Picture a storyteller who spun intergalactic adventures with a side of sass and romance—meet Gini Koch! This Phoenix-based author has charmed sci-fi and fantasy fans with her bestselling Alien/Katherine 'Kitty' Katt series, starting with the zany Touched by an Alien. Known for her fast-paced plots and witty humor, Koch’s work is a cosmic cocktail of action, love, and extraterrestrial intrigue.
With over 70 titles under her belt, Koch’s versatility shines through multiple genres and pen names, earning her accolades like the 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Futuristic Romance. Let’s dive into her journey, from marketing maven to science fiction’s funny girl!
The Making of Gini Koch
Born Jeanne Marie Gerrard on January 25 in California, Gini Koch grew up with a vivid imagination fueled by pop culture, comics, and animated adventures. Before becoming a full-time author, she thrived in marketing and advertising, working at agencies in Los Angeles and later joining IBM. This savvy business background gave her a unique edge in navigating the publishing world. Koch started writing to silence the “noisy voices” in her head, discovering her linear storytelling style—starting with a title and letting the story unfold naturally. Her first sale, a humorous short to an online ’zine, sparked a career that’s anything but ordinary.
Gini Koch’s Unforgettable Stories
Koch’s breakout hit, Touched by an Alien (2010), introduced Katherine 'Kitty' Katt, a marketing manager turned alien-fighting heroine who battles conspiracies and romances a dreamy Alpha Centaurion. The series, now spanning 16 books with more on the way, blends sci-fi action, steamy romance, and laugh-out-loud humor. Alien in the House (2013) won the RT Book Reviews award, while Alien Nation (2016) snagged the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Choice Award.
Writing as G.J. Koch, she penned the space opera Alexander Outland: Space Pirate (2012), a rollicking adventure with a roguish hero. Her urban fantasy The Night Beat (2012), part of the Necropolis Enforcement Files, dives into a world of werewolves and demons. Koch’s humor collection, Random Musings from the Funny Girl (2014), showcases her comedic flair. Her style—fast, fresh, and funny—infuses every genre she tackles, from horror to romantic suspense, often under pseudonyms like Anita Ensal and J.C. Koch.
Whether it’s Kitty’s quips or Outland’s escapades, Koch’s stories pulse with vibrant characters and genre-blending creativity, making her a fan favorite at conventions across the U.S.
Why Gini Koch Matters
Gini Koch’s impact lies in her ability to make sci-fi accessible and fun, inviting readers into worlds where humor and heart conquer all. Her Alien series has redefined futuristic romance, blending high-stakes action with relatable heroines. Koch’s frequent convention appearances and her READ THIS! Book Club foster a tight-knit fan community, amplifying new voices in genre fiction. Her resilience—writing through life’s challenges while juggling multiple pen names—inspires aspiring authors to embrace their creative chaos.
By championing diversity in storytelling and mentoring through platforms like Absolute Write, Koch leaves a legacy of inclusivity and imagination in sci-fi and fantasy.
- Born: January 25, California
- Key Works: Touched by an Alien, Alien in the House, Alexander Outland: Space Pirate
- Awards: 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award, 2016 Preditors and Editors Reader’s Choice Award
- Pen Names: G.J. Koch, Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, J.C. Koch
Snag Touched by an Alien and blast off into Gini Koch’s hilarious, action-packed universe!