Sheep Interview author Gini Koch + giveaway!

Once again we welcome friend and author Gini Koch to I Smell Sheep! If you've yet to check out her amazing books make sure to get out and grab your copies today. It's not too late! And stay tuned till the very end of our interview where you can win a signed book and T-Shirt.

Arizona. Super Secret Government Facility. 2 Sheep and 1 AC Agent meet.

Katie: Welcome back Gini, how have things been since we last spoke earlier this year?

Gini: Insane. In. Sane. Completely and utterly insane. But in a good way! Just try not to be thrown by the way my eyes twitch.

You get used to the rhythm after a while.

Sharon: Psst…Katie, I think I see the beat to “We Will Rock You”.

Katie: Knowing Gini it's an Aerosmith song haha.

Gini: It’s actually to the beat of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”. But that’s not important now.

Sharon: Hey Gini, I am the newest, but oldest member of I Smell Sheep. I just checked out your website and it seems we have the same taste in music! What was the last concert you went to with your daughter? (I went to see Black Veil Bride with my teenage daughter)

Gini: Gosh, it’s been a while, honestly, deadlines being what they are. I think the last one we went to was Flogging Molly on St. Patrick’s Day. AWESOME band, btw, I heartily recommend them.

Katie: For those that live in a cave and don't know a thing about your books can you give them a little idea?

Gini: They’re the best books in the world and a deal at twice the price! (Hey, you still cannot blame a girl for trying.)

The series follows Katherine “Kitty” Katt, the world’s best accidental badass, as she first

discovers that the Roswell rumors are true and that there are not only aliens living on Earth, but they’re here to help, have what humans consider superpowers, and are all drop dead gorgeous. As the series progresses, so does Kitty’s involvement with the Alpha Centaurions, Earth governments, and interstellar governments.

The books are science fiction with a lot of romance, action and humor. A lot of humor. Kitty’s a fun, funny girl with a quirky worldview, and she deals with politics, conspiracy theories, and big, bad fuglies of all types and planets of origin in her own style. It’s not always a pretty or smooth style, but it tends to do the job…eventually.

Katie: SO much humor, I laugh so hard sometimes I almost pee my pants! TMI?

Gini: Maybe for others, but it makes ME happy to know.

Sharon: I think I am going to let this one go ;)

Katie: In your latest book Kitty is expecting, and from what I know of Kitty I bet the "birthing scenes" are going to be entertaining! Am I Right? Any hints?

Gini: Well, if there’s an author out there who says that any part of their book is boring, they should be shot, or edited better. I think every part of the book is exciting, but I can absolutely guarantee some unexpected things to happen during the birth, some of which is a set up for something I’ll be expanding in a future book in the series.

And that’s all the hints you’re going to get. You know I live spoiler free.

Katie: Damn!!!! I knew it and I can't WAIT!!!! Hurry release date, hurry!!!

Gini: Time flies when you’re waiting, right? Right?

Katie: With so many characters in your book are you going to do any spin off stories at some point?

Gini: LOL, you know, my editor and I were talking about that a couple of weeks ago. At this juncture, we’re not looking into in any kind of serious way, but I do know which ones I’d be interested in spinning off.

However, before his fan girls and boys start clamoring for it, Christopher will not now, nor ever, get his own spinoff. Sorry, it’s just never going to happen, and I rarely say never, but I can promise you, in this case, never is never. Christopher is part of what I consider the core of this series, and he’s not leaving to run his own show.

Katie: Maybe Chuckie?

Gini: Maybe; the idea has merit and possibilities. Ask me again, though, after you’ve read both Alien Proliferation and Alien Diplomacy.

Sharon: I have been asking authors what they like and dislike in a review blog. Got any advice for us and other bloggers?

Gini: I really find it upsetting when a book reviewer gives away spoilers for the current book. I

get why, when you’re reviewing, say, Book 4, that you’re going to mention things that happened in prior books. But to share key plot points for the current release, things that I’ve done my best to keep under wraps so they can be a surprise for every reader, and many times to do it WITHOUT saying “Spoiler Alert“…that really bothers me on all kinds of levels. I realize everyone has their own style, and some people do like the Full Monty, so to speak, but as an author who’s making a point to have some surprises for readers in store, it’s not something I enjoy running across.

Sharon: I agree!

Gini: I knew I liked you.

Otherwise, and this is a really simple thing that comes from my (many long) days in advertising and marketing, but -- make your blog legible for everyone. I don’t care how freaking pretty or cool it may be, and many out there are really pretty and cool, but if only Superman can read your tiny white type on a light background or your neon type on black background, then no one’s going to read those reviews. I don’t want to send someone to your site and cause a migraine or a seizure.

Sharon: I know exactly what you mean! Cursive scripts are probably the worst to read and I have run across a few…

Gini: Tiny type is painful. White type on black background is great if you’re using a giant font

size, but for regular reading, it’s painful. Pretty much, books are black ink on white paper because that’s easiest for our eyes to read. And we only get older, not younger, so take pity and make the font big enough to be read without eye strain.

Katie: What most people may not know about you is that you're a pretty hard core comic gal. When did this start for you?

Gini: From when I was a little girl. I started, as most girls do, with the Disney digest mags (that may not even exist any more, LOL) and Archie Comics. But I quickly branched into Marvel, DC and many horror comics. I’m a really fast reader, so I could go through an entire rack of comics while my grandmother was buying groceries. I started buying them, or asking for them to be bought for me, when I realized I wanted to reread them and really enjoy not only the story but the artwork that went along with them. I’ve been collecting ever since.

Sharon: Which comic art work is your favorite?

Gini: Oh, I think I’m gonna play a major favorite and say anything that Daniel Dos Santos does. :-D (And yes, I know, they’re covers, but hey, Dan’s MY cover artist, ergo, everything Dan does is golden as far as I’m concerned. Biased? Totally. LOL) Honestly, I like a lot of different styles. I could probably name those I dislike easier than like, because there are fewer of them. But I’m not gonna.

Sharon: got to admit, your covers ROCK!

Katie: Earlier this year you attended Comic Con in San Diego how was that experience and what would be some of your personal highlights?

Gini: Well, Comic-Con holds a special place in my heart. I’d never been before last year (because I couldn’t get tix or time) and it was my first con as a published author. My first panel as a published author was at that Comic-Con, which was really thrilling. So, this was my second Comic-Con, and it was still great. Had another great panel and an even better signing than the year before, and the hubs and I were able to enjoy more of the con this time around, because we were no longer Comic-Con virgins.

I had so many personal highlights it’s hard to choose, but here are a few of them: getting to be front row center in Hall H (thanks to the awesome Shelley - *smootchies*!) for almost a full day, including the Kevin Smith panel, which was beyond great; getting to sit between Vernor Vinge and Timothy Zahn for my panel, and between Greg Bear and Michael Cassutt for our signing; having a fan whose luggage had been lost on the way buy, in addition to a new wardrobe, another full set of my books so he could get them signed; and seeing old friends and making new ones.

Katie: WOW! Jealous doesn't even begin to cover how I feel right now.

Gini: It was really great. I love going to Comic-Con (as a professional, baby!)

Sharon: What is under you bed?

Gini: Drawers and cats. We have a Captain’s Bed, but the headboard area has no drawers and makes a lovely hiding cave for the Killer Kitties.

Katie: Where can folks find you in the coming months?

Gini: Everywhere. LOL. I just got back from World Fantasy Con in San Diego, CA, and am heading to TusCon in Tuscon, AZ tomorrow, then have the Free Fall Writer‘s Workshop in Scottsdale, AZ. Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego in December, and I’m all over the place next year, starting in March (including NOLA for the Jambalaya Conference!). My Datebook page at my website (http://www.ginikoch.com/datebook.htm) has my mostly up-to-date information, and I keep my Hook Me Up! subscribers in the loop at all times.

Sharon: *head spinning* my goodness you are busy! When things get too crazy how do you regroup, besides banging your head against a wall ?

Gini: You mean there’s something I could do besides bang my head against a wall? Who knew? Actually, I find alcohol, chocolate, Coca-Cola, and Castle (starring Nathan Fillion) to be excellent stress reducers.

Sharon: Well, there’s your problem! You need Pepsi ;)

Katie: WO! Hey now! We don't talk about "Pepsi" in the same room as Gini! Shame on you Sharon! lol

Katie: Any word on WonderCon 2012?

Gini: I actually got an invitation from them, and I just sent in my paperwork. This doesn’t make it a done deal because there are a variety of factors that have to happen for me to go, but it’s definitely on the table.

We move along now to our world famous Rapid Fire Round! Gini will get two options to choose from but she'll end up picking her own responses! Ready? Set. GO!

Katie: Rogue or Kitty Pride

Gini: Wolverine

Katie: Damn again! You never play by the rules but I can't be mad at you for this one. hehe

Gini: Rules are, point of fact, made to be broken. And I’m a rule breaker of the highest order.

Katie: Buffy or Angel

Gini: Spike

Sharon: Hubba hubba ;)

Gini: I like where your head’s at, Sharon.

Sharon: Paper or plastic

Gini: Visa and $100 bills

Katie: Hot kiss or Hot touch

Gini: Hot Sex

Katie: This is why I LOVE Gini, it's like we were separated at birth.

Gini: LOL, I know how to choose wisely.

Katie: Toga or Chiton

Gini: Catsuit

Katie: I don't know why we bother hahaha we should just let you pick anything! Lmao

Gini: Oh, but I couldn’t come up with the right answer without the question, now, could I?

Sharon: Krispy Kream or Dunkin Doughnut

Gini: Krispy Kreme, all the way

Sharon: Hot and Now!!!

Gini: You know it…just like sex. (And see? I can and will occasionally follow the rules. Occasionally.)

Katie: Viking or Highlander

Gini: Alien or Superhero

Katie: *throws interview papers in the air*

Gini: Oh, like you didn’t see that answer coming?

Katie: Walk this way or Love in an Elevator

Gini: Both, and all the rest of Aerosmith’s oeuvre too, while we’re at it

Katie: Ok, at least you stayed with the question!

Gini: I stayed with the other questions, too. I just picked what I would pick, versus the choices shown on the menu. I prefer to get special orders whenever possible.

Katie: Haha.

Sharon: Evil eye or stink eye

Gini: Evil

Katie: Alien possession or Alien invasion

Gini: Alien Tango

Sharon: Snort! You’re good ;)

Katie: She's incorrigible! I love you Gini *smiles*

Gini: Thanks, Sharon! And, Katie, I do have a reputation to maintain, now, don’t I? LOL

Katie: Slide or Swing

Gini: Swing

Katie: Thanks again for stopping by Gini, we know you're super busy right now. Anything you'd like to add before we wrap?

Sharon: Thanks Gini, Katie gushes over your books all the time. I can’t wait to give them a try

Gini: I’ll try not to be hurt that you haven’t started them yet, Sharon. *sniff* But, anyway, DON’T be like Sharon. DO be like Katie. LOL And please do your girl a solid and preorder Alien Proliferation and Alien Diplomacy now. Yes, preorders really do matter, especially these days.

Katie: YES! You heard the lady get out your credit cards and preorder today people!

Gini: Please AND thank you!

***GIVEAWAY***

Gini has been kind enough to give away a signed copy of Alien Tango, open internationally. In addition we are adding a one of a kind T-Shirt done by our very

own Richard Lee! (See picture ->) You can also purchase the same shirt at our Sheep Store HERE. Make sure to list BOTH things in the comments below to be entered to win plus double entires for followers.

1. Your Email Address

2. If you were Kitty what would you name your baby?

Contest ends November 13th at midnight.

Good Luck!

Sheeped by an Alien T-Shirt Winner!

This time around we had more than twice the number of people enter our little give away, which meant that I had to do things a little differently from the last giveaway. If you remember last time, our winner was voted on by a virtual committee of 20 individuals.

This time around, we have the same 20 individuals returning, but instead of a single vote, we needed to divide our candidates into 3 groups. The committee presided over each group to come up with a semi-finalist, then all 3 semi-finalists were debated over in order to come up with our final winner.

To help facilitate the voting, I put my wizard hat on and summoned a few imaginary friends from my childhood. They call themselves Marutachi. They're a mischievous lot, but I didn't think they'd get themselves in too much trouble... but anyway, let's get back to the voting.


Group 1 consisted of Becky, Lisa and Lily... and here is how the voting went:

Vote 1

Lisa : 11
Lily : 8
Becky : 1

The winner is: Lisa in 1 round!

Lisa won in a very decisive victory! There was no need for debate at all!

Group 2 was far more contentious. The committee had to decide between McPig, Amber, and Patti. Voting required 4 separate debates! Check it out!

Vote 1
McPig : 10
Amber : 6
Patti : 4
Nobody got a majority!

The floor is open for debate!
Donna champions McPig calling upon Tenured voters to consider McPig's awesomenessMaria champions Amber calling upon MiddleAged voters to consider Amber's worthyness
Victoria champions Patti calling upon voters from the NorthWest to consider Patti's awesomeness

Vote 2
McPig : 8
Patti : 6
Amber : 6
Nobody got a majority!

The floor is open for debate!
Katherine champions McPig calling upon Female voters to consider McPig's greatness
Nicole champions Patti calling upon MiddleAged voters to consider Patti's worthyness
Victoria champions Amber calling upon Female voters to consider Amber's sweetness

Vote 3
McPig : 10
Amber : 6
Patti : 4
Nobody got a majority!

The floor is open for debate!
Peter champions McPig calling upon MiddleAged voters to consider McPig's sweetness
Linda champions Amber calling upon MiddleAged voters to consider Amber's greatness
Veronica champions Patti calling upon Female voters to consider Patti's greatness


Vote 4
Patti : 15
McPig : 3
Amber : 2
The winner is: Patti in 4 rounds!


Group 3 consisted of Ruth, Kelly, and Lanae. Like the first group, the voting happened quickly, needing only one round of votes.

Vote 1
Ruth : 12
Kelly : 5
Lanae : 3
The winner is: Ruth in 1 rounds!


That gave us our finalists! Ruth, Lisa, and Patti!

After a short break, the committee reconvened to debate the finalists. No doubt, this would be a long debate... so everyone hunkered down for the long haul.

Vote 1
Ruth : 8
Lisa : 7
Patti : 5
Nobody got a majority!

The floor is open for debate!
Melissa champions Ruth calling upon Female voters to consider Ruth's mettle
Maria champions Lisa calling upon Female voters to consider Lisa's worthyness
John champions Patti calling upon MiddleAged voters to consider Patti's greatness

Vote 2
Patti : 10
Lisa : 7
Ruth : 3
Nobody got a majority!

The floor is open for debate!
Nicole champions Patti calling upon Female voters to consider Patti's awesomeness
Francois champions Lisa calling upon Male voters to consider Lisa's worthyness
Linda champions Ruth calling upon Female voters to consider Ruth's awesomeness

Vote 3
Patti : 15
Lisa : 5
Ruth : 0
The winner is: Patti in 3 rounds!


There you have it! Thank you Marutachi for your hard work... and Congratulations Patti!

*Interview with author Gini Koch*

Amber and I recently got the chance to interview Sci-Fi Princess Gini Koch, Author of Touched by an Alien. We both love her work and jumped all over the chance to pick her brain for a while. Grab your popcorn and drinks sit back and enjoy!

Arizona desert. Undisclosed location. 2 Sheep and 1 Alien meet.

Katie: We know you dreamed about Touched by an Alien and then created the story, but what part of the story did you specifically dream about?

The opening sequence, basically the courthouse scene, including Martini arriving -- in complete detail, though not what he looked like, nor any names, etc. In the dream I only saw his back. The dream was very dark, almost noir-ish. Obviously, when I wrote it, it came out differently, but the entire superbeing formation and everything else about that scene was in the dream.

Amber: Are any of the characters in your books, the HOT men in particular lol, inspired by anyone in your life?

If yes, are any of them single???

LOL! In this particular case, no. They all came out of my head. There’s no one out there who looks exactly like Martini, or Reader, etc., because I can “see” them in my mind, and they’re themselves, essentially. I can come up with actors (or models) who could play them in a movie or on TV, but there’s no one these characters were specifically based on.

Amber: Can you tell us who the actors or models are? I’d love to know if the image I have in my head of Martini matches up. Lol

Well, see, that’s sort of the problem. No one out there matches up to the characters, as I see them in my mind. I also sort of hate to list actors, because who *I* think could play Martini isn’t always who the reader is thinking of when they read the book. And I prefer to have the readers keep whatever images they create in their minds than shove them down a particular path. (Because whoever you “see” in your heads is right, because, um, well, that’s who YOU see, so that’s who’s right for YOU.)

That said, right now, if I had to cast someone to come close, the two characters I have the easiest time matching to an actor at this time are Reader and Tim. Reader could/should be played by Matt Bomer (of White Collar) and Tim could/should be played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (of Inception, 3^rd Rock from the Sun, etc.). But that’s me fitting an actor to the character, not the character to an actor.

Katie: I've heard from a little birdie about a possible story on how to kill super heroes, is this something we can look forward to in the future?

Well, that was essentially the dark, short, horror story I’d intended to write when Kitty and the rest of the gang took over. I might still do the short story, but it’s not at the top of the list right now -- galley edits on “Alien Tango” and finalizing edits on “Alien in the Family” are what’s on the docket.

Amber: What was your favorite book or series to read when you were a kid? (Mine was Amelia Bedilia)

Sherlock Holmes. I read the complete Sherlock Holmes at least 8 times when I was a kid. I was also into (dating myself alert!): The Happy Hollisters, Trixie Belden, The Three Investigators, and Nancy Drew, as well as Ellery Queen‘s Mystery Magazine and Alfred Hitchcock Presents; moved from one to the next as I got a little older. All were mystery series. Mysteries were my first reading love, basically.

I was also hugely into O. Henry (and still am) and read his complete works at least 8 times growing up, too.

I didn’t get into SF/F until I was an older teenager/early 20-something.

Amber: If mystery was your favorite genre why did you choose to write Sci-fi? Does it have to do with the dream you had about the book?

Yes. I think it’s funny that people assume I “choose” what I’m writing about. The stories and the characters choose me. The ideas come on a very regular basis, the ones who scream and whine the loudest get written. The ones who scream and whine the loudest and the longest get finished, edited, finalized, and sent to my agent. Basically, the Alien gang were extremely persuasive.

BTW, mystery isn’t my favorite genre. I don’t HAVE a favorite genre. I like them all, for the most part. I have some I read far less than others, but mystery isn’t my be-all, end-all any more. Nothing is, other than maybe humor. Though, if you notice, there is a mystery or two in “Touched by an Alien”. There’s usually a mystery sub-plot in any novel I write. I do it naturally, and it’s not the main focus of this story in any way, but it’s there, and that’s because mysteries were my foundation.

Katie: In Touched by an Alien there is a very um "intense" elevator ride, or two, did you write these scenes based on any personal experience?

*cough* I’m not at liberty to say. Lawyers are so picky, don’t you find?

Amber: What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?

Wow. Gotta think on that one. You mean other than sex in an elevator? Huh…

Went to Santa Barbara with a baby and nothing more than 1 bottle and 2 diapers and no credit card. (Never, ever, be that spontaneous, kids. Unless you live to find markets on a late Sunday afternoon. In a panic. When they aren’t open past 5pm.)

I don’t do spontaneous, partly because I think very fast and so tend to already have weighed the pros and cons before I take action or say, “Sure, let’s go to Vegas over Thanksgiving Weekend with no reservations!” Did that one, too, with my cousin. We had a great time. We got the last room in the entire city and only through connections, but we couldn’t stop winning and came home with more money than we’d left with, so it all worked out.

Hmmm…maybe I should be spontaneous more often…lemme think about it…

Katie: How did you come up with Airport restrooms as travel portal doorways? We love random, was this just a random "why the heck not" type of thing?

No. The characters told me how they transported. Honestly, though, if you think about it, it makes a certain amount of sense. People go in and out of airports, most people aren’t looking at the other people in a restroom, there are stalls with doors which ensures privacy, etc.

Amber: If there was one moment in your life that you could relive, which would it be?

Hmmm. There are a few. I’m really suspicious of the whole “do over” kind of reliving, though, mostly because I love my husband, child and life, and any do-over from the past could mean I don’t get them.

If there was one I’d like to relive to just enjoy fully, probably the first phone call from my agent, when she said she loved “Touched by an Alien” and wanted to represent me. I didn’t scream and jump up and down nearly enough (I went for a calm, cool, professional reaction, to the point where my agent asked if I actually WAS excited) and I’d like to do that all over again.

Katie: What's something (or someone) that impacted you as a child that led you to being the person you are today? Was there one event or a sequence?

Oh, there were so many. Every event, really, shapes you into the person you are. There isn’t one thing I can point to and say, “This one incident is the reason I’m the way I am.” Every incident in my life, and my reactions to them, are the reason I’m the person I am. Though my maternal grandmother was definitely the reason I’m a decent human being and not a complete head case.

Amber: Is there a particular author that inspired you to start writing?

How did they inspire you to start writing?

Truthfully? No, probably not. There are authors I love, respect, admire and, honestly, loathe, but none of them were what made me start writing. The voices in my head made me start writing. My characters finally demanded life so loudly that I had to give in.

Katie: You mention in your books and life that music is a huge part of what makes you tick, Aerosmith being at the top of your music list, but are you musically inclined?

I can sing, and I did learn how to play piano and guitar long, long ago, and used to be able to read music. I cannot play either any more, and was never very good at them anyway, and the musical notes look like so many pretty pictures these days. I do have rhythm, though, and am quite a good dancer.

Katie: can we get a little dance demonstration? Its just us ladies here.

Sure, though I prefer dancing for men -- they’re usually more appreciative of my style. *does the dirty boogie*

Amber: We know you will be attending the upcoming World Fantasy Con, can you tell us a little more about that?

Sure. World Fantasy Con is the big industry con for the Fantasy genre. Science fiction and horror get in there, too, but fantasy is the main focus (as opposed to World Science Fiction Con, or WorldCon as it’s more commonly called, which is more SF focused). I enjoy going to this con because it’s different from most of the others I attend -- it’s not a fan con, or a learning con…it’s a business con and so far the only one like it I go to, so I really love it. Everyone there is networking, wheeling and dealing, catching up with old friends, and so on. It’s really fun and it’s really cool to be standing at the bar next to my heroes and getting to talk shop, as it were. It’s also the con where I normally get to see my editor, and I get to hang out with my agent and a lot of other industry friends I have, in a more relaxed way than we get to at fan or writing cons.

Katie: We are all about Marvel at I Smell Sheep, if you could be any Marvel character who would you be and why?

Whoever’s getting to bang Wolverine. Because then I’d be banging Wolverine.

*Amber and Katie simultaneously agree: Amen Sister!*

I knew I liked you girls.

Otherwise, I think part of why I’m a writer is I’ve never been an “Oh, I want to be HER” kind of person. I’m an “Oh, I want to be in this MYSELF” kind of person. I’d love to create my own Marvel Superhero, and that would be the character I’d want to be.

I actually have several superhero characters I’ve played around with for a few years, that aren’t a part of my Alien series in any way, in case any comics companies are reading this.

Amber: What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? Why?

Ex. Mine is ‘P’. It names all my favorite foods like pasta, potatoes, pizza, poultry, peanut butter and Oreos, etc. lol

I have real challenges with most of the ‘favorite’ questions, ‘cause I tend to have more than one, and letters of the alphabet would fall into this category. I’m a writer -- I love ALL the letters. If forced to pick, the letter “V” because that’s what my daughter’s name starts with.

Katie: So I have noticed in your books Coke is the drink of choice; to once and for all settle the Coke/Pepsi debate between Amber and I which one do you choose?

There’s a debate? One of you likes that swill they put into Pepsi cans? Really? Wow, I guess it really does take all kinds to build a village, or something like that.

Coca-Cola ALL THE WAY. The only Pepsi product I can stand is Mt. Dew. Dr Pepper straddles that weird line where it’s with the Coke products AND with the Pepsi products, and I do love Dr Pepper as well. But when it comes to colas, there is one king, and all the others aren’t worth my time. The only cola I’ll drink is Coca-Cola.

Oh, and the Mexican Coke in glass bottles, aka Crack Coke, is the greatest drink IN THE WORLD and I guard my stash of it more carefully than my jewelry.

And I loved the Coke-Espresso combo, Coke Black, they had for a while. It was seriously like drinking crack and cost the same. But I LOVED it and am almost thankful it’s not available any more -- my bank account couldn’t handle that addiction. (But if the Coca-Cola Company has some of that elixir of so bad it’s goodness available, um, I pimp your products in my books and a little Coke Black wouldn’t be looked at as a bribe but more of a thank you for years of Coca-Cola product addiction.)

Geez…I just yakked about Coke for like 20 minutes. Can we say “passionate” (aka “addicted”), boys and girls? I knew we could…

Katie: Ok time for some rapid-fire questions, don't think just answer…clear your mind…and GO!

I never clear my mind. For me, that’s literally asking the impossible. But, I can do rapid-fire…

Katie: Coffee or Tea

Both

Katie: Shower or Bath

Shower at home, bath at hotels

Katie: Baked or Fried

Baked (don’t really care for fried foods)

Katie: Cereal or Oatmeal

Oatmeal

Katie: Cake or Pie

Cake, preferably chocolate or marble with vanilla butter cream frosting

Katie: True Blood or Twilight

Blade

Katie*-hey hey hey…not a choice…but I guess we'll let it slide lol

Hey, that’s my answer, and I’m sticking with it. Besides, I learned a long time ago -- just because someone only offers you two choices doesn’t mean you have to pick one, the other, or either. Make your own choice and get down with your bad self, that’s MY motto.

Amber: Dog or Cat

Both, and horses, too (but, if FORCED to pick, cats)

Amber*-I knew I loved you for a reason! lol. My little man (Deke) is the cutest kitty in the world!… If you couldn’t tell I’m slightly obsessed about him.

Oh, I worship, WORSHIP, He Who Rules All (aka Mr. Fluffikins, aka my male cat). But I love my other babies, too. Basically, if it has fur and four paws, or if I can ride it, I’m probably gonna at least like it.

Amber: Crest or Colgate

Colgate, ‘cause my dentist insists

Amber*-I gave in to the pressure too! I’m not sure why since Crest has much better flavors. lol

Because we live in fear of making the dentist, and the DRILL, angry.

Amber: Boxers or briefs

FINALLY! ‘THE’ QUESTION! FINALLY! I’ve been waiting since my first interview for someone to ask me this! And, my answer is:

Thong or Commando

Amber*-Uhh….are we talking about men or women here? lol. But so EXCITED that we got the question right! I told you we’re geniuses (and if I didn’t than it was definitely implied!)! Haha

I was talking about me. For men, I like boxer-briefs. Or commando. Or, depending on the man, a thong. So I guess I was answering for both. LOL

Amber: Chevy or Ford

Lexus (used to be a Chevy girl, but now I’d have to pick Ford ‘cause they didn’t take the bailout and after owning a Cadillac, Chevy’s dead to me)

Amber: Blonde or Brunette

Redhead

Amber*-I’d ask Pepsi or Coke but everyone knows PEPSI is the winner! ;)

Coke or nothing, babe (So, Amber’s the weirdo of the team. Got it.)

Katie*laughing so hard she cant breathe*

Amber: I am not weird! I simply have a more developed pallet than you.. *Ahem* Ladies…. lol.

I hate lemon (Pepsi’s “secret ingredient”) and love cinnamon (Coke’s “secret ingredient”) so it’s BECAUSE my palet is developed and sensitive that I cannot stand Pepsi and its products (other than the Dew)

Amber: Rain or sunshine

Sunshine

Amber: East coast or West coast

I’m a California girl who now lives in the Arizona desert…what’s this East Coast you all speak of? Can’t be nearly as nice as living on the WEST COAST, baby!

Katie: This has been an honor Gini and a ton of fun for us, you're better then we could have imagined, thank you on behalf of I Smell Sheep and all your fans.

Thanks, you guys! This was a lot of fun. I’d make a crack about how clearly you could imagine quite a bit, but I’ll just save the brainpower it would take and let it pass on by and merely say I had a blaaaaaaast.

*Touched by an Alien is out now and can be found at a bookstore near you.

Alien Tango releases December 7, 2010 and we recommend you pre-order a copy today!

While Amber and I fight over who is going to marry Gini (her husband just better deal with it) lets move on to the giveaway.

One lucky winner will get a fabulous Sheeped by an Alien T-Shirt. In the comments below leave two things to be automatically entered to win.

1. Your email address

2. When kicking Alien butt what song would you rock out to?

Contest ends Sunday October 3rd at Midnight.

Good luck everyone!