Comments on: Travels and Travails

By: Carol

Carol — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 04:26:45 +0000

Reading Fiery Cross, I came upon the man from Granite Falls and about fell out of my chair. I was already engrossed in the series when you moved the story to NC. I grew up in NC, though closer to “Old Salem.” 16 years ago we moved to the tiny, 2-stop-light town of Granite Falls because their Christmas parade brought me to sentimental tears (it still does.) It was a shock to see my little burg mentioned in your book.
I never knew that Granite had it’s name in the 1770s. Your books are so wonderful I want to believe the events and places are all true, even if the characters were created around them – It’s hard to separate when I am completely drawn in. I need to research the history around here! Thank you for the nod and for the inspiration to find out more.

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:51:46 +0000

I've been (re)reading my Outlander series lately as I finally just purchased A Breath of Snow and Ashes (yes I know, I'm behind). I was looking up areas in NC out of curiosity when I found this. I was wondering where Fraser's Ridge might be ~ and I am delighted to hear that you think it's near Blowing Rock. We have family that live very near there and visit every couple of years. Even considered moving there for a while (to Blowing Rock). That's the area I always envision while reading the books. I've also always wanted to visit Grandfather Mountain during the Highland Games but we are never there at the right time. One of these years perhaps. It's worth the visit to the mountain even without the games, but that would be a bonus.

Absolutely love your books, and adore Jamie and Claire!

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:11:38 +0000

I followed a link posted by Lizabeta on Compuserve today and was interested to see your account of visiting Guilford Courthouse Battlefield. I'm so glad you got to visit there! We lived in Greensboro for one year, only a few blocks from the battlefield and it was our favorite place to walk, picnic, attend all the events and see the reenactment. Imagine my surprise a few years later to learn that I had an ancestor in that battle. So Guilford Courthouse is where my interest in the southern campaign started. I was particularly interested in the role of the sharpshooters in the battle. You can especially see it in the reenactment as the actors are careful to make the work of the sharpshooters clear and distinct from the rest of the soldiers

Karen (aka wynnleaf)

By: Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Dear Mary–

_I_ don’t supply the books I sign at events. [boggling at the thought] Normally, the organizers of the event make an arrangement with a local bookstore, who supplies both books and minions [g]. I show up with my Sensa pens and a smile. The bookstore makes a profit, the event gets more (we hope) and happier attendees, the readers get their books signed, and I (eventually) get royalties on those books. It’s all good. [g]

By: kingston

kingston — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:14:00 +0000

Diana,
I’m planning on submitting a non-fiction piece! My first crack at anything of the sort. Perhaps you’ll have a look, even though you won’t be a judge.
Was is difficult to write in the Scot/Gaelic? It was difficult reading Outlander, but now I’m used to it. It must have been the same for the writing? How do you remain consistent?
I know you had come to Kingston (Ont., not Jamaica)last year for a signing, but I hadn’t gotten into the books then…shucks!

By: Mary Duncan

Mary Duncan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:30:00 +0000

Diana,

Do you travel with a troupe of minions to carry all the boxes of books you sign at these festivals? God, I can't imagine signing so many in 6 months, never mind 1 festival. I'm going with clan Donnachaidh Saturday to the Maine Highland Games. I'll be smiling foolishly if I walk out having signed and sold 20 of my books!

All the power to you, girl! Perhaps someday we'll meet at one of the Games. I'd be smiling foolishly then, too. For now I seem to be confined to New England.

Cheers!

Mary

By: sneece

sneece — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:31:00 +0000

DG -

I was in the Beech Mountain/Blowing Rock area two weeks after the Games at Gfather Mtn. Friends and family were hiking along Linville Falls and my mom (who is a HUGE fan) mentioned about the area where we were would be in the same territory as Fraser’s Ridge.

Growing up in NC and taking vacations to the mountains instead of the beach, the landscape of Fraser’s Ridge is never too far from my imagination. It is beautiful country and will always have a special place in my heart.

Now I get to go visit up there even more as my little brother is starting his freshman year at App. State. YAY!!

Good to hear from you.
Glad everything is going so well for you.
My condolences to Rosana and her family.
-s

By: Romi

Romi — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

I was in your neck of the woods this past week, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Cave Creek, Arizona and thought about you. Scottsdale is absolutely beautiful. Of course it's also a little bit hot too:-)

I'm so glad you were able to fit in a little bit of traveling and research between writing all those books. Please place "Echo" at the top of the list to finish first! Just a thought. . .

I think it is interesting that my two favorite book series take place in the same area. Your series and Jan Karon's, Mitford series are both centered near Blowing Rock, NC.

By: Spud

Spud — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:48:00 +0000

But what about Doug’s Ear?!?!?

By: pennylicious

pennylicious — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:55:00 +0000

Thanxs for the quick reply, were heading to the gathering next summer and am super excited for all sorts of reasons, it would be great to sit in on a reading which would just top off the trip. I’ll keep an eye for confirmation! take care….