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]
Happy Birthday, Claire!!
Thanks for the excerpt, Diana!
Thank you Diana for the excerpt, I can tell that it’s going to be good!
Thank you Diana for your wonderful writing and the “gift” to us of lines from the continuation of the Jamie/Claire saga. Your writing is by far the most superbly “real” fiction.
I read everyone’s comments, and they all express my own feelings and thoughts (except for one). Now I know that I am not alone in re reading all your books, craving more and praying the series will never end. My dream is to be able to visit Scotland someday and visit all the places with standing stones.
You have blessed so many people all over the world with your talent. I fail to find the words to convey the extent of my feelings. You are much loved and appreciated. Now to thank my friend Shirley, who told me to read “Outlander”. Diana, you have surpassed every other author/book I have read. Blessings to you, dear Diana.
Happy Birthday to Claire… Ever lasting thanks to You Diana, and thanks also to all the other avid, obsessed fans… I knew I couldn’t be the only crazy person out there who loves this series so much that re-reading all the books can still be such a source of joy!!!
Dearly love the Outlander series. Diana, I’m 65 and hoping I’m around for the last book. If it takes you two years to write a book, I figure I’ll be around for five!
Love it, Diana! Am rereading the series right now.
Dear Diana,
I like reading your blogs (and the books of course!!!) and often wonder how involved you are with your fans. I´ve never found such a commitment by any writer in Germany. It impresses me on how many ways you get in contact with us. How often fans ask the same questions you always answer them so politely and patiently over and over again. Thank you very much for that!!!! In my job I have to tell people all day long the same things, so I know, how hard it can be to do so (g).
While looking through the photos on your website I found some which were taken in Trier. That is where I come from. You seem to have been here. Funny! In Germany they say: sometimes the world is a village. Hope you know what I mean.
Thank you,
Christine
Thank you for the Happy Birthday Claire tidbit! I hope Claire got a great present too, since her fans did.
A friend of mine saw me reading an Isaac Asimov book at work (I’m a Sci-Fi freak). She said “I have a book you might want to read” The next day, she brought in Outlander. I was so hooked that I read in a day and a half. I’ve been a fan ever since, I have them all. I know before every new book comes out, I can take the time to read the previous one to keep up to date. My latest one was your short story in Songs of Love and Death. OK, I’ll admit, I bought it because you had a short story in it and it was amazing, but, all the others were great! I’ll be patient, I’m glad Jenny is back with Jamie and Ian.
Happy Birthday Claire!
I suppose one could say that I had the serendipitous occasion of stumbling upon your book series just last year. As a lover if historical fiction too, my mother recommended Outlander to me. Since this time last year, I have read all of the published Outlander and Lord John books, sometimes at the price of a sleepless night just to see what would happen next. I had the luxury of not waiting in between books and even for a bit, the assumption that the series was complete. The last three months of no reading material left in the series has left me feeling a bit depraved, since I could read without cessation all the time previous.
Now I kind of live vicariously through the friends to whom I have recommended your books as they share their excitement, and continuing the love if your books for a younger gender generation who were not yet birn when the series began.
Thank you!!!
Wishing you all the best on your special day Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser.
My friend Sahar and myself are in love with the Fraser’s.
We are both avid readers but Jamie & Claire are written in our hearts forever.
Thank you for the many hours of escape your novels have provided.
Tammy
Diana,
There is nothing left to say as everyone here has said it all. You are an amazing woman and I thank you for giving us this book to look forward to. In a world where life is so hectic and serious it is nice to have an escape and that is what you have given us. Thank you a million times over. Like all the other fans I too can’t wait for the book to be finished but I understand that you are only human and can only get it done when it is done. In the mean time I will re-read the series for the third time in anticipation for the new book.
Happy Birthday Claire!!!!!!!!!
After scrolling through hundreds of responses that all reflect my same feelings of love for your books and characters, along with feelings of angst, longing, excitement and pain waiting for the next one, I know that I am in marvelous company! Your writing is amazing, and the characters have woven their way into my life. I, too, have read the series more times than I can count and have to force myself to put them away and read something else, but I always feel the pull to come back! Eagerly anticipating the new release in November and loving the Daily Lines on Facebook. The new book can’t come soon enough…Diana, order Chinese food for the family and keep writing! Please!
Happy Birthday, Claire! My own Claire, nearly ten, was born Nov. 1!
ohhhhhhhhhhhh hurry! hurry!
I keep going back to the first part of “Outlander” where Frank runs into Jamie’s spirit, and wonder how that scene will fit in with the finished story. Since 1997 I’ve been wondering!
Truly, no other book I’ve ever read has entranced and grabbed a hold of me like these do. Thank you for writing and sharing your imagination with us!
Could someone please clarify for me if “Written in my Own Heart’s Blood” is book 8 in the Outlander series? I love the littel exerpts I get on facebook but am confused at to where this book fits in. Thanks!!
Dear Debbie–
Yes, WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD (“Moby” for short) is indeed the 8th book in the main series.
–Diana
So many reading recommendations buried in these comments.. is there a way to add a section to the blog to keep them all in one place? Maybe separate from the methadone list or next to it?
Thanks for the excerpt !
Have been reading your books since Outlander was the only one but I do read other books as well. Don’t really like audio books as they are distracting. When I read words, I am hearing them in my head and someone else’s voice doesn’t sound right. Have reread the books when each new one has come out, and maybe an extra time or two. You gave us this teaser a while ago on your works in progress. I was delighted to finally meet you at the Eagle Eye Book Store signing in Decatur, Ga. during Dragoncon and appreciated your signing two of my books: The Exile and the anniversery copy of Outlander. Also, enjoyed the talk before the signings. You must have been a very popular professor for Anatomy and Physiology. I don’t remember my instructor holding everyone’s attention as well as you did. Hoave the Scottish Prisoner on order and did enjoy Lord John and the Plague of Zombies (as well as most of the other stories in the book). Happy Birthday to Claire. Don’t think I have seen so many responses in so short a time before.
Dearest Diana,
Firstly, Happy Birthday to Claire! Someday I plan to write to you and explain how your writing has changed my life! There are so many similarities between your characters, settings, and other weird associations which are woven into my own life, that I cannot help but wonder if there are really some other forces at work? There is too much to go into, but I will start with this introduction, and simply express how you have ruined me for other author’s writing, as they leave me empty since I read your first book, “The Outlander”, many years ago when you had just completed the trilogy. I had sought out your work, after reading a book by another female author, (sorry, cannot remember her name) but that was her first book, and you assisted her, I liked the book, and then I found “Outlander”! You have to be so strong, and I do not see how you can cover all of your ground, as you do, maybe their is something to those standing stones!
Best,
Deb
Happy Belated Birthday Claire…I just checked your website today. October 20th is also my wedding anniversary – it’s 27 years now – how time flies! I didn’t remember her birthday being that date but now I do, smile.
Now, it’s interesting when I read your blog above… you wrote “…first scene WRITTEN IN MY HEART’S OWN BLOOD…” and then below your excerpt for the next book “WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD”… it makes me smile. Which title will it be? I kind of like the first one – my heart’s own blood.
It does not matter to me which title you choose, they all are terrific titles. Take all your time in writing and don’t mind those who want you to hurry… they have no idea it takes time to write an excellent story. You are truly special. Thank you.
Rita
Hello Diana,
I didn’t know where else to post this. I wanted you to know that you are a wonderful (and fastidious) teacher, and that the three hours flew by on Thursday. (So relieved to find out that “Sex AND Violence” are legitimate themes.) I feel so fortunate. (It seems to be what falls out of my head and on to the page.) (As well as digressing in paranthese).
Looking forward to writing with your guide lines and examples.
The Devil sits on my shoulder.