In honor of Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser’s birthday–October 20, 1918– here’s Claire’s first scene from WRITTEN IN MY HEART’S OWN BLOOD. (NO, I don’t have pub date for this book. I’m not done _writing_ it, for heaven’s sake. When it’s done, I’ll tell you, OK? (I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of 2012. Meanwhile, THE SCOTTISH PRISONER and Jamie will perhaps help tide you over–that one comes out next month–November 29th))
WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD
Copyright 2011 Diana Gabaldon
Mrs. Figg was smoothly spherical, gleamingly black, and inclined to glide silently up behind one like a menacing ball-bearing.
“What’s this?” she barked, manifesting herself suddenly behind Jenny.
“Holy Mother of God!” Jenny whirled, eyes round and hand pressed to her chest. “Who in God’s name are you?”
“This is Mrs. Figg,” I said, feeling a surreal urge to laugh, despite–or maybe because of–recent events. “Lord John Grey’s cook. And Mrs. Figg, this is Mrs. Murray. My, um…my…”
“Your good-sister,” Jenny said firmly. She raised one black eyebrow. “If ye’ll have me, still?” Her look was straight and open, and the urge to laugh changed abruptly into an equally strong urge to burst into tears. Of all the unlikely sources of succor I could have imagined… I took a deep breath and put out my hand.
“I’ll have you.”
Her small firm fingers wove through mine, and as simply as that, it was done. No need for apologies or spoken forgiveness. She’d never had to wear the mask that Jamie did. What she thought and felt was there in her eyes, those slanted blue cat-eyes she shared with her brother. She knew me, now, for what I was—and knew I loved—had always loved–her brother with all my heart and soul–despite the minor complications of being presently married to someone else. And that knowledge obliterated years of mistrust, suspicion, and injury.
She heaved a sigh, eyes closing for an instant, then opened them and smiled at me, mouth trembling only a little.
“Well, fine and dandy,” said Mrs. Figg, shortly. She narrowed her eyes and rotated smoothly on her axis, taking in the panorama of destruction. The railing at the top of the stair had been ripped off, and cracked banisters, dented walls, and bloody smudges marked the path of William’s descent. Shattered crystals from the chandelier littered the floor, glinting festively in the light that poured through the open front door, the door itself hanging drunkenly from one hinge.
“Merde on toast,” Mrs. Figg murmured. She turned abruptly to me, her small black-currant eyes still narrowed. “Where’s his lordship?”
“Ah,” I said. This was going to be rather sticky, I saw. While deeply disapproving of most people, Mrs. Figg was devoted to John. She wasn’t going to be at all pleased to hear that he’d been abducted by–
“For that matter, where’s my brother?” Jenny inquired, glancing round as though expecting Jamie to appear suddenly out from under the settee.
“Oh,” I said. “Hm. Well…” Possibly worse than sticky. Because…
“And where’s my Sweet William?” Mrs. Figg demanded, sniffing the air. “He’s been here; I smell that stinky cologne he puts on his linen.” She nudged a dislodged chunk of plaster disapprovingly with the toe of her shoe.
I took another long, deep breath, and a tight grip on what remained of my sanity.
Mrs. Figg,” I said, “perhaps you would be so kind as to make us all a cup of tea?”
[end section]
Fantastic start to the next saga. I’m soooo looking forward to reading what happens next to Jaime and Claire.
Happy birthday, Claire. When I found the Outlander series several years ago, the first 5 books were published. I love history and the possibilities in the universe that science can’t explain. I’ve introduced Jamie and Claire to another friend who loves them as I do. We talk about Jamie and Claire like they are real people. Now my daughter and her partner are reading the series. I love that my children love to read. After reading Echo in 2009 and being left with so many cliff-hangers, I knew I had to re-read the series again to satisfy my craving for more. I know it is generally 3 years between books, but they are worth the wait!
I even found Sara Donati books when I was in Lake Placid, NY and read her series based on a comment from you, Diana, on the cover. I loved the cameo appearance of Claire and Jamie in one of her books.
I love your books, Diana, and am anxiously waiting for “Heart’s Blood” publication. I may have to read them all again. I downloaded the Kindle version for my second reading, so while my daughter is reading the physical books, I can read them, too.
Marge
Marge, I too found Sara’s book based on a comment on the cover by Diana…and too was surprised and delight by the “cameo” appearances by the Outlander cast…
Really enjoyed these too.
I just bought Into the Wilderness based on this recommendation – can’t wait to read it! Although I can’t imagine anything being able to hold a candle to the Outlander series!!!!!
Oh l can’t wait to read the next book ! Have to get the one you just wrote. Thank-you for keeping me happy for these last couple of years! You rock!
Happy Birthday from me too, Claire. Diana — this tantalizing amuse-bouche is really making me clamor for MORE. It’s wonderful. Thank you for the glimpse. Can’t wait for 2013 (right?).
So on facebook diana said she hopes to have the book done by the end of 2012 so with all the proof reading,corrections,design,etc it looks more like mid 2013 before that book is released.unless she means that the whole thing should be done & printed by the end of 2012. Diana can you please clarify this?what is the turnaround time from when you finish writing to book release? Thanks. Lisa, Eureka, Ca.
Many blessings on you birthday, Claire!
Dear Diana, no matter how many times you post excerpts, they always pull a smile on my face. Thank you, and have fun in Surrey.
Happy Birthday to one of the most bad-ass, no-nonsense chicks in literature, Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser…Grey. Wow. Didn’t see that coming when I started that sentence.
So proud to share a birthday with Claire! That litle snippet sure was short! Absolutely LOVE your style of writing. I have all of your books and the audio too! It took me from October to March to listen to the whole Outlander series. Everyone should try the audio version. The narrator is soooo good and everything just seems that much more! I suppose I could go back and listen again just to keep me happy until the new book is out. When I heard the last line in Echo and then nothing, I almost cried. It was such a ooooompf feeling!
Happy Birthday Claire! To a woman who is everything I think every woman would like to emulate, and to the woman who created her, my heartfelt thanks. I feel like I am a part of Claire and Jamies’s family and am dying to hear from them them again. Diana, thank you for creating series of books that can transport us all to another time and immerse us in the lives of the people you create. I realize how exhaustive it must be to produce one of these masterpieces, but it is SO painful waiting for the series to continue. I guess I will have to start from the beginning, once again, to ease the pain.
Ok wait… married to someone else? I am not entirely certain I can bear her married to someone else… or Jamie for that matter, surviving their separation the first time was entirely taxing enough, thank you very much!
Help us and grant me the stamina… such amazing writing! (And of course, Happy Birthday Claire, the most realistic heroine I have ever encountered!). Cheers!
Dear Charlotte–
Have you not read AN ECHO IN THE BONE yet? Ooooo……
–Diana
I read it as soon as it came out, but I don’t remember the part about them getting married either. I really want to go back and read it again, but I remember how upset I was at the end of it, so I think I will wait until it’s closer to release time of Written in My Own Hearts Blood.
Happy Birthday to Claire! Thank you Diana for the wonderful world of Jamie and Claire. I too am excited to see more of Jenny. Enjoy Surrey also!
Happy Birthday, Claire! Diana, how much do you usually write per day? I’m not asking because i’m thinking you write too slowly or something. you write the way you write. It works, obviously, because the result is great. Just curious.
Happy Birthday Claire! I’ve lost track of her age…….she is timeless to me. I just love this series and can’t wait to read the rest.
Have read your series twice and can’t wait for more. The characters become your friends and you are truly interested in their doings. Thank you Diana for great writing and giving me more!!!
PS. Happy Birthday Claire.
Happy birthday, dear Claire. And thank you Diana for this lovely character who has become a friend to so many. You have such a gift which you have shared with the world!
Squee! Happy birthday, Claire!
“Merde on toast.” Thanks for the giggle.
PS – I’m on my second reading of the Outlander series and have convinced my husband to read the books, too.
I urged and nagged my husband until he complied and read the first three books.
Then the cheeky scoundrel went around telling everyone who would listen that they were; bonk, fight, bonk, fight, bonk, books!
I think my husband found Diana’s books to be a guilty pleasure. He did devour the books after all, and stayed up much later in the evening reading them than he would with other books.
Regrettably my husband jibes me all the time about how I might prefer him if he had copper/bronze/golden reid hair and was 8 foot tall. I think he has become vaguely intimidated by Jamie’s character.. Silly men!
Glad your husband enjoyed the books.
Look at the number of deliriously excited posts all in just one day. Millions can’t be wrong.
Cheers.
Janet
I wish some of these people would get a life and stop living through Jamie and Claire. Though I love the Outlander series, there are other fine books out there to keep you busy until Dr. Gabaldon completes her latest book whenever that may be. May I suggest “The Help” for starters. Really people, this obsession with the characters in the Outlander series, as facinating and real as they are, is not healthy.
Good health and good reading to all.
Anne
Dear Anne–
Oh, I’m sure that people who read my books do indeed read lots of others. {g} It is, after all, quite some time between books. I haven’t any objection to readers looking forward to a new release, though–I do that myself with series that I enjoy.
