Winning for the New Year

Hope everyone had lovely and wonderful holidays. Can't believe this will be my last blog of 2011, but it will be. But, even though it's the last, it's not the least -- there's lots going on, so let's get to it!

First off, head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig, where highlights for 2011 are being reviewed, there's a short Q&A with moi (with never before asked questions!), and a chance to win "Alien Tango". Then see what Book Girl of Mur-Y-Castell thought were the best books of 2011, too.

Now, it's reviews time. See what Readaholics Anonymous thought of "Touched by an Alien" and "Alien Tango". Then see what Giraffe Days and Dirty Lab Coat thought of "Alien in the Family". After that, check out reviews from My Para-Hangover, Bob's Beach Books, and Freak Search for "Alien Proliferation".

Phoenix Comicon is looking for volunteers -- if you're local or coming in for the event, check out the options. Volunteering is fun and you get "backstage" much more than regular attendees.

Now, what you've been waiting for -- the Gods of Random have finally spoken. (Hey, the Gods were busy helping me work on my galley edits for "Alien Diplomacy"...so I'm sure you forgive them ;-D)

So, without further ado, here are our lucky winners for the Hook Me Up! only Combo-Con Contest! (Yeah, they all said it three times fast, baby!)

Prize Pack 1 - Hardback Heaven
Becky Boyer

Prize Pack 2 - The Hard Stuff
Erin Fender

Prize Pack 3 - Trade-Ins
Pamela Josephian

Prize Pack 4 - Massive Wonders
Pam Kinsey

Prize Pack 5 - Giant Wall Hangings
Stella Balogh

Prize Pack 6 - Pretty Pictures A
Kelly Mueller

Prize Pack 7 - Pretty Pictures B
Beth Blanchard

Prize Pack 8 - Pretty Pictures C
Matt Crowe

Prize Pack 9 - Hodgepodge
Debbie Forde

Prize Pack 10 - Massive Blood
Cristina Olguin

There was SO much stuff that after divvying it all up, there's just enough for a couple of extra smaller packs. And why keep them for "later" when giving them out now makes so much more sense?

SURPRISE Prize Pack A
Marnie Walski

SURPRISE Prize Pack B
Jesse Ivanoff

The Honorable Mentions were REALLY hard to pick this time. Pretty much everyone made me go "awwww" and at least half made me laugh. And while I wish I could send something to all of you, these two managed to edge out the very tough competition.

Honorable Mention 1 - You Slay Me
bejeweledcat

Honorable Mention 2 - You Complete Me
Kathy Miller

Congrats to all the winners, and for those who didn't win this time, never fear...another contest is always right around the corner.

NOTE FOR WINNERS: You MUST send me an email with your full name (first & last), your COMPLETE physical mailing address, and what name you want anything getting personalized made out to, by Friday, Jan. 6th in order to claim your prize. If I don't get this info from you by the 6th, the Gods of Random will take back the prize and demand a new winner.

Lastly but most importantly, I just want to wish all of you a safe, fun and happy New Year's Eve, and a wonderful, prosperous, joyous 2012. I wish for all of you that this new year brings you every happiness and success, because you all deserve that and more. Peace out, my li'l gangstas...I'll catch you on the big flip side!

Love,
Gini

Geek Girl Makes Good!

Hey there! It's a short and sweet one today, because, well, there's some exciting news.

"Alien Proliferation" hit #40 on the Barnes & Noble Bestsellers list in its first week of release! That's thanks to all of YOU, my wonderful readers! So, many {HUGS} and *smootchies* to you all -- that's the best Christmas present ever!

Also on tap today, check out Heidi Ruby Miller's Geek Girl Underground over at Inveterate Media Junkies, where we have the 12 Days of Geek Girl Christmas, and yes, yours truly has one of the days. And what my true love got for me should surprise no one who's been paying even the slightest bit of attention. You get the article AND the song, so enjoy!

