Easter Roundup

Happy Easter! Hope all who celebrate have and had a wonderful Easter Sunday, and that those who don't had a lovely weekend. It's been a long while with radio silence, but I'm home and back in action. So to speak.

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's a LOT to catch up on, however, so we're gonna roll right into it. Get ready to click some links, 'cause boy, do we have a lot of eggs in this here basket!

But first, and the main reason I couldn't wait to send this out to you -- I checked when I got home and *drum roll, please* "Alien in the Family" hit the Barnes & Noble bestseller list, at #43, in its first week of release! *Let the happy dancing begin!* Thanks to all of YOU who made that happen!

Now, for the links. First off, let's check out the Yap and where it's been running, shall we? Hit DAW Books Community and check out the next Dueling Authors interview with moi and the ever-awesome Joshua Palmatier. Then head to 1st Turning Point for my latest rant, ah, OpEd piece. Missed the Yap Running Live over at Bookish Escapism? Fret not. The recording is up at Literary Escapism so have a listen! Yes, I do drop, if not spoilers, a variety of hints of things to come.

Now for the reviews. Lots of great new reviews have come in! Check out what Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind, Nancy McGregor's Big Bad Blog, and Cookies, Books and Bikes thought of "Touched by an Alien".

Then, check out what Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind has to say about "Alien Tango".

Last, but in no way least, go see what Tempting Persephone, The Bookaholic Cat, and Monsters and Critics have to say about "Alien in the Family".

Lots more coming, including my NYC roundup and related Hook Me Up! exclusive contest (because I went somewhere, so you knew there was gonna be a contest coming), but that's more than enough for now. For now, I need to go eat some ears off a chocolate bunny.

Love,
Gini

Happy Hump Day!

It's a busy day today, with lots going on here and at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog. I'd actually have shared some of this yesterday, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, much of my day was spent fighting with Big Pharma (I'd like to call the fight a draw, though the hubs felt I was battered enough that lunch out MIDWEEK was considered a necessity) and I needed to rest and regroup my mojo. (My mojo says it's just fine, now, thanks, and suggests we get to the cool stuff on hand for today.)

First off, we have an interview with newly minted author and Captain of the Galaxy Express Heather Massey. (Click the link or merely scroll down to the post below this one.) Not only is Heather tons of fun to chat with, she's also giving away two copies of her ebook release, "Once Upon a Time in Space". Head over, have a fun read, find out why Ralph and the Iguanas shall be the name of my imaginary rock band from now on, leave a comment and get entered to win!

Once you're entered, check out what Larissa's Bookish Life has to say about "Alien in the Family." Then see what Tempting Persephone suggests as Chuckie's theme (and see a wickedly hot shot of Matt Bomer, just there as an extra), and get entered to win a copy of "Alien Tango".

Reminder for those in the PA/NJ/NY area: I'll be on the east coast for a large chunk of April. Full details to come very soon, but hoping to see as many of you as possible! If you'll be in that area from April 9-21, let me know so we can make plans to get together!

And last but in no way least, the TFOB Stuffed Penguin Winner is...

*drum roll*

Jessica Subject!

Congrats, Jessica! Consolation to all who entered but didn't win -- another contest will always be right around the corner.

Note: Winner has until Monday, March 28th to send me an email with physical address, confirming the win, or the prize will go back to the Gods of Random to make a new winner selection.

Until next time, keep on keeping on, and have a great rest of the week!

Love,
Gini

One Week To Go

Happy Tuesday! Or, as I like to think of it, happy one week before "Alien Tango" officially releases! Officially, yes. But as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, little Alien Collective birdies have told me that they've spotted "Alien Tango" on the shelves already, so if you're out and about, check your local bookstore, because it might be out waiting for you already.

If not, pre-order it so you can be sure your copy will be waiting for you. Need more pre-order incentive? Check out the great review for "Alien Tango" at Tempting Persephone.

Then head over to About Happy Books to see what she's waiting for Mr. Postman to bring her.

And because we don't want "Touched by an Alien" feeling left out, check out the review at Mystifying Paranormal Reviews. Then head over to The Galaxy Express where they're helping spread the news of the German rights sale.

Don't forget to check out the interview and giveaway at Dren's B-Spot -- get entered to win "Alien Tango" and "Touched by an Alien" OR "Alien in the Family" (via pre-order).

Yes, there's more coming (like the Combo-Con Contest), but after yesterday's wildness, I think we'll keep it on the quiet side today. So until, you know, tomorrow, hang loose, rock on, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, I was going to do my World Fantasy Con roundup today, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, a massive number of deadlines earned at WFC combined with some "fun" computer issues has put me behind, and my roundup isn't ready. I know, I know, crushing disappointment from all, I'm sure, but hey, there's other stuff going on, so let me catch you up quickly on all that, and then, NEXT time, the roundup, cross my heart and hope to be whisked away by an A-C.

What other stuff, you ask? Why our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing and "Alien Tango" ARC winner My 5 Monkeys has her review up. And lest anyone think "Touched by an Alien" has been forgotten, Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama has her review going strong. Hit them both, leave some Alien Collective love, you know the drill.

Smootchies and thank yous to Dark Wyrm Reads and Tempting Persephone who are encouraging one and all to take a look at the excerpt from "Alien Tango" that's up on the Deathless Prose page. If you haven't checked it out yet, don't delay! Head over and whet the ol' appetite for Kitty, Martini, and the rest of the gang. And smootchies to all on Twitter and Facebook who are also spreading the excerpt love. Y'all rock!

Speaking of advanced reading opportunities and My 5 Monkeys (ooh, a DOUBLE), check out who's getting to borrow her "Alien Tango" ARC. Congrats to those who are getting to paw the precious! Hope you all enjoy it as much as Julie did!

Site updates are going on all the time in the background. If you've reviewed "Touched by an Alien" or "Alien Tango" (woot!) and don't see your review listed on the Accolades page, let me know so we can rectify.

In Person/Con Reminder: I'll be in Tucson for TusCon 37 from November 12-14th. If you're in or around the Greater Tucson area, try to stop by. I'm doing a large number of panels and, if memory serves, a reading, as well as partaking in the book signing. Plus, many other of my fave awesome authors will be there. You'll be glad you made the trip, I promise.

Also, aspiring authors in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, don't miss the Fall Writers Workshop at the Scottsdale Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 20th. I'll be there, leading a session with the awesome Erin Quinn on "Two Faces of Paranormal", and there's much, much more. And it's FREE. Chance to meet a ton of authors? Check. Chance to learn a lot? Check. All for free? Double check. So, hope to see you there!

That's it for today. Enjoy the slide to the weekend and keep it alien! Peace out, li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Memorial Day for the Win!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! It's a holiday in the States, and the start of another great week everywhere, including here in Gini Land! So, let's get to it, shall we?

First up, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's another great review of "Touched by an Alien" at Queen of the Frozen North. The reviewer won a copy of "Touched by an Alien" from The Galaxy Express, so head over to see what she has to say about it and show some Alien Collective love.

Next up, the June polls at the Blog with Bite are closed...and "Touched by an Alien" is the June adult selection! For those who are going to participate, head over, read the (easy) rules, and go to town! The YA choice looks very cool, too, btw, for those of you who are up for doing two books in June.

While we're talking about winning, the winner of the copy of "Touched by an Alien" has been announced at Tempting Persephone. Head over to offer your congrats and/or envy!

Speaking of winning, the winner of the Week Three Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is......*drum roll please*...Brooke Nelissen! Congrats, Brooke! Check out the Win Stuff page and let me know what free gift you want!

By the way, let me just say that I was gratified to see so much love for Martini shown by so many of my Hook Me Up! subscribers -- about 2/3rds of the entrants picked him. However, the rest chose the same character our winner chose.

Week Three Question: Who is your favorite male character in "Touched by an Alien" and why?

Brooke's Answer: Do you even need to ASK me that?! LOL. READER. Because he's hot and sassy and totes Kitty's soul mate and I keep the hope alive for some Reader/Kitty/Insert hot guy here action down the road.

The Week Four, aka Final Week, question will be heading to all Hook Me Up! subscribers shortly. Wait...you're not on Hook Me Up! yet? Well, look at what you're missing out on -- getting the news first and fastest, exclusive contests, and much more. Getting on is easy: send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be on the list!

There's more on this week's horizon, but for now, I have to get my bad self ready to go to a bar-be-que. But before I go, one last thing. If you are a veteran -- thank you. If you know a veteran -- thank them. And please take a moment today to remember all those who have died to keep our countries safe and free.

Love,
Gini

Catch Up Friday

Happy Friday, everyone! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's been a busy week for me. I hope it's been a great week for all of you!

First up, a reminder: it's the last day to enter to win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" at the Tempting Persephone blog, so hurry over and enter if you haven't already!

Today's also the last day to cast your vote at The Blog With Bite for which selection will be read in June. "Touched by an Alien" is in the lead (!) but only just, so please head over and vote if you haven't already!

Also, you have until this Sunday, May 30th, to get signed up on Hook Me Up! so you can participate in Week Four, starting Monday, May 31st. Only one more week to go to get a big chance at some cool prizes, so sign up today! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be all set!

Next up, there's a short and sweet review of "Touched by an Alien" up at Mixed Book Bag. Head on over, check it out, and show some Alien Collective love!

My contracts for "Alien in the Family" and "Alien Proliferation" have arrived and are sitting on my desk as I type this. Have to read (yes, you should always read every line of your contract, no matter how boring it may be), sign, return, and then bounce up and down for a while!

