Monday Update

Happy Monday!

The winner of Amber Scott's "Play Fling" is identified in the blog post below. Congrats to our lucky (chick wins ALL the time, everywhere!) winner! And, despair not if you didn't win. More winning will be coming in the near future!

Reminder for those in the area: I have a book signing tonight at my chiropractor's office (no, I really wasn't kidding about that). Lots of food and drink will be served, the office is lovely and has plenty of parking, so come on over, would love to see you! (I'll be the one in the Aerosmith t-shirt.)

Haggard Chiropractic
18205 N. 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308
Monday, June 28, 7:00 PM
602-843-6300

Sightings around the web: The Galaxy Express has a fun listing of all SFR with the word "Alien" in the title, so check it out, there's some cool stuff there; nice thread start at Hurog; Babbling About Books has some lovely things to say regarding her mid-year review; and Amber Scott's not only suggesting everyone pre-order "Alien Tango" (yes, please!) but she's also looking for another debut author to start the next round of Project Pay It Forward, so head over and give her your suggestions.

Of course, my Hook Me Up! subscribers knew this first. Why not join them and be in the Gini Know sooner? You get access to cool HMU! only contests, info, and much more! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and get in with the in crowd today!

Love,
Gini

Announcing the Winner...

...of a personalized, signed copy of Amber Scott's "Play Fling"!

And the winner is...

*drum roll*

...the ever-lucky, wins all the time, Kelly Anderson! (I think I should do a series, "Kelly Anderson Can't Lose" 'cause it seems like she wins everywhere. Kelly, rub the ol' keyboard for luck, will you?)

Congrats, Kelly! Contact me via email to arrange getting your book! And thanks to everyone who participated...more winning is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Love,
Gini

Thrilled Thursday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I know what I'm doing when at Comic-Con! For anyone who's going, or knows someone who's going, I'll be on the Friday, July 23, 10:00-11:00 panel: With Great Powers Come Great Stories (Room 32AB). We're the Superhero Superfiction team, which consists of me, Lou Anders, Chris Roberson, Matt Sturges, Mike Carey, Jackie Kessler, Caitlin Kitteredge, Caroline Spector, and Kevin Andrew Murphy. I'm trying not to visibly vibrate from excitement, but so far, it's been a challenge!

There will be a book signing right after the panel, then I should have another book signing somewhere in there. Otherwise...heh, heh, heh...I'm on my own. And for those of you who know about my "Castle" addiction, the cast is supposed to be there! While I'll do my best to get up close and personal, I doubt I'm even going to be able to see Nathan Fillion's head, let alone anyone else's, let alone manage an autograph. But, I'll do my best, 'cause that's just the kind of girl I am.

Yes, yes, I'll take autograph requests. Just know that the likelihood of me getting any (other than possibly from the other authors on the panel with me) is slim to none.

But wait, I hear you ask, what about a review of "Touched by an Alien"? Fear not, I've got one for you! Check out what Smokin' Hot Books has to say. Then, jump over to Iron Inklings for some teaser fun.

Remember that there's still time to get in on a chance to win a signed, personalized copy of Amber Scott's "Play Fling". Just leave a comment on Monday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog post and you're good. Contest ends Sunday, June 27; winner announced at the Blog on Monday, June 28.

Now, back to getting all that info together for Daniel Dos Santos...don't want to delay his start on the cover for "Alien in the Family".

Love,
Gini

Tango Tuesday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know and you've undoubtedly guessed from the title of the blog post, we're focusing on "Alien Tango" today.

The Galaxy Express is featuring the most awesome cover, so head over and share your Alien Collective love about all that is the wicked cool Daniel Dos Santos artwork!

Heather Massey from TGE also has an article up at Tor.com for those of you who are interested in the science fiction versus romance versus Science Fiction Romance debate. It's a good message, and the comments so far are very interesting. (Would particularly love the male Alien Collective members to chime in on this one.)

Our own ALPHA Reader has a great "Where are they now" column that's featuring "Alien Tango" as well as some other great, upcoming releases. Head over, check it out, share what books you can't wait for!

The new "Alien Tango" freebies are in and available! Check out the Free Stuff page for details and get your requests in! (BTW, they look AWESOME, possibly more awesome than the TBAA ones, which is saying a LOT.)

Lest "Touched by an Alien" feel left out, it's still popping up all over the web. Here are some mentions to check out: Fun interview with our own Lynn Crain at Midnight Seductions; author Audra Wyatt has a good explanatory piece up about the workshop series I'm a part of; cute post up at the Random Book Girl site about her initial impressions of "Touched by an Alien" based on cover and title.

Remember that the giveaway for Amber Scott's "Play Fling" is still going on. Hit yesterday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog post, leave a comment or a question, and you're entered to win! Also, for those of you participating in the Project Pay It Forward, don't miss the latest updates.

Speaking of winning, it's not too late to win over at The Book Addict -- not only is there a "Touched by an Alien" giveaway, but there are lots of other great giveaway chances, too! Don't miss out, head over there today!

I'd share more, but I have to get certain descriptions of certain key things from "Alien in the Family" over to awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos, so must dash. (Yeah, I DO like to tease all of you...what's your point?)

Love,
Gini

Amber Scott "Play Fling" Interview & Giveaway!

As promised, we have interview and giveaway fun today! Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing and awesome author Amber Scott’s here today to tell us all about her latest, “Play Fling”!

But first, let me tell you a little about Amber. In between naptimes and laundry, Amber Scott writes romance in varying genres including paranormal and erotica. She knew she wanted to be an author before she could read and, at age four, vividly recalls telling her mother as much. She began writing novels and screenplays after the birth of her first child to see if her childhood dream could come true. She's addicted to chocolate, detests cooking and is a sucker for happily ever after.In other words, my kind of girl! So, let’s roll into it.

Face Your Target...
Brooke Munkle didn't leave a lukewarm marriage just to flounce into the first hot bed. Too young, too hot, Elliott Jovovich has no business distracting her from starting over. If only he'd get out of her fantasies. Maybe if she keeps things simple, she can allow herself one naughty indulgence. After all, who will know?

Pull The String...
Elliott sees through Brooke's stiff facade. Underneath her struggle to hold it all together, a vibrant, wanton woman is waiting to be freed. To win her heart, he'll play by her rules, which would be a a lot easier if her hostile best friend didn't fight so dirty. Sure, he has ammo of his own, but what he knows could hurt Brooke.

Steady. Aim. Release...
Millie Match isn't sure what she did to deserve this matchmaking hell. The sneaking around, the spying, compatibility issues, chemistry crises. Her target, Brooke, is keeping secrets. Elliott is definitely Mr. Wrong. And if Millie doesn't make true love magic now, she'll lose the one thing in this punishment worth fighting for.

Q: Amber, in “Play Fling” we meet Millicent Match for the first time. How did you come up with her?

A: Brooke and Elliott’s story had already formed in my mind. But something was missing. I had begun my first screenwriting online class and the instructor referenced one of my all time favorite shows, Quantum Leap. One afternoon, while thinking about why I loved that show so much, and wondering what ever happened to it, Millie was born. She has a similar situation as the show’s hero, Sam, had. In a futuristic science experiment gone wrong, Sam “leapt” from life to life over time to put right what once went wrong. But Millie won’t leap time and where Sam was simply dealing with the new life he’d entered with his caring jovial self, Millie is matchmaking and hates it. Becoming a cupid is her punishment, and she has no clue how to match people because she’s never loved or truly been loved.

Q: Interesting! So, how many books do you see Millie in before she gets her own happily ever after? After that, will the series be over or continue on? (You know, in that perfect world we authors all want.)

A: I imagine three to six books, the last being where Millie matches AJ, her partner in time. But AJ won’t remember who she is, having completed his matchmaking time served. She’ll also be returned to her life as Kiki, but with her love lessons learned. Of course, not all lessons because where’s the torturous fun in that, right?

Q: Of course right! I like that you make Millie “ordinary” looking, and that it’s sort of her cross to bear. This may be a spoiler, but do you plan to ever let her be “hot” again, say in the last book?

A: Yes, in the final book in the series she’ll return to being her stunning original self, Kiki, but with the new awareness that being attractive comes with its own hurdles, particularly pre-judgments people make which she’s been able to live without for so long. Envy alienates and most don’t see her for who she really is, except…well, we can’t give away too much, right?

Q: So, Millie’s been, what, reborn into this new life? Can you give us a little more about the Kiki situation (as you know, I love that name!) and how it relates to Millie’s punishment and potential redemption?

A: Kiki, an infamous socialite still presumed missing in life, becomes Millie, a cupid, as her punishment for a life of gross indifference. Each book filters in more about Kiki’s disappearance and choices as well as her growth as Millie, until she ultimately returns to that life, changed by her matchmaking. But the sentence term will depend on how fast she learns. She’s a very slow, resistant learner. Much fun!

Q: Totally! “Play Fling” has a May/December romance. What prompted you to have Brooke be older than Elliott? Ashton and Demi or just happened that way?

A: I love the idea of starting over and of deserving something you never imagined possible. The fact that Elliott is younger gives Brooke a surface excuse to hide her true fear of surrendering to love behind. But, Elliott’s age actually surfaced when I asked my muse what man would Brooke want most, fear most to love but also who would free her from her fears.

Q: Very cool! So, other than Millie, Brooke & Elliott, who’s your favorite character in this book and why?

A: Oh, that’s a hard one. I suppose AJ, Millie’s partner in time, because he’s so bad boy sexy yet good guy levelheaded all at once. He helps Millie through some really bad decisions and their consequences without ever judging her. He’s a bit of the dark brooding type that has a shadowed past we haven’t seen yet.

Q: Oooh, he sounds delish! Can’t wait to see more of him. Heh heh. Okay, mind back to the issue at hand. For now. “Play Fling” isn’t your first book. Tell us about what else you have out there and where/how we can find it.

A: I have three erotica ebooks with Liquid Silver Books. “Wanted”, “Jessie’s Girl”, and “The Best Revenge”. After two years off from indulging my muse’s naughty side, I gave in and just finished an erotica novella called “Love Lust” which is in submissions right now.

Q: “Play Fling” has a light, fun tone even while dealing with the very real subjects of divorce and starting over. Is that your normal ‘voice’ or was this something you did for this series in particular?

A: I don’t normally write so light. But, I wanted this to be a fun romantic comedy with heart and magic. Millie is just so bad at matchmaking and so much fun to torture. Comedy is a challenge for me to write. But I like a challenge and the alternating between genres keep me energized.

Q: I’m so with you there! Okay, I see “Play Fling” as an urban paranormal romance, since Millie, and AJ, are Cupids and there is a fantastical element. Do you agree? If not, why not?

A: I wish I could nail down the genre it falls in! I think of it as a paranormal romantic comedy but Coffee Time Reviews sees it as a paranormal romantic suspense. Maybe paranormal light? Go figure.

Q: Can we have an excerpt?

A: Sure!

If Brooke Munkle checked her watch again, it might as well be announced on loudspeaker: Would the pitiful owner of the rude, no-show friend please remove her denial and vacate the big table? Brooke glared down the lines of creamer skinning her half empty latte cup. Her best friend, Millie, had, in fact and without a doubt, stood her up. Brooke didn’t have ten more minutes. She would be in class by then, forced to hand in her paper, unread. “Is this seat taken?” a quiet, sonorous voice asked.

Brooke locked eyes up to one fine specimen of male. He gave her a crooked smile, the charming kind, and pushed his glasses up his very straight nose. Her tongue sucked to the roof of her mouth. “Umm. No.” A flutter tickled her voice. “Be my guest.”

She straightened, gathering her papers and stack of novels to make room where Millie should be warming space, should be sitting next to her. How awful.

He plopped down a stuffed file folder, his smile brightened, and the chair he took practically screamed over the floorboards. A stream of pages from his folder spilled onto hers. He swept them back into the tattered manila. His loopy smile tipped her way again.
Flutter. This time down in her belly.

Was he searching for something to say? No, no. No need to break any ice on her account. Brooke didn’t smile back. Or return his friendly nod. She glanced around the café, double-checking the bookstore entrance Millie typically came through. Three other tables sat empty. Better seats, certainly, than this one.

She shouldn’t have taken the big table alone. Everyone tried to muscle in on the big table. Well, he could soon have it. Millie had five minutes left before Brooke gave up. Gaze averted, Brooke sipped her lukewarm latte and put on a cloak of aloof confidence. Eyebrows up, finger to her lips. Looking finely busy and unperturbed, if she said so herself.

Her turtleneck scratched her throat and her pulse thrummed. She kept her hands in her lap. Was it warm in the cafe or was it him?

When Jenny, the barista, abandoned her perch to wipe down Brooke’s already clean table again, no question remained. Brooke stuck out. Jenny meant well. Her smile shined a world of good intentions. She couldn’t know she made Brooke feel all the worse. Like some charity case. Jenny wiped and lingered. Smiled and wiped.

Or maybe Jenny just wanted a healthy eyeful of broad shoulders. Shoulders angling to make Brooke relocate. Maybe Jenny thought Brooke should move, too.

Where the hell was Millie?

(Want more than the short excerpt we gave you? Head over to The Amber Scott Project and check out the first three chapters (http://amberscottproject.wordpress.com/playfling-excerpt/). Trust me, by the time you’ve read them, you’ll want the rest, pronto!)

Q: Love it, especially that the humor’s so there right away. So, are you contracted for and/or writing the next book in this series? If so, when can we expect it? If not, why the heck not?

A: I am about halfway through the next book, “The Sweetest Fling”, and now that “Fierce Dawn”, my steampunk paranormal romance is finished, and “Love Lust” is in submissions, I’ll be completing its draft. Since this whole series will be Indie published, I’m hoping for a January release but much of that will depend on my editors.

“The Sweetest Fling” is about the one that got away and takes Millie up to small town Washington. Lots of wine and lots of complications.

Awesome! I cannot wait!

Q: Now, this last question Amber felt I should have asked but didn’t, so, because we believe the interview guest is always right, here goes… Finally, Amber, why are you stalking me?

A: Oh, I’m so pleased you asked, Gini! I have two reasons. One, reading “Touched By An Alien” changed me as an author. I read it and thought, wow, this is how it’s done. I not only adored the read, I learned from it.

My blushes! But, you know, do go on…

Secondly, because I learned so much and so thoroughly enjoyed your Desert Rose PAN/PRO pitch class that I will do all I can to support your career. The work you put into my pitch progress alone is worth more money than I could fork over. So, I stalk.

Is it any wonder I love her?
And, here’s another reason to love her. Amber’s giving away a personalized, signed copy of “Play Fling” to one lucky blog commenter chosen at random (and yes, this IS an International contest). So, leave a comment or a question for Amber or me, and see if you win! The contest will be open until Sunday, June 27, 2010, with the winner announced on Monday, June 28. Good luck to all!

Can’t wait to find out if you win or not? No worries, here’re the links to buy “Play Fling”:
Print Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Play-Fling-Amber-Scott/dp/1451588739/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276619931&sr=8-1
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Play-Fling-ebook/dp/B003JBI2AM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1276619931&sr=8-2

Amber’s easily found at The Amber Scott Project (http://amberscottproject.com). You can also find her plotting away with the rest of her gang, The Plot Mamas (http://plotmamas.com).

The Weekend's in Sight!

We're on the downward slide of the week! Whoo hoo!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, after the whirlwind that was the beginning of the week, we're back to calm and relaxed in Gini Land. Well, sort of. Team Gini might argue, 'cause they've been busy little worker bees.

Check out the updated Accolades page for the latest and link to any reviews of "Touched by an Alien" you might have missed. Have a review I haven't linked to somehow? Let me know and we'll rectify that pronto!

The Datebook also has yet more new events on it. My BookTour.com page is all up to date. And if you missed the fun interview with Erin Quinn we did here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog from a few weeks ago, it's now live on Spotlight.

Speaking of interviews, if you haven't checked out my latest, head over to The Book Addict and do it right now. She's giving away cool prizes all week long but you have to comment to win!

Also speaking of interviews, don't forget that we have Alien Collective member Amber Scott here on Monday to discuss her latest release, "Play Fling", as well as a giveaway! Amber's also got some cool news about an upcoming 1st Turning Point interview, with someone I consider a mentor, so check out The Amber Scott Project and mark your calendars! Authors aspiring to publication in particular should check this out.

I'm heading out to see Dream Theater and Iron Maiden. Hope you all have something equally fun and awesome planned for your weekends!

Love,
Gini

If You Thought Monday Was Busy...

...just get a load of today!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a busy, busy week here in Gini Land, so let's roll right into all the goings on!

First up, I have my first ever feature article up at the SFR Brigade. Head over and check out my thoughts (I do have them, I swear!) on Walking the Line in SFR, and feel free to chime in with your views on the subject!

If you're intrigued by the topic, in addition to perusing the SFR Brigade blog, check out The Galaxy Express, where Science Fiction Romance is always on the agenda, and one of the latest Mind Meld discussions at SF Signal: What Does Romance Bring to to Science Fiction Genre?

Next up, we have more action from the Alien Collective. The Book Addict is having quite the to-do this week, as it's her blogiversary! And guess who's on the docket for today? Right you are -- moi! So, head over, check out my latest interview, and see what all she's giving away, too! The winning goes on all week over there, so don't be shy about checking in often and early!

Do we have another review of "Touched by an Alien" today? Why, yes we do! One of our Alien Collective blogs, Absorbed in a Book has a great review up. And, why stop there? There's another review up at The Blog With Bite. And, look there! Another one, this one at Lilium's Realm. Hit 'em all, show 'em some Alien Collective love, you know the drill!

What, there's still more? Yes, there is. There's a new Playlist up (yes, yes, finally, I know), and there are several new events listed in the Datebook. Note to those in and around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area (We OWN the winter! Don't ask us about summer...) -- I have several book signings and workshops happening this summer, most of which are up right now. Plan accordingly.

There's more coming, but truly, between yesterday and today, you should all be busy enough! At least until later this week, right? Of course right...


Love,
Gini

A VERY Manic Monday!

Happy Monday, well, what's left of it!

I know this is coming out on practically Tuesday for most of you, but as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's been a busy, BUSY day! So, let's just dive in, 'cause, as you can imagine, this is a chock-full update!

First off, we have a LOT of new reviews of "Touched by an Alien"! First up, check out the review at an Alien Collective blog, Ex Libris. Then head over to Parajunkee's View. After that, head to What Book Is That?. Then hop over to My 5 Monkeys. Then last but in no way least, check out the Bibliophile Book Blog. Remember to leave some Alien Collective love at each stop!

Next on our packed agenda? Well, it's a preview of sorts. Next Monday I'll be interviewing author and Alien Collective member Amber Scott regarding her latest release, "Play Fling". Will there be a giveaway, I hear you ask? Well, of course! Stay tuned, and be sure to be here all bright-eyed and Alien-tailed (well, so to speak) for the fun and chance to win! And check out The Amber Scott Project for a preview of "Play Fling"!

Is there more? Did I mention manic today? I did? Then yes, of course, there's more!

Check out Win Stuff, Sightings in the Wild both top and bottom, and Free Stuff for new additions.

AND, check out Newsy Stuff for...*drum roll*...the final cover for "Alien Tango"! This is what you'll find on the shelves on December 7th! (Note: If you'd like to use the final cover at your blog or website, send me an email, gini@ginikoch.com, and I'll send the image to you.)

Are we done yet? Well, we're done for TODAY. But there's more coming tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Love,
Gini

Exciting News Bulletin

I know. There was no "Happy Friday" blog, yesterday. Barely any tweets and nothing much at all on Facebook. What, had I forgotten all about you? Decided that there was no news fit to print? Been taken to Alpha Centauri for a tour? (Yeah, I only wish on that last one.)

Nope, nope and, sadly, nope.

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I was on the phone all day. With my most awesome editor. Going over edits on Book 3 and discussing the Alien series in general (as in, "Oh, and then in THIS book I plan to do this and in THAT book I plan to do that" and all that good, fun stuff I get to do with my editor 'cause she gets it, gets me, and gets the series).

And yes, I could have waited until Monday to share. But I decided that the Hook Me Up! subscribers shouldn't be the only ones to know (albeit, they knew first).

So...

"Alien in the Family" has an official release date. *drum roll*...wait for it...

