Winning Come Lately

Hey there! I know, I know, I'm late and was on unexpected radio silence. But, you know how it goes when the deadlines pile up. And if you don't, it goes like this -- I tend to be way behind. So let's get caught up, shall we? We shall!

First off, let's start with some reviews. Check out what Books 'N' Kisses thought of Alien Separation. Then see what I thought of SPECTRE over at Slice of SciFi and join the discussion over at Slice! After that, head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig and check out her Teaser Tuesday for Alien in Chief!

Speaking of Alien in Chief, I have a very special announcement! In addition to receiving a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews, Alien in Chief is also up for an RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award in the Urban Fantasy category! It's up against books from nobodies like Patty Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Devon Monk, Nicole Peeler, and Lisa Shearin, so I know it's not winning, but it's a thrill to be nominated in their company!

Want a preview of what you're getting in about 2 weeks? Then head over to the Deathless Prose page and check out the prologue and first chapter of Alien in Chief!

A fast Tuscon Comic-Con recap. It was great. Got to panel with awesome authors T.L. Smith, Alan Black, and Sharon Skinner. Got to visit with many peeps, hang out a bit with authors Marsheila Rockwell, Jeff Mariotte, Austin Aslan, and Thomax Green, and grabbed an awesome painting from Chaos in Color as well as a cool Catwoman (circa Michelle Pfeiffer) mask that I wore to the Joshua Tree Gala the next weekend. For more on TCC, check out the recording, interviews, and pictures from Ragnarok and Roll and Creative Play and Podcast Network. Also had a great deal of fun at the Free Fall Writer's Workshop in Scottsdale, where I got to run the yap and hang out with cool authors, fans, and aspiring authors. So it's been a busy couple of weekends, but they've been worth it!

Next up and just in time for the holidays and all that jazz, you can now get the Martian Alliance Chronicles 1-3 in one volume! And for those of you who don't e-read, rejoice -- the physical copy is available at Create Space.

A reminder that Touched by an Alien is trying to earn votes and attention over at the If List so if you'd care to cast your vote for it to get made into a TV show or movie (hey, we can dream, right?), and also suggest who should play what, please do! The more attention, the better the chances!

Now for some science, because per blastr NASA spotted something coming OUT of a black hole! Algar's really hoping it's not the Black Hole Universe's Sheriff's Department, but only time will tell. ;-D

And now, finally and a week late, it's time to announce the winner of the edited galley for Universal Alien.

Beth Stevens

Many congrats! Winner has until November 20th to claim their prize. After that time, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice, I mean, winner.

But you know...I was planning to announce Beth as the winner over a week ago, and then launch another contest. But deadlines have meant that I've run out of time and am going to be out of time for the foreseeable future. SO, rather than do another contest right now, it's Oprah Time, and the Gods of Random and I are just going to hand out prizes to those who entered to win this last edited galley 'cause we can!

Michael Creager -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Giedre Sliumba -- you've won an e-copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Hope Taylor -- you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Linda Larrson -- you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Peggy Preiss --  you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Amanda Tamayo -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Viki S. -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Debbie Joyce -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Shawn Sumrall -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!

These winners also have until November 20th to claim their prizes. You know how capricious the Gods of Random can be. One day, they're giving generously, the next they're snatching away, so don't give them a chance to take your prize!

A reminder about my confirmed book tour stops for Alien in Chief:
Tuesday, December 1st
It’s the Release Day Signing & Party for Alien in Chief
Cake and prizes!
7:00pm
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd., #101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone:(480) 947-2974
Toll Free: (888) 560-9919
No Food With Fans event but we WILL have cake, and that's just as good, right? Of course right!

Saturday, December 5th
Signing Alien in Chief
Mass Signing of the Amazing Wyked Writers
Cake and prizes!
2:00pm
Barnes & Noble Henderson
567 North Stephanie
Henderson, NV 89014
702-434-1533
Food With Fans immediately after the signing

Saturday, December 12th
Signing Alien in Chief
Cake and prizes!
2:00pm
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
5943 Balboa Avenue, Suite #100
San Diego, CA 92111
858-268-4747
Food With Fans immediately after the signing

That's it for today (and probably this week), but as always, more's on the way! Congrats to all the winners, chin up there will be more chances coming soon to those who didn't win this time, and let's all be readers out there. Peace out my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

One Last Thing Before I Go-Go

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and thanks again to all of those who served, serve, and continue to do so. Just a few things going on before I go once more to radio silence and head off to Phoenix Comicon.

Speaking of which, you can find my schedule on the Phoenix Comicon site, but here it is in all its glory, just in case you haven't looked yet (aka, you're lazy like moi).

Thursday 3:00pm - 4:00pm, Paranormal Romances, Room North 124
Thursday 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Paranormal Romance Signing with Gini Koch, M. L. Brennan, Room North 126b
Thursday 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Books and Authors' Kickoff - Featuring Arizona Authors (such as moi, Weston Oches, Yvonne Navarro, Michael Stackpole, David Lee Summers, and more!), Room North 124
Friday 8:00pm, Food With Fans (location still TBD, check in at Table 14133 before 7pm on Friday or pay attention to my Twitter and Facebook feeds for final destination -- you do NOT need to be attending the con in order to come to Food With Fans)
Saturday 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Steampunk Tea House Cafe of the Rising Sunset, Renaissance Hotel, Salon 5-8 PRIZES
Saturday 7:30pm - 10:00pm, Evening Erotica, Room North 125 PRIZES
Sunday 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Urban Fantasy, Room North 125

At any time when I'm not on panels or doing official signings, I'll be in the exhibit hall at Table 14133. Come see the me and also don't miss visiting the Amazing Wyked Writers at Tables 17115-17117-17119. There will be a big basket o' prizes at the AWW table, including goodies from moi, Erin Quinn, Terry Smith, David Lee Summers, Sharon Skinner, Hal Astell, Bruce C. Davis, and Alan Black!

Next up, check out what Readaholics Anonymous thought of Alien Separation. And, as a reminder, after Phoenix Comicon, my last official book tour stop will be the End Of Tour party at the Poisoned Pen on Monday, June 8th from 7:00-800pm. The event is also being shown concurrently via LiveStream so you can participate and have fun -- and get entered to win prizes -- whether you're there in person or virtually!



And now it's time for some winning! First off, head over to Under the Covers where they're giving away a fantastic book bundle that includes Universal Alien!

Then, check out the final cover for Unidentified Funny Objects 4 and check out the Table of Contents at editor Alex Shvartsman's page! It'll have the next Alien series short set in my steampunk universe, "Support Your Local Alien". And in honor of the ToC announcement, you're getting a chance to win a signed, personalized copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3, which features my short, "Live at the Scene". Contest will run from today through Tuesday, June 2nd and is open internationally. So get entered to win and good luck to all!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way, though this is likely it until after Phoenix Comicon. So, I leave you with this article about one of my fave movies, Real Genius. See many of you at the con, all of you have wonderful weeks and fabulous weekends, and let's be readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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I Ain't Ded 2015

Happy New Year Hump Day!

Yes, yes, I know...it's been the new year for, um, well over half a month now. But I was terrifyingly behind on Alien Separation and, let's face it -- when it comes down to the choice of you hear from me or I get the book done, I kind of know where everyone votes.

BUT the book is in, and I'm feverishly working on other things, but there has been and is JUST SO MUCH going on that I have to catch everyone up. Before, you know, you don't hear from me for another week. Or so.

First up, a reminder for San Diego peeps that I'll be signing Universal Alien with awesome author Erin Quinn at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore on Thursday, Jan. 22nd, at 7:30pm. The bookstore ran out of copies of Universal Alien when I was there in December, so if you're one of the ones who missed out, come on by again and get a signed copy!

Then, the next day, Erin and I and a host of other authors, editors, and agents will be at the San Diego State University Writer's Conference, Jan. 23-25th. It's a great conference and it's not too late for you to race over and attend. If you're attending, I'll see you there! I'm doing 3 workshops with awesome author Marsheila Rockwell -- Finding Your Voice, Short Story and Novella Writing, and World Building in SF/F/H -- and a panel with my awesome editor about how to keep a long-running series fresh, so if you're attending, definitely come and see the me!

Speaking of Universal Alien, DAW Books Reviews has it featured, so join in the discussion over there!

Speaking of yapping, check out my guest post over at the Southern Writers Magazine blog, "Kill Your Darlings".

Next up, see what Booked and Loaded thought of the audio version of Touched by an Alien. Then see what Zwartraafje thought of Alien Research. (Yes, this is in Dutch. And yes, Google Translate remains your friend.)

Then see what 25 series, including mine, Shadowhawk's Shade wants to read in 2015. There are some great ideas if you're looking for more, more, more to read.


