Q. Nine books in and I don't see any slowing down in the series. Have you
planned ahead for more awesome adventures or do you come up with new stuff as you write?
A. Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoy the books!
In terms of planning, it’s really both. By now, my editor and I discuss what’s coming several books ahead, to make sure that whatever book I’m writing “now” stays on target for the books to come and doesn’t contradict the books that have come before.
But within that, I’m still an extreme linear writer. Book 8/Alien Research, for example, basically came out of nowhere, right as I was finishing Book 7/Alien in the House and, thankfully, my editor let me add it in because we had to (or Alien Collective would have needed to be about 1,000 pages long) and because DAW is made of awesome.
With Alien Collective, I had characters demanding to do things I didn’t have planned for them, so I had to make concessions. It worked out, but how I get from here, aka Something Goes Whacky, to there, aka Kitty Manages to Save the Day, never goes even close to how I may have even sort of planned it. But it’s working for me, so I don’t complain. Much.
Q. Any plans for more books after the ones planned? (Please say yes! Lol)
A. Yes! (I’m a giver, me. LOL) I’m currently contracted through Book 13, but just this past weekend I came up with what I’d like to do for Books 14 & 15. Normally whenever I’m writing “this” book I see 3-4 books ahead, which is why, as I’m writing Book 10, and thinking about Books 11, 12, and 13, I saw what I want to do with 14 and 15. I’d like to get to 16 or 20, honestly, maybe more. The characters assure me they’re not ready to go quietly off into retirement any time soon. And, frankly, spending my days writing about characters I love isn’t really a hardship.
Q. What has been the most difficult storyline to write so far?
A. Alien Research, because of all the “things” that happened in it. There’s always a point, or more, in every book where the story wants to go one way and I realize, after it’s gone that way, that it doesn’t work. And then I have to cut all those words and start over from wherever it went off. So I’m used to that, and some books have more of those Wrong Tangents than others.
But with Alien Research, I knew where the story had to go, and so did it, and all the characters knew, too. But, even though I’d been planning some of those “things” for the past several books, when it came right down to it, I still didn’t want to do them. So there were whole days where I would be resisting what I had to do. But forcing myself through it was good for me, and the books. And, hey, “things” gotta happen.
Thank you for sharing with us today I love it when we get to learn more about what is going on with your journey. I think it would be really interesting if you saved up all those - it should go this ways, but doesn't plot twists - and perhaps someday do a - what would have happened if novella. Might be a fun read LOL
I love the Alien series, Kitty and friends are so much fun! :D
LOVE THIS SERIES! It is smart, witty, and filled with characters to love. Gini Koch ROCKS!
thanks for the chance,this series sounds really good!
I'm a HUGE fan if the Kitty books. I've read them all to date and think that Gini is a world class author. I'd kill (checks magazine load in handgun) to be the happy winner of a book from the series.
gorgeous covers
I love all of your stories and all of your different writing names.
You have to love her covers.
This looks intriguing! I want to read this!
Well, I'm behind on the series (I'm actually reading Alien in the Family right now), but I'm glad there will be a lot more to come. And I love that you plan ahead. I guess it's always good for the author to know where the story & the characters are going, though surprises (and unexpected things) along the way are always bonus :)
Thanks for the giveaway & the fun interview, and thanks for the series ^_^
20books in total? oh my! that means many more years of pleasures with the team^^ i'm far from having enough at this time and i can't wait to get alien collective ( that i forgot to pre order for once ç_ç)
thank you a lot also for never forgetting your internationals readers and fans
Gini rocks! Kitty Rocks! This is, um, so fangirl obvious.
Great interview and giveaway. Love Gini's books. They always make me laugh and I usually am always surprised by what happens. Plus you can't help but love Martini and the boys.
I love this series. The humor just makes the reads SO much fun. Thanks.
I started reading this series less than a year ago and I love it. The character's are very compelling and I look forward to reading more about them.
AWESOME GIVEAWAY!! Thank you so much for having it INTL open
Love Gini and this series!
Great interview, I loved reading more about the idea process. I love to see how the creative process works for different people. 20+ books about Kitty and Co. sounds like heaven to me! bejeweledcat