Finally, I had two book signings this week, both of which were really successful and a ton of fun! The bigger one was a private signing party put on by some good friends of mine, and it totally rocked! All these gals should be professional event planners and publicists, is all I can say! I felt like a rock star!

For those in the States or around the world who celebrate it, let me wish you all a very happy Memorial Day Weekend. And to any and all veterans and people in uniform in every country, a heartfelt thanks for all you do and sacrifice to keep your city, country, and world safe.

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

Reviews a Poppin'

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, and like the title says, we have more reviews of "Touched by an Alien" for you today. First up, there's a nice review from a new reader up at Reading Amidst the Chaos. Head on over, see if you agree with her take, and show the blog some Alien Collective love!

Next, "Touched by an Alien" is a Flamingnet Top Choice due to another nice review. Check it out, no way to leave comments, but the reader is a younger teenager who's written a very succinct review. Have a read and be impressed!

If you haven't stopped by to check out the interview up at Tempting Persephone's blog, give it a looksee today! Remember, her contest to win a free copy of "Touched by an Alien" ends on May 28th. Leave a comment on the blog, be entered to win!

If you're not on Hook Me Up!, sign up today so you're eligible for next week's Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be all set. Congrats again to our Week One winner, Tracie Rollins! Tracie chose a $10 Amazon gift certificate so, and I quote, she could pre-order "Alien Tango" as an early Christmas present to herself. (*sniff* I have the best fans in the world.) There's plenty of prizes, so don't miss out, get onto Hook Me Up! 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

Paying Aliens Forward

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I mentioned yesterday that Amber Scott said she had something up her sleeve. Well, she did and does, and all I can say is: WOW. It's out there now on her website. Race on over to The Amber Scott Project, see what she's got going for "Touched by an Alien", give the blog some love, and sound off on the idea. (Which, considering what it is, I feel is beyond amazing.)

Also, remember that the DAW Books Discussion of "Touched by an Alien" is still going on. If you haven't visited Michelle's Book Blog yet to give her review of "Touched by an Alien" some love, stop on by! And Tempting Persephone's awesome review is still live and kicking so visit with Alien Collective love if you haven't yet.

BTW, if you're on Twitter or Facebook and aren't following me yet, um, why not? Find GiniKoch (no space between first and last name) on Twitter, and find me on FB via http://facebook.com/Gini.Koch. Also, if you're on FB but not following my fan page (Hairspray, and Rock 'n' Roll), then you should do so immediately. Just 'cause I do say different things over there than here. Sometimes. You never know when the mood will strike me. And you wouldn't want to miss that, would you?

More to come, I'm sure. And, yes, you're right, I HAVE blogged every day this week. Exciting, innit?

Love,
Gini

The Reviews Kept A'Comin' All Night Long

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, another day, another super cool review of "Touched by an Alien"! Head on over to Michelle's Book Blog, check out her review, and show her blog some Alien Collective love.

There's also a DAW Book Discussion of "Touched by an Alien" over on Live Journal.

Remember to check out Tempting Persephone's awesome review, too, if you haven't been over there yet. And, you may want to check out Amber Scott's latest blog...not only is she a proud winner of a Fight the Fuglies Kit, complete with Limited Edition Gini Bag (congrats, Amber!), but she's insinuating she's got something up her sleeve for Friday, so check it out. Give Alien Collective love to the Alien Collective, that's my motto! Well, one of my mottos, anyway.

Feeling a little Gini Bag envy, for yourself or a special someone? Well don't fret...the next contest is coming soon, and it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers ONLY (and it will not matter where in the whole wide world you are, either). So if you're not on Hook Me Up! yet, it's time to join the official list of the Alien Collective. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with Hook Me Up! in the subject line and there you are, in and all set for all the exclusive stuff that's coming up! Such a deal, how can you resist?

Love,
Gini

Another Awesome Review...PLUS

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's another great review out there for "Touched by an Alien"! Head on over to Tempting Persephone and read what one of our newest members of the Alien Collective has to say! And, you know, giver her blog some love while you're there.

Also, if you haven't stopped by to check out my interview at Pearls Cast Before a McPig, well, get yourself over there pronto, and remember to give some love to the blog there, as well!

Now for the Plus part -- according to Penguin, and they would know, "Touched by an Alien" is #49 on the Barnes & Nobles Bestsellers List for the week ending 4/11/10. Whoo DOUBLE hoo! Head there if you want to see for yourselves (http://booksellers.penguin.com/static/html/bestsellers.html) -- as a warning, you have to scroll way down to find it, 'cause this is a long list from Penguin.

I'm so excited, I'm bouncing in my seat! Yeah, okay, that happens frequently, sometimes just because, but you have to admit, with an awesome review, a fun interview, and the knowledge that "Touched by an Alien" is on a bestsellers list, it's a total reason to bounce and squeal, right? Of course right!

Love,
Gini