Next, see what books and anthologies The Arched Doorway said were the best of 2014. And see which books Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her favorites of 2014.

And check out who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her favorite heroines!

Now, see what Mass Movement thought of Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets. Then check out all the short stories and novellas Tangent Online says are must-reads, which includes most of the stories in Unidentified Funny Objects 3, including mine, "Live at the Scene"!

Next up, see what awesome author Alan Black thought of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, by G.J. Koch, aka moi.

And now let's have a slice...a Slice of SciFi, that is. There's lots going on over at Slice, and it's never too late to join the discussions. So, see what the collective Slice reviewers chose as 2014's Best of Television, Best of Movies, and Best of Games, Books, and More.

Then, while still over at Slice, see my review for "Into the Woods". Then check out my 5 Episodes In reviews for Elementary Season 3 and The Librarians.

And now for some science! Check out the largest picture ever taken, of the Andromeda galaxy, thanks to NASA over at Scoop Whoop. It's totally amazing. Then check out 24 Things That Will Make You Re-Consider Your Entire Existence over at BuzzFeed. Then finish up over at Yahoo News where they share that some scientists think we'll find signs of aliens within our lifetimes. (I know...we know they're already here. Look at that picture right above this -- I promise you there's at least one troubadour in that picture...your job? Figure out who it is.)

Amazingly enough, that's it for today. And the last few weeks. And the rest of this week, since I'll be in San Diego. But, as always, whether it's the next day or the next week, more's on the way. So, enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be happy new year readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Al...Most...There...

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful week and weekend, that for those who celebrated it was a wonderful or at least memorable Thanksgiving, and for those who shopped that you all found wonderful bargains.

As we all well know, or should, at any rate, tomorrow is the release day for Universal Alien! And that means the Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour is revved up again! Today we have two stops, so head over to Readaholics Anonymous and see what the top 10 places Kitty picked to do the deed, and then hit Books-n-Kisses to see what the top 10 songs Kitty chose for kicking butt. And don't forget to get entered to win your choice of one of the first 9 books in the series, signed and personalized, at each stop, both open internationally.

And while you're there, see what Books-n-Kisses thought of Alien vs. Alien, too.

Then hit Two Gay Geeks where they have an exclusive, and rather rollicking, podcast featuring moi. A lot of fun was had by all and I may have dropped some teasers and perhaps even a spoiler or two (hey, wine was involved) so have a listen and join in the fun!

And, of course, if you haven't already had the anticipation ratcheted up, head over to my Deathless Prose page and check out the prologue and first chapter of Universal Alien!

There's one Top 10 Blog Tour stop still to come, and one more chance to win, but if you missed any of the Top 10 lists, check 'em out!

Top 10 Blog Tour Stops
11-10 Pearls Cast Before a McPig
11-11 Larissa's Bookish Life
11-11 Feeling Fictional
11-11 Gizmo's Reviews
11-12 A Buckeye Girl Reads
11-13 Bibliognome
11-14 boeklogboek
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
11-18 I Smell Sheep
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster
11-20 Under the Covers
11-21 Word of the Nerd
12-01 Books-n-Kisses, contest ends Dec. 5th
12-01 Readaholics Anonymous, contest ends Dec. 3rd
12-02 Smart Girls Love Sci Fi 

After you get entered, don't forget to make your plans to attend my Release Day Party and Signing at The Poisoned Pen. Not in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area? Not to worry, we've got you covered. There will be a LiveStream event going on at the same time, meaning you can see the me from any corner of the world you happen to reside in. Party starts at 7pm Mountain (9pm Eastern), so don't miss it, no matter where you are!

It's also Cyber Monday today, so let's talk deals. First up, have you grabbed your Sensational Six boxed set yet? If not, WHY not? It's at the ridiculously low price of $0.99 for six great stories from Six Gals and a Guy, aka Sasha White, Jordan Summers, Marcy Rockwell and Jeff Mariotte, Vivi Anna, Caris Roane, and, of course moi.

My entry in the set is The Night Beat, Necropolis Enforcement Files #1, and right now this boxed set is the only place you can get it. Already have The Night Beat? Not to worry -- in addition to five other great stories of varying lengths, Sensational Six is also the only place where you can get a long excerpt for Night Music, Necropolis Enforcement #2...until it releases in early 2015! Want to see Night Music's cool cover even larger sized? Hit my Premieres page and check it out!

So, do your Six Gals and a Guy a solid and get your less than a dollar copies of the Sensational Six boxed set right here, and get 'em today!

Kobo
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Australia
iTunes
Barnes and Noble

After that, head over to UFO Publishing for another Cyber Monday deal, which includes Unidentified Funny Objects 3, which features my short story, "Live at the Scene". And, you know, I think you can still pre-order Universal Alien even on the Monday before release (hint, hint and all that jazz).

Once you're done shopping, do some dreaming, and head over to Larissa's Bookish Life and see which book series she'd like to see do crossovers.

Then, check out the fact that scientists have discovered ACE!

That's it for today, but as always more's on the way including the release of Universal Alien! Happy reading to all, and to all a good Universe!

Love,
Gini

Tour the Universe

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great week and a wonderful weekend. I had a fantastic time in Los Angeles for the A Darke Phantastique mass signing. Check out the recap from author E.E. King for deets.

I got to celebrate a fun, fast in-and-out trip to SoCal by being back home to see the Cardinals beat the Rams (yes, I'm a football fan, but, seeing as I'm a Cardinals fan, I tend to fly under the radar...but this year, wowza!) live and in person. But there's lots going on, and lots to come in the next few weeks, so let's get to it all, shall we? We shall!

First up, the Universal Alien Top 10 Blog Tour begins today! Head on over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig to see what Jeff & Kitty's Top 10 Vacation Spots are AND get entered to win one of the first 9 books, signed and personalized! Contest open through Nov. 28th.

The rest of the stops are:
11-11 Larissa's Bookish Life
11-11 Feeling Fictional
11-12 Gizmo's Reviews
11-13 A Buckeye Girl Reads
11-13 Bibliognome
11-14 boeklogboek
11-17 Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
11-18 I Smell Sheep
11-19 Lu's Buchgefluster
11-20 Under the Covers
12-01 Books-n-Kisses
12-02 Smart Girls Love Sci Fi

Every stop has either a new Top 10 List or an interview, and every stop has prizes to be won, so make sure you hit 'em all! And remember to do your girl a solid and pre-order Universal Alien online or from your favorite bookstore, including any bookstore where I'm making a Book Tour stop.


And don't stop there! See what Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of Universal Alien. Then, check out Bibliognome's Pre Review Ravings and Favorite Quotes/Lines are from Universal Alien.

Next up, see what Books-N-Kisses thought of Alien Research, and what Feeling Fictional thought of Unidentified Funny Objects 3.

Then see which Top 5 Characters Larissa's Bookish Life would like to hang out with!

See any movies last weekend? If you missed Big Hero 6, check out my review at Slice of SciFi to see if you should see it or not. (Spoiler: you should see it.) Agree? Disagree? Join the discussion over at Slice!

Amazingly enough, that's it for today, but based on the fact that the Top 10 Blog Tour is large and in charge, expect to hear from me a lot in the upcoming days. So get ready to start the latest rounds of winning, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Winner, Winner, Antho Dinner

Happy Monday! The entries are tallied, the lists are in, and the Gods of Random have spoken and declared their winners! (And, BTW, I loved all the blog comments, and all y'all had some really good ideas that are now percolating. :-D)

So, without further ado, let's have our drum roll and share the lucky 20 (yes TWENTY) of you who won prizes! (Hey, I told you there'd be extras.)

U.S. Physical Copy Winners -- signed and personalized copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 (featuring my story, "Live at the Scene"):

Tess Wooten
Blanca Bernal
Nancy Spradling
Jo Jones 

Honorable Mention U.S. Physical Copy Winner -- for sheer dedication to the cause in terms of meaningful blog comments: 

Shelia Horne

U.S. and International eBook Winners -- winner's choice of one ebook copy of either Unidentified Funny Objects 3 (featuring my story, "Live at the Scene") or Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets (featuring my story, "All the Single Ladies):
Shavana Merrick
Chrysta Stuckless
Kim Roper
Ronald Southwell
Arielle Rae Aguilar
Tamara Baker
Dawn Murphy
Shawn Sumrall
Lori Joyce Parker


Honorable Mention eBook Winners -- Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters (featuring my story, "With Bright Shining Faces", writing as J.C. Koch):
Lynn Crain
Deanna Russell
Matt Payne
Michelle Willms
Christina Callahan
JoAnna Becker

ALL WINNERS PLEASE NOTE: You need to send me an email with specific information outlined in Monday's (10-27) Hook Me Up! newsletter by end of day on Friday, October 31st -- yes, at midnight on Halloween your prize turns into a pumpkin and is reassigned to someone else because the Gods of Random have standards.

Congrats to all the winners and, once again, if you didn't win, take heart. Another contest is coming soon, and it's gonna be out of this world. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more.) (If you get my drift.)

Love,
Gini

Universally Speaking

Happy Weekend! I'd meant to have this to you on Friday, but Blogger was not cooperating, so, as with so many things Gini, it's coming out a little late. But you know what's not going to be late? Universal Alien, that's what!

First up, check out what Larissa's Bookish Life and Bibliognome list as their Top 5 Most Anticipated Books of the latter half of 2014. While you're at Bibliognome, check out what she got in her Mail of the Week. Then see what Gizmo's Reviews has Stacking the Shelves.

Now, look at what RT Book Reviews has to say about it's Top Pick, Universal Alien! "The tenth outing of Koch’s insanely fun Alien series illustrates perfectly the 'be careful what you wish for' theme." Can't wait? Pre-order today, from any bookstore, including the ones I'm making Book Tour stops at. See the Datebook page for Tour details.
 
Speaking of reviews, see what Readaholics Anonymous thought of Alien Collective.

My story, "Sewers", for the X-Files anthology is turned in, edited, and all set to go, as is the rest of the first volume! Coming from IDW Publishing, most likely in Spring 2015!

I know, I know, that's so far away. However, "Alien Pick-Up" is also done and turned in and coming to you very soon in the November issue of Penumbra eMagazine. And if you missed "Alien on the Runway", May 2014 issue, or "Mr. Dash Saves the World", July 2014 issue, never fear -- you can get all the back issues of Penumbra just as easily as the newest!

Next up, head on over to Slice of SciFi to see what I think of the first season of Gotham and the second season of Sleepy Hollow now that we're 5 Episodes In. And feel free to chime in about your thoughts on these shows over at Slice -- conversation is always welcomed and encouraged!

Now, check out what Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell thought of Unidentified Funny Objects 3.

Speaking of which, all the entries are in, and I'll be announcing the lucky winners of the Anthologies Contest next week. Remember that you'll only have a few days to check in to claim your prize, and then, if it goes unclaimed, the Gods of Random will snatch it back and demand a new sacrifice. So, if you entered, stay ever vigilant!

And, if you didn't win or didn't enter, never fear. There's another contest coming soon, very soon. Like as soon as I get certain items in my possession soon.

But, that's all I'm going to say about that today. So, enjoy your weekends and let's start the new week bleary-eyed but satisfied from all the reading. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Anthologies Contest!

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

It's time for the first contest of Contest Season! (Well, that's what I call this time of year, and who are you to argue?)

My lovely editor for Unidentified Funny Objects 3 sent me some extra physical copies so I'm giving them to some of you! In addition, I also have e-copies of UFO3 AND Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets to give away as well. I know! It's too happy to be true!

The contest is open to U.S. and international -- Six (6) international winners will get their choice of either UFO3 or 221 Baker Streets in eformat (only, for this one, for international). Two (2) U.S. winners will also get their choice of either UFO3 or 221 Baker Streets in eformat. Four (4) U.S. winners will get a signed and personalized physical copy of UFO3. That's a dozen winners! (And it's me, and there are usually extra prizes lurking around. Just sayin'...)

Contest will run from Wednesday, October 15, 2014 through Friday, October 24, 2014. Winners will be announced in the week of October 27th. Winners will have until Friday, October 31st, to reply -- any prize not claimed by Halloween will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

So, Hook Me Up! subscribers who've entered the contest (you know how and it's not via the Blog) answer me one of these questions three:
--Who is your favorite funny SF author of all time?
--Who is your favorite Holmes villain?
--What supporting character from the Alien series, who hasn't already "had their day" do you most want to see a short story about?

Love, Gini

Not on Hook Me Up! and wondering how to get entered to win? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be in with the in crowd and have the rules sent to you.

The Yap Talks Mysterious Aliens

Happy Hump Day! Hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. I am, and there's much going on, including something I promised all y'all last week, so let's get to it, shall we? We shall!

First up, the Yap is large and in charge over at the Abaddon Books Blog where I'm talking about my favorite mystery anthology, Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets...and how I met my editor.