April 5, 2011! Yes! And you know what else? That's only four months after the December 7, 2010 release of "Alien Tango"!

And, wanna know what the whipped cream AND cherry on top of that news is? (Oh, I know you do...)

Daniel Dos Santos will again be doing the cover!

*Waits while entire Alien Collective does the rapturous Happy Dance.*

Book 4, "Alien Proliferation", has no confirmed release date yet, but y'all can consider that "Winter 2011" about covers it and place your bets from there.

Will there be more on Monday? Of course there will be! And will you know it first? Well, if you're on Hook Me Up!, sure you will. And if you're not...maybe you should get on it now. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and be on the front lines of information. And you will, as is right and proper, hear it first!

Until then, happy weekend to all, and to all a good Alien Collective read!

Love,
Gini

Reviewers Alert!

It's a short Hump Day Update. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, if you've done a review of "Touched by an Alien" and/or voted on the June selections at Blog With Bite, it's time to sign up and post your reviews over there!

For those who've already done reviews, I believe you're able to just post a link to your review on the site. For those considering a review, now's the time...the deadline is June 14th. Blog With Bite gives a Top Reviewer Award and I would think that one of the Alien Collective should win that...wouldn't you agree?

In related news, check out where "Touched by an Alien" landed on Babbling About Books' Top 20 May reading list!

There's more to come, so enjoy the downward slide of the week, and stay tuned!

Love,
Gini

It's Kitty for the Win!

Happy Monday!

It's all about Kitty Katt today. As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, our Week Four Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest winner is...drum roll...Amber Scott! Amber, drop a line and let me know what prize your fuzzy li'l heart desires!

Week Four Question: What is it you like best about Kitty?

Amber's Answer: Oh man! There's so much I LOVE about Kitty. Her bottomless purse, her sense of humor, the fact that she gets to kiss Martini. I totally dig that she didn't have a clue about Christopher. I was right there with her on glare #4. My most favorite thing, aside from Jeff, is that she thinks so quickly on her feet. Panic later. Act now.

I really loved all the answers I got for this question, so much so, that I'm going to share a some of them with you.

Lynn: That she can get so freaked out yet her mind is working a mile a minute to solve the problem at hand. To me, this speaks volumes because it allows her to have her feminine side, the one that goes 'Eww, yuck!' as well as her analytical side, which says 'What's wrong with this picture.' I can remember growing up that I was told many, many times that girls and science didn't mix. What a load of crap! I loved science and math and all the weird stuff girls were not supposed to like. And I still do! LOL!

She also has great passion and compassion while adapting to situations that would have many people, men or women, buckle under the pressure.

Brandy: The thing I liked best about Kitty? I have to pick one? I can't. I liked how she took action when others waited. I liked how she was more observant and smart than others gave her credit for, yet still was in the dark about her Mother.(Because it's hard for us to see our parents as people, not just Mom or Dad.) I liked how she didn't back down when faced with the many challenges in this book. So, sorry, but I couldn't pick just one thing.

Tracie: The best thing I like about Kitty is that she kicks alien a** with her Mont Blanc pen and then worried about getting it back. That's totally me!!!! Who gives a crap about an alien...give me back my pen!!!!! Ha!

Jo: She never doubts herself!

Nicole: I think the thing that I love most about Kitty is that she is so damn
resourceful. Need to skill a superbeing? No problem, look no further, she
will just MacGyver some uber weapon out of the contents of her purse.

Gotta love it!!

Elaine: Her ability to think on her feet and connect random information. At first I thought it was due to Terry's implanted memories, but she was doing it before she met Jeff, so it was all her. The way she improvised and came up with weapons, ie, harispray, alcohol spray, music, hot water, etc. But the #1 thing I like best about Kitty is her snark.

Cathy: She is very real and down to earth, with the same "mom and Dad" issues everyone has. I love her sense of humor, and boy is she flexible.

The Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest is over, but there'll be more win coming in the near future, so keep an eye on the Win Stuff page. All the winning winners and their winning replies will also be posted on Win Stuff. Just 'cause I like it.

