What do you-all do when a new birthday looms—or stretches out enticingly before you, like a friendly dog wanting a belly-rub? Look back? Look forward? Or just sit quietly and enjoy the moment?
I’m inclined to the last option there. I try to take a few deliberate minutes, to sit in my office in the depths of the night and Just Be. Whatever I am now, I won’t be again. On the other hand, what I am now, and what I’ve been every day since I was conceived, will go on with me in some form.
But it’s worthwhile checking, to see what’s me, and what might be mere baggage that I’m carrying—for myself, or another. Nothing wrong with baggage, but you ought to pack carefully; you don’t know how far you may have to carry it.
And, like Claire—you may have only today in which to prepare.
[Excerpt from UNTITLED BOOK 10, Copyright © 2023 Diana Gabaldon. No spoilers if you’ve read GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE, but if you haven’t, then there definitely are…]
I woke with a list in my head. This was by no means unusual, but this list came with a spurt of adrenaline attached. I had—at most—only today in which to prepare not only to leave the Ridge for an unknown stretch of time, but to prepare the Ridge for being left.
I swung my feet out of bed, heart already speeding up, and then sat for a moment, trying to focus on what had to be done first. Well, that was simple… I fished the chamberpot out from under the bed and saw that it was clean and dry. Which meant either that Jamie had risen early and considerately gone out to the privy, or that he’d got up in the night and pissed out the window. While I had personally never felt the lack of a penis, I did admit that it was a handy thing to have along on a picnic…
My own sanitary needs being accomplished, I was clear-headed enough to brush my teeth, splash water over my face and run my wet hands through my hair. The hair was unlikely to be improved by the experience, but my hands were dry enough to pull my stockings on.
List…
Find something like coffee.
Drink coffee-like substance.
Eat whatever was left over from yesterday’s feast, while inspecting pantry, pie-safe, simples closet and large cauldron Compile mental sublist of things to be found, things needing to be collected or dug up, put in cauldron to begin cooking…
Sylvia and her daughters had ceremoniously removed to Bobby’s cabin last night. I was happy for them all, but it did leave me somewhat short-handed. So… summon Fanny, Joanie and Fizzy and give them my list to start working on. Find Bree and run through separate list of people who might give trouble—medical, political or otherwise—over the next… how long?
“God knows,” I muttered. William had been looking for Lord John for three months [ck time]; what if Richardson had decided to take him to London and denounce him to the House of Lords or something?
Find Roger…. no, Jamie would already have found Roger and informed him that he was now, de facto, Himself for the foreseeable future.
Back to the list… By now, I was padding downstairs in my stocking-feet, shoes in hand.
Send Jem or Germain or the girls for Jenny and Rachel. Feed them first, my subconscious chimed in.
I inhaled hopefully. Yes, I could smell porridge and toast. And bacon? Yes, definitely bacon. Likely they were already eating, then. I was ravenous, in spite of everything I’d eaten yesterday.
Would Jenny and Rachel want to come down to the big house while Ian was gone with us? Company and help for Brianna… all those children… but then there were Jenny’s goats to be considered…
I emerged into the kitchen, to find William seated at the table, surrounded by children and closely attended by Fanny, armed with a platter of crispy bacon and a pot of peach jam.
“Mother Claire!” William half-rose to greet me, prevented from pushing back the bench to stand up by the weight of the children sharing said bench. “Er… how are you?”
“Somewhat better than you, probably,” I said, sitting down on a spare stool to put my shoes on. “Did you sleep at all last night?” He was very thin; his cheekbones showed like blades and his skin was an unhealthy sort of grayish-yellow under his tan. This looked still more disagreeable by contrast with his sprouting beard, which was red.
“I don’t remember sleeping, he said, rubbing a hand over his stubble, “but I definitely woke up, so I must have. I feel much better,” he assured me, taking a handful of bacon from Fanny’s platter. “Or I will, as soon as I’ve eaten. Thank you, Frances.”
“You should have milk, too,” she informed him. “To coat the insides of your stomach, after everything you drank last night.”
“Everything I drank?” A look of amusement crossed his face, despite the signs of road-weariness and hangover. “Were you keeping count, Frances? How very thoughtful of you. You’ll make some lucky man an excellent wife one day.”
She blushed crimson, but he smiled at her, and she gulped air and managed a tiny simper in return before tottering off to fetch more toast.
“What did I drink last night?” William asked me, lowering his voice. “I admit that I don’t recall very much about last night. I was… so very much relieved. To—to have…”
“Reached shelter?” I asked, sympathetically. “I imagine so. You’ve been alone for quite a while.”
He paused for moment, spreading jam on a slice of toast, then said quietly, “I have. Thank you. For—” he gestured briefly round the lively kitchen, then cleared his throat. “Do you think—er, that Mister Fraser will be…”
“Back soon? Yes.” He offered me the toast and I took it. I was starving and it was delicious, warm and crunchy and sweet. “Fanny?” I said, swallowing. “Has Mr. Fraser had any breakfast?”
“Yes’m,” she said. “He was just going out when I came down, but he had a piece of fried chicken in his hand.”
“Did he say where he was going?”
“No, ma’am. He wasn’t armed,” she added helpfully. “Except his knife.”
“His dirk, or the little knife?” Her smooth brow crinkled in concentration, then relaxed.
“Both.”
He was leaving the property, then, but not going far.
Thank you Diana. Do you remember what Claire said to Jamie on their wedding night? Well, Don’t STOP! I ain’t leaving this earth until you finish the whole series and then I am going for a re-read! I am 73 now, I figure I have time.
Hope you and yours are well and I know you are busy. Like I said ‘Don’t stop!”
Just thought I would drop in and let you know Arved and I are planning to move to Guatemala in about a year. I can say “Donde es el bano?” which is essential to my traveling experience. Neither of us can stomach Florida much anymore. Though I am amused by the idea that Orlando may become a Expansion town for the NFL
They can always name the team the “Mouseketeers”.
Do have fun and I will stay in touch on and off
Anna
Len,
I, too, started with the TV series. I looked at the books online and said “No way.” I was a lit major in college (long, long ago) and was snooty about “romance novels” not written by one of the Brontes. But then I read the first novel and could not put them down and not just once but three times! Then I realized I was like Claire when it came to American history and I read several biogs of the founders, the Federalist papers and a military history, of all things. I was so impressed with Diana’s research. But most of all, I loved Sam and Catriona’s bringing Claire and Jamie acting on screen. They perfectly embody the characters.
Is it ok to read the entire series for the third time thru? Plus I’ve read a few books 4 or 5 times! You are the most fun, informational, dynamic, endearing writer I have ever encountered in 70 years of compulsive reading! I have learned so much from you! Thank you!
Hi I am a newbee to blogs etc (at 84) So you wrote this 2 days before my Birthday. What a wonderful present. I can’t wait ( but i guess i have too) for Book 10. I started reading Outlander late, just a few years ago. I started with the TV shows. When the 5th book (series) came out I decided to buy the DVD. My daughter was in town and seeing what I planned to do said NO WAY, you must read the book(s) So back to B&N returned to DVD and have been reading ever since. The main thing about the DVDs is that I “know” what Jamie and Claire look like.
Happy belated birthday!
My daughter is a Capricorn as well. I feel like you share many life values and approaches with her. She just turned 40 a few days ago. This description of a Capricorn resonates with both you and my daughter IMO and also from what I read in your books and blogs! —Family, tradition, music, understated status, quality craftsmanship—!
And in the new book text above again how we embrace family! indeed!
My mother’s birthday was 11 January too. She would be 110 had she not inconveniently died; she had the Capricorn qualities and interests except that she was not very interested in music. She had black hair and blue eyes and died in 1976, but I miss her often.
I know what Jamie ans Claire look like so I havw not watched the television programmes. I have read the nine books and look forward to the 10th. I’m 84 so don’t waste any time!
Hi,
Glad you enjoy the Outlander books. But…
Diana never wastes her time. Telling Diana you are a certain age (and adding a back-handed scolding too) doesn’t help/inspire her do the creative work and historical research any faster, just like you can’t cut corners when baking a cake! Nor does it shame her into working more hours or whatever it is folks expect her to do. I’ve known her many years and she is one of the most devoted and hard-working people I’ve ever met. Her books and the tv show have inspired millions of people around the world. Yeah, it takes years to write a 700 to 800 page book.
Yet some folks feel they can tell her not to WASTE any time? One reader a few years ago told her to “stay home” and quit travelling (which is part of the job of an author, and also part of her historical research), and do nothing but write. Diana works hard for her readers, and also has a husband, a life, and family. Geez.
Life is better when we don’t focus on the end of it, no matter what our ages. By the way, you must have seen that Diana is 71 years young as of January 11, 2023 by reading her blog post? She looks much younger because of her outlook on life. Diana savors every day and makes the most of it, which we all should do.
Regards,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
69 years young
Happy Belated Birthday Diana!
So sorry for the late response. I had part of my lung removed in December (merry Christmas to me lol) to hopefully help stop the spread of some pesky tumours.
My last year was a tough one, I’m not going to lie, but my birthday is coming in March and I bought your book when it came out but have simply been too sick to read it. I’ve started at the beginning of the series again to refresh my memory and am enjoying every second.
I always tell people to read your books and when they ask what they are about I say “amazing history, and the greatest Love story ever told”
Thanks for all your hard work, it’s so appreciated.
K
Hello Ms. Gabaldon,
Just read the excerpt from Jan.11, 2023 (Happy Birthday). I have a question about the presence of Germain on the ridge. Didn’t Bree and Rodger return him to his parents? Have I thrice missed him being taken back to his grandparents?
Happy Birthday Diana and many more!
I too take stock on my birthday. I try to figure out how I’m doing and how much longer I’m likely to live. I’m 68 years-old now. I wonder if I’ll live long enough to accomplish the goals set for myself. Five years ago I suffered a massive stroke and had to learn to read and walk again. Your books have been life savers for me. I read them over and over again. All nine, plus the Lord John books! And I’m walking about a mile or two every day now. (My Peak Challenge) So I feel mostly recovered.
Thank you for all you have done for me!
Okay, so I am a bit new to the Outlander world, but I am loving it! I am deep into a Breath of Snow and Ashes, though I have already read all the Lord John books and the mini stories. I am heart broken that the series will end prior to book 10 being available. I have on occasion read how readers somehow believe that Jamie plants those Forget-me-nots. However, has it never occurred to anyone that it would make sense that Claire plants them? If Jamie is a ghost in book one, waiting on Claire the night before she goes though the stones for the first time, then she has to go back to the future in the end. I think that Jamie will pass before Claire, in Scotland, and as a testimony of “no regrets” Claire will plant those flowers and step back into the 20th century. It allows the story to truly come full circle. It is a way for Claire to make a final statement of – “I have lived my life, and I would not change it.” How many of us get to make that choice? Making the entire series not merely a love story between two people, but also a story of one looking back on their own journey. I pray that one day, as I step through to the other side, I will look back on my own journey. Concluding that the tiniest details of a life well lived (as DG always so brilliantly includes) provided a happiness and peace that far outweighed life’s deepest sorrows.
Happy birthday to you…and to me! My husband reminded me on January 11 that we share a birthday and tonight I remembered to check and see how you had spent yours. I turned 70 this year, so am just a bit behind you. I cannot wait for book 10 and have read all of your other books including the big Outlander Companions and all the notes (I love the notes) …watched (and re-watched) the series, and am totally addicted. Wishing you a spectacular year! Happy, happy birthday! And many thanks for your amazing work from a fellow January 11th woman!
Your writing inspires me, Diana – I’m a bibliophile who deeply appreciates vocabulary – I keep a list of “yummy words”, many of which I have discovered through your writing. My birthday is the day after yours (every year!) and many celebration plans have been shelved due to blizzards so I can relate to your birthday stories; I live in Edmonton, AB though! I have just noticed on your “photos” page that you are also owned by dachshunds as am I (mostly serially – I’ve belonged to 4 in all); my current one is named Gidget Bean, or Gigi, if we’re speaking French.
The Outlander books are a delight for me as they are chock full of the things I love; medical procedures and information (I was an NICU nurse), history, science, nature, and well-developed characters. Oh, and Scottish accents. I’m a lifelong learner, curious about everything from gene technology and immunology, to developmental forensics, to women’s participation in WWII and the Acadian diaspora. I love to write, but my brain goes faster than my hands, plus I use too many apostrophes and commas (according to my thesis committee).
I’ve been pretty housebound since the arrival of COVID as I have a Primary Immune Disorder (No IgA) but I keep myself busy reading, researching and reclaiming my Acadian heritage by learning to “parle francais” with online conversation classes. And re-reading the Outlander books!
Good morning Diana,
Finished my second read of Bees last evening. Echoing Anna’s post – at 77, I refuse to pass from this earth until I’ve finished the last book in the series! Started reading and collecting your books when Outlander first published and had the pleasure of seeing you in Maine at a signing for Voyager in ’94.
Can’t really explain it, but you write with such beautiful descriptions that I don’t just read, I feel as though I am there with the characters. Thank you for the absolute gift of reading your books and the guidance you give to the production of the TV series to bring your work faithfully to the screen.
Sylvia
Hello Diana,
I’m through Bees and each of the series in sequence for the 2nd time. This second time through I read along with Devina Porter’s narration, which brought excellent audio to my personal visuals. I will have a third go while you create Book 10. Thank you for the Very Fine Excerpt!
Your writing ✍️ brings an array of emotions, especially joy of living. Which enhances enjoyment of my own life. Thank you for your work!
With Admiration Yr. Mst. Obt, ZoeV
Happy belated Birthday Diana, loved your reflection on the day! I’m not much of a fiction fan, but gosh I do love this series. I’m very much looking forward to book 10 and secretly hoping you change your mind and have an 11 inside of you also. Thank you so much for the hours and hours of adventure!
bonjour diana je suis une fan inconditionnelle de la serie outlander que ce soit les livres que j ai tous lus ou la serie de tout les episodes vus sur netflix que d ailleurs j ai revus plusieurs fois ma question est je viens de finir l adieu des abeilles partie2 aura- t il une suite ?etant donner comment ce fini le livre l arrivee de william qui demande de l aide a jamie fraser ca laisse a croire qu il y aura une suite et je l espere merci de bien vouloir me repondre bon courage a vous
Bonjour,
Diana travaille actuellement sur le livre dix des romans Outlander, qui suivront BEES. Elle a déclaré que ce prochain livre serait probablement le dernier à se concentrer sur Jamie et Claire.
Page Web du livre dix de Diana avec des extraits:
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/books/outlander-series/book-ten-no-title-yet/
Après le livre dix, elle prévoit d’écrire un livre sur les parents de Jamie. Et peut-être un sur Maître Raymond.
Starz a annoncé que la saison 8 serait la dernière de la série télévisée Outlander. Ensuite, une série télévisée préquelle sur les parents de Jamie est prévue.
I’m so… excited about this new book. I love William and cant wait for him to find his true love. I just laugh hard every time he finds a new love interest and I think “oh boy, you’re so young and naive”.
I’m brazillian and despite living abroad, I usually wait for my portuguese version to read your books (even tho, living in Ireland, the scottish/old words and so are hard to keep up as a non native english speaker). Somehow I didn’t had the time to sit and read (and appreciate) it for a couple of years, so I’ve just waited for the right moment.
Suddenly, with book 8 and 9 on my hands, I’ve take my vation time to read the whole thing… and wow… 10 days. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the time gonne so quickly, and now I’m looking around the internet to find any thing related with your books. IM LIVING FOR IT.
I’ve been your fan since I was a teen and I’m 31 now. I went to Scotland and visit some of the most famous series sets (and brought friend who didnt kew about it).
Anyway, please, keep writting for us okay? Keep this wonderful world alive. I want to love “new” characters (Hal) and hate (Amaranthus) as long as you want to writte.
Diana, you are a brilliant author!
I hope you hurry up and finish book 10. At the age of 85, I don’t have a lot of time left, unless I manage to live to be 113 as I would like to. Hopeful, but not entirely reasonable.
I’ve read everything you’ve written. Just finished reading the “Outlander” series for the 4th time.
So, kindly get ‘busier’! Please…
In sincere admiration for your talent,
Susan
Good day. I of course am a huge fan so this a nitpick. I am re-reading Bees and find the character of Mandy off-putting. Roger and Bree do not seem to correct her, even in a loving way. I know she’s a small child/toddler but even they can be trained to not say Shut Up! That is a very aggressive phrase. I think they should encourage her to say Be Quiet! Just my 2 cents. Looking forward to the next one with great anticipation.
Best regards
Patty
I know this is probably a bit- well, a bit of something, but I would love to see William and Frances together. I realize that may sound a bit crazy considering their very different social standings in that era. But I can always hope. My other hope, at almost 75 (I hired a band and am having a birthday dance party May 27, and yes, I will be dancing all night), I hope I make it to read book 10. I love your writing and that series, in particular.
Thank you for your gifts to us!
Blithe Allison Reed
Thank you Diana for sharing with us the gift of writing that God has given you. I love Outlander.
Lona
Loved book 9 and looking forward to book 10.
Lona
Anna,
I will be 75 in October, so I’m not sure I’ll live to read the last novel. I was assured by one of Diana’s assistants that she would not kill Claire and Jamie off. I hope that’s still Diana’s intention.
Whatever Diana has in store for us and her characters, may it be in my sentient lifetime.
Hi, Rebecca,
I know Diana’s assistant (she only has one) very well, and to my knowledge Susan does not reveal future plots to readers. The only person who reads ALL of Diana’s writing besides her publisher is her husband, and he doesn’t reveal secrets either. So you must have read a rumor from somewhere. I snoop around online and there’s all kinds of crap that people make up about Diana and her work. Believe only what you read here on Diana’s webpages and on her official Facebook and Twitter accounts. Oh, and responses she adds herself on the Lit Forum.
Feel free to send me screenshots of anyone saying they are Diana’s assistant (or anyone else close to her) and are giving away plots of future books and I will track it down online. Then publicly post that it is malarkey after showing it to Diana.
Diana has never promised that she would keep every character alive forever. Or not! She has publicly said that the mystery of Jamie’s ghost that Frank sees in OUTLANDER will be revealed “in the last book”. But she never said WHAT is going to happen! Or to whom!
That’s the great adventure, seeing where the great story of Jamie and Claire goes when the next book comes out! And a great author like Diana never gives away the plot of a new novel before it is published. So please don’t worry. Whatever happens it will be great, I think.
Diana was 71 on January 11, 2023, by the way. Only four years younger than you. She’s planning on being here for many years, and so am I at age 69! If the good Lord (or Goddess of life) wills it, we’ll all be here for Book Ten. Then the prequel book about Jamie’s parents. The future book about Master Raymond. And whatever else Diana creates! So eat your Wheaties, take your vitamins, drink plenty of water, and exercise!
It is so depressing to me that so many people say “I dunno if I’ll be here for the next book!” Folks have been honking that since OUTLANDER came out in 1991. Hundreds of people. As if Diana is holding back or something. Nope. She is totally dedicated to her readers and tv series fans. An 800 page book takes awhile to write, especially with all of the real history that she folds into them. Plenty of articles about her creative process are listed and linked to on her main home page, as well as under the Resources menu. Books and historical research are a LOT of work!
Please look at the glass as half full! Every day we are alive is precious. Gotta think positive, no matter what the topic is. May you live long and prosper, and enjoy Book Ten at least.
Regards,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress