IWSG - How do you learn?

Welcome to another edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group!  This hop is spearheaded by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and there is a website where you can add your name to the list and join us!

I don't know about you, but I've noticed that when I'm writing, whatever book I'm reading at the time influences my writing style.  For example, I've been listening to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series on audiobook while driving.  If you're not familiar with her work, she writes epic novels that are packed with evocative descriptions and great dialogue.  Because of this, I notice that when I sit down to write I pay more attention to description and character emotion, and I spend more time exploring those aspects of the story.  I'm not trying to copy Diana's style, but being immersed in her example makes me more aware of those parts of my own writing.  Does that make sense?

I've also been reading a lot of Jim Butcher's Dresden series as well, and it makes me think more about humor and how it can be effectively used in writing.  The story and characters have to be right for it, but it's definitely something I want to try to explore in my own work.

Are you aware of other authors influencing how you write?  Do you have a favorite author (or three) that you use as an example of how to do something well?  Please share in the comments--I'm always excited to find more inspirations!

G is for... Diana Gabaldon and Abby Gaines

iven some of the previous posts I've written, it should come as no surprise that today, I'm going to spotlight Diana Gabaldon.  She's one of my all-time favorite authors, and her Outlander series is still going strong, with the 9th book coming out in June.  I'm also excited because the cable channel Starz is making a mini-series based on Outlander. Part of me doesn't want to watch it, because I have such a distinct mental picture of the characters, but the other part of me is really excited to see the book brought to life on the screen.  If you're an Outlander fan, will you watch the show?

Me and Diana! :)

Next up is Abby Gaines.  I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago at a reader conference, and she was so pleasant and charming.  I had read her books before going to the conference, and it was
really nice to find that the author of the books I liked was so nice.

Have you met your favorite author before?  What was the experience like for you?

Off to Oz Giveaway Hop!

This month, I'm happy to participate in the Off to Oz Giveaway Hop, sponsored by Angela's Anxious Life and I Am A Reader Not A Writer.

The theme for this hop is Classics and Time Travel Stories.  I love a good time travel story, so my offering for this giveaway is a copy of The Exile, the graphic novel adaptation of part of the Outlander story by Diana Gabaldon.  Here's the back cover blurb:

Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, in her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser’s side of the story, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.

After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland—but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie’s late parents he’d watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There’s already a fat bounty on the young exile’s head, courtesy of Captain Black Jack Randall, the sadistic British officer who’s crossed paths—and swords—with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew’s loyalty—or his life—and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, who’d sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum’s heir.

And then there is Claire Randall—mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie’s life to stir his  compassion . . . and arouse his desire.

But even as Jamie’s heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she’s been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can’t believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices—a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.
 
Step into the captivating, passionate, and suspenseful world of The Exile, and experience the storytelling magic of Diana Gabaldon as never before.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel--the artwork is just amazing, and the story really shines.  I hope you will enjoy it, too!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  The giveaway will run until September 17.  On Wednesday, September 18 I will post the name of the winner.  US entrants only, please.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Books Ever Blog Hop!

I'm excited to participate in this blog hop, hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and The Best Books Ever.  Click on the picture above to be taken to the full list of participating blogs!
This is a fun hop, because all the prizes fit into the posted categories of Best Books Ever.  I encourage you to explore the list and see if you agree with some of the choices.
As the prize this month, I'm giving away a copy of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander.  I think it fits several of the Best Book Ever categories: Strong Female Leads (Claire... check!), Male Main Character (Jamie... swoon!), Best Love Story, Love Triangle, International Setting, Debut, Heroes (seriously, Jamie!), Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Emotional Stories, Books You Wish You'd Written, Books to Live In...  Well, you can see why I think Outlander qualifies for this giveaway.
Here's the back cover blurb for this awesome book:

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...
In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life ...and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Her husband is two centuries away, she is related to her lover's mortal enemy, and her neighbors think she's a witch. In this unforgettable novel of time travel, Diana Gabaldon fuses wry, modern sensibility with the drama, passion, and violence of eighteenth century as she tells the story of one daring woman and the man who loves her.

This giveaway will run until Monday, June 10, and is open to US readers. On Tuesday, June 11 I'll post the winner's name.  To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway