March 2018 Catch Up

Hey there, Strangers! I know, I know -- it's been, literally, ages since you've heard from me. And I feel badly about it. But life can really get you sometimes, and it definitely got me in 2017 and through the first few months of 2018, too. BUT, I am doing my best to be back in terms of regular(ish) updates (I mean, how could I do worse than the slow decline in updates for the last two years, right?) and keeping all y'all in the loop. With that in mind, let's get to lots of news both a little older and a little newer, and I'll give you the Quick Life Catch Up as well. So, read on MacDuffs... In Case You Didn't Know... Aliens Abroad released February 6th. For those of you who are wondering why I didn't advise all y'all sooner, well, this newsletter's theme is Better Late Than Never so...it's out! If you haven't gotten your copy yet, don't delay, because Kitty and Company are on the wildest road trip ever...and the fate of the galaxy rests in their hands. But Kitty's got her purse and her music, so no worries. There are a lot of great reviews of Aliens Abroad out there -- and it even made the Barnes and Noble Bestsellers List for February! So, here's a sampling for those of you who like to check out the reviews before you buy, or add in! RT Book Reviews Top Pick! - “If you are in need of pure escapism paired with wacky adventures and snicker-producing humor, then this is absolutely the series for you.” Kirkus Reviews Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read in February - "Koch's Alien novels have proven themselves to be swift-moving, engaging and flat-out fun." Gizmo's Reviews - “This stunning ending really leaves me eager to pick up the next book in the series.” The Neverending TBR - "First of all, this is my favorite book series for adults." Books in Brogan - "It was so worth the wait you will not want to miss this adventure." Stormy Vixen's Book Reviews - "Kitty is back and once again, she storms through my world creating a complex but exhilarating adventure for me to get lost in." Tome Tender - "Talk about your high octane, hilariously funny, outrageously animated, A.D.D. ultimate adventure and that was just the first chapter." Ravenous for Reads - "I’m speechless. It’s Amazing." Bibliognome - "Overall, if you haven't started this series yet, check it out ASAP." Speaking of things that you might not know about... Meet Belle. This is the book, and the character, that started it all for me in terms of writing, and the reason I kept on writing, and is the reason I have "Old West Expert" on my resume. This is the first in a series, by moi writing as A.E. Stanton, and it's only on audiobook from GraphicAudio. They say it's a movie in your mind, and they're not wrong! So check it out and enjoy the wild ride! In addition to all the other things, I'm now a regular contributor to TG Geeks. And I've been busy! Check out all the ways to catch on up all things moi over there! And check out all the other stuff at the site, too -- tons of fun to be had! Old Classics? Newly Reviewed! (Weekly on Wednesday) D.O.A. Ruggles of Red Gap Bachelor Mother Trouble in Paradise Ocean's 11 Soderberg's Ocean's Trilogy Strangers on a Train Social Saturday The Marietta Diner  Miscellaneous Moi Spotlight Sunday - Gini Koch Review of Touched by an Alien Gini Koch IS the Walking Dead   The Yap In Charge It's interviews time and that means it's time to learn new things about moi, what we laughingly call my process, the characters, my teenaged dreams, and more! Check out the Yap over at: Jean Book Nerd Ninetoes Love Books I've also been running the yap at some cool podcasts, for all your listening pleasure! So spend a couple hours just hanging out with moi and the rest of the chatty crew! Aliens Abroad release week podcast with TG Geeks. Aliens Abroad release week podcast with Genre Talk. Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest So, I promised you more of a real catch up on what's been going on. So here 'tis. Most of you know that we had to move from Hell's Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ) to HotButReallyColdlanta (aka Atlanta, GA). Right after Thanksgiving. And right after I spent the better part of a month searching for a new home. But I found one, so, yay. And we made it across the country in one piece, so double yay. Turns out that a camper that can sleep 6 is plenty roomy enough for 2 humans, 3 large dogs, one small dog, and two cats. (Thank you, Cruise America, for making that possible. Expensive, but possible. And I learned I love driving your campers AND I'm good at it, which sort of terrified the hubs, making the trip that much better.) We made it out here and before we'd been in Atlanta a week we got 6 inches of snow. Because of course. Never have we missed the desert so much. Right up until it rained. For days. And then we missed the desert even more. Right after this, we had to say goodbye to the Spotted Fiend. She'd made it across the country in a rental camper like a champ (the less said about how the hubs and I did, with 4 freaked out dogs and 2 screaming cats, racing across the land in order to beat moving vans and car carriers to the Manse, the better), but she was on her last paws and we knew it. She got to see the Manse, expressed her dismay with snow and rain, rolled in the grass on a couple of dry days, and then headed off to reunite with The Big Fella, Neuroses the Swift, Couch Potato, Supermodel Supreme, Dementia Kitty, and the Little Prince of Purrsia in the big Pet Park in the Sky. We shall not see her like again. (Seriously. Never again. We loved her but Dalmatians are cray.) All this happened after I was so very late with Aliens Abroad that we had to move the release date back. Hence why the "hey, the book's out, by the way" notification isn't nearly as late as it could be. Thankfully, DAW was, and is, understanding and supportive because 2017 really knocked me down and I had a heck of a time getting back up again. But up again I finally am, and hoping to stay up, even if that's achieved by being propped up against a wall, so to speak. Atlanta is finally starting to feel a bit like home (thanks to the Wonderful Agent and author James Ray Tuck, Jr., in particular) and I just about have the Manse done exactly the way I want it. The last additional cat condo should arrive next week (hey, the Killer Kitties have NEEDS) and the Canine Death Squad love their gigantic backyard with their very own tonnage of trees to pee on! All their own! So the family is adjusting. We now return you to your regularly scheduled updating... Need Things to Keep You Occupied Until Aliens Like Us Releases?   We've got you covered. New from Zombies Need Brains Featuring "The City Beneath the Sea" by moi writing as J.C. Koch Featuring "A Kitty-Bot's Tale", an Alien Series short taking place during Alien Education New from Baen Books        New from UFO Press Featuring "H.P. and Me", a Necropolis Enforcement Files prequel Featuring "Alexander Outland: Space Jockey", an Alexander Outland prequel (aka, How Nap Met Slinky) New from the Independent Collection Book 1 of The New West series by moi writing as A.E. Stanton Book 2 of The New West series by moi writing as A.E. Stanton That's all for today but, miraculously, more will honestly be on the way, and far sooner than the last updates (I know, SUCH a low bar...). So, in the meantime, check out all the things, and let's be readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Love, Gini

---

Cyber Monday Means Anthologies!

Getting books this Cyber Monday? Don't forget anthologies!

You've still got half a day to head on over to Zombies Need Brains and pick up a few! 

Gini's got Alien Series stories in the Zombies Need Brains anthologies:

Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens ⭑Temporally Out of Order ⭑Alien Artifacts 

and her first Young Adult story ever in:

WERE-

PLUS you can pre-order Submerged and All Hail Our Robot Conquerors, featuring two more stories: An Alien Series story for All Hail Our Robot Conquerors and a Horror tale in Submerged 

You still got half a shopping day left. You know you gotta get 'em all!

Be sure to check out the other great book-shaped gifts and merchandise they've got available!!

Come out and see the Gini!

Calling all Cali members (and those always up for a roadtrip) of the Alien Collective! The time to meet and mingle with Gini is upon us.

I know, dramatic much?...whateva I has flair.

This weekend the Gini (and her signature hat) will be in Victorville, California! If you're going to be in that neck of the woods -- or you could direct your wanderings in said direction -- stop by and spend some time with the lady herself and pick up something awesome from the Giniverse:

September 30, 3 pm to 7 pm - Barnes and Noble in Victorville Mall - Gini will speak and sign copies of the most recent release from the Alien series: Camp Alien. This event is free to the public

October 1, 10 am to 4 pm - High Desert Book Fair - Gini will be signing in the Barnes and Noble adults area from 12-1pm (and possibly more!) and will also give a Main Tent presentation with Q&A at 1:30 pm. A Main Tent book signing follows directly after.  Be sure to sign up for your FREE TICKETS to Main Tent presentations!

Robots, Water and Death Kickstarter makes its initial production goal 60 hrs left to pledge!

The Robots, Water and Death Anthologies meets its production goal! Don't miss out on this great Zombies Need Brains campaign and its opportunity to get two more stories from our author gal Gini. 

There's still an opportunity for Tuckerizations available for Gini's story in Submerged as well as some pretty sweet backer rewards. Take a look, pledge some dough help bring new stories to the world! You'll feel better, I promise.

Supporting the folks who support Gini:

If you're a podcast listener/Gini-news follower, then you (should) know that Gini's been featured on Creative Play and Podcast Network before. As the road of fandom love is a two-way street, please consider supporting their fundraising efforts on Indiegogo. They're hoping to make Season 3 the best it can be.

Ever wanted to name a role-playing game character or give voice to a a role? Interested in being a Show Sponsor or Producer? Just want a shout out and a thank you for a mini-interweb moment of awesome?

Now's your chance to help keep the gaming and adventure going!

Heading to the movies? 

Check out Gini's joint review with her Slice of SciFi/Pop Culture Geeks editor, Summer Brooks, of The Magnificent Seven and plan your own movie night.

Stay tuned for more Gini-news!

Ro

Gini, Coming to a Book Festival near...Victorville

Hail and well met members of the Collective! You have some great opportunities to see the Gini, speak with the Gini, and buy new works by the Gini coming your way.

See, I know what's important...it's the Giniverse and our sassy author friend in a signature pink cowgirl hat.

Quickly Approaching Opportunities To See Gini in 3D:

Join Gini at the Barnes and Noble in Victorville Mall on Friday, September 30th, 3 pm to 7 pm. She'll be speaking and signing copies of the latest release from the Alien series: Camp Alien - as well as all of her other book-shaped offerings.

If you can't make it to the mall - or you just feel the need to capitalize on all chances of a Gini sightings - you should stick around and head out to the inaugural High Desert Book Fair on Saturday, October 1, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm also in Victorville.

Gini will be a Main Tent Speaker with Q&A at 1:30 pm, followed by a Main Tent book signing. Have no fear, Gini will be around all day signing and giving out hugs in grand Gini-style.

And don't forget that Gini's ONLY East Coast appearances this year will be in Richmond, VA, at the James River Writers Conference, October 14-16, and at Fountain Bookstore, October 16. If you're even close to nearish to the area, don't miss out on your only chance to see our girl up close and in person!

New Releases featuring stories by Gini:

 Zombie Needs Brains produced anthologies Alien Artifacts and Were- released in trade paperback and ebook on September 15th

If you missed out on supporting this Kickstarter, here's your chance to nab these books. Alien Artifacts stories are about humanity discovering what aliens have left behind, and  Were- is about were-creatures other than werewolves.

 If you've devoured these stories already please do our author a solid post a review on goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Gini's story in Artifacts is an Alien series short, "Alien Epilogue", that goes into what happened to the folks in Bizarro World after "the switch." Gini's story in Were- is her very first YA, "Missy the Were-Pomeranian vs. the Masters of Mediocre Doom". You know you want them, so get them, now!

Spread the word; book-pushing is a kindness...really, friends don't let friends miss great stories. 

10 days left to support Robots, Water and Death Anthologies!

The latest Zombies Need Brains Kickstarter to fund 3 new science fiction fantasy anthologies: Submerged (stories set underwater), All Hail Our Robot Conquerors! (stories with robots harkening back to the 50's/60's), and The Death of All Things (stories with Death as a character) is $4197 away from its initial production goal. 

Don't miss out on the opportunity for a new J.C. Koch horror story in Submerged and a new short story set in the universe of the Alien series in All Hail Our Robot Conquerors!  AND, don't miss out on a chance to be a character in one of Gini's stories -- there are still tuckerizations left for her story for Submerged, so check it out and get your name in lights. So to speak.

Also don't forget to check out the different rewards for backing this project. There are zombie goats as a prize available people; ZOMBIE GOAT PLUSHIES.

Gini's excited to write new stories for two of the anthologies and let's not forget it's another opportunity for you to have yourself written into the Giniverse. So stop on by check out the campaign and become a backer! 

A new place to nab a piece of Alien series inspired artwork:

If you're anything like me - god help you if so I'm a wee bit nutty - then you've tried to picture what characters from stories look like while you're reading. One of my favorite things to do is surf the interwebs for fan art. 

Ever wondered what the Peregrine species from the Alien series might look like?  Well, talented artist and the Head of Team Gini Lisa Lingenfelter Dovichi has made her imaginings of Bruno the Peregrine available for purchase in her new Esty store PrintsCharmingbyLisa. Check out Bruno and her other artwork - it's: "Where Watercolors and Zentangles Collide."

∞∞

Last but not least, remember that now's the time to be sure that you pre-order Alien Nation from your favorite bookstore or online retailer. More and more, pre-orders matter to publishers and, therefore, to authors and, by extension, readers. We want the Alien series to go on forever and ever, right? Then pre-orders are a must! So, do our girl a solid and get those pre-orders in pronto!

Now, if anyone knows who's got the 2016 remote, let me know because I really should be the operator.

Ro

Fall is Almost Upon Us and I have No Idea Where August Went...

Greeting and Salutations good people... 'tis Ro again bringing you more updates from the land of Gini.

I hope the latter half of August continued to treat you kindly as we rocket (seriously I need maybe a month back) toward the official first day of Fall. And for those of you returning small humans -- or not so small humans, yay college -- to educational establishments...congratulations! Hat tip to you for making it through summer (hopefully) relatively unscathed... 

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Moving on to the comings and goings in the Giniverse:

Gini's Coming to a Venue/Event Near(ish) You! 

Gini is an author in demand (as fans we know and applaud this -- unless there's a deadline looming then we -- ok, I -- tend to get an urge to deploy duct-tape-to-chair measures). Which means there are some great opportunities coming up for you to come spend some time, ask a question or seven, get a signature or two, and *cough cough* buy some books from the lady herself this Fall: 

October

Saturday, October 1, 10:00am - 4:00pm: Gini will be a Main Tent Speaker at the inaugural High Desert Book Festival in Victorville, CA. She's presenting "Worldbuilding" at 1:30pm, followed by a Main Tent book-signing. Gini will also be at the book fair all day signing the bookie wookies and giving out hugs as is her wont.

She'll be doing book signings in the area as well, so SoCal, West AZ, and Vegas peeps keep your eyeballs peeled, we'll be updating shortly!

If you live on the east coast, your only opportunities in 2016 to see Gini in 3D will be at these next two events.

Friday-Sunday, October 14-16:  the 14th Annual James River Writers Conference in Richmond, VA, where she's a Featured Faculty Member. Gini will be teaching workshops on Friday the 14th and doing panels and signings on the 15th & 16th. Be sure to check the site and register for the Conference if you want the opportunity to talk writing with Gini and other authors in the quest to hone your own craft!

Sunday, October 16, 3pm: Book signing at Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA. This is open to the public, you do NOT need to attend the JRW Conference to attend.

November 
Friday-Sunday, November 4-6, 2015: Tucson Comic-Con
Gini will have a table in the exhibit hall selling and signing all the bookie wookies. Museum of Robots will be there with her, selling all the cool swag. Panel details to come.

DECEMBER
Book Tour for Alien Nation!

Saturday, December 10th: Mysterious Galaxy Holiday Party, San Diego, CA
Saturday, December 17th: Amazing Wyked Writers Mass Holiday Signing, Barnes & Noble, Henderson NV  

More stores and dates (and urls and all that jazz) to come. 

NEXT YEAR
 
July 1-4, 2017: Gini will be the Local Author Guest of Honor at ConAlope/Westercon 70 in Tempe, AZ. The con is focused on all things alien, so you know why they tapped our girl to do the LGoH gig!

Have no fear there will more places for me to loop you into with prime opportunities for Gini-sightings in the wild.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

The  Zombie Needs Brains Kickstarter launches at 12 pm EST August 31st, as in TODAY! 

Three new anthologies -- SUBMERGED (SF and F stories set underwater), ALL HAIL OUR ROBOT CONQUERORS! (SF stories with robots harkening back to the 50's/60's), and THE DEATH OF ALL THINGS (SF and F stories with Death as a character). Tons of special reward levels (tuckerizations, signed copies of books, etc.) and Early Backer and High Backer Incentives (free ebooks, bookmarks, postcards, etc), including many things being given by Gini. 

Gini is writing stories for two of these anthologies -- Submerged and All Hail. She's got tuckers available (Team Tuckerization, start your engines) and will be doing a horror short for Submerged, writing as J.C. Koch, and an Alien series short for All Hail. Don't miss out on your chance to get two new stories by Gini into your library!

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Help Member of the Collective, Lori, journey to the Last Thing She'll Ever See: This gofundme supports Lori on her way to making a beautiful memory before her eyesight fails completely. Sometimes, the best thing to do when faced with the inevitable is make it an adventure. 

Animal kids need love too!

If you know Gini at all (which of course you do), then you know she's all about saving the nanimals; as are many of members of the Collective. If you're looking for a place to show your support, in remembrance of our fallen member of the Alien Collective, please consider making a donation to one of Beth Vrabel's favorites: Odd Cat Out Sanctuary.

 

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Reviews and Raves From Around the Interwebs:

We know what we like about the works of Gini. I'm sure, you like me, have your favorites from amongst the clan.  

Once you've picked up your Z’porrah Power Cube Pendant from Museum of Robots (yes, I'm still fangirling over the swag) you should see what reviewers and publications have to say about some of Gini's books. 

Leave me a comment, let me know if you agree or disagree and what your favorite story is: 

Barnes and Noble included Camp Alien in their May New Book Roundup: "Koch is a master of the fine balance between the tense action and a hilarious one-liner."

Touched by an Alien makes Book Riot's June list of "10 Excellent Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance - "I didn’t know I wanted a Men in Black-inspired romance, and then I read this."

Musings and Ramblings: "I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this book. And no shame in my game, I enjoyed every minute of it" about Camp Alien.

Jean from Xtreme Delusions says: "I already know that I’m prone to fall into her books and get totally lost in the world of her characters. Camp Alien was no exception." 

Becky B from bibliognome says of Camp Alien: "Humor + Serious Situations + Aliens aplenty + Blasts from the Past = a tremendous read with more than enough momentum to keep dashing forward into the foreseeable future."

The People's Daily Morning Star declares: "Perhaps some purists will blanch at the liberties taken [in alt.sherlock.holmes] but I think most Holmes fans will enjoy seeing the essentials of the Baker Street legend illuminated anew by being shown from such different perspectives."

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Thinking of picking up a new show or catching a movie? Let Gini be your guide! Head over to Slice of SciFi and Pop Culture Geeks and check out her latest reviews:

• Killjoys (Season 2) 
• Ben-Hur  

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

And last but certainly not least -- I feel I just have say BECAUSE SCIENCE!: 

How many of you good folk saw the ScienceAlert report about an Earth-like planet found in our closest system?

Image: ESO./L. Calçada/Nick Resigner 

I don't know about you, but I now dearly want to visit Proxima b (yes I know it's 4.2 light years away) as it may support life. I hereby volunteer as tribute for the cryo-chamber! That is, of course, AFTER the James Webb Space Telescope confirms the planet isn't dead and airless...

In other news of "matter is neither created nor destroyed:" Research recently published in The Astrophysical Journal indicates that the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way is an active hungry exploding thing. Seems the missing Milky Way mass was either consumed by the black hole or blown away leaving only a gaseous substance behind...here's hoping she doesn't feel the need to be that active or hungry again any time soon.

Ever since Jodie Foster sat in a field and listened to the silence from the stars only to have it one day talk back (yes, I did indeed make a Contact reference soooo *blink blink*) I've been WAITING for an announcement that some station SOMEWHERE in the real world picked up a signal. Well, it seems over a year ago a Russian radio did pick up an unexplained signal. Now that the information's been shared around (we'll just look past that whole waiting a year part) two SETI research groups turned the scopes to observe the star in question. Am I the only one hoping they conclude it was terrestrial interference?  *looks around* ok, so maybe it's just me, *skips away singing you are not alone, I am here with yoooou..."

*This moment in geekiness brought to you by too much surfing the interwebs in the predawn hours...while awaiting explanations in Alien Nation.

Cheers,

Ro