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

Just Another Manic Monday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got another alien-packed week for you, so let's roll right into it!

First up, Dark Wyrm Reads has his review of "Touched by an Alien" up and running. Head over and give one of our own some Alien Collective love. Also, if you haven't read my Dark Wyrm Reads interview (which was, if memory serves, my very first...ever!), check it out as well while you're there!

Next up, The Book Pushers have an awesome giveaway underway -- Ghosts, Aliens and Hot Menz. Just enter a comment on their blog and you can win a copy of "Touched by an Alien" OR a copy of "The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker" by Leanna Renee Hieber. (You can enter to win both, see the blog for all details.) Contest ends Friday, May 21, so don't delay -- zoom by, give another one of the Collective some love, and see if you can win Leanna's book, or another copy of mine, whichever's your fancy.

Speaking of winning, our Week One Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest winner is...*drum roll please*...Tracie Rollins! Congrats, Tracie! Check out the prizes on the Win Stuff page, then drop me a line letting me know which prize you want!

Week One Question: Name Kitty's pets, living and presumed dead.
Answer: Mickey, Minnie, Carradine, Oingo, Boingo, Candy, Kane, Sugarfoot, Duke, Duchess, Dottie, Dudley

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? You're missing out...on getting all the news first, exclusive prizes, and much more. But it's not too late to join. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and you'll be on the list and gettin' it first and free!

Love,
Gini

Alien-Filled Friday

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

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

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

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

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

Reminder time:

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

Another Gini Expose'!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, things are still wild here in Gini Land! First up, there's yet another interview with moi, this time at Babbling About Books. I know, I know, there's a certain symmetry to my running the yap at a place that clearly loves the babbling, right? So you KNOW you've got to read it. Head on over, find out yet more interesting and obscure facts about yours truly, and show the site some Alien Collective love! Lots and lots of awesome reading matter at BAB, too...and keep the page up...more to come there soon, very soon...

Next up, I met very cool author Lynn Crain at the Desert Dreams conference, and she's said some very cool things about "Touched by an Alien" at her blog, The Many Shades of Life and Love. Head over and see what she's got -- there's some really great stuff up there.

Dark Wyrm Reads is helping boost the Brenda Novak 2010 Online Auction to benefit Diabetes Research. Check out the article, check out the blog, then hit the auction -- there's lots of tempting auction items up there, and it all goes for a great cause.

Finally, remember that the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is well underway. Send your answers to Week One's question to gini@ginikoch.com by Sunday, May 16, to be included in the first random prize giveaway on Monday, May 17th. Need a refresher on the prizes? Check out the Win Stuff page and know that it could all be yours...

Love,
Gini

Exciting News Bulletin

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a VERY happy Hump Day over here.

I've mentioned in several recent interviews that some good news could be coming "soon". Well, the soon that was far away and the soon that was uncertain is the soon that is now.

Just got confirmation from my most awesome agent that DAW Books has bought Books 3 & 4 of the Alien series! Meaning that "Alien in the Family" and "Alien Proliferation" will be coming down the pike, right after "Alien Tango"!

I believe publication will be on roughly the same schedule (Book 3 in April 2011, Book 4 in December 2011), but I have NOT heard that from my most excellent editor yet, so pub dates are still unconfirmed.

There's more coming this week, but, really, for me, for today, this is EVERYTHING!

Off to jump up and down and do the Happy Dance!

Love,
Gini

Fugly Fighting for a Cause

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

The Yap Keeps Running, the Prizes Keep Coming!

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

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

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

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

*drum roll, please*

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Gini

So Much To Choose From...

...Do 'Em All!

Happy Friday! As we head into another fabulous weekend and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have more going on in Gini Land. First up, The Galaxy Express has a great piece on humor in science fiction/science fiction romance. Head on over, have a read, and leave a comment, because, clearly, if you're part of the Alien Collective, you appreciate the funny and undoubtedly have views about it. (Y'all had views about the Badge of Honor, now, didn't you?)

Our own Amber Scott has the latest on the status of Project Pay It Forward up at The Amber Scott Project. Head over, show her blog some Alien Collective love, see what's happening so far with the copies of "Touched by an Alien" heading out on their journeys, and, for those of you doing similar, share what's been happening for you, too!

Remember that the "Haunting Beauty" giveaway runs through Sunday, so if you haven't hit yesterday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog interview with Erin Quinn and left a message, get one up there, pronto, so you can be entered to win. Yes, international readers, this means you, too.

Another reminder -- our own ALPHA Reader's "Touched by an Alien" giveaway is still open as well. Head over and leave a comment, and send over those who haven't read "Touched by an Alien" yet, so they can sign up for a chance to win, too!

Finally, remember to check out the Free Stuff page to see what you might want to get. Some quantities are really limited (cover flats of "Touched by an Alien" in particular), so if you think you want one, send an email right away to gini@ginikoch.com and get yours reserved. All details are now on the Free Stuff page.

By the way -- if you're going to be at Comic-Con in San Diego, California this year, drop me a line at gini@ginikoch.com so we can coordinate a meet-up! Same again if you'll be hitting CopperCon30 in Mesa, Arizona. Or World Fantasy Con in Columbus, Ohio. (Yeah, I'm gonna be a busy girl.)

Still not on Hook Me Up!? Why not? The Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest starts next week. So, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you can be on the list and entered into the contest. You'll be glad you did!

Love,
Gini

Erin Quinn Interview & Giveaway!

Well, as promised, we have a treat today. Awesome author Erin Quinn’s joined us to talk about her latest release, “Haunting Warrior”. As most of you know, Erin was my first author Spotlight interview. As many of you may not know, she’s also been a mentor to me, helping me through the excitement and total chaotic fun that is the release of your first book. (Yeah, in other words, she’s heard me whine a LOT …and put up with it, for which I’m sure she deserves some kind of reward.)

But without any further delay (I know, too late!), let’s get on with the interview! Erin, welcome to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, where the Yap Runneth Over.

Hi Gini! Thanks so much for having me here on your site. You asked some fabulous questions. Hope my answers do them justice.

Oh, they will. They definitely will. So, let’s dive right in.

Q. “Haunting Warrior”, which released on May 4th, is the second in your Haunting series. The first book in this series, “Haunting Beauty”, dealt with romance, time travel, clairvoyance, and ghosts (in a sense) -- awesome paranormal romance all the way. Is the tone of “Haunting Warrior” different or similar to “Haunting Beauty”?

A. I would say yes . . . and no. “Haunting Warrior” is much more action oriented than “Haunting Beauty”. It’s the story of Rory MacGrath and I really torture that poor man. I’ve got him running for his life and fighting to protect the woman he loves for much of the story. Of course I left ample time for romance and some snooky. As part of the MacGrath family, Rory has his own special powers and must learn to embrace them in “Haunting Warrior”.

Awesome! We love the action and the snooky here at Team Gini. So…

Q. Is “Haunting Warrior” a continuation of Danni and Sean’s story, or is it a new set of characters?

A. New set of characters, although Danni and Sean do make an appearance in the story. Rory is Danni’s twin brother. Readers met him in “Haunting Beauty” and learned that the night that changed history for Danni and Sean also altered Rory in ways he has never managed to cope with.

Q. In “Haunting Beauty”, Danni and Sean have to avert a horrible crime in the past in order to actually have a future. What challenges will your hero and heroine in “Haunting Warrior” be facing?

A. Oh my! That’s a loaded question. The night that Rory’s father disappeared from the cavern beneath the castle ruins, Rory disappeared too—but only for a few minutes. In “Haunting Warrior”, you find out where Rory went and what happened when he was there. Rory has to face his past as well, but not in the same way as Danni and Sean did.

Q. There’s a lot of Irish in your Haunting Series. Was that a nod to your heritage, or just because you love Ireland, and Irish lads, in general?

A. All of the above. When you’re named for a place—Erin/Ireland—it’s hard not to feel an affinity for it. The Irish are an incredible people and though physically I may be a mutt, spiritually I will always claim Irish as my heritage.

Q. What is the string/s that ties your Haunting Series together?

A. The ancient and mythical Book of Fennore is the common thread through the entire series. Each story digs a little deeper into what it is, how it came to be, what it can do . . . .and how to destroy it . . . .

Cool. I, personally, loved the Book, so I’m glad, in that sense, that it’s going to remain a major player. Good evil shouldn’t go to waste!

Q. I liked how you used Celtic language in “Haunting Beauty” -- it was always appropriate and I could also always figure out what the words meant, even if I hadn’t seen them before, without your doing a lot of narrative or dialog exposition. How hard, or natural, was that for you to do? And will there be more of that in “Haunting Warrior”?

A. It’s really funny—I have no ear for languages. I can barely speak my own, ha ha. My husband is fluent in two languages and can understand a handful of others but me . . . not so much. However, my writer’s ear is very good with them. I can write a dialect I can’t speak and probably couldn’t understand if I heard it if that’s not the craziest thing you ever heard. I don’t know how it works, but it does so I take it as a gift.

Q. I loved “Haunting Beauty” because of the complexity of the situation as well as the characters. What will I love about “Haunting Warrior”?

A. Rory. Rory. Rory. I loved writing Rory and I still think of him all the time. He was such a wonderful hero to work with. He’s special because he has so many issues but he really wants to be the man Saraid (our heroine) needs him to be. Saraid helps him get there and I think the chemistry between the two of them brings the whole story to life.

He sounds hunkalicious. Sean was a total hunk and a half, so can’t wait to see what you’ve done with Rory. Now…

Q. Some may have already gotten and devoured “Haunting Warrior” by now. For those who haven’t grabbed it or read it yet, can you give us a little taste?


A. Absolutely! So here’s a slice from the scene when Danni and Rory talk of the Book of Fennore. She’s just picked him up from the airport -- his first time home since he was sent away as a kid. He’s come back for his grandmother’s funeral -- a funeral the ghost of his grandmother invited him to attend.

Rory shoved his hands into his pockets, afraid they might shake as they had last night. “Nana came to see me,” he said softly.

Danni gave him a sharp look. “When?”

“Night before last.” A part of him couldn’t believe he was saying it out loud. A part of him wanted to laugh even as he remembered how it felt when he’d realized who was sitting in his car. “When I got off work, she was waiting for me.”

Danni made a sharp sound of amusement. “Bet that scared you out of your knickers.”

He forced a stiff smile.

“And what did she say?” Danni went on as if they were discussing the price of milk and eggs. “I’ve died, so come home?”

“Something like that.”

“She wanted something, didn’t she? She called you home to find the Book. Is that the way of it?”

He shouldn’t have been surprised she’d know that detail, too, but he was. Reluctantly, he nodded.

“I can see there’s no point in telling you not to do it, but it’s dangerous seeking something that shouldn’t be found. What did Aunt Edel say when you told her?”

“I didn’t tell her. Why would I?”

Danni looked at him in shock. “You mean you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“Edel has used the Book, Rory. Did you never notice her eyes? How queer they are?”

Rory stared at his sister, open-mouthed.

Edel had used the Book? Edel, who he’d lived with until he was old enough to move out on his own?

Suddenly it made so much sense. Suddenly he understood why his parents had sent him to his crazy aunt with her flat, dark eyes. Why she alone had been able to put fear into Rory’s heart. They were kindred in more ways than blood.

“Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?” he asked, angry.

She shook her head, clearly as surprised as he by this giant hole in his education.

“Who told you?” he demanded.

“I don’t know. I’ve just always known.”

If he hadn’t hidden himself so far from home, perhaps he would have known, too.

“Rory,” Danni said, and something in her voice had changed. He looked at her, found himself staring into those luminous eyes of hers—gray and stormy, like the Irish Sea itself. For one weak moment he’d wanted nothing more than to embrace his sister and tell her how much he’d missed her. How much she meant to him. How sorry he was for hurting her along the way to his liberation. But he didn’t move and he didn’t speak.

“I have something for you,” she said. “In case I don’t get the chance to talk to you alone later.”

She pulled a small green box from her pocket. He stared at it curiously but made no move to take it.

“Nana wanted you to have this and she knew mum would keep it from you if she could, so she made me promise that I would give it to you.”

She thrust the box out to him with a reluctance he couldn’t miss.

And suddenly he knew what was inside before he even opened the lid, knew what it meant that Nana had gone to so much trouble to make certain he received it. Knew this was what she’d told him he would need. Slowly he took it from his sister, his big hands dwarfing the tiny box. He hesitated, and then finally he lifted the lid.

Inside, nestled on a piece of cotton, was the pendant.

Whoo hoo! The pendant’s back! (Those who’ve read “Haunting Beauty” will know why I’m excited. Those who haven’t should grab a copy. Hmmm…and keep reading…)

Q. After “Haunting Warrior”, what’s next and when are they coming?

A. “Haunting Desire” is slated for March 2011 and “Haunting TBD” for October 2011!

Super, I can’t wait! Especially for “Haunting TBD”…I love that title best, I think.

Gini, thanks so much for hosting me here! This was such a fun interview! I would love to give an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty” away to one of your blog readers!


Wicked cool! Okay gang, you’re all used to how this works, I know. Leave a comment for Erin here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog any time between now and Sunday night. On Monday we’ll do a random drawing and one of you will win an autographed copy of “Haunting Beauty”. And for the dudes in the Alien Collective -- trust me, your womenfolk will want you to try to win.

Love, Gini

P.S. Check out Erin's blog and website, for more about her Haunting Series.
http://www.erinquinn.info
http://quinnessentials.blogspot.com/

Can't wait to get your hands on "Haunting Warrior"? Order it here.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0425234142
Barnes&Nobles: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=9780425234143
Borders: http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0425234142
Indy bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425234143

We Have Winner Liftoff!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've finally achieved a respectable majority vote on the Alien Collective Badge of Honor. *drum roll, please...*

Option 2 is the big winnah!














(Option 3 lovers: the support group is in place.)

Check out the Free Stuff page over the next few days to get access to the Badge as well as other avatars and freebies...and, now that we have an official Badge selection, more will be coming (just as soon as we at Team Gini get them printed up and ready.)

In other website news, the Accolades page is up and running -- keep the cards and letters coming! Remember, Sightings in the Wild is always looking for new pics of "Touched by an Alien" in its various natural habitats. And if you haven't read it yet, we have a great Spotlight interview with author Deborah LeBlanc.

Coming Thursday will be the Blah, Blah, Blah interview with author Erin Quinn, along with a giveaway, so you won't want to miss it!

Love,
Gini

New Spotlight Interview!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got an action-packed week for you here in Gini Land, so fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be an exciting ride.

First up, we've got a new interview with wicked cool author Deborah LeBlanc. Head on over to my Spotlight page and check it out!

For those of you who missed the Weekend Update, our own ALPHA Reader has an interview with moi live and kicking. She's also giving away a copy of "Touched by an Alien" to one lucky blog follower. So stop on by and give her blog some Alien Collective love! And if you or someone you know doesn't have a copy of "Touched by an Alien" yet, start following her blog, post a comment, and you'll be entered to win.

And, a reminder that an informative blog post from yours truly (I know, I know, what were the odds?) is up at 1st Turning Point and our own Amber Scott's got "Touched by an Alien" paying forward via her P.P.I.F. Launch Party, so stop by and give those some Alien Collective attention, too!

Is there more? By golly, there's more! On Thursday, May 6th, I'll be interviewing awesome author Erin Quinn right here on the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog about her latest release, "Haunting Warrior", which hits the shelves tomorrow. There will be something special going along with all the yap, so plan to stop by, say hi, ask those probing questions we authors love, and find out what all the fuss is about!

And...the Hook Me Up! Exclusive Contest is going to start next week. So, if you're somehow still not on Hook Me Up!, now's the time to get hooked up. 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 score an exclusive prize...maybe more than one prize...

Love,
Gini

Weekend Update

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, our own awesome ALPHA Reader has an interview up with yours truly, and is also giving away a copy of "Touched by an Alien"! Go take a look, have a read, learn more about what we all laughingly call "my process", and check out who I'd cast as the cast if I were doing it today. Chime in on where you think I've got it wrong and why. (And see why I feel I absolutely COULD have it wrong and why.) And send over those who haven't picked up "Touched by an Alien" yet to start following ALPHA's blog so they can have a chance to score a copy. In general, do what you all do best -- spread the Alien Collective love!

Badge of Honor voting update: More have voted. #2 and #3 are still tied. It's time to pull in all the spouses, kids, neighbors and pets, gang. If you haven't voted yet, cast your vote NOW. Options are in the blog post just under this one. We need a clear winner. I mean, if y'all want to be able to get your mitts on some really cool stuff, that is.

Weekend Update over and out!

Love,
Gini