Remember that it's the last day to enter the Combo-Con Contest. It's still for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, but you still have time to join. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll get the instructions for how to enter to win lots of goodies. (I mean, seriously, lots. Scroll down the Blog a bit and you'll see I'm not exaggerating.)

So, barring any more exciting news (hey, it could happen), I'm going to wish everyone the best of weekends and happiest of holidays, and catch you on the flip side. Peace out and cool will to all men my li'l gangstas!

Love,
Gini

Yap Humpin'

Made you look.

Happy Hump Day! And a Happy Hanukkah (or Chanukah, depending ;-D) to all those celebrating 8 crazy nights. And an early Merry Christmas and Joyful Kwanzaa for those enjoying those upcoming holidays. It's a fun couple of weeks.

Speaking of fun, let's check out the yap running in a couple of places. Well, okay, in one place, the Musa Publishing Blog, but two times. First off, check out my Tasty Tuesday offering of my easy and quite delicious Simple Sangria. Then it's on to learn about My Secret Selves, otherwise known as my various pen names. Learn a little bit more about that madness that is moi.

Next, we have some new questions, and answers, over at the Ask Gini! section of Extra Me! Then check out a short & sweet review of "Touched by an Alien" from the Evanston Public Library.

"Contingency Plan" by Anita Ensal (yes, aka moi) releases from Musa Publishing this Friday, December 23, just in time to be both a fun read in The Neighborhood series as well as do duty as an excellent last-minute gift.

Remember that there's one day left for the Combo-Con Contest. Tons of cool prizes, so don't miss out! It's for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, so if you're not on, send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line so you'll be in in time to get entered and win!

That's it for today. May everyone get tons of goodies over the next couple of weeks, enjoy yourselves to the fullest, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Whole Lotta Lotta Goin' On

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I was incommunicado because the chicklet graduated from college on Friday and, strangely enough, I wasn't able to keep up with everything. I know, shocker, right? But hey, the relatives are gone, and I'm back to business, so let's get all caught up on all that's going on. And trust me, it's a lot.

First off, a reminder that the Combo-Con Contest is still active. It's also still for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. If you're not on, scroll down a bit and see what you're missing, then rectify by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. There's a LOT to win, so if you want to ensure you get some of it, don't delay, get it going today! Contest ends this Thursday, Dec. 22nd, midnight Hawaii time.

After you get entered to win...get entered to win some more. Head over to The Fictorian Era to find out which of my heroes is my favorite (the answer may surprise you...or it may not) and while you're there, get entered to win both a copy of "Alien Proliferation" AND a limited edition Alien Series 2012 Calendar.

Now we move on to some reviews. Check out what Reading Amidst the Chaos, Bring on the Books, and A Book and a Short Latte thought of "Alien Proliferation". Then see what Giraffe Days thought of "Alien Tango". And check out what Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell thought of "Deacon's Ark" by A.E. Stanton (yes, that's moi).

Still haven't gotten "Alien Proliferation"? Well then check out the sneak peek over at RomCon Inc. Have read "Alien Proliferation" already? Then head over to DAW Books Reviews to join the discussion and share your thoughts about it.

Then, head over to see what Larissa's Bookish Life felt were the Best Books and Best Authors of 2011. Then check out what Paranormal Romance Fanatic thinks are the Best Books Released in 2011.

Still doing holiday shopping? Check out what Absorbed in a Book suggests for hard-to-buy-for friends and family.

Last but not least, check out the latest cover by awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos. Yes, it's true! I'm now only one degree of separation from Nathan Fillion -- we're sharing the same cover artist! (And for all Browncoats and Castle lovers out there, isn't this cover DA BOMB?)

That's it for today, but never fear, more's on the way. So enjoy clicking all those links, get your contest entries in for the Combo-Con Contest, grab a copy or three of "Alien Proliferation", and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

The Yap Comes Back

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and a good start to the week. My time at Mysterious Galaxy was great! (Waves to all Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing who attended.) But now, I'm back and we're back at it, so let's get on with the business at hand!

First off, head over to Ex Libris, where in addition to getting more info about moi and more chat with some of the characters, you can also get entered to win a limited edition 2012 Gini Calendar.

Next up, we've got some new reviews. Check out the joint review of "Alien Proliferation" over at The Book Pushers. Then see what Paranormal Romance Fanatic and the Romance Junkies also thought of "Alien Proliferation. And see what Dirty Lab Coat thought of "Alien Tango".

Then check out what Pearls Cast Before a McPig thought of "When Josie Comes Home", and what Fictitious Musings thought of "The Royal Scam".

After that, check out which are the Most Anticipated Books of 2012 for ALPHA Reader, see what Larissa's Bookish Life voted as the Best Newest in a Series for 2011, and see what My 5 Monkeys chose as her Top 7 Books of 2011.

Now, head over and check out a couple of articles. Heather Massey's talking Men Are Really From Mars: Alien Lover Fantasies over at Heroes and Heartbreakers. And Donna Del Grosso is Talkin' 'Bout Writing Crises over at Plot Mamas.

The Combo-Con Contest is still going strong, but if you're not on Hook Me Up! it won't matter who wins. So, join today so you don't miss out. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and get in on the win!

That's it for today. There's more coming, but that should hold y'all for a while! So, until then, enjoy the links, have a great week, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Combo-Con Contest

HOOK ME UP! EXCLUSIVE CONTEST
International Contest

I went to a ton of cons and all I brought back was…a ton of posters, goodies, and BOOKS. Scads of books. Cascades of books. So very many books.

So, get ready, because we have some seriously big prize packs up for grabs.

Prize Pack 1 - Hardback Heaven
Contains Hardback books only, including "Dust" by Joan Frances Turner and "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman.

Prize Pack 2 - The Hard Stuff
Contains both Hardbacks and paperbacks focused on hard science fiction, including the "Unincorporated Man" by Dani and Eytan Kollin.

Prize Pack 3 - Trade-Ins
Trade paperbacks, one and all, including "The Iron Queen" by Julie Kagawa.

Prize Pack 4 - Massive Wonders
Mass Market Paperbacks including "Goblin War" by Jim Hines and "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss.

Prize Pack 5 - Giant Wall Hangings
Big, BIG poster pack featuring big, BIG posters, enough to wallpaper at least a small home.

Prize Pack 6 - Pretty Pictures A
Big pack of small and medium sized posters -- too many to list, but trust us, much to gaze upon.

Prize Pack 7 - Pretty Pictures B
Big pack of small and medium sized posters -- too many to list, but trust us, much to gaze upon.

Prize Pack 8 - Pretty Pictures C
Good sized pack of small and medium sized posters -- not as many as some, but you'll still be able to wallpaper a bathroom with Hollywood's glitter.

Prize Pack 9 - Hodgepodge
Books and stuff and more stuff. Basically, whatever fits into the box.

Prize Pack 10 - Massive Blood
Mass Market Paperbacks including the Blood Lust set from Penguin featuring "Dark Lover" by J.R. Ward and "Demon Moon" by Meljean Brook.

Honorable Mention 1 - You Slay Me
Set of signed, personalized Alien series posters, including Alien Diplomacy. Goes to whoever makes me snort water out of my nose the most.

Honorable Mention 2 - You Complete Me
Set of signed, personalized Alien series posters, including Alien Diplomacy. Goes to whoever makes me tear up and go "awwww" the most.

That's right! 12 prize packs! It's too happy to be true! And every pack will have some extra goodies in it as well.

The boring stuff no one wants to read but really should:
Contest will run from Thursday, December 8, 2011 through Thursday, December 22, 2011. Winners will be announced week of December 26th. Winners will have until January 6, 2012 to check in; any prizes not claimed by then will be pulled back by the Gods of Random and a new winner(s) will be chosen. 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 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.

Note for International Participants: Due to the heavy nature of the prizes, you may be asked to share in postage costs, determined by where you are and what you win. Book packs will be shipping in USPS Flat Rate Boxes, some poster packs will as well, some have to ship in a poster tube, so list your desired packs accordingly. If you have questions, send along with your entry.

Note: Contest is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. Not on? It’s not too late! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with “Hook Me Up!” in the subject line and you’ll be in. Do it before December 22, 2011 to be eligible for this contest.

So, Hook Me Up! Gang, answer me these questions three:
1. Which pack(s) do you want the most and why?
2. Who's the bested author girl in the world? (*cough* be careful, this IS a test question)
3. What's your fave holiday tradition and why?

Love, Gini

Gettin' Ready

It's a short and sweet one today, because, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, I'm getting ready for the Combo-Con Contest launching a little later today. So let's roll so that we can get the winning started!

Had a great time chatting with some Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing last night. (Y'all know "the secrets" now, so don't give 'em away!) Thanks again to Book Monster and Literal Addiction for setting it all up!

Now, head over to Bitten By Books and check out the latest review of "Alien Proliferation". Then check out my first ever interview with the Arizona Republic.

Remember, if you're not on Hook Me Up!, you won't be eligible for the Combo-Con Contest that's starting a little later today. Rectify immediately by sending an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line.

Because I'll be headed off tomorrow to be at Mysterious Galaxy's Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event on Saturday, you won't hear from me until next week. So, have fun with all the links and get your read on with "Alien Proliferation". Peace out, li'l gangstas -- I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

The Yappingest of Wednesdays

Well, do we have a busy Hump Day going on! There's truly so much that I almost don't know where to begin. But let's go for it and sort it out as we go along.

First up, head over to catch the yap running at both Book Monster AND Literal Addiction. You want to hit both sites, because there's a chance to win a limited edition 2012 Gini Calendar from each site (so, 2 calendars are up for grabs), and if you leave a comment at both sites, then you just doubled your chances (and your fun, but since Wrigley is NOT a paid sponsor, we'll just let that one go).

Then head over to BookSpot Central where the yap is also running, albeit with a whole different set of questions.

Next, find out what Absorbed in a Book and A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of "Alien Proliferation". Then head to SUVUDU for another good listing of yesterday's releases.

Then, later today, tune in for the live chat with yours truly over at Literal Addiction. You don't want to miss this because you never know...I could let a spoiler or two out...it's happened before... Chat details below.

Chat Time: 6-8pm Mountain time (8pm start Eastern, 7pm start Central, 5pm start Pacific, open internationally but you'll have to figure out the times on your own, sorry, LOL).

LINK FOR LIVE CHAT -
http://www.literaladdiction.com/author-chat.php#/general/

NOTE: This Chatroom works best with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari web browsers. It does work with older versions of I.E, though it has been known to have issues. The newer versions of Internet Explorer (I.E) do not work at all! Please use Firefox or Chrome for best results, and make sure that your Java is up-to-date!

REMINDER: I'll be in San Diego at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for their Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event on Saturday, December 10th, from 3-5pm, signing "Alien Proliferation" and anything else attendees want. Hope to see some of you there!

The Combo-Con Contest will be starting tomorrow, so keep your eyeballs peeled because this is a combination of at least 4 cons' worth of goodies...and in addition to posters and other cool things, there are a LOT of books that will be up for grabs. And when I say a lot, I MEAN a LOT. Winners are going to have plenty of reading material for quite a while.

Of course, the only ones who can enter and win are my Hook Me Up! subscribers. Not on yet? I won't ask why, I'll just tell you to rectify! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it today!

So, enjoy all the link and blog hopping and let's be readers out there -- specifically of "Alien Proliferation"!

Love,
Gini

It's Release Day and So Much More! Wheeeeee!

Happy Alien Proliferation Release! Yeah, I'm excited. And there's so much going on today, that while I'd love to just bask in the glow of the release of "Alien Proliferation", I can't because, well, um, there's just so much going on!

First off, head over to Literary Escapism where Kitty and Martini discuss A Very Alien Christmas. You can also enter to win a copy of "Alien Tango".

Speaking of "Alien Tango", it gets a shout out in Heather Massey's interesting Heroes and Heartbreakers article about The Courtship Dance in Science Fiction Romance.

And speaking of Heroes and Heartbreakers, check out The Eight Characters of Chanukah blog post by Stacey Agdern. (Yes, that's "Touched by an Alien" gracing the #1 position.)

Then, check out some new reviews of "Alien Proliferation" from Hanging with Bells and Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell. And see which quotes Bibliognome chose as her favorites.

Pearls Cast Before a McPig has some nice things to say about today's releases. And Transreal Fiction has a nice listing of today's releases as well.

Reminders:

This Wednesday, Dec. 7th, aka tomorrow, I'll be doing a live chat with Book Monster and Literal Addiction, from 6-8pm Mountain time (8pm start Eastern, 7pm start Central, 5pm start Pacific, open internationally but you'll have to figure out the times on your own, sorry, LOL). Here are the details, join if you can!

LINK FOR LIVE CHAT -
http://www.literaladdiction.com/author-chat.php#/general/

NOTE: This Chatroom works best with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari web browsers. It does work with older versions of I.E, though it has been known to have issues. The newer versions of Internet Explorer (I.E) do not work at all! Please use Firefox or Chrome for best results, and make sure that your Java is up-to-date!

I'll be in San Diego at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for their Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event on Saturday, December 10th, from 3-5pm, signing "Alien Proliferation" and anything else attendees want. Hope to see some of you there!

That's it for today, but, as always around release time, more's coming, and not only the live chat. (The Combo-Con Contest, for example. For Hook Me Up! only. So if you're not on, you're gonna miss out. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line, and do it today!)

So, enjoy all the reading, and then get your copies of "Alien Proliferation" and enjoy your time with Kitty and Company!

Love,
Gini

Kitty Yaps Holidays

Happy Monday! Well, with the release of "Alien Proliferation" only one (ONE!) day away, we're still wildly busy this week. There's tons going on (including the start of the long-awaited Combo-Con Contest), so let's get on with the countdown!

First up, Kitty, with Martini's help, will be talking about the Holidays over at Mark of the Stars as part of the SFR Light up the Holidays celebration. Check out all the other cool stuff going on while you're there!

Next, head over to ALPHA Reader to see what her top books of 2011 were. Then see what Larissa's Bookish Life chose as her top book covers of 2011.

Next up on the hit parade, see what I and a lot of other proud geek-girls said about being, well, proud geek girls over at The Galaxy Express. Share what it means for you to be a geek girl (or guy!), too.

Did you enter the Alien Proliferation Extravaganza over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ? If you did, hurry on over, because the winners are announced and need to claim their prizes by the 9th, or the Gods of Random will be choosing again! Even if you didn't enter, check it out and congratulate the winners, register for the Forum, hang out and chat a bit with other Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing.

After that, see what Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind thought of "Alien Proliferation", what A Buckeye Girl Reads thought of "Hotter Than Hell" by Jemma Chase, and what Cybermage thought of "Touched by an Alien".

Then, head over to Living Dangerously the website for author Weston Ochse, and check out some more of the fun we had at TusCon (there's also a cool pic of me, Wes, Patty Briggs and Marcy Rockwell).

This Wednesday, Dec. 7th, in addition to many other goings-ons, I'll be doing a live chat with Book Monster and Literal Addiction, from 6-8pm Mountain time (8pm start Eastern, 7pm start Central, 5pm start Pacific, open internationally but you'll have to figure out the times on your own, sorry, LOL). Here are the details, join if you can!