Didn't get to participate in the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest? Well, the only reason why would be that you're not ON Hook Me Up! Rectify that situation now! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. That way, you'll never miss out on anything ever again in the history of the world! Okay, maybe just in the history of MY worlds...

There's more to come this week, so stay tuned!

Love,
Gini

Keepin' it Collective

Whassup, Dawgs?

I know. I sound so "street" when I say that. ;-D

Hope everyone has something great on their agenda this weekend. But try to fit in what we've got for you here, too! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, every site we're hitting today is owned and operated by a member of the Alien Collective.

First up, there's a new review of "Touched by an Alien" up by our newest member of the Alien Collective. Check out what The Book Addict didn't want to read, and why she's glad she did, and show some Collective love while you're there! You'll want to mark her site, too...I hear there's a blogiversary coming that's going to be quite the party!

Speaking of reviews, See Michelle Read has one, too! Check it out, leave some Collective love, you know the drill!

Keeping it all in the Collective, check out the latest on Project Pay It Forward over at The Amber Scott Project. You know the drill -- read, leave Collective love, leap to the next!

Didn't sign up for Hook Me Up! in time to enter into the LAST week of the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest? Bummer. But head over to The Life & Travels of Sullivan McPig and check out the Swag in Action anyway! (Sully goes to a lot more exciting places than I do, I must say.) Then get on it and join Hook Me Up! so you never miss out on anything else ever again! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and breathe easy -- you won't miss a thing.

BTW, to cover what seems to be a certain rather sweet and touching misconception many of you seem to have -- the swag is there for YOU. Yes, I WANT to send out whatever your fuzzy li'l gansta hearts desire from the Free Stuff page. I didn't make it for me, I made it for all of you, my beloved Alien Collective. No need to feel greedy, demanding, or spoiled. (Well, okay, spoiled is fine.) You want? You ask. You get. (I'd say that in Latin but my classical education only went so far...to the frats, actually, but hey, it was farther than my dorm room...)

Anyway, spread the Alien love, have a wonderful weekend, and keep it Collective!

Love,
Gini

Hopping All Over

Happy Hump Day! Summer's here, and the livin' is easy. Or at least hot. Trust me, I'm here in Hell's Orientation Area where we're supposed to hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit by the weekend. Hot is now my operative word!

But enough on the heat, let's hop into today's news! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we've got "Touched by an Alien" sightings all over the web.

First up, check out the Teaser Tuesday post (yeah, okay, so I'm a day late and probably a dollar short...but who's counting?) at Rabid Reader. Then head over to The Amber Scott Project and see what's happening with the latest on Project Pay it Forward. After that, jump over to Goodreads, where I've finally got a presence (thanks to Nicole demanding I get said presence...hey, I can be taught!). If you're also on Goodreads, please fan and friend me...my friends list is even smaller than my fans list there (so aloooooone). Finally, if you didn't hit the "Touched by an Alien" review over at Queen of the Frozen North, check out her five reasons to read "Touched by an Alien" and see if you agree with them, or have others to add!

New to the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog and the Alien Collective and want to get all caught up, but don't feel like reading every single blog post? (What's wrong with you?) Bookmark my page at BookTour.com. It's got all my reviews and interviews and more listed, as well as my "tour dates". Want to find out what conferences I'll be attending? My Datebook page now has my tour listings link from BookTour.com on it, too. Between the two, you'll know where I am at any given moment! (Um, usually here, but many times I'm there, too.)

Not on Hook Me Up! yet? What are you waiting for? This is the last week of the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest...but that doesn't mean that there aren't more contests coming, and if you're on Hook Me Up! you know about them first and get special consideration other members of the Alien Collective don't. Check out the Win Stuff page for what you're missing. Our Week Three winner, Brooke Nelissen, chose the $10 iTunes gift card. What will the Week Four winner choose? Tune in Monday to find out. And sign up on Hook Me Up! today (send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line) so you don't miss out on anything else!

Website updates: New freebies are in and listed on Free Stuff and more are coming soon; more reviews are up on the Accolades page; and the Goodreads widget is up on the Cool Links page for ease of adding "Touched by an Alien" to your Goodreads shelf if it's not already there.

That's it for today, but don't worry. There's more on the horizon, so stay tuned!


Love,
Gini