–Diana
Dear Anne,
I know it may seem like we are obsessed with J&C’s story, well I guess you could be right. Before Outlander the last time I read a book had been at least 15 yrs. Loved reading as a young girl. My best friend said read this (the Outlander series) and now i haven’t stopped reading. Discovered other authors that have intrigued me, but not quite like Diana does, but are still wonderful reads. I’m usually not able to picture what is being described in books, but with the way Diana writes, I’m able to do that.
Don’t be to hard on us, I’ve gotten back the one thing I used to love to do and now my daughter is reading just as much as i am ( be a few yrs before she can read this series tho ) =)
Glad to know somebody is staying grounded, help keep the rest of us in touch with reality!!! hahahahahaha!!!!
Which authors and series are your favorites? I need something to get me through until MOBY arrives.
Ouch
Geraldine Brooks is rather good if you are seeking ‘Gabaldon’ methadone. You might enjoy Geraldine’s latest, ‘Caleb’s Crossing’, ‘People of the Book’, or ‘Year of Wonders.’
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll sure give Geraldine a try. It’s just that nothing so far has measured up to Diana and this series!!!!
I empathize with you completely. NOTHING COMPARES TO DIANA.
Definition of obsess : preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually,intrusively, and to a troubling extent.
The waiting, the anxiety and the expectation certainly makes it troubling. YES, it fits. YES I AM happily and must definitely obsessed !!!
Yes, I love, LOVE the Outlander series.
I am now reading Pat Conroy whose style I also love. I’ve read many, many other books, but I always, always go back to Jamie and Claire.
Happy Birthday Claire, whenever you are… and thank you Diana.
definitely agree! Definitely obessed! Having no problem with that… LOVE the books. Can’t wait for the next one!
Well Anne, I must say first of all that The Outlander Series has been one of my favourites for A GREAT many years, I do enjoy other GOOD writers. I also like the unsual genre of books. I was a HUGE Harry Potter fan before I ever read Dianaà books., by the ever enjoyable J.K.Rowling, and lately have gotten hooked “On a Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. ( I’t makes me wonder if he’s the vampire person someone menstions.) But he may not be a 6′ 4″ warm blooded and redhead, but by the sounds of him, I wouldn’t be pushing him out of bed for eating crackers.mm
Deborah brings out her second book in 2012 also. What intringued me was that the heroine “Diana” (now how appropriate is a time walker.lol…. You don’t acctualy do any time walking to get your ideas do you Diana? lol
Both these authors are world class authors in my book. Any author who leaves me wanting more gets my vote. My shelves are filled with the fun escapist books I`ve read over the years and there are pleanty out there. I’m also reading “The wilderness` series by Sara Donati, she’s not Diana but by George it’s a good book.
All you have do is look and there are a gazilion books out there and I’m sure one has you name on it. Don’t give up hope, just do like the rest of us, read something else then go back to the Gabaldon family for refresher courses. We have a book readong at least once a month, when a bunch of us take turn at each other`s houses, no kids, no hubbies, just good glean fun and giggles, and bring our favourite, chapter, loves scene, suspense, etc… and we read excerpts from them. A bit of wine, a few munchies and good laughs and fun all around. We invited new members and also get them hooked. Since the “ladaie’s of Lollybock” was already taken we’ve been searching around for a name. Any idea’? I guess we could addopt` Gabaldon’s Guttsy Gal’s `but I would never use iher name without her consent.
Ah Well…we here at home, still nameless will continue doing what we are. Never know, and idea could be in the making right now, and for those of us who are homebound, or too far away wwe could get toghether online. Get together some friends and try it out. You may all like it LET`S SEE IF WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Whatcha think Diana? I’m not too savy am I encroching on any sessitive subjects?…..Fran
We like to think of it as an addiction, not an obsession….. and we can stop anytime …… if we wanted to……
Dear Anne —
Not sure “obsessed” is the right word, though — and “living through Jamie and Claire” for me is the interest of a family member — as I’m sure it is with so many — as indicated in the comments.
I have been reading other books, Sara Donati has an interesting series of six or so, as well as non-fiction about Scotland, but I always go back to the Outlander series, re-reading, & marking with “stickies.”
Reading the Outlander series has sparked an interest in my own families history; thus the Scots non-fiction of Bruce, Stuart/Stewart. And from so many comments, this is similar to many others.
DG’s series must be doing wonders for the tourism industry in Scotland!
I have started a “Scotland fund” for an extended trip to Scotland in 2013!!
Happy Birthday Claire!! Can’t wait for the next book either. I love Claire’s outlook on life and her dry British humor.
What am I replying to? I just left a response and it is undergoing moderation??
Best wishes,
Anne
Dear Anne–
It’s something the site does, to prevent spam. Don’t worry about it.
–Diana
Happy birthday Claire!!
And I can’t wait till this book is out!! Hehe I’m excited to see how everything turns out!!