After you learn yet another one of my not-so-secret secrets, head over to SF Signal where I'm in a Mind Meld about Successful Alien Characters. Join the discussion over there and talk about the aliens you think work and those who don't.

Next up, let's check out some reviews. See what Falcata Times thought of Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets, and what The BookBeard's Blog thought of my story, All the Single Ladies, in particular. Then see what DAW Books Review and K.D. Did It Takes On Books thought of Alien Research.

Speaking of Alien Research, remember to do your girl a solid and pre-order Universal Alien from any physical bookstore or online retailer. Yes, pre-orders matter, more and more. Even if you plan to come get your bookie wookie at one of my Book Tour stops, pre-order it from that bookstore. It helps them, it helps me, it helps DAW, and it ensures your book is there for YOU and you alone. Not in the states I'll be for the Tour? Not to worry -- you can always pre-order AND get your books signed at every bookstore I'll be hitting, and most of them ship for free or very little.

Now for some exciting news, though it's not exactly new news. However, it bears repeating, as so many things do. I'll have my next Alien series short, Alien Pick-Up, in the November issue of Penumbra eMagazine. Mark your calendars, and to avoid missing out, why not get a subscription to Penumbra today? You'll get a monthly set of great short stories set around cool themes, from current and up-and-coming authors. Truly not to be missed! Especially the November issue...just sayin'...and, of course the May and July issues which contained Alien on the Runway and Mr. Dash Saves the World. And yes, you can get all the back issues of Penumbra, including the ones I'm in, directly from their website.

Speaking of exciting news -- I'm going to be part of a boxed set coming out November 17th, alongside awesome authors Caris Roane, Jordan Summers, Vivi Anna, Marsheila Rockwell & Jeff Mariotte, and Sasha White. So, get ready for Sensational Six:  Action and Adventure in Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Paranormal
Romance! I'll give you more details soon, but get ready, 'cause it's gonna be awesome and you won't want to miss out on this one!


And now, something you've all been waiting for -- the next contest! In honor of my many anthologies out and coming out, and because the editor of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 is awesome and sent me some extra books for giveaways, we're gonna do a giveaway! BUT, as always, it's for my Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on? Rectify immediately if not sooner, by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. You'll be in with the in crowd, get the rules, and be able to get the winning going!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the downward slide toward the weekend, get your entries going because this is just the start of the contests that'll be coming, and let's be winning readers out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Winding My Way Down On Baker Streets

Happy Thursday! Hope everyone's had a wonderful week! It was great chatting with some of you over at Night Owl Reviews with the Paranormal Romance Dream Team, and also on Reddit with other authors who'll be in the Temporally Out of Order anthology. We'll get to more on that in a bit.

But first up, the latest anthology to have a story by moi within its illustrious pages has hit the shelves! And check out what's being said about Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets, and many times my story, "All the Single Ladies", over at VENTUREREADLAXRE, Second Bookshelf on the Right, Criminal Element, Reading Bitfrost, Bibliognome, and A Fantastical Librarian.

If those reviews don't tempt you to grab this awesome anthology right away, check out the guest post over at The Book Beard's Blog and interview over at Tea Talks Books, both featuring the antho's wonderful editor, David Thomas Moore.

Speaking of interviews with editors, the Temporally Out of Order Kickstarter is in its last days for funding. We've hit the first goal -- hurray! -- but there are so many wonderful stretch goals that we're truly hoping we'll exceed and reach them all. And to tell you more about it, editor Joshua Palmatiere visited SF Signal and the Press & Sun-Bulletin to share more details about the anthology. BTW, there's still one tuckerization of mine left, and should all three be taken, I have a special surprise for the three buyers. So, if you're wavering, or know someone who's thinking about it, go for it, because you'll like the surprise, trust me.

Of course, there's another anthology I'm in that just came out, too -- Unidentified Funny Objects 3. Don't miss out on picking up this cool and hilarious collection, in part because you don't want to miss my story, "Live at the Scene".

Next up, check out who Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her Top 5 favorite female book characters. Then see what Medusa's Library picked up at her favorite used bookstore.

And now for some Science! Check out the cool news about the U.S. and India that Raj feels his behind-the-scenes maneuvering helped create over at WSJ.com. Then see what NASA astronaut, and beloved "member of the team", Reid Wiseman has to say about life in space over at NBC.com.


Can't wait for the release of Universal Alien? Me either! Neither can The Poisoned Pen, where I'll not only be kicking off my book tour for said bookie wookie with quite the party -- games, prizes, cake -- but where I'll also be doing a LiveStream broadcast at the same time. If you can't be with me in person, make plans to be with me virtually! Those of you who've tuned in before in the past know it's a good time, so mark your calendars now -- December 2nd is when Universal Alien releases and we party all around the world!

BTW, yes, pre-orders do matter, a whole heck of a lot. So if you haven't pre-ordered Universal Alien yet, do your girl a solid and get to ordering now. Remember that you can pre-order from any bookstore, including ones I'm making book tour stops at, such as The Poisoned Pen, Mysterious Galaxy, and Barnes & Noble. Even if you're planning to attend the signings, pre-orders help me and the bookstores both. And check out the newly reformatted Datebook for a smoother way to get all the information in order to come see the me all over!

That's it for today -- I know, amazing, right? But never fear, more's on the way, including a contest that will be, as they usually are, for my Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Now's the time to rectify that error! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and all ready for what's looking to be Contest Season around here.

So enjoy the downward slide towards the weekend and let's be pre-ordering anthology readers and supporters out there! Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

I Ain't Ded

Hola! I know...long time no see. So...to explain for those who somehow have't read Terry Pratchett's DiscWorld series, the subject line is also a sign Granny Weatherwax, a powerful witch, holds when she goes wandering outside of her body. And it's been a month since you've heard from me, and...well...I was sorta wandering outside of my body.

As most of you probably do not know, I got back from San Diego Comic-Con and promptly got sick. And then got hospitalized. And then got my gall bladder removed. And then got to recover (which I am still doing). So, it's been an exciting kind of time at the Casa.

But, I'm back finally JUST in time to head off to CopperCon this weekend. And check out what AZ Central has to say about the con, which includes some quotes from yours truly. Yes, I'm still recovering, but the con is nice and intimate and the venue is nice and small, and I plan to not race around and all should be well. Plus, I have panels and readings and signings to go to, yes I do. In fact, for those of you coming to the con, here's my schedule:

Fri 5p-6p, Everybody Kills Somebody Sometime, Avondale 4
Fri 6p-7p, Point of View and Pacing, Avondale 3
Fri 730p-9p, Meet the Pros, Avondale 3

Sat 1p-130p, Reading, Boardroom
Sat 130p-230p, Autographing, Merchants Room
Sat 3p-430p, Meet Our Guest: Gini Koch, Avondale 4
Sat 6p-7p, Structure of a Story, Avondale 3

Sun 11a-Noon, Does It Matter Where We Publish?, Boardroom
Sun 1230p-1p, Reading, Boardroom
Sun 1p-2p, Autographing, Merchants Room

But of course, with me being "gone" for a month, there's a LOT to catch up on. So let's do that, shall we? We shall.

First up, exciting news. I've been moved from Book 3 to Book 1 of the X-Files anthology series! So, am madly and excitedly working on my story and can't wait to give all y'all the expected pub date!

Next up, let's catch up on some reviews. See why Night Owl Reviews gave Alien Collective a Top Pick! Then see what Word of the Nerd thought of Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens, featuring my Alien series short story, "A Clockwork Alien"; Amazing & Waiting: Two Novelettes by moi writing as Jemma Chase; and A Cup of Joe by moi writing as Anita Ensal. After that, see what Sand Between the Pages thought of Touched by an Alien. And last but in no way least, check out this triple review of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 from Tangent.

Speaking of UFO3, you can pre-order it now! And while you're at it, do your girl another solid and pre-order Universal Alien. And why do pre-orders matter? Let Musing and author Tony Earley explain it all for you.

After all the pre-ordering and learning and such, head over to see what Larissa's Bookish Life chose as the top 5 series she'd give as a gift. Then check out The Tex Files and see what moi and some other authors taught her about The Swan Song for Anonymity. And see who the gals at Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly like to interview, and more, over at USA Today.

For those of you not able to attend CopperCon and see the me and hear the dulcet tones of my voice, check out the interview I did with Two Gay Geeks, and my video interview with InD'Tale Magazine. Then, check out the full interview at InD'Tale Magazine -- the subscription is free and you get a real in-depth interview of moi (albeit with a few errors that talking into a voice recorder can cause), plus more, so don't delay, get your copy today!

Amazingly enough, that's it for today. I will try not to be gone for so very long and you all try to forgive me for being gone so long and we will all remain healthy, right? Of course right. Enjoy the downward slide to 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