Strangeness Afoot!

Last week, I recieved quite the honor. Our own beloved Sullivan McPig awarded me with the Strange Men in Pinstripe Suites Blog Award. Seeing as I am strange (and mysterious! Let's not forget mysterious!), I see this as an acceptance of my general skills. So, without further ado, here's what all the blah, blah, blah's about!


Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits Award

What it's about:

This award is based on the release of Cate Gardner's short story collection, Strange Men in Pinstriped Suits. The book is available for pre-order and at a discount of $1.99 off of the cover price. To help celebrate this release, Cate and Strange Publications have a contest with two prize packages to choose from.



The 'Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits' award is given to only the strangest of folk, and as the recipient of such you are deemed very strange indeed.

Congratulations.

Now you must go forth and celebrate the strangeness of friends (and strangers - strangers are always allowed) by nominating blogs run by strange folk. *Beware, some people don't like you to refer to them as strange…Try to avoid them if possible.

Some rules:

1. Add the logo of the award to your blog post.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you (don't mess with strange people).
3. Nominate seven other blogs telling us why you think the recipient is strange enough to deserve the award.
4. Leave a message for those nominated on their blogs.
5. And, if you email catephoenix(at)gmail(dot)com and tell her you've received the award for your strangeness, she'll enter you in the biggest kick-ass Strange Men competition ever. Details over at strangemeninpinstripesuits.com (click on the award link on the home page)

So, now it's time for moi to pick 7 strange friends. The challenge isn't in coming up with 7. The challenge is STOPPING with 7. (Those left out, no fear -- I still love you and your fuzzy li'l strange hearts all to bits...but rulez is rulez.) So, in no particular order of strangeness, I give you:

Melting Before Your Eyes - Because she's a dancing hippo in granny panties.
Lilium's Realm - Because she mothered Grasshopper and Minion.
That's QUEEN Bitch to You - Because you always have to recognize the Queen.
Hanging with Bells - Because she rocks the hottie pics.
I Smell Sheep - Because, well, they smell sheep...I think they potentially OWN this award, for all time.
Amber Scott Project - Creativity in action.
June "Bug" Kramin - 'Cause you never forget your first Bug.

Of course, those awarded may choose to ignore their strangeness and/or the award, but I suggest embracing it and passing it along!

Maniacal Monday

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I did a lot of editing on "Alien in the Family" and a whole lot of needless stressing about getting ready to head to SoCal and Comic-Con.

But that's all in the past! Yes! It IS! I SWEAR! Ahahahahahahaha! *cough*

So, what do we have for you today? Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a lot! First up, there's a question I've been getting somewhat frequently and one of our newest Hook Me Up! subscribers just asked it again. So, hit the Extra Me! page and check out Ask Gini for an answer about Kitty and how she does what she does so well.

Next up, in case you've somehow missed it, I have another Twitter contest going, my 300 Followers contest. For full details, hit Dark Wyrm Reads where the contest is more clearly stated than I've managed to do yet. Check out the reviews of other books while you're there, too! (BTW, while I'm gone, Twitter may be the best place to hear from me, keep in touch with me, etc. Because that Blackberry of mine will be with me at all times, and my netbook will not.)

In other news, ALPHA Reader has a nice shout out to "Touched by an Alien" as well as a lot of other books you might want to check out and put on your summer reading list. And my 3-part guest blog about the 3 P's to Writing Success is up at That's QUEEN Bitch to You so check it, and the reviews (and the Robot Chicken!), out there.

As I think I've mentioned (oh, once or twice), I'll be gone the latter half of this month at Comic-Con (where I'm going as a professional! Yeah, I know, you thought I was over that, based on the opening paragraph, but you were wrong, it's still a required addendum). If you've also somehow missed what my session there will be about and who I'll be on the panel with, check out Super Freaks are Super Freaky for a quick overview. And if you'll be at Comic-Con, let me know!

Last but not least, a reminder for those in the general vicinity of Phoenix/Scottsdale -- I'll be doing an author workshop and book signing this Wednesday, July 14th (you know, instead of packing...'cause I like to make the stress really WORK for me). Would love to see you there!

Writers Workshop Wednesdays
Borders Scottsdale Waterfront
7:00 p.m., July 14
7135 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Stay tuned. Tomorrow the stuff I've been telling you about that we've all be waiting for will be announced...well, that you've all been waiting for me to actually coherently tell you about and I've been waiting to get all ready before I coherently tell you about it. That stuff. It'll be here. Tomorrow. Promise.

