Winners Announced

We have winners! The winners from the San Diego Comic-Con signed comics contest are:

Winning a set of 4 signed copies of Menthu: Mary Preston

Winning a set of 4 signed copies of The Roach: bn100

Winning a signed SDCC exclusive copy of Menthu: Becky B

Winners will have until Monday, September 7th, to send me (gini@ginikoch.com) an email with their snail mail address. Any prizes not claimed at that time will be snatched back by the Gods of Random and a new winner will be chosen in their place.

Congrats to all the winners, and to everyone else -- stay sharp because another contest is just around the corner!

Love,
Gini

Alien Research Advanced Copy Giveaway!

When rumors of a new super-drug surface, the FBI comes to Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini for help. It becomes quickly apparent that the drug is merely the tip of a deadly iceberg and a much more insidious plan is underway involving Titan Security, Gaultier Enterprises, and YatesCorp.

As newly discovered A-Cs and hybrids begin to surface, each with expanded and deadly talents, more and more signs point to a new evil genius who’s using the A-Cs and their enemies both as guinea pigs.

Then Area 51 and the Dulce Science Center go silent while Alpha Team, Airborne, and most of the worldwide A-C Security team are there for training. And if that’s not bad enough, Centaurion Division is hit with more bad, and deadly, news: Chernobog the Ultimate, isn’t a hacker myth, he’s a real person -- and he’s on the bad guys’ side.

Now Kitty and company must find the real Dr. Feelgood and stop him or her before the latest version of Surcenthumain hits the streets and more people they love are harmed, or worse.

But when the inconceivable happens, Kitty’s focused on two things only: reviving the ACE entity before their enemies realize Earth’s best protection isn’t actually active…and revenge.

ALIEN RESEARCH GIVEAWAY
FOR HOOK ME UP! SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

DAW has sent me many shiny, final, early release copies of Alien Research, and that means I'm giving them to you! I have not one, not two, but FIVE (5) copies to give away. I know! It's too happy to be true! But true it is!

So, Hook Me Up! subscribers, answer this question: If you had to research more about any one character from the series, who would you choose and why?

LEGALESE
Contest will run weekly from Wednesday, November 13th through Wednesday, November 20th. Winners will be announced Thursday, November 21st. Winners will have until the following Sunday, November 24th, to check in -- any prize not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. (Yes, I'm hoping you'll have the books before December 3rd -- but because the A-Cs aren't doing the delivery, I can't guarantee it.)

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Rectify! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in with the in-crowd and also get the entry rules sent to you.

So, best of luck to all, and let the contest begin!

Love,
Gini

Tidy My Office: Alexander Outland

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
BONUS WEEK -- Alexander Outland: Space Pirate

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alexander Outland: Space Pirate edited galley will run from Tuesday, February 16, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013. Any contest entries received for AO:SP after 3-04 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: If you had a spaceship, what would you name it?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Alien vs. Alien

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK SIX: Alien vs. Alien

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alien vs. Alien edited galley will run from Tuesday, February 19, 2013 through Monday, February 25, 2013. Any contest entries received for AvA after 2-25 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: Do you fear the coming alien invasion, or embrace it?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Alien Diplomacy

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK FIVE: Alien Diplomacy

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alien Diplomacy edited galley will run from Tuesday, February 12, 2013 through Monday, February 18, 2013. Any contest entries received for AD after 2-18 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: When have you dumped diplomacy in favor of ripping someone's head off? Figuratively. Of course.

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Alien Proliferation

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK FOUR: Alien Proliferation

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alien Proliferation edited galley will run from Tuesday, February 5, 2013 through Monday, February 11, 2013. Any contest entries received for AP after 2-11 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: If you had to pick a name that wasn't your own, what's your favorite?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Alien in the Family

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK THREE: Alien in the Family

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alien in the Family edited galley will run from Tuesday, January 29, 2013 through Monday, February 4, 2013. Any contest entries received for AITF after 02-04 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: If you were gifted with a Poof, what would you name it?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Alien Tango

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK TWO: Alien Tango

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Alien Tango edited galley will run from Tuesday, January 22, 2013 through Monday, January 28, 2013. Any contest entries received for AT after 1-28 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: What's your favorite dance to do or to watch?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Tidy My Office: Touched by an Alien

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

TIDY MY OFFICE!
WEEK ONE: Touched by an Alien 

It's time to tidy my office, and I need filing space. To that end, I'm giving away my edited galleys -- the hard copies that have my scribbles on them. There's only one of each book, so these are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind items.

The contest will run weekly for 7 weeks, and cover the first 6 books in the Alien series and Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch.

The contest for the Touched by an Alien edited galley will run from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, January 21, 2013. Any contest entries received for TBAA after 1-21 will not qualify.

So, registered Hook Me Uppers!, answer this question: Which alien do you want to be touched by the most?

Love, Gini

LEGALESE
This is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, now's the time. Send an email with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line to gini@ginikoch.com and I'll send you the rules to enter.

Contest will run weekly from Tuesday, January 15, 2013 through Monday, March 4, 2013 (TBAA runs 01-15-13 to 01-21-13; AT runs 01-22-13 to 01-28-13; AitF runs 01-29-13 to 02-04-13; AP runs 02-05-13 to 02-11-13; AD runs 02-12-13 to 02-18-13; AvA runs 02-19-13 to 02-25-13, and AO:SP runs 02-16-13 to 03-04-13). Each galley's contest will run for a week -- winners will be announced sometime in the week following each galley's  entry close. Winners will have until the following Sunday to check in -- any galley not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

This an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international or longer. Prizes will NOT ship until the final contest week close, on the off chance someone manages to win more than one galley (yes, it's possible, because, as we know, the Gods of Random are capricious).

Winners and Other Lovers

Happy Hump Day! Well, the votes are in and the Gods of Random have made their selection. But, of course, I'm gonna make you wait for it. Just a little bit, though.

So, first off, we have a couple of reviews. Check out what boeklogboek thought of the first installment of The Martian Alliance, The Royal Scam, then see what A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of installment number two, Three Card Monte.

Then check out who My Five Monkeys is dressing up as for Halloween. And if you recently asked me a question via email (or even if you didn't), check out Ask Gini in Extra Me! for the latest Q&A additions.

I was going to fill you in on my haunting experience at the Hotel Gadsden, but then it occurred to me that Halloween is just around the corner. So, I'm gonna trick you a little longer and make you wait for the treat, so to speak. (And my being in the throes of writing Alien in the House had absolutely nothing to do with this decision. The major power spike that caused a lot of electronics to go kaput and an emergency run to Best Buy? Now that might have had a hand in the decision. But I'm not saying for sure.)

The Mysterious Galaxy Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event date's been set -- Saturday, Dec. 1st -- but the time wasn't. And now it is! Come see the me from 3pm-6pm (give or take on the end time). It's also been confirmed that MG will have Alien vs. Alien in stock and able to be sold! (So you can get your copy a few days early and lord it over those who have to wait for Dec. 4th.) San Diego (and SoCal in general) Area Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing: let me know if you also want to meet up before or hang out after.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...the winners of the Alien vs. Alien ARCs!

In no particular order of luckiness, they are:
Jessica Whitfield
rissatoo
Michelle Watson
bejeweledcat

Special winner of the Snort Coke Through My Nose Award goes to our ancient, but hilarious, oldster:
ratkin638 (rumor has it the numbers represent his real age)

NOTE FOR THE WINNERS: You have until Sunday, October 28th to check in by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with your full name and physical mailing address; any ARC not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen.

Well, that's it for today. But as always, more's on the way. Congrats to the winners, everyone enjoy the downward slide to the week, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Alien Proliferation for the Win!

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

International Contest

It's time to get your win on and grab an ARC of "Alien Proliferation" while the grabbing's good! There are 3 (NOW 4! That's right, FOUR) ARCs up for grabs, which means extra opportunities to score big!

So, Hook Me Up! subscribers who have sent in your proper entry emails, riddle me this: What's the best city to have a showdown with the Big Bads and why?

Love,
Gini


LEGALESE
Contest will run from Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 through Thursday, October 13th, 2011. Winners will be announced week of October 17th. This is an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

This is a contest for Hook Me Up! subscribers only -- if you're not on, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be sent the contest entry rules.

Yes, you can be entered in this contest and the Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger contest at the same time; however, only one ARC per winner. Should the Gods of Random love you best and you win both, you'll get one ARC and an alternate awesome prize, and another ARC will be awarded to another winner. 'Cause we like to share the love as much as possible, that's why.

Bodaciously Awesome Winners!

Yes, it's true. It's the moment you've all been waiting for. Well, at least all of you who entered my Comic-Con Swag Packs of Bodacious Awesomeness contest. And there were a LOT of you, and it took some time to get everything set up in and around writing and editing and all that.

But the wait is over! So, with no further ado, let's congratulate our winners!

The Hall H Swag Pack
The big cheese. Something from everything, including the most exclusive of exclusives: a Comic-Con keepsake program signed by me and every other author on my Speculative Fiction panel. No one else in the world will have this with these 8 autographs. There will be other signed goodies, including a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, posters, T-shirt, sunglasses, cap, line chair, books, and more. And when I say more, I MEAN more. This is the Swag Pack all others want to be when they grow up.
The Lucky All Access Winner is: Maria Atkinson

The Room 20 Swag Pack
Close to the Hall H, but featuring a focus on Covert Affairs, Psych and Ringer, along with signed goodies, including a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, posters, T-shirt, sunglasses, books, and more. And again, I MEAN more.
The Psyched Winner is: Van Pham

The Exhibit Hall Swag Pack
Posters, posters, and more posters, many signed, all cool. If it can curl up and fit into a mailing tube, it’s in here. Includes a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”). You’ll be able to wallpaper at least one room with the contents of this Pack, maybe your whole house.
The Wallpaper Forever Winner is: Anna O'Brien

The Mysterious Galaxy Swag Pack
This is the pack particularly loaded with books, sample chapters, other reading matter, as well as a sampling of other awesome Comic-Con stuff, and both an exclusive Jim Butcher/Dresden Files T-shirt and an exclusive Brenda Novak scarf (which I wanted to keep for myself BUT am handing over to this Pack’s winner because I’m a giver, me).
The Books, Books and More Books Winner is: Cheryl Lloyd

The Allan Gregory Swag Pack
Focused more on the little ones, this Pack features an exclusive Allan Gregory baseball cap, masks, and other coolness focused on the kids, and those of us who will remain kids forever. Includes a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, and all manner of other fun stuff.
The Young Forever Winner is: Camille Minor

The Val Kilmer Swag Pack
Val was a surprise attendee at the con this year, and what’s in this Pack will be a surprise, too. Trust me when I say that you’ll get signed stuff, cool stuff, and other stuff. This one goes to the contest entrant whose witty, urbane, and all around awesome smack talk on the Blog either makes me snort Coke through my nose or go “awww” the most often. Yes, this is the only pack chosen by moi instead of the Gods of Random.
The Winner of Awww is: Julie Jones

Honorary Mentions: For continuous blog comments 'til the bitter end, a small pack of surprises will go to: Becky Boyer and Tara Winther

WINNERS: You MUST contact me (gini@ginikoch.com) with your full name, full mailing address, information for how you want things from me personalized to you (name, nickname, etc.), and, if you're international, if you're okay sharing postage costs if needed. You MUST contact me by Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, or the Gods of Random will demand a new sacrifice and your Swag Pack will go to someone else.

Didn't win? Don't worry. Another contest is around the corner -- in honor of the upcoming release of "The Royal Scam". And, trust me, you'll like the prizes. For Hook Me Up! only, of course!

So, until next time, have a wonderful weekend, winners, don't bounce up and down TOO much, and non-winners, don't hate the winners too much. Your time will come!

Love,
Gini

Comic-Con Swag Packs of Bodacious Awesomeness Giveaway!

FOR HOOK ME UP! ONLY -- INTERNATIONAL CONTEST

I went to Comic-Con 2011, got to be on a panel with awesome authors, meet fans, act like a huge fangirl, and generally have a blast…and all you’re getting is…a chance to win a literal cornucopia of goodies! Contest is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, is international in scope, and will run through Wednesday, August 17, 2011.

And Here Come the Packs…*
…cleverly named for actual Comic-Con events and attendees. ‘Cause we bring the full entertainment experience, baby!

The Hall H Swag Pack
The big cheese. Something from everything, including the most exclusive of exclusives: a Comic-Con keepsake program signed by me and every other author on my Speculative Fiction panel. No one else in the world will have this with these 8 autographs. There will be other signed goodies, including a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, posters, T-shirt, sunglasses, cap, line chair, books, and more. And when I say more, I MEAN more. This is the Swag Pack all others want to be when they grow up.

The Room 20 Swag Pack
Close to the Hall H, but featuring a focus on Covert Affairs, Psych and Ringer, along with signed goodies, including a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, posters, T-shirt, sunglasses, books, and more. And again, I MEAN more.

The Exhibit Hall Swag Pack
Posters, posters, and more posters, many signed, all cool. If it can curl up and fit into a mailing tube, it’s in here. Includes a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”). You’ll be able to wallpaper at least one room with the contents of this Pack, maybe your whole house.

The Mysterious Galaxy Swag Pack
This is the pack particularly loaded with books, sample chapters, other reading matter, as well as a sampling of other awesome Comic-Con stuff, and both an exclusive Jim Butcher/Dresden Files T-shirt and an exclusive Brenda Novak scarf (which I wanted to keep for myself BUT am handing over to this Pack’s winner because I’m a giver, me).

The Allen Gregory Swag Pack
Focused more on the little ones, this Pack features an exclusive Allan Gregory baseball cap, masks, and other coolness focused on the kids, and those of us who will remain kids forever. Includes a set of Alien Series posters, all signed by moi (yes, including a poster for “Alien Proliferation”), buttons, and all manner of other fun stuff.

The Val Kilmer Swag Pack
Val was a surprise attendee at the con this year, and what’s in this Pack will be a surprise, too. Trust me when I say that you’ll get signed stuff, cool stuff, and other stuff. This one goes to the contest entrant whose witty, urbane, and all around awesome smack talk on the Blog either makes me snort Coke through my nose or go “awww” the most often. Yes, this is the only pack chosen by moi instead of the Gods of Random.

By the way, when I say “Pack” I MEAN “PACK” and when I say “stuff” I mean “awesomeness”. Each winner will get an exclusive Comic-Con Swag Bag (some may get more than one) chosen at random by me, along with other Comic-Con firsts and exclusives. All the Bags are cool, most are huge, all were handled by moi and probably used to get swag home, so they’re REAL, baby! All the Bags are Comic-Con exclusives, too, making them bodaciously awesome.

How to Enter to Win:
1. Be a registered Hook Me Up! subscriber. (Not on? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line.)
2. Respond as instructed by the secret, Hook Me Up! messages that will go out from August 3rd through August 17th.
3. Cross the digits that you’re one of the winners selected by the Gods of Random!

*Some Packs will include swag from Thriller Fest and RWA Nationals.

Catch-22s, Gotchas, Legalese

Due to sheer weight and volume, international winners may be asked to help cover postage (depends on what you win and where you are). Therefore, if you reside outside the U.S. and you’re not willing to potentially share in postage costs, please don’t enter.

Swag Pack contents subject to change, based on what might not have made it home safely without being trashed. Packs also subject to being increased and/or doubled in availability, ‘cause I’m not kidding when I say I got a LOT of swag.

Contest runs from Wednesday, August 3rd through Wednesday, August 17th. This is an international contest -- as long as you’re on Planet Earth, have a deliverable address (no P.O. Boxes, please), and are a registered Hook Me Up! subscriber, you can enter and win. Winners will be announced in the week of August 22nd. Prizes may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

That's it! So, Hook Me Up! entrants, answer these questions three: Which Swag Pack do you most want to win and why, and if you were going to San Diego Comic-Con with me, what one thing would we HAVE to do?

Love,
Gini

Poster Frenzy Contest!

It's time for Poster Frenzy! And Books, TOO. But more Posters. Lots more. (Contest entry deadline extended with Phoenix Comicon Freebies added into EACH pack!)

FOR HOOK ME UP! ONLY -- INTERNATIONAL CONTEST

Posters! We got posters! Well, I got posters at LepreCon 37, but I got them for you! So, how do YOU get them?

1. Be a registered Hook Me Up! subscriber. (Not on? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line.)
2. Respond as instructed to the Hook Me Up! messages that will go out from May 19 through May 29, 2001. (Yes, you can join Hook Me Up! after the contest starts, but you’ll lose out on chances to win.)
3. Cross the digits that you’re one of the winners selected by the Gods of Random!

So, what can I win, already?
There are a variety of Poster Packs available, some with books included.

The Blockbuster (1)*
This one has it all! Huge posters, including “Limitless”, large posters, including “Narnia”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”, and “Black Swan”, and regular-sized, including “Twilight: Eclipse”, “Insidious”, “Legion”, “Green Hornet”, “The Fighter”, and so many, many more! Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

Simply Huge (1)*
These are the big, movie marquee posters. Perfect for wallpapering any room or covering any window. And with “Limitless”, “Saw”, and “Rabbit Hole”, among others, why not paint the room in paper? Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

Gimme Gimme (2)
All the large and regular-sized posters, including “Narnia”, “The Lincoln Lawyer”, and “Black Swan”, and regular-sized, including “Twilight: Eclipse”, “Insidious”, “Legion”, “Green Hornet”, “The Fighter”, and so many, many more! PLUS it comes with books and other swag, including a “Spacetrawler” comics sheet signed by author/artist Christopher Baldwin. Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

The Consolation (1)
One large and one small poster, PLUS it comes with books and other swag, including a “Spacetrawler” comics sheet signed by author/artist Christopher Baldwin. (Winner will be chosen by dint of making me laugh the most/hardest/so much I snort Coke through my nose. So get your funny, snaky, sarcastic comments prepped and on center stage!) Addition: Extra Posters from Phoenix Comicon!

The Grab Bag (1) - NEW!
Assorted swag from Phoenix Comicon including a signed badge, plus books and whatever else I toss in there.

Five (NOW 6!) Packs in all. So what are you waiting for? Get your win on!

Hook Me Up! Gang, riddle me this: If we were going to catch a movie, any movie, what would we see and why, and would we do a double feature or not?

Love,
Gini

Catch-22’s, Gotchas, Legalese
You must be registered on Hook Me Up! to play and win. Sign up by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line. Full contest rules will be emailed to you.

This is a worldwide contest. You must have a deliverable address (no P.O. Boxes, please).

Contest will run from Thursday, May 19, 2011 through Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Winners will be announced week of June 13th. In order to share the loot at least somewhat fairly, once you win a prize, you're out of the running for any of the others. This is an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, and are on Hook Me Up!, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

Winners should receive their prizes in 4-6 weeks. If it’s going to take longer for some reason, we’ll let you know.

*Shipping constraints mean The Blockbuster and Simply Huge Packs won’t have books or swag that can’t roll up in them.

TFOB Stuffed Penguin Contest

FOR HOOK ME UP! ONLY -- INTERNATIONAL CONTEST

I went to the Tucson Festival of Books and all you're getting is...well, a lot!

First off, there's a lovely, black, sleek yet sturdy Penguins Classics totebag. And what's in that tote? Lots and lots and lots. Buttons, bookmarks, keychains, a water bottle, and more. Books. Signed books. Books by Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, Carrie Weaver, Holly Lisle and more! And, you know, a book from me might slip in there, too...you never can tell! ;-D

Contest runs from Thursday, March 17th through Sunday, March 20th. This is an international contest -- as long as you're on Planet Earth, and are on Hook Me Up!, you can enter and win. You must have a deliverable address, though - no P.O. boxes. Prize may take 2-4 weeks to ship; it may take 6-8 weeks for international.

So, Hook Me Uppers!, answer me this: What stuffed animal would you take with you on a trip to visit the A-C Home World and why?

Love, Gini

ADDENDUM: Some of you haven't actually entered the contest yet. Check the last Hook Me Up! emails to ensure you're properly entered entered. (Yes, I'm saying this 'cause several of you who've commented are NOT actually entered as of yet.)

Thursday Roundup - Getcher ARCs!

Happy Thursday! The "Alien in the Family" ARC contest is going strong! Remember that it ends on Monday, February 21, 2011, so if you haven't gotten your entry in yet, don't delay, do it today! Of course, it's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on Hook Me Up!, now's the time to change that. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line; you'll be registered and get the details for how to enter the contest.

The Worth Your Weight in a Gator Battle contest is also still large and in charge through Monday, February 28, 2011. 5 books are up for grabs, including an ARC of "Alien in the Family". (See? Extra ways to get that puppy abound!) Want more chances? Yes, you can tag more bloggers, just send me an email letting me know for each 5 you add on. Each 5 new bloggers awarded this honor gives you another entry chance. Check out the Win Stuff page if you haven't gotten tagged in yet.

There's more coming up. On Tuesday, a new interview with yours truly will be up over at I Smell Sheep, and I hear a new T-Shirt could be in the mix! And coming in March, Paranormal Spring Break, featuring moi and a lot of other cool authors, and loaded with tons of cool prizes (like, hey, new books!) will be hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Parajunkee's View. Check out the preview Parajunkee has up and mark your calendars!

Now, back to all that winning and such. Enjoy the weekend and good luck to all!

Love,
Gini

Alien in the Family ARC Giveaway!

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

Alien in the Family ARC Bridal Party Packs
You're in the wedding party, and how better to celebrate than with your very own signed ARC of "Alien in the Family"? But that's not all you'll get! Winners will also receive an "Alien in the Family" tote bag, "Alien in the Family" pen, a signed set of cover posters (for "Touched by an Alien", "Alien Tango", and "Alien in the Family"), a set of cover postcards and magnets, a set of signed cover flats, and your choice of Team Magnet (see the Alien Collective Depot for choices).

And how many packs are being given away? Not one, not two, but THREE Bridal Party Packs are up for grabs! Winners determined by the Gods of Random Number Generators.

Alien in the Family Majordomo Prize
You didn't score one of the ARCs, but you impressed the wedding coordinator so much that you're getting this special consolation prize: an Alien Collective tote bag, an Alien Collective baseball cap, an "Alien in the Family" pen, a signed set of cover posters (for "Touched by an Alien", "Alien Tango", and "Alien in the Family"), a set of cover postcards and magnets, a set of signed cover flats, and your choice of Team Magnet (see the Alien Collective Depot for choices).

Only ONE Majordomo prize given away, to the person who most represents the spirit of the competition.

Alien in the Family Guest List Prize
You're seated at a special table, and will get to choose one of these prizes for your very own: Alien Collective baseball cap, Alien Collective tote bag, "Touched by an Alien" tote bag, "Alien Tango" tote bag, "Touched by an Alien" pen, "Alien Tango" pen, "Alien in the Family" pen; PLUS your choice of Team Magnet (see the Alien Collective Depot for choices)

SIX Guest List prizes will be given away, based on the Gods of Random Number Generators.

Rules, Gotchas, Legalese: Contest runs from Feb. 14, 2011 through Feb. 21, 2011. Contest is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on Hook Me Up! yet? Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in. Contest rules will be emailed to you.

SO, Hook Me Up! Gang...answer me this: Why do you need to attend this wedding, and what fugly fighting weapon are you bringing as a gift and why?

Love, Gini

Character Interview & Mega Prizes

Today's blog is pubbing a little later than usual 'cause, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I spent the morning chatting it up and sharing spoilers at the 2nd Birthday Chat. But, despair not if you missed it, 'cause there're other cool happenings today, too!

Head right over to Tigris Eden's Forbidden Blog and check out the second part of the two-part interview...this part with characters from the Alien series taking the mic, so to speak.

Leave a comment, and then be sure to leave a comment on yesterday's interview and review of "Alien Tango" combo post, too. Why? Because there are some amazing prizes being given away, but only to those who leave comments on BOTH blog posts.

What prizes, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

The Grand Prize: Signed, Limited Edition Gini Bag; Signed & personalized copy of "Touched by an Alien"; Signed & personalized copy of "Alien Tango"; Full set of cover postcards (3); Full set of cover magnets (3); Set of Gini Koch & Anita Ensal flyers (one each signed & personalized); Alien Tango pen; Alien Tango mousepad; Alien Collective baseball cap; Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, and Alien in the Family cover flats, all signed & personalized; Team Martini magnet (winner can swap for Team Christopher or Team Gator instead)

Collective Pack: Alien Collective totebag; Alien Collective mousepad; Alien Collective baseball cap; Alien Collective pen; Full set of cover postcards (3); Full set of cover magnets (3); Set of Gini Koch and Anita Ensal flyers (one each signed & personalized); Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, and Alien in the Family cover flats, all signed & personalized; Team Martini magnet (winner can swap for Team Christopher or Team Gator instead)

Once you're all entered, head over to Mark of the Stars and check out her interview with awesome author Amber Scott, who lists some of her inspirations, as well as sharing an excerpt from her latest, "Love Lust".

Remember that you still have time to get entered to win an "Alien Tango" spiral notebook and pen if you leave a comment at my Guest post at Book Lovers Inc.

That's a lot of winning going on. So go forth and good luck to all!

Love,
Gini

Combo-Con Pack 3 - Sword and Sorcery

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

I went to World Fantasy Con and all I came home with were tons of books. Then I went to TusCon 37 and all I came home with were lots of posters. So I thought to myself, “Self, I think it’s time to do another giveaway. After all, the Swag Hounds expect.”

So, here it is, the Combo-Con Contest, in honor of the release of “Alien Tango” (‘cause, you know, I don’t have nearly enough going on RIGHT NOW).

Combo-Con Pack 3 -- Sword and Sorcery
Again, loaded with posters, from “Resident Evil” to “Sherlock Holmes” to “Tangled” (13 posters in all!) and also containing a full set of “Twilight: Eclipse” posters, this pack is loaded with 4 sword and sorcery and other fantasy books, including “Warbreaker” by Brandon Sanderson, "Night of Knives" by Ian C. Esslemont, "The Sword-Edged Blonde" by Alex Bledsoe, and "Children No More" by Mark L. Van Name. Also comes with a signed Gini Koch 2011 calendar to call your very own -- which, since it's a poster, will make 14 posters in all. Sure it's less posters than the other packs, but you'll be so swept away on these fantastic journeys that you won't notice.

In order to get those needed extra entry points, answer this question: If you could go anywhere with me, where would we go and what would we do when we were there?

Love,
Gini

(Not on Hook Me Up! yet so you don't know what's going on? Hit Win Stuff and get signed up NOW!)

Combo-Con Pack 2 - Horror

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST

I went to World Fantasy Con and all I came home with were tons of books. Then I went to TusCon 37 and all I came home with were lots of posters. So I thought to myself, “Self, I think it’s time to do another giveaway. After all, the Swag Hounds expect.”

So, here it is, the Combo-Con Contest, in honor of the release of “Alien Tango” (‘cause, you know, I don’t have nearly enough going on RIGHT NOW).

Combo-Con Pack 2 -- Horror
Also loaded with posters, from “Saw” to “Robin Hood” to “RED” (24 posters in all!) and also containing a full set of “Twilight: Eclipse” posters, this pack is loaded with 4 books living on the dark and weird side, including “Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters” by Jane Austen and Ben. H. Winters, "Pallid Light: The Walking Dead" by William Jones, "Living Shadows" by John Shirley, and "The Word of GOD" by Thomas. M. Disch. Also comes with a signed Gini Koch 2011 calendar to call your very own -- which, since it's a poster, will make 25 posters in all...it's only 1 poster less than Combo-Con Pack 1...and who needs the poster for "Devil" when you have these books to cover the creepy?

In order to get those needed extra entry points, answer this question: If you could be on a panel with me at a con, what would our topic be, and why would you be considered expert enough to run the yap with me about it?

Love,
Gini

(Not on Hook Me Up! yet so you don't know what's going on? Hit Win Stuff and get signed up NOW!)