Can someone who's listened to the whole podcast answer a question for me? I was trying to fast-forward through the last part of it, intending to skip the excerpt, when my ear was caught by the word "hippopotami". <g> Now, this is naturally not a word you hear in general conversation, but I certainly wouldn't put it past Diana to be referring to hippopotami in her writing.
So, here's my question. Was that word actually *in* the excerpt, or in the part where she talks *about* the excerpt?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Karen
Karen,
She uses the word "hippopotami" in the excerpt. If you want me to tell you how she uses it, I will - it doesn't give anything away as far as plot.
Hi Karen,
The word "hippopotami" is used in the excerpt itself. [g] It's used a few times in a brief exchange that Jamie has with himself. There aren't any actual hippopotami in the scene. [g]
According to my Windows Media Player, the excerpt itself is from about 6:53 - 10:16. Diana starts the lead in to the excerpt with a crucial definition at 6:24, but the excerpt itself doesn't start until 6:53. After the excerpt she does reflect on how her actual writing goes along with the craft she was explaining prior to the excerpt so depending on how hands off you want to be with Echo information, you may want to be careful there too.
As far as listening to Diana talk about how to write, I find it fascinating! I am not a writer, but I am an avid reader. My critical reading skills have dramatically improved from listening to her talk about how she writes and what makes or breaks a scene. I love it!
Thanks to both of you for the quick response!
Diane, that information was extremely helpful and I'll give the podcast another listen when I get home from work this evening, keeping that timing in mind. And your comment that "there are no actual hippopotami in the scene" made me laugh. Well, that's a relief! <g>
Karen
I agree with Diane M that DG has been a wonderful, if accidental or serendipitous, instructor on matters of writing. I have learned so much and read within a more educated framework.
One aspect I enjoy about DG's podcasts is listening to her voice. Folks have commented on the quality of it -- how it doesn't seem to "fit" her. Now, after having the pleasure to meet her at a book signing, and listening to her past podcasts, videos, etc., I cannot imagine her any other way. It always tickles me how that petite woman has that voice!
Midge
Looking for OUTLANDER discussions? Check out TheLitForum.com! This is Diana Gabaldon's longtime online hangout, and I have been Section Leader (moderator) of the Diana Gabaldon section on the forum since 2008. Diana is on the forum almost every day, and often responds to questions or comments from forum members, sometimes in detail. You have to register in order to read or post on the forum, but it's free.
May 1, 1721 - Jamie is born (OUTLANDISH COMPANION)
May, 1744 - Fergus is branded by Jack Randall; Jamie duels with Randall, wounding him in the groin; Claire miscarries Faith and nearly dies from childbed fever (DRAGONFLY)
May 16, 1753 - Jamie arrives at Ardsmuir prison (VOYAGER)
May, 1757 - Geneva Dunsany blackmails Jamie into sleeping with her (VOYAGER)
May, 1758 - Lord John surprises Percy and Lieutenant Weber in a very compromising situation (BOTB)
May 15, 1770 - Jemmy is born (DRUMS)
May, 1771 - Roger is hanged and nearly dies (FIERY CROSS)
May, 1775 - Malva Christie falsely accuses Jamie of getting her pregnant (ABOSAA)
May 3, 1777 - Jamie dreams of Jem and Mandy in the broch (ECHO)
Mid-May, 1777 - Jamie, Claire, and young Ian encounter pirates on the high seas (ECHO)
May, 1778 - Lord John marries Claire to keep her from arrest as a spy; Jamie is presumed dead in a shipwreck; Lord John and Claire have sex (ECHO)
May 18, 1778 - Claire and Lord John attend the Mischianza (ECHO)
May 1, 1945 - Claire travels back in time to the 18th century (OUTLANDER)
May, 1948 - Newspaper accounts and Rev. Wakefield's journal document Claire's return from the 18th century (DRAGONFLY)
May 1, 1968 - Gillian Edgars (aka Geillis Duncan) kills her husband at Craigh na Dun and travels back in time to the 18th century (DRAGONFLY)
May 1, 1971 - Brianna goes back in time to the 18th century (DRUMS)
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