Humping Roundup

(Made you look AGAIN)

Happy Hump Day! Well, I'm back from the totally awesome that was Phoenix Comicon. I was going to do that update today, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's so much else going on, that I think we'll save it for its own update, because it was the level of awesome that truly deserves to hog the spotlight and go solo. So, let's get to all the cool stuff that's taking precedence today, shall we?

First up, we have much action over at SF Signal. Today's Mind Meld is all about aliens, so they asked me to chime in. And then, as part of the Alexander Outland: Space Pirate Blog Tour, they asked me to share Why I Write Humorous Science Fiction. There's also a chance to win Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. (As a Phoenix Comicon update preview, this was, per the bookstore, the hottest book of the con, so don't miss out on your chance to win it!)

Next, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell has an interview with G.J. Koch (which is pretty darned funny if you ask me, not that anyone has), along with, yes! another chance to win Alexander Outland: Space Pirate.

And speaking of winning Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind has another giveaway up with last week's interview. I know! So much winning, it's too happy to be true!

Have entered to win all over the place, but just aren't sure your magic ju-ju will work to score a copy of Alexander Outland? Night Shade Books is giving you a chance to buy your ecopy a week before official release. Because they CARE about your need to read, that's why.

Next up, Tynga's Reviews dares any who haven't yet to read Touched by an Alien to do so, and that quickly. And My Not So Vacant Shelf and Dun and Red tell you why.

Speaking of reviews, see what Fresh Fiction thought of Alien Diplomacy. Check out what books Reading Reality is Stacking the Shelves with recently. And check out which books/series Larissa's Bookish Life would prefer weren't made into movies or TV shows.

Last, but in no way least, check out the LepreCon 38 Recap by my friend Saul Garnell over at Adventures in SciFi Publishing. It's one of his first articles for them, so give him some Alien Collective love and leave a comment.

Well, as you can see, my doing a wrap up on a 4 day mega-con would mean you were reading until the cows came home (and, really, do the cows ever come home? Or do they jump over the moon and run away? Something to ponder...), so it's a good thing I'm making all y'all wait. So, until next time, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas!

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

Yap for the Win

Hope your week is going well and you're eying the downward slide to the weekend with antici- ... pation! (Fist bump to all the Rocky Horror fans who just did that with me in their minds. Or aloud.) But, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have winning going on, so let's get to it.

First off, head on over to My Bookish Ways where I'm running the yap about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. There's also a chance to win a copy of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (yes, moi), so don't delay and get entered to win today!

Then, head over to My Para-Hangover and see what she thought of Alien Diplomacy. Then check out who's the lucky winner over at Civilian Reader.

This is the last day of the Night Shade Books 50% off sale which includes pre-orders such as Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, so if you haven't taken advantage of this opportunity yet, now's the time.

Shockingly, that's it for today. But there's more coming, so until next time, have a great one and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Let's Yap Outland

Hope everyone's having a great week so far. We have more fun for you today, so let's get to it! First off, head over to the always fun and entertaining Pearls Cast Before a McPig and check out the first-ever interview with G.J. Koch (yes, moi, but still, it's the first AS G.J. Koch, so, you know, go with it) talking about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. And pigs. Because we can.

Speaking of Alexander Outland, we're in the last days to get 50% off on every book at Night Shade Books, including pre-orders. Get your book on, buy or pre-order at least 4 books, get 'em for the price of 2. Such a deal! After you've scored great books for half price, remember to check out my guest blog over at The Night Bazaar.

Next up, the Bitten By Books Alien Diplomacy Launch Party is still going for one more day (today) so you still have time to get entered to win a 10-Book pack from Penguin, plus 2 other chances to win books from me. While you're there, see what Bitten By Books has to say about Alien Diplomacy. Then, get over to the DAW Books Community and add your $0.02 into the discussion of Alien Diplomacy. Make it All Alien Diplomacy All The Time, at least for a few minutes.

In Person Reminder: I'll be at the Desert Dreams Writers' Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, April 27-29. There is an Open To The Public Mass Book Signing on Saturday, April 28, from 5:30-7:00pm. So whether you're attending the con or not, come on by, get your bookie wookies signed, and check out the TON of authors who'll be there signing in addition to me, myself and I -- Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Caris Roane, Amber Scott, Kathryne Kennedy, Bob Mayer, Brenda Novak, Tara Taylor Quinn, Vicki Lewis Thompson, and MORE!

That's it for today, but don't worry, more's coming. Have a great time, and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

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

Yappin', Yappin', Yappin' Day and Night

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a fun weekend planned, but don't head into it without checking out my latest yappings over at Book Monster and Literal Addiction. There's a chance to win Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation, signed and personalized, at BOTH blogs, so TWO chances to win today!

Live Girls Chatting Update: I got the start time wrong (shocking, well, no one, probably). The REAL start time is 8pm Eastern, so 5pm Pacific, TODAY and whatever other times. I'll be there (where?) and you should be, too! Secrets may be revealed, spoilers may be shared...you never can tell. Literal Addiction Author Chat.

We have a new Q&A up at Ask Gini in the Extra Me! section. Then check out the nice things My World...in Words and Pages has to say about Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch (that's moi, for those of you who just joined the Alien Collective).

Speaking of Alexander Outland, reminder that from now until April 19th, Night Shade Books is offering every title, both existing and forthcoming, for 50% off, with a 4 book minimum. And that INCLUDES Alexander Outland: Space Pirate. This is a GREAT opportunity to get my bookie wookie AND at least 3 others for the price of two! Night Shade has great titles from awesome authors, so don't miss this chance to score books now AND in the future for half price!

I was going to do my LepreCon and Jambalaya Conference roundups today, but as with earlier in the week, this puppy's already long enough. So, expect that soon, soon-ish, before I forget what happened, and until then, enjoy linking, saving, and chatting! Catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Alexander Outland 50% Off on Pre-Order RIGHT NOW

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a short and sweet one today because the headline is true. Right now, from April 12-19, in other words, for 1 week only, all of Night Shade Books' titles are 50% off...and that INCLUDES titles you can pre-order!

Head over to Night Shade Books right now and pre-order Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch (yes, that's moi). There's a 4-book minimum to get this deal, but that means you're getting at least 4 books for the price of 2! Such a deal! Don't miss it!

The link takes you to the Forthcoming list where you can pre-order books. Once you're done there, go to the Catalog section to find existing titles. Happy shopping!

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

Happy Valentine's Day!

First off, wanted to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Valentine's Day. Whether you're in a new relationship or old, or looking at today proudly as Singles Awareness Day, I just wanted you to know that, to me, my readers are da BOMB and I love you all.

Now, on to the rest of all that is going on...and it's a lot, so let's get to it!

First up, Night Shade Books is officially announcing the publication of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch. But that's not all. There's a brand new short story from G.J. Koch (yes, aka moi) up as well. So, enjoy a Valentine's gift from Night Shade and moi to all of you!

Then, it's Alien Diplomacy time! First off, the first reviews are in! See what ALPHA Reader, and Larissa's Bookish Life have to say about April's upcoming release. Then, head over to Muddy Colors to learn about the process the awesome Daniel Dos Santos used...and just who he had collaborate with him on this particular cover.

Next, see what Long and Short Reviews thought of The Disciple by Jemma Chase (aka moi, in case you've forgotten somehow ;-D).

Last but in no way least, for those attending the Tucson Festival of Books, I've got my schedule. I'll be doing panels at 10am on Saturday, March 10 AND at 10am on Sunday, March 11. I'll be signing right after both panels, and also doing a signing in the Mysterious Galaxy booth, #255, at 3pm on Saturday, March 10. Hope to see you there, and please let me know if you'll be going! (I'll be the one in the pink, sparkly, cowgirl hat. :-D)

That's it for today. Go out and have a great one and let's remember to be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Latest Exciting News to Share

Happy Hump Day! I have some very exciting news to share.

Writing as G.J. Koch, I've just sold Alexander Outland: Space Pirate to Night Shade Books. The book will release in paperback and ebook formats June 5, 2012.

Trouble’s brewing out in space, and Alexander Outland -- the least likely hero in the galaxy -- and his eccentric crew have to save the day, despite the fact they’d prefer to take the money and run.

I can't wait to share this new series, cast of characters, and galaxy with all of you! So, fasten your seatbelts -- it's gonna be a hilarious, rollicking ride!

Love,
Gini