lee Simner, Sam Sykes, and the Lovely Miss Yvonne Navarro. Plus there were tons of other awesome authors and artists there. And a good time was had by all. In particular, a good time was had at dinner. At a specific dinner, to be exact.

I give you: My Dinner With Patty.

Patty Briggs and her cool hubby, Mike, invited me and Marcy Rockwell to join them at dinner on Saturday night. Before you get too impressed, we went to the Denny's close to the conference hotel. But hey, still fun, right? Right. Most of the gang going walked over, but Marcy and I had panels later in the evening so we drove. We drove, but got there last. Hey, I had to go to the room and change shoes. These things happen.

As any of you who've met me at a con or a signing know, I tend to wear my favorite cowboy hat during in person events. My pink, sparkly cowboy hat. Don't believe me? Check out Extra Me! and call me a liar.

So Marcy and I trot into Denny's, me in my hat. We see Patty and company nowhere around. But before we can look for them, a waitress barrels up to us. "Ma'am," she snarls, "you can't come in here wearing that hat."

I stared. Marcy stared. "Excuse me?" I mean, what else do you say, right?

"You can't wear that hat in here!" She's dead serious. In fact, everyone around her -- busboy, other waitresses, customers -- all look dead serious, too.

Honestly, my first thought probably wasn't what everyone else would think. I'm from the Mean Streets, and my first thought was, 'What kind of gangs do you HAVE around here?' The only time I've ever been or seen someone tossed out because of headwear is due to gang signs.

Marcy and I exchange the classic WTF look. "Um, what? You're saying that I can't wear a cowboy hat in here?"

"That's right. It's DENNY'S POLICY." She's still snarling. The busboy is indicating he's ready to toss us out if we don't immediately comply and I take my hat off. Marcy and I exchange another WTF look. She's thinking there's no way in the world I'm exposing my hat hair to the world (true 'nuff). I'm thinking that we're not going to get to eat because I have no strong belief the restaurant is going to serve us due to my evil gang affiliations, no matter where the hat goes from here.

I turn back. "But it's a cowboy hat." I have nothing other than stating the obvious at this point. "You're saying I can't come in because I'm wearing a cowboy hat in TUCSON?"

At this point, I'm wondering if I can find the gang I supposedly belong to and get them to do some kind of protest here -- we of the Pink Sparkly Hat Gang will not be denied, sort of thing -- when the waitress starts laughing her head off.

"No, no! I'm just fooling with you. Your friend told me to do it." While she and the rest of the restaurant gang crack up, she leads me and Marcy back to where Patty, Mike and the others are. "She fell for it!" the waitress shouts to Patty. "You should have SEEN their faces!"

At this news, Patty and the others start busting their respective guts with laughter. Yes, it's true -- I was punk'd by Patty Briggs and a Denny's with the best actors on the planet working there. Patty's the coolest, isn't she? Ashton Kutcher's got NOTHING on Patty Briggs! And seriously, if any of those Denny's folks are reading this, you're wasting your talents -- head to Hollywood, pronto.

It was a really great con.

Love,
Gini

The Yap Gives You MORE Chances to Win!

Well, we have another busy day again. So, let's not delay in getting to the details, shall we? Especially since many of those details include winning things.

First off, head over to Book Lovers, Inc. and check out my guest blog for their 1000 Followers Giveaway. Get entered to win a copy of "The Royal Scam" and an Alien Collective Tote, as well as even more prizes!

After getting entered to win, head over to Musa Publishing and check out "Hotter Than Hell", the first release from my Jemma Chase pen name, which releases this Friday, 10-14. It's never too late to pre-order (well, okay, sure, it's too late after the release date, but it's not too late right NOW), so do your girl a solid and check out this paranormal romance between a private investigator and a mysterious woman searching for someplace hotter than Hell.

Following on the heels of "Hotter Than Hell" will be the Oct. 28th release of the first book in my The New West series, "When Josie Comes Home", from my A.E. Stanton pen name. Yep, you know what's coming. Please pre-order that puppy while you're at it.

And since you'll be at the Musa site anyway, those of you who haven't yet scored your copy of "The Royal Scam" can easily rectify, getting a triple out of the whole deal.

But it's not all yapping, pre-orders and pen names today, no siree. Nope, we also have a cool In My Mailbox from My 5 Monkeys. Then, head over to Hanging with Bells to see what she thought of "The Royal Scam".

And we also have winning reminders. If you haven't entered the "Alien Proliferation" ARC Giveaway contest yet, what are you waiting for? Oh, you're waiting to be on Hook Me Up! and so qualified to enter? Well, wait no longer. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and we'll send you the instructions for how to enter to win! Don't delay -- contest ends 10-13.

Tag in for the Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger contest, and get entered to win some great prizes, including an ARC of "Alien Proliferation". Details are at the Win Stuff page -- tag in as part of Team Blah and get more win on! Contest ends 10-21.

That's it for today, 'cause that's plenty. Head off and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini