An Interview With Gini Koch + Giveaway

Today Gini Koch is once again our guest. We love her books about hot aliens and we love having her drop by at our blog.


Welcome back to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Gini.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

Sure! I’m a fulltime writer, formerly a 25+ year career marketing professional, with some other odds and ends tossed in. (I started early. I swear.) I’m married to a wonderful guy, the hubs, and we have a wonderful daughter, the chicklet. I also have the Canine Death Squad which consists of Li’l Leader, Big Baby, and the Spotted Fiend; and the Killer Kitties, currently consisting of His Highness Lord Ebol and Squirrel. I’m the rare author who loves social media, public speaking, crowds, and chaos. And right after my family and pets, I love my fans.

Seven books into the series and the Katherine ‘Kitty’ Katt series is still going strong. How many more books can your fans expect?

Well, we just announced that DAW Books has contracted for Books 12 & 13, Alien in Chief and Camp Alien. So at least six more. :-D But I have story ideas past Book 13, so we’ll see. (Crossing the digits for at least 16, but not going to predict that far out.)

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

I’m in a Kickstarter anthology, Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens, and for the first time I offered “tuckerizations”, meaning fans could “buy in” to be in the story. So, I have three people in this story (releasing in May 2014) therefore that I “know” in that sense.

Otherwise, I tend to use characteristics of people I know, but not a “whole person”, if you will. And most of my characters are completely made up. Because most of the time it’s easier. I do base some characters externally on actors or models, but no one in the first few books of the Alien series is based on anyone -- I can slot an actor or actress in to “play” the characters, but they’re all their own people to me.

Will there be more books in your Necropolis Enforcements Files?

Yes, and I apologize right now for how late the second book, Night Music, is. But I plan at least six more, and as soon as I get my other deadlines under manageable control, you’ll be seeing the rest of this series coming out on a more regular basis.

If you could meet any characters in your book, who would it be and why?

You know, that’s a funny question to me because I meet my characters all the time. I can’t get some of them to shut up and leave me alone. I hang with them 24/7, so I don’t need to actually “meet” them -- I created them, they live in my head and then on the page, but they are even more alive in my head.

I’ve literally wracked my brain and I can’t come up with anyone of them I would want to meet “in the flesh” because for me, meeting them in the flesh would make them no longer “mine”, I guess.

But if it could be anyone’s character, I want to meet Wolverine, Captain Malcolm Reynolds, and Richard Castle. Again and again and again.


Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Um…there’s someplace to be other than at my desk writing? Who knew? Not the girl who’s behind on deadline. LOL

If it’s outside of my house, usually you can find me at a con or a writer’s conference, or going out with some of my writer pals for a Sanity Break Lunch. I’m lucky that there are so many great authors in Arizona, and the Phoenix area in particular, so I can hang with people who really UNDERSTAND why playing Bejeweled when you brain is fried is GOOD for your writing.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

The Spotted Fiend tossed her cookies all over the house and I spent 3 hours at the vet, and then we had to watch her to ensure she wasn’t going to do it all over again. Yeah, that’s how we “party” at the Casa, baby! The Canine Death Squad and the Killer Kitties know how to ensue that they have everyone’s main attention at all times. (And I so wish I was making that up, but I’m not.)

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Fans. Hands down, it’s fans. I honestly never expected to get a fan letter, and when I got yours (yes, Sullivan is my First Fan, with the lovely Brandy being my First U.S. Fan) I almost tossed it away because I had no idea what it was. I’m so glad I didn’t. Any time I’m feeling stressed, or wondering if it’s all worth it, or whatever, someone sends me a fan email, a tweet, something on Facebook, Pinterest, or Goodreads, and it’s all worth it again.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Any author I’ve ever read -- good, bad, or indifferent -- has affected and influenced me. But I think if I were to look for the clearest lines of influence it would be from Madeleine L’Engle, Terry Pratchett, Dave Barry, P.J. O’Rourke, Robert Benchley, Robert Silverberg, Clifford Simak, Charles Dickens, A. Conan Doyle, and O. Henry.

As for current authors, I can recommend many, but honestly right now, I’m too busy to read a lot. I do a column (that’s sort of regular, LOL) over at Slice of SciFi and It’s Comic Book Day! where I’ll recommend graphic novels, novels, movies, and such, so that’s a good place to see what I’m managing to read in my copious free time. But I can say that anything by Marsheila Rockwell, Seanan McGuire, Erin Kellison, Caris Roane, Erin Quinn, Diana Rowland, or Valerie King will be worth your while.

Author Bio

Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series for Musa Publishing. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series. She also writes under a variety of other pen names (including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch), listens to all kinds of music 24/7, and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. She is also the Lead Editor at Raphael’s Village, an online, nonpaying ’zine. Because she wasn’t busy enough, Gini’s added on featured guest columnist, reviewer, and webcaster for Slice of SciFi and It’s Comic Book Day. She can be reached through her website at www.ginikoch.com.


About Alien In The House:

Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini have learned the ins and outs of Washington politics, not to mention how to prevail in intergalactic war and foil dangerous plots. But, in the aftermath of Operation Destruction, the Gower girls’ powers are burned out, the entire A-C population has been “outed” as the aliens living on Earth that they are, and, worst of all, ACE is nowhere to be found.

Then murder and mayhem are served up at an important dinner party at the American Centaurion Embassy, and when the dust settles Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have more problems than just a dead Congressman.

Is there a single criminal mastermind—or multiple enemies—behind all the conspiracies that want Kitty dead and the A-Cs gone or co-opted to become the War Division?

The return of the best assassins in the business, the reappearance of two individuals long-presumed dead, Agent Malcolm Buchanan felled by something no one can identify or cure, and new technology that can block even the most powerful empath on Earth … all of this means the game’s officially afoot.

Then Vance Beaumont comes to Kitty with a wild theory that someone is systematically killing off the House of Representatives…

It’s up to Kitty and the rest of the gang to find out what’s really going on and why. But will they be able to stop the killer or killers before the rest of the U.S. House of Representatives become casualties? And will the replacement Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd District, who happens to be Jeff Martini, be the next to die?



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Giveaway:

Gini kindly offered a copy of one of the following Katherine "Kitty" Katt books: Alien Proliferation (#4), Alien Diplomacy (#5) or Alien vs. Alien (#6) (winner's choice) to one reader of my blog!

The winner is Karin S.

A winner will be picked at random on October 7th.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

And be sure to run over to Between Dreams and Reality where there's a review of Alien Tango and another awesome giveaway!

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Kerrelyn Sparks - Spotlight and Giveaway

Today Voodoo Bride wants to bring a series to your attention that she loves.

Now I will confess that so far we only got our hands on three books in this series, but each one was fun and very enjoyable and has been reread several times.


And what's not too love about a series that features hunky vampires and the women they fall for?

Next to a very satisfying romance and hot, sexy heroes, each of the books we read also contained lots of humor and a very well worked out action storyline. These books are perfect when you're looking for a fun, romantic read with a cool action storyline added to it.

Last month the newest book in this series released and Voodoo Bride has been eyeing it with longing. I think it won't be long before we get to reading our fourth book in this series:


The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake #14)

He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?




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Giveaway


Kerrelyn kindly send us some lovely swag to giveaway to readers of our blog.

So for your chance to win one of 3 sets of swag, containing bookmarks and cards, leave a comment telling us if you read any books by Kerrelyn Sparks and which one was your favorite. Or tell us the title of a Paranormal Romance you enjoyed reading.

Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

The winners are: Miki, Marlowe and Shelbie

An Interview with Amanda Carlson + Giveaway

Today Amanda Carlson visits my blog for an interview. Amanda Carlson is the author of the Jessica McClain series, a really cool Urban Fantasy series about a female werewolf.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Amanda.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. I’m married with three kids and one bunny. I started writing when I was twelve and never really stopped. I love writing urban fantasy. Building a world out of nothing is such an awesome experience.

How many books will there be in the Jessica McClain series?

That’s an unknown at the moment...but stay tuned! (I promise there will be more, shhh.)

Have you ever been tempted to use people who’d been rude to you in real life as victims in your books? Or have there been other people you used as characters in your books?

No, all my characters are completely fictional. But my writing comes out of my experiences, so maybe my subconcious is at work? Who knows. I did have a woman talk one time and her voice was exactly how I pictured the character Marcy in my head. That was fun!

Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Yes. I’ve got some “sekrit” projects in the works. But they can’t be let out of the bag just yet…but stay tuned.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

Usually driving my kids around to various sports and activities. My favorite downtime away from the office is going to dinner and a movie with my husband. I look forward to that on the weekends the most.


What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My parents brought over flowers and wine and my husband brought home dinner and a wonderful gift. We all celebrated in to the night. It was great.

What is the best thing about being a published author?

Seeing my books in print. That is the very best!

And what do you like the least about being a published author?