LINK FOR LIVE CHAT - http://www.literaladdiction.com/author-chat.php#/general/

NOTE: This Chatroom works best with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari web browsers. It does work with older versions of I.E, though it has been known to have issues. The newer versions of Internet Explorer (I.E) do not work at all! Please use Firefox or Chrome for best results, and make sure that your Java is up-to-date!

Last but not least, a reminder that I'll be in San Diego at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore for their Eat! Read! Party! Holiday Event on Saturday, December 10th, from 3-5pm, signing "Alien Proliferation" and anything else attendees want. Hope to see some of you there!

Remember that you must be on Hook Me Up! in order to participate in the Comb0-Con Contest. If you're not on, now's the time. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line...and do it today, because the contest WILL start this week.

That's all for today, but don't worry -- we have more coming this week, including, oh, as mentioned before, the release of "Alien Proliferation". Hope your weeks have all started well, and let's be readers out there!

Love,
Gini

Friday Yapping

Happy Friday! Well, it's been, as threatened, a very hectic week in Cyber Lande (we're gonna trademark that, 'cause the 'e' just makes it all seem so much classier than it really is and we're all about the illusions at Team Gini). And we're not really slowing down today, so let's keep on rolling!

First up, the yap is again running nonstop over at Much Cheaper Than Therapy. Leave a comment, get entered to win a signed, personalized copy of "Alien Tango", too. Contest runs through the weekend so don't miss out!

Then, check out The Galaxy Express for the SFR news for December. In addition to a listing of new science fiction romance releases, there's some funny tidbits strewn throughout...see if you can find the one about me and some alligators.

Next, check out what Book Lovers, Inc. thinks of "Alien Proliferation".

Speaking of "Alien Proliferation", there's one day left to enter the contest over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ for a chance to win one of five copies of the book! And it's not too late to pre-order your copy before Tuesday's release. (Yes, it's really that close to release day!) And remember to pre-order "Alien Diplomacy" -- yes, I swear to you, pre-orders matter. A lot.

Remember that the first chapter of "Alien Proliferation" is live over at Deathless Prose.

That's it for today and this week. But never fear, there's more, so much more, coming next week -- including the much heralded, long awaited, Combo-Con Contest. It'll be for Hook Me Up! subscribers only, though, so if you want a chance to win tons of prizes, including a LOT of books, you need to join NOW. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and all set.

So, let's get all set for next week, which includes the actual, official release of "Alien Proliferation". Demand it by name from your local bookstores, have a wonderful weekend, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Peace out, li'l ganstas!

Love,
Gini

Christopher Yaps it Up

Welcome to December! I warned you -- it's Busy Busy Week in Cyber Lande. So, let's keep it rolling, shall we?

First up, as the subject line shares and my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, check out an exclusive interview with Christopher over at Bibliophilic Book Blog and find out what three things he'd want to have on a desert island.

Next, head over to see what My 5 Monkeys thought of "Alien Proliferation". (There are some great pics of some A-Cs there, too. ;-D)

Then see what great releases are coming from DAW Books over at the DAW Books Community and check out another good listing of upcoming releases at the Vampire Book Club.

Last days to enter the Alien Proliferation Extravaganza over at the Alien Collective Virtual HQ. Don't miss out on 5 (that's right, FIVE) chances to win!

Early registration for the Desert Dreams Writer's Conference ends at the end of this month. If you're an aspiring author, or know someone who is, this is a great conference to attend. Tons of successful published authors, along with great agents and editors, combine to make it a weekend that will positively impact your writing career.

That's all for today, other than the standard request to pre-order "Alien Proliferation" (yes, yes, even though it releases on Tuesday...pre-orders still matter...oh, and pre-order "Alien Diplomacy" while you're there ;-D). Enjoy the reading and have a great day!

Love,
Gini