I just watched a video of Diana Gabaldon speaking at an open house for Random House Publishing. She was her own delightful self. I love her laugh which is what I would describe as a chuckle. She laughs quite often and I love that about her. I love that she seems to find the humor in almost any situation and can laugh at life’s ironies. I also love that she can still be touched by a readers’ expression of gratitude after twenty-eight years of adoration. The very last question of the open house was asked by an audience member. We never got to see her face, but the sincerity in her voice when she expressed how profoundly the books had impacted her life and lives of millions of others caused my eyes to tear because my own life has been deeply and positively impacted by Diana’s story. The fan asked Diana how it felt as an artist to know your efforts had this kind of impact. Diana was obviously moved by the question and shared a personal story.
She said as a writer you cannot write with the intent to affect people because you don’t know if what you write will have an affect. You can only do your best and if you are lucky you will positively affect people. She then went on to explain a bit more about how she knew she was meant to be a writer at eight years old. She was raised in a Catholic home and attended a Catholic school. She said she was riding in a car with her parents and was trying on prayer talking to God when things were quiet. She said she told him she thought that what she wanted to do was write the kind of books that lift people up and that God told her that was okay. The audience clapped as she finished her voice quieted with emotion.
Because of my blog, I’ve been fortunate to hear many stories of how Diana’s books about a man and a woman who strive to love unconditionally and live with integrity have impacted lives. A comment I often hear said about Outlander’s characters is they feel like family and that readers have found solace and inspiration in Jamie and Claire’s struggles and victories. From marriages, to forgiveness, to how to deal with tragedy, the story has had a profound affect on lives. Personally, I have jokingly said that Outlander has become my point of reference. All questions can be answered with an example from Outlander! This is one of the benefits of reading a big book with substantive plots and nuanced characters that evolve over time. The relationships and people in her stories feel real. So real, in fact, I’ve been accused of writing about them as if they were actual people. I’ll own up to that accusation and add that my ability to analyze these characters is a testament to Diana’s skill as a writer. They are as close to real people as I have ever read. These books make me feel and think and laugh and cry, nod my head in recognition of life’s truths, and sometimes find peace escaping with Claire through the stones.
Outlander has become more than my favorite story. It has been a catalyst in my life. I discovered my love of writing because of Outlander. I have new friends because of Outlander. I have gained new experiences and taken chances that resulted in my life being enriched because of Outlander. For instance, this week Nataly Shlenzina, who administers an Outlander fan blog and page in Russia, wrote to ask if I would wish one of their members a happy birthday. She shared that the birthday girl is my own Russian translator. Julia Corovina of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia translates my articles for the fans in Russia. Julia teaches at an Art College and I’m told even when she is very busy she asks that they not give my articles to anyone else because she is fond of translating them. The fan group is called OutlanderVK http://vk.com/outlandervk http://vk.com it’s a Russian social network like http://fb.com . I am always a bit amazed when people write me about what I write! It is very encouraging. Like Diana has said, “that stuff is like catnip for writers!” I think I’ve gotten a small taste of what she must feel when people thank her for her writing. It is very humbling to know people enjoy what you write. You all, I’m being translated into Russian!!!!!!
Thank you Julia!
I am certainly not the only one who has been inspired to create in this fandom I just got back from The Thru The Stone fan convention in Iowa and the creativity and love for Outlander was everywhere! I was so impressed I just had to let Diana know!
This was such a great experience that happened all because you wrote a book Diana Gabaldon! http://wp.me/p4mtBT-5db
Comments
I am only too aware of who I have to thank for my blog and my discovered love of writing, Outlander and …God… for telling a little eight year old girl that her dream of being a writer was okay.
Thank you Diana for sharing your gifts with us… xoxo.
My Outlander Blog! 
Berh, have you seen her in person? I have, several times, as I live in Phoenix. Diana is very down to earth, no pretense, even blunt, funny. Have you gotten the Making of Outlander book, yet? It’s quite informative.
I haven’t gotten the book yet and yes I’ve met her twice!
Amen to Diana and you, Beth!
TY!
Thoroughly enjoyed that interview with Diana. Peeking into her process was especially fun; the amber light from the goblet pooling on the polished table. Diana’s characters do seem real to many of us, it’s so hard to explain that to others. Life changing indeed. As always I enjoy your writing. For me reading your words puts all the scattered puzzle pieces in my brain together forming a clear picture. I don’t read many Outlander articles but I always look forward to yours.
Melly thank you for such a lovely compliment !
I admire most authors but I can tell u Diana has a special place in my heart I wrote to her on Facebook that during my mom;s bedside dealing with kidney cancer and slowly dying I read Outlander books to her. Unfortunately she did not live to see Starz production. I told her that when I was married I too lost a child and this hit home for me and destroyed my marriage too. Thank u for your blogs I enjoy them. Looking forward to your next one. Will look for the Random House interview.
Thank you Francine. Happy Holidays!
Hallo, Beth. Yes, that`s me, Julia Korovina from Krasnoyarsk. Finally I`ve had a courage to wright to you here. First I want to thank you very mach for your`s congratulations and attention. It was soooo unexpected and soooo fantastic! My birthday was wonderful because of my family, my friends and… Outlander Universe in which we are belong.
I want to tell you about how my life changed since I saw on TV teaser of Outlander series. I decided that first I want to read the book and then I will watch the show. And my life had change entirely. I had not only opened beautiful Outlander world. I began to read in English. Yes, Diana`s “A breath of snow and ashes” was the first English book I read in my life! That was because of only 5 books were translaned in Russian, and I just could not wait! And then I`d found out about our fun club in Social Media, met with people there, who became my good friends… and became a translator.
And then I began to read and translate your`s wonderful articles. I want to say you, how I LOVE THEM! I feel like my very close friend talk to me, Friend, who knows what I think and feel, friend, who`s sense of humor is very much like mine and who`s wisdom warms my heart and soul. Through them I learn another pepole`s opinions, the new English and American idioms, and then I try to convey meaning and stile of your`s beautiful writings. This is a great pleasure for me. And I agree with you: “I am only too aware of who I have to thank for my blog and my discovered love of writing, Outlander and …God… for telling a little eight year old girl that her dream of being a writer was okay.
Thank you Diana for sharing your gifts with us… ”
I hope that from now we will communicate here, or maby in Twitter, where I`ll try to accustom… 🙂
Good morning! What a lovely surprise to wake up to your comments! Thank you so much for taking an interest in my writing. I’m glad you found a group of fans to share the love of Diana’s stories. It’s fun isn’t it! I would love to hear from you! Twitter is fun!
I read your blog a few days ago and as always loved every word. Waited a few days for it to percolate before commenting. You are so right Outlander, Jamie, Claire and the gang have become like real people to me. I love that there are so many fans just like me. I’ve met so many wonderful people including “Herself” all because God told Diana it was okay for her to write uplifting books. Keep writing Beth!
thanks sweetie!
You’re more than welcome. Have a wonderful, joyous Christmas and New Year!
awesome Beth! Hope you had a great Christmas and will have a wonderful 2017
finally watch this Diana had me in tears What a Woman!