Love,
Gini

Ready for the Weekend?

Well, as you can see, I'm late again, but hey, this way, you get your Friday Roundup AND Weekend Update all in one! Such a deal, cheap at twice the price!

As promised, and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, Part 3 of my 3-part series is up on That's QUEEN Bitch to You. Head over, have a read, leave a question or a comment!

Next up, we have a couple of nice shout-outs to "Touched by an Alien". At Stacy's Place on Earth guest SpazP (aka Pamela) shares how she's enjoying the book, and over at Books, According to Nicole "Touched by an Alien" has made her list for the 2010 Science Fiction Romance Challenge!

Haven't heard of this challenge, you say? Well, hit The Galaxy Express for more details. Or go straight to the source at A Writer's Dream where the challenge originated! (Oh, and remember to add "Touched by an Alien" and "Alien Tango" to your challenge list -- hey, "Alien Tango" comes out in early December, it's doable!)

My 300 Twitter Followers contest continues on. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell complete strangers -- when I hit 300, 2 more signed copies of "Touched by an Alien" go out to two lucky followers chosen at random.

But, as always, my heart belongs most to all of my Hook Me Up! subscribers. So don't worry...when it's time to do a contest for an ARC for "Alien Tango", never fear, only those on Hook Me Up! will be eligible.

Wait...you're not on Hook Me Up! you say? Well, now's the time, innit? I mean, with more and more contests on the way, isn't it time you bit the bullet and joined? It's free and easy: just send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and there you go, you're in and all set for the winning to come!

Meaning you'll also be eligible for my After Comic-Con Contest coming up...wait for it...after Comic-Con! (Where, in case you didn't know, I'll be going as a professional!)

Should you or anyone you know be at Comic-Con San Diego later this month, my panel is on Friday, July 23rd: 10:00-11:00 With Great Power Come Great Stories — Authors discuss creating superhero superfiction, including novels and stories in anthologies like Masked and Wild Cards. Authors include Lou Anders (Masked), Jackie Kessler (the Icarus Project novels), Caitlin Kittredge (the Icarus Project novels), Gini Koch (Touched by an Alien, the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series), Kevin Andrew Murphy (the Wild Cards series), Chris Roberson (Book of Secrets), Caroline Spector (Wild Cards contributor), and Matt Sturges (Justice Society of America). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 32AB.

If you'd like to see the full Comic-Con line-up, and be awed at the amount of things to do over four and a half days, hit the main site: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/index.php. Remember, returned memberships are still available. So, if you're going, be sure to let me know so we can meet up! (And yes, I'll take autograph requests for any of the other authors or moderator on my panel...just get 'em to me by Friday, July 16th. Those wanting "Castle" autographs can merely get in their long line and keep the digits crossed that I'll be able to get close enough to score a visual, let alone a signature.)

Last but not least, stay alert, the new "stuff" should be announcement-ready by sometime next week. But until then, have yourselves a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Jumpin' July!

Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a busy week. Which, of course, you know, too, 'cause I've blogged every day. (Making you nostalgic for last week? LOL)

Getting right down to business, there's a great new review of "Touched by an Alien" up at Lala's Book Corner. Head over, have a read, leave some Alien Collective love.

Parts 1 & 2 of my 3-part guest blog are still large and in charge over at That's QUEEN Bitch to You. If you haven't checked them out, why not rectify that right now? Part 3 is coming on Friday, so stay tuned!

Reminder for those who are in or around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area (aka Welcome to Hell's Orientation Party!), I'll be doing a workshop and book signing at the Border's Scottsdale Waterfront on Wed., July 14th. Details here, The Arizona SF/F Blog and here, BookTour.com. Please come by if you can, would love to see you there!

In other news, "Touched by an Alien" is a Locus runner up bestseller! And my Twitter contest is still going strong -- if you're not following me yet, head over and start (http://twitter.com/GiniKoch), 'cause when I hit 300 followers, I'm giving away 2 signed copies of "Touched by an Alien". There's more "stuff" coming, and I think you're going to like it, but it's not quite ready for prime time...hopefully before I go to Comic-Con...so keep your eyes on the website!

And finally, it's time to start the drumbeat -- please pre-order "Alien Tango" (releasing Dec. 7th, as if you didn't know) and encourage all you run across to pre-order, too! (Yes, for those of you who were with me before "Touched by an Alien" released, you ARE going to hear this a lot...but what can a girl do? Pre-orders matter. So, you know, pre-order today so you can be all proud of your bad selves and lord it over the slower folks.)

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Believe me, you want to change that status, and soon. When I'm back from Comic-Con, there will be another Hook Me Up! exclusive contest coming...and when I get ARCs for "Alien Tango", guess who's going to have a shot at them? Right you are, my Hook Me Up! subscribers ONLY. So, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line TODAY, so you're all set and don't miss out on anything!

Love,
Gini

Drive By Update

Happy Hump Day to all!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's short and sweet today. Part 2 of my 3 part guest blog over at That's QUEEN Bitch to You is up. Head on over, have a read, leave a comment or question, you know the drill.

Now I'm racing back to editing "Alien in the Family". You enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend!

Love, Gini

The Yap Runs Again!

Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's no radio silence for THIS week. We're revved up and getting things done before I take off for the less sunny and cooler climes of lovely San Diego. (Trust me. It's summer. There is NO place sunnier and hotter than my portion of Arizona. Feel free to compare temperatures with us...we Phoenicians merely say, "Bring it. The only ones who can beat us are in Yuma.")

So, weather domination aside, let's get on to the good stuff! Our own Queen Bitch asked me to do a guest blog for aspiring authors, which, being that it was MY yap that was running, is going out in three parts. (I know, what were the odds?) Part One is live on That's QUEEN Bitch To You right now. Head over, have a read, potentially be inspired. Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment, I'll be happy to answer!

We have a winner of my 200 Twitter Followers contest -- Neil O'Donnell! I enjoyed this little contest so much that I'm going to keep it going AND up the ante. When I hit 300 Twitter followers, I'm going to give away two signed copies of "Touched by an Alien" via random drawing. So, if you're not yet following me on Twitter, hurry up, more winning's afoot! (Team Gini's Twitter Expert says that the direct line to me on Twitter is http://twitter.com/GiniKoch - yes, everyone's back from their long weekend...you can tell, things are working right.)

In other news, The Perils of Pauline had some nice things to say about "Touched by an Alien". And we've revamped the Deathless Prose page. Why, you ask? Well, so when I put up excerpts from "Alien Tango", they'll be easy to find...

Love,
Gini

Winning Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's all about the winning today. Lots and lots of winning. And, hey, we all like winning, so it's all good!

First up, the winner of the "Touched by an Alien" giveaway at That's QUEEN Bitch to You has been announced. Head on over and offer your Alien Collective congrats (or envy)!

Next, remember that the chance to win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" from Tempting Persephone ends this Friday, May 28. Hurry on over and leave a comment to have a chance to win! Friends don't have "Touched by an Alien" yet? Well, send them over, too!

If you're not on Hook Me Up! yet, remember that you have until Sunday, May 30th, to sign up to be eligible for the last week, Week Four, Exclusive contest. Just send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be all set to have a chance to win some great prizes!

Week Two's winner, Carien Ubink, chose the Limited Edition Gini Bag as her prize. It could be yours, too -- or an Amazon gift card, an iTunes gift card, or a signed and personalized copy of "Touched by an Alien" -- all you have to do is send that email, get signed up, and enter to win!

And, speaking as we are of winning, there's MORE to win. Our own Amber Scott has a chance to win her book, "Play Fling", up at The Amber Scott Project. Head on over, leave a comment, get entered to win. Also, while you're there, check out the latest from last week for Project Pay It Forward.

Last but in no way least, Erin Quinn's spotlighting author Donna Grant, and there's a chance to win Donna's latest release, "Forbidden Highlander". Again, head on over, leave a comment, get entered to win.

I told you it was all about the win today! So, go forth and conquer!

Love,
Gini

It's All About the Win!

Happy Monday to all! Hope you all had a wonderful and productive weekend. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's another action-packed week here in Gini Land, so let's get to it!

First up, we have a great new review! Check out Janicu's Book Blog for the latest review of "Touched by an Alien", and share some Alien Collective love!

Next, there's a "what'll you be reading" contest over at the Blog with Bite and "Touched by an Alien" is in second place. If you get time, head over, see if the challenge applies to you, and, if if does, cast your vote for whichever of the 5 books you want (see? I'm generous and fair, you don't HAVE to vote for "Touched by an Alien"...*sniff*...LOL).

The winners of The Book Pusher's book giveaway have been announced! Head over and offer your congratulations or envy.

Speaking of winning, there's one day left to get in on the "Touched by an Alien" giveaway at That's QUEEN Bitch to You -- contest ends today, May 24th. The contest for a free copy of "Touched by an Alien" at the Tempting Persephone blog runs through this Friday, May 28th. Hit both for another chance to win!

And, since we're talking about winning, the Week Two winner is...*drum roll, please*...Carien Ubink! Congrats, Carien! Head over to the Win Stuff page and drop me a line letting me know which of the cool prizes you'd like!

Week Two Question: What/who was your favorite fugly from "Touched by an Alien"? (Name and/or description)
Carien's answer: I have to go for 'Grandpa' Mephistopheles. It's because he's not just a fugly, but an intelligent fugly. I love my baddies to be intelligent and charismatic I must confess.

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? You just don't like getting news first and having access to exclusive contests and events? If you'd like to start getting it all first and fastest, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be all set!

Love,
Gini

Another Happy Friday!

I have no idea how it's Friday again already, but I hope everyone's ready for the weekend! But, before we head off, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's a lot going on. So let's get to it!

First up, we have another new review of "Touched by an Alien". Head over to Life, According to Nicole and check out her take on the book. And, while you're there, spread some Alien Collective love to one of our own.

There's a short but sweet review up at the Jean Little Library site, and we all know we love our librarians, particularly those who love our books! So, check it out and leave some Alien Collective love.

But wait, there's more! The winner of ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway has been announced! Check out who the lucky winner is and offer your congrats (or envy, depending)!

Today's also the last day to get an entry in for The Book Pusher's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway -- this contest closes today, May 21. There's also still time to get entries in for the "Touched by an Alien" giveaways at That's QUEEN Bitch to You, contest ends Monday, May 24, and at Tempting Persephone, contest ends Friday, May 28.

Remember that you have until Sunday, May 23, to send in your answer for this week's Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest to be entered to win cool, free prizes. Winner and their winning 'choice' will be announced on Monday the 24th. Week 3's question will come out Monday as well. So don't miss out, enter today!


Love,
Gini

The Neverending Yap Story

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, another day brings another interview on the way! That's right, this time, our own Tempting Persephone has an interview with yours truly going, and she asked some cool questions you'll want my answers to. So head on over, have a read, and show the blog some Alien Collective love. She's also giving away a copy of "Touched by an Alien", so if you want another copy or have friends who haven't read the book yet, head them over to leave a comment and get entered to win! Contest ends May 28.

Speaking of winning a copy of "Touched by an Alien", we have three other Collective blogs giving away a copy. ALPHA Reader's giveaway ends May 20. The Book Pusher's giveaway ends May 21. That's QUEEN Bitch to You's giveaway ends May 24. Hit 'em all!

And, speaking of interviews, and reviews, if you haven't checked out both at Dark Wyrm Reads, as in the review of "Touched by an Alien" and my first ever interview, what are you waiting for? New views, different questions, and other good stuff equals a must-read, so don't wait, head over now!

Speaking of don't wait -- if you're not on Hook Me Up! right now, get on the bandwagon. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be eligible for the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest, get all the news that's fit to print first, and more! Don't delay, sign up today!

Love,
Gini

Alien-Filled Friday

It's been a roller coaster ride this week here in Gini Land, and it's not over yet!

First up, As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I insinuated in yesterday's blog, and KB flat out said at the start of yesterday's interview, Babbling About Books has a review of "Touched by an Alien" large and in charge. Head over and show BAB some Alien Collective love! And if you missed yesterday's interview, well, it's not too late to catch up right now.

Speaking of catching up, it's time to check in with The Amber Scott Project about the current status of Project Pay It Forward. Check out the progress and let Amber know what you think of the Project!

Next up, it's preview time at Dark Wyrm Reads. We have it from the Dark Wyrm himself that another review of "Touched by an Alien" will be live there this coming Monday, as well as some other reviews coming. Check it out and bookmark the site, we'll be back there next week!

Last but in no way least, Tempting Persephone's lovely owner let me know some exciting news: "Touched by an Alien" is one of Booklist's top 10 adult SF/Fantasy books of 2010! Check it out...I still can't quite believe it's true, but there it is, all in print and everything!

Reminder time:

Week One's Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest ends on Sunday. Send the answer to the question to gini@ginikoch.com by Sunday, May 16. Winner and Week Two's question will be announced separately on Monday, May 17. Check out the Win Stuff page for all the prizes you could win...as long as you enter!

The Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research rolls on through the end of the month. There's lots up there, including my Fight the Fuglies Starter Kit, so hit the auction and place a bid or two.

ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" Giveaway runs through May 20. That's QUEEN Bitch to You's "Touched by an Alien" Giveaway runs through May 24.

There's more up at Free Stuff including print-them-yourself bookmarks. Head over, grab some freebies!

Whew! That's it for today, peeps! Have a fun time reading, browsing, and blog-hopping, and have an alien-tastic weekend!

Love,
Gini

Fugly Fighting for a Cause

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, and as you may already know as well, author Brenda Novak does a yearly auction benefiting diabetes research. And this year I have a donation in the mix as well -- and it just went up! Head on over to the 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research and check out the great stuff there, including a Fight the Fuglies Starter Kit. It's item #1793487, located in the Gift Baskets and Collections section.

We've also got another Sighting in the Wild up, and, if you check out either the Bookstore or Deathless Prose pages and scroll down a bit on each, you'll see what, so far, no one else has yet to see. And, the bookplates are in! Check out Free Stuff and see what all you can get for the price of a stamp or the click of a mouse!

Speaking of free, ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway goes through May 20th, and That's QUEEEN Bitch to You's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway goes through May 24th.

And of course, the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is rolling. All Hook Me Up! subscribers, remember to send your answer to Week One's question to me -- gini@ginikoch.com -- by Sunday, May 16, for your chance to win!

More to come, so as always, watch this space!

Love,
Gini

The Yap Keeps Running, the Prizes Keep Coming!

Happy Monday, Alien Collective! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a busy time here in Gini Land.

First, what I KNOW you've all be waiting for, is the HMU! Exclusive Contest! We're live and rolling -- all the rules are on the Win Stuff page. Check the rules and prizes out, and for those who are already signed up on Hook Me Up!, keep an eye on your email, because the first week's question will be heading your way in just a few.

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? It's not too late. Well, it's too late for this week's contest. But the contest will roll for 4 weeks, so why delay? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be all set for next week.

Now it's time to announce the lucky winner who will get an autographed copy of "Haunting Beauty".

*drum roll, please*

Mizz Crow, you're the winnah! Congrats, girl! Send your mailing address to gini@ginikoch.com ASAP and we'll get your copy of this awesome book right out to you!

Speaking of prizes and contests and all sort of cool things, our fun and fab Queen Bitch has an interview with moi up and livin' large as well as a giveaway at her site, That's QUEEN Bitch to You. Head over and show her some Alien Collective love!

We've got a new pic up at Sightings in the Wild. Remember to take a pic whenever you see "Touched by an Alien" in one of its natural habitats and send it in for the Book Wall!

If you didn't check it out yet, head over to The Galaxy Express and check out the "Waitress, could I have a side of humor..." article. It's interesting, relevant, and there's a lot of great comments going, too, so join in and share YOUR views! And while you're wandering, hit The Amber Scott Project and find out the latest goings on with her Project Pay It Forward experiment with "Touched by an Alien".

Whew! There's more coming, but I imagine this'll keep you all busy, out of trouble, and off the streets for a few hours, so go forth and conquer!

Love,
Gini

Guess What?

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, more reviews for "Touched by an Alien" are in! Take a look at what "That's QUEEN Bitch To You" and Jacqueline Lichtenberg from "Alien Romances" have to say. The last one is a longer post, but well worth reading (or you can just skim on down to the TBAA cover and go from there).

And, watch this space, and "Pearls Cast Before a McPig", because there will be an interview up there on Monday. (Three guesses who with, and the first two don't count.)

So, head over and give all these places some Alien Collective love!

I'll be at the Desert Dreams conference this weekend, and for those of you in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area (Summer in April!) I'll be a part of the mass book signing at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday, April 17th, from 5:45-7:00p.m. Hope to see you there!

Love,
Gini