The deadlines can be crushing at times. You have one book deadline, and then you get edits on top of that and sometimes more, each with their own deadline. It’s difficult to always juggle it, but it’s so very worth it in the end. I can’t complain too much.

What authors have been an influence for you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

Lately I’ve been too busy to do much reading, but the last book I read was off genre. I read a great Georgette Heyer biography by Jennifer Kloester. I love Georgette and it was so interesting to see what shaped her world. JK Rowling is the ultimate storyteller in my opinion. I never get tired of revisiting the world of Harry Potter.

Are there zombies or pigs in any of your books or will there be any in future books?

I can never say never, right?! Especially after having a wereweasel show up in book two.

Thanks for dropping by, I'm looking forward to the next Jessica McClain book.

Thanks so much for hosting me! I had tons of fun stopping by. COLD BLOODED releases October 8th, 2013. Hope you enjoy the series.



About Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain #3):

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious
skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Amanda kindly offered a copy of Hot Blooded, book 2 in the Jessica McClain series, to one reader of my blog.

The winner is Blodeuedd

A winner will be picked at random on October 5th.
Open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

The Outcast Prince - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Outcast Prince (Court of Annwyn #1)
by Shona Husk

What is it about:
Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife's infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.

While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she's the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn—a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
It seems Husk's books are either a hit or miss for me.

Of the three books in her Shadowlands series I adored two of them, while one left me feeling underwhelmed.

Sadly enough The Outcast Prince fell flat for me as well.

It's not that it's a bad book. Far from it, it has a very nice romance, it is well written and has interesting characters. It's just that it didn't have enough paranormal aspects for my tastes. I wanted more fairy, more magic, more... other.

I know that this is more to blame to my personal taste than that it's a flaw in the book, but I was disappointed by it. At the same time characters are introduced in this book that have me hoping the next book in this series might be a winner again.

So even though I won't be rereading this one, I most probably will give the next book in this series a chance, because when Husk's books do meet my (unreasonable) demands, they do it well.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice paranormal romance

An Interview with Nancy Holzner + Giveaway

Today Nancy Holzner is my guest. She's the author of the really cool Deadtown series of which book 5, Hellhound, wil release next month.


Welcome to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Nancy.
Could you tell a bit about yourself for those people who don’t know you yet?

I'm the author of the Deadtown urban fantasy series, which features Vicky Vaughn, a Boston shapeshifter who kills other people's personal demons for a living (while wrestling with bigger, badder demons of her own). I write both fiction and nonfiction, and I before I became a writer I was an academic, teaching English with a specialty in medieval literature. I grew up in western Massachusetts but now live in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

How many books will there be in the Deadtown series?

There will be six books. Hellhound, coming out in October, is book #5, and I'm working on the final book in the series now. It's going to end things with a bang, I can tell you that! But even though #6 will be the final book in the series, I may do some smaller projects set in Deadtown's world. I'd like to write a prequel about the zombie plague, for example, and some stories that focus on secondary characters, such as Tina, Mab, and Juliet. Maria, too.

Any chance Tina will get her own book?

See above. :) She's so much fun to write, I doubt she'll stay out of my head for very long, even after the series is officially "done." She's pushy that way.

Have you ever used people you know as characters in your books?

Not really. Certain character traits may come from people I know, but I see each character as a unique individual. For example, Tina gets some of her tendencies from high school students I've taught, but her personality is all her own. I've named a character or two after friends, but only with their permission. Even in that case, only the name and perhaps one trait comes from the real-life person. From that starting point, the character develops entirely on his or her own.


Are there any other projects you’re working on or thinking about starting in the near future?

Earlier this year I started laying some groundwork for a dark historical fantasy, developing some characters and wallowing in research. (As a "recovering academic," I'm a research junkie!) I've also done some work on a neogothic ghost story with a more romantic flavor than what I usually write. Right now, my focus is on making Deadtown 6 the best story that I can. After that, though, I do look forward to exploring some new settings and characters beyond Deadtown's world. I love writing urban fantasy, but I'd like to try some other genres, too, such as dark fantasy/horror and paranormal romance.

Where can you be found when you’re not at your desk writing?

For the past several months, the answer is in a hospital, unfortunately. My husband has faced some serious health challenges this year and of course I've been there to support him. In less stressful times, though, my favorite places to be when I'm not working are walking through my neighborhood and going to Friday happy hour with writer friends at a local wine bar.

What did you do to celebrate the release of your first book?

My husband took me out to dinner at our favorite restaurant. We did that twice, in fact—when I got the offer for the first two books and then again when Deadtown came out. Champagne flowed!

What is the best thing about being a published author?

There's a lot I enjoy about being published, including the thrill of seeing my books in stores, being on panels at conventions, and getting paid to do work I love. But without question the best thing is hearing from readers who enjoy my books. It's such a thrill to know that my characters and stories have entertained or touched someone.

What authors have been an influence to you? And have you read any books lately that you want to share with us or have you been too busy with writing to read?

I've always been a voracious reader, and I feel like I learn something from every book I read. I think there's a rhythm to good prose that you absorb through reading. So in a sense I'm constantly being influenced by everything I read. Lately I've been seeking out horror and dark fantasy by women writers, and two of my favorite authors have been Sarah Langan (Audrey's Door, The Keeper) and Caitlin R. Kiernan (The Red Tree, The Drowning Girl). Their books are wonderfully creepy, and psychological as much as supernatural. Great reads!

Thanks for dropping by. I'll keep an eye out for news about Tina's book ;)


About Hellhound:

They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Boston’s zombies have suddenly become inexplicably violent—horror movie-style—resulting in a catastrophic all-out battle against humans. More troubling to Vicky is that she’s had dreams and visions of herself fighting alongside the demons. At least, she hopes they’re just visions—otherwise, that puts her on the front lines of the wrong side of the war.

Vicky’s not surprised to discover that Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and loathed adversary, is behind the outbreak of the zombie plague, having formed an unholy pact with the Old Ones. Now, as the violence escalates and alliances shift, Vicky knows she’s the only one who can stop the plague. Unless the pack of hellhounds on her trail finds her first.


preorder here:


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Giveaway:

Nancy has kindly offered a really awesome prize to one commenter of my blog:
A Boston Gift Bag, containing a Boston tote bag, a signed Deadtown book (winner's choice) and some more goodies.

The winner is Angie.
First winner didn't respond, so I had to draw a new winner: Aurian!


A winner will be picked at random on October 3rd 2013.
Open internationally to everyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.

Storm Force - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Storm Force (Omega Force #1)
by Susannah Sandlin

What is it about:
As leader of the elite counter-terrorism team Omega Force, former army ranger Jack “Kell” Kellison is always focused on getting the job done. So when a Houston high-rise is bombed and the governor killed or missing, Kell’s mission is clear: infiltrate the group suspected of the bombing and neutralize the threat by any means necessary. But once Kell meets beautiful chief suspect Mori Chastaine, he realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And more to Mori than any man—any human man—could imagine.

Mori Chastaine is running out of options. Suspected for a crime she didn’t commit, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, she sees no escape—until Kell walks through her door. A lifetime hiding her true nature warns her Kell might not be who he seems. But he could be the only one able to help save more innocent humans from becoming pawns in an ancient paranormal power play. If Mori reveals her secret, will Kell join her fight? Or will she become his next target?

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I loved all three books in Sandlin's Penton Legacy series, so when I heard that Sandlin had a new story coming out that was a spin-off from that series I had to read it.

I had to wait a bit for it though, because it first released as a Kindle Serial. Because I do not have a Kindle and I'm not willing to read on my notebook, that meant I had to wait for it to become available elsewhere.

And it was worth the wait!

This book is just as delicious and filled with suspenseful action as the Penton books.

I loved Kell and the rest of the Omega Force. They're still getting used to each other, which made the dynamics interesting to read. I was also very intrigued by Mori and the life she leads.

The romantic storyline between Kell and Mori was very intense. The problems they encounter are heartbreaking at times and had me cheering both of them on. The balance between romance and action is very well done and kept me reading to find out what was happening next.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and I hope Sandlin will continue both this series and the Penton series, because I want much, much more.

Why should you read it:
It's an action-packed Paranormal Romance

A Guest Post about Zombies by Marcella Burnard + Giveaway

Today Marcella Burnard drops by with an awesome guest post about my favorite topic: zombies! Be sure to click on the link to the free e-only anthology that contains a short story by Marcella.

And as an added bonus: Answer Marcella's question in the comments and I'll pick a winner on October 1st, who will win either Enemy Within or Enemy Games (Winner's choice, open everywhere bookdepository ships to, to anyone who's legally allowed to enter)

The winner is Mel


Surviving the Shambling Hordes

Despite to all evidence to the contrary, I’m here by invitation. I swear I didn’t threaten, cajole or otherwise spindle or mutilate Sullivan to get that invitation, either. For proof, when I asked what I should write about, Sullivan mentioned favoring posts about pigs and/or zombies.

As I am not any kind of expert on porcine-kind, I can’t say much more than I’ve noted the obvious superior mental capacity of a few book-blogging representatives of the species. Also, if it’s true that pigs are experts at finding truffles (and I’m not talking chocolate here) they’re automatically my friends.

I think I can do better with zombies. Or at least, I hope, with surviving zombies.

Perhaps you know I live on a sailboat in Seattle, Washington. Here’s a photo.


What on earth makes relatively normal people leave a house and solid ground in order to cram all of their worldly possessions into three hundred square feet of living space? Without sinking said living space? For me, it was the adventure, the fact that I love the ocean.

For my husband? It’s because the boat is an excellent zombie outbreak survival platform. No. Really. He admits it in public. Which isn’t to say that he doesn’t *like* the boat, too, just that his justification for living a sort of alternative lifestyle isn’t entirely ‘cause I want to’. When I was trying to talk him into living aboard the boat, it is possible I trotted out the ‘just think what a great zombie survival plan a boat could be!’ Was he just humoring me or did he really buy it?

If you’re reading the McPig blog, chances are excellent that you already know the zombie apocalypse preparation drill (here’s the CDC’s prep guide just in case. )

· Food

· Water

· Supply of meds

· And of course, your zombie repelling weapon of choice



Slate recently published an awesome addendum list – it’s an article detailing what zombie movies don’t do. The article also has a few thought provoking notions regarding quarantine procedures and for zombie-powered devices. One or more of those ideas, altered to suit my story-telling purposes may show up in future novels. Even if they aren’t about zombies. Per se.

I can also admit that on board the boat, we’re implementing a few of the more practical suggestions regarding food and water.

Because the boat is home, our supplies are automatically in place. The boat holds two weeks’ worth of water. We always carry extra food (emergency rations in geek-speak, iron rations if you’re a Dungeons and Dragons nerd.) Assuming that whatever plague has reduced the bulk of humanity to walking corpses DOESN’T infect the sea life, we’d have a near endless supply of seafood available to our fishing hooks. The cats perk up every time we say that aloud. I think they’re secretly looking forward to the zombie apocalypse.

In an emergency, we could cast off within minutes and be out in the middle of some seriously deep water inside of an hour. Here’s hoping zombies don’t float. Knowing what I do about how the human body decomposes, though, I suspect that they do. I haven’t had the heart to point this out to my smug, geeky husband. He always seems so horrified by the fact that I know stuff like how long it takes for bacteria chowing on human flesh to produce enough gas to float the submerged corpse. It’s not my fault that one of our fellow liveaboards is a local medical examiner. She delights in trading gross medical/dead body information for homemade guacamole and corn chips. I get to meet the coolest people.

The single biggest problem with having an excellent zombie apocalypse survival plan? You actually have to be there when the plague hits. You’ve seen the movies and read the books. You and I both know that never happens. Life goes to hell in a hand basket when you’re as physically far away from everything you need as is humanly possible. This is bad news for me. The hard truth is that if I had to run for my life from a pack of brain gnawing zombies, it’d be all over. I can’t run. Not just that I’m bad at it, which I am. I’m gimped in one leg. If I run, the bone in that leg will break. I’d be zombie chow. Course, the other option is that I’d be patient zero and therefore the one to come knocking on YOUR door asking to borrow a cup of your brains.

What about you?

What would you do to survive the zombies? Also, in the interest of padding my ‘To Be Read’ pile, what fiction book or books would absolutely HAVE to have with you while running for your life from the shambling horde?

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Marcella writes science fiction romance (ENEMY WITHIN, ENEMY GAMES, ENEMY MINE all available now) for Berkley Sensation and urban fantasy for Berkley Intermix. Her first UF, NIGHTMARE INK, is due in April of 2014. She has a sword and sorcery short in THUNDER ON THE BATTLEFIELD called Emissary, and a short futuristic romance, Nobody’s Present, in the free e-only anthology TALES FROM THE SFR BRIGADE.

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About Enemy Within (Enemy #1):

An intergalactic cold war-and some heated passion- from an inventive new voice in futuristic romance.

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.



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Don't forget to leave a comment:
I decided to have an event wide giveaway on my blog for commenters.

At the end of this event I'll pick one commenter on any author post of this event at random and that person will win a book of his/her choice as long as bookdepository ships to where you live, you're legally allowed to enter, and the book costs no more than 10$

And drop by Between Dreams and Reality as well for more great author posts.