Category: Outlander Events

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2024 SiWC Panel with Diana Gabaldon

Greetings Outlander fans! My, I have missed you all… 🤗

This weekend I find myself in beautiful Surrey, British Columbia,  Canada, attending the Surrey International Writers’ Conference, more commonly known as SiWC!

I drove from Oregon to Canada lastThursday. It was a beautiful day but the  normally 5.5 hr drive turned into nearly 7 hours due to two collisions in Washington state.  Yes, it was an inconvenience for those on the freeway, but I was grateful to arrive safely and I hope those involved in the crashes are OK.

Thus far, I have attended several events featuring Diana – she is one busy lass! All were delightful and I will share them with you, but not in chronological order mostly due to the technical issues of posting via  iPad. 😉

Today’s event was titled “Compelling Expositions,” a panel featuring Diana Gabaldon, Michael Slade, Robyn Harding, and Darren Groth (not shown).  K. C. Dyer moderated (also not shown).

Diana looked stunning, layered with in a deep red shawl because the room was freezing! 🥶

Many fruitful topics were covered by the panel. Here are some highlights including Diana’s responses:

  • Question:  Which is your fav scene from your writings? Diana chose the scene from “Outlander” book wherein Jamie rescues Claire from Black Jack Randall’s clutches. They shelter at a tavern –  Jamie tells Claire he is not ready for bed and proceeds to whip her with his sword belt. This set up a major clash between the two characters because each POV was justified from their perspective. Claire was trying to find a way back to Frank but Jamie knew her actions put all of their lives  in danger. I must confess, this choice surprised me. I suppose because Diana has written so many splendid scenes. How would one even choose? 🤔

This is wee bit of the excerpt from the scene (pp. 249-250 “Outlander” Kindle version) that is Diana’s fav!

“Come to bed, Jamie. What are you waiting for?”

He came to stand by the bed, swinging the belt gently back and forth.

“Well, lass, I’m afraid we’ve a matter still to settle between us before we sleep tonight.” I felt a sudden stab of apprehension.

“What is it?” He didn’t answer at once. Deliberately not sitting down on the bed by me, he pulled up a stool and sat facing me instead.… 😯

  • Question: How do you deal with pacing? Diana responded that pacing depends on context. For example, if there is an emergency then the writer wants to keep sentences short and terse. Pacing allows the author to create tension between two elements. A question is raised and then answered to move the story forward. (Psst…. She didn’t mention that sometimes the answers to questions she raises don’t get resolved until two books and ten years later!) 😂
  • Question: How do you deal with slang or dialect? Diana feels dialogue is the most important way to define a character.  An author using another language (e.g. Gaelic) needs to educate themself in the language. She watched films with Scottish characters to hear their spoken English. At conferences, if she heard anyone speaking with a Scottish accent, she invited them for coffee and listened to them speak. Diana also recommended reading books written by someone who speaks the language. She read several Scottish authors to help her get a feel for syntax, cadence, etc. Frankly, her devotion to her craft is a splendid example to all aspiring authors. 🥰
  • Question: Do you plan out a chapter or scene ahead of time? Diana does not. We already know she doesn’t write in a straight line. She also does not tell her characters what to say or do. She waits patiently for them to speak to her.  This being my fourth SiWC, I can tell you hers is a unique approach. Most writers I encounter plan out scenes, many even work from  a classic outline. She also doesn’t know ahead of time how a book will end. I guess the one exception here is that she seems to know how the “Outlander” books will end. Sob! 😢
  • Question: Who is your favorite author. James Clavell, she answered without a moment’s hesitation.  Clavell authored the marvelous, “Shogun,” for those who might not know. Although it has been some time since I read it, it is well worth doing so. 👍🏻

These were highlights of the panel for me.

The full panel discussion can be accessed here:

I hope you enjoyed the panel. Need I say, my fav author for “Compelling Exposition” is none other than Diana Gabaldon? 🤩 🥇 🏆

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo and audio credits: Outlander Anatomy

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Herself, Two Highlanders & A Lord at NYCC 2022!

Good day, all!  Apologies, this has taken a week to get to you! 😜

Sunday, October 9, was the final day of 2022 NYCC and, for me, it was the best!

Each morning walking to Javits, we were greeted by a “herd” of pigeons waiting for treats. Roomies, Jody and Jim, point to the feathered army!  Usually, they were perched on the power lines reminding me of the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds! 😳 

Inside the Javits, more cosplay.

Don’t know who this is but I’ll wager some of you do? It is a fab costume! 

And, this intricate tableau…..

Anyone know? Wow! 😮

Onto the show floor where Jody quickly found her fav store, Tokidoki!

Next, Jody, Jim, and I were overshadowed by a huge Maga character!

Soon it was time to find a seat at the “Tea with Two Highlanders and A Lord” panel…. although, the title should have included “THE  Lady.“  

And, who might that be? Herself, of course! 🥰

I videoed the hour-long panel. My apologies for its homemade look. Occasionally, I had to switch hands and I also had to record most of it from the Jumbotron because I was too far back to capture a good stage view.

The panel was great and will speak for itself.

Enjoy!

(Psst….I never got any tea!) 😉

Afterward, the panelists retired behind the curtain for official photos. Then, as pre-arranged, Diana and her publicist emerged through a side door and I greeted her with a big hug!

She looked beautiful in her dramatic red cape, although this photo was taken sometime later.  😉 (It was a chill and windy day!)

I should mention, her splendid cape is made of warm wool with a tartan-lined hood. The sterling silver clasp appeared to be of Celtic design. I asked if it was from Scotland and she said, “I think so.” 😊

Pretty woman!

Then, we  headed for lunch.  It had been almost three years to the day since we shared a meal together and it was wonderful to see her again!

Her publicist took us down a private elevator to the basement of the Javits Center. I was intrigued by all the workings, supplies, and stuff in the “bowels of that  building!” 😜

We hopped into golf carts and were escorted to the far end of Javits.

This is a video of our “zip ride.”  You can hear me saying to Diana, it feels a bit  like “James Bond.”  😆

We were driven to a door that opened street-side and walked to Hudson Yards to enjoy a quiet lunch.

We took a moment to admire the  beautiful  ”Vessel” at Hudson Yards.

Fortunately, no fans took notice, and we snuggled in for a quick lunch.

She was gorgeous, as always, with her beautiful big smile and thick black hair. Red is my favorite color on her!

Her nails were beautiful, as always – a glossy, cornflower blue polish (I am sure someone knows its name).  And, she happily posed for a photo.

Her very strong nails are a gift from her father. She doesn’t wear gels, just regular nail polish! I always admire those lucky people who enjoy sturdy nails. 🤗

What did we talk about? Well, lots of things:

    • Children
    • Grandchildren (new photos of her darling grandsons)
    • Nails
    • Her brain 🧠
    • Her corpus callosum
    • Everyone’s right and left brains
    • Scientists
    • My anatomy lessons and FF using Sam as model
    • Titans of Fantasy panel

The following is a bit of what we talked about.  

I complimented her for her splendid performance at the “Titans of Fantasy” panel.  Her responses were  thoughtful and informative which held my attention. Made me proud!

I shared how her explaining her scientific journey to audiences delights me. Not everyone grasps what it means to be a scientist or the rigorous work entailed in becoming one. I think she helps people appreciate what science can contribute to a person’s life skills.

We talked about how science trains the left brain for details and analysis and how she patently trusts the intuitive side of her right brain.

I reminded her that the last time we met, I said she had an admirable corpus callosum because she clearly engages both sides of her brain.

Her very logical response was, “Well, why would you only want to use one side of your brain and leave the  other side behind?”

To which I replied…  “Pulling it along like a dog on a leash?” 😜

This may seem weird talk to you, but we always discuss things that others might find odd. (I make it a point not to press her for Outlander info. She is my friend.)

As a note of explanation, the corpus callosum is an area deep in the brain which allows right and left sides of the brain to communicate. And her sides communicate very well, indeed! 

Forty-five minutes flew by and suddenly, it was time to go, she had another panel starting in minutes. This time it would be solo with no backup if she were to be late!

We headed back toward Javits, stopping at the Equinox Hotel where her ride awaited her.  Her publisher was also waiting and took this photo of us, which I absolutely adore! ❤️

Then a quick hug goodbye and I returned to the Javits Center to grab a seat for the “Diana Gabaldon Spotlight’ panel.

Unfortunately, seating was very close so this was the best video I could shoot. Apologies to the lady in front! 

Which part of her panel was your favorite?

I loved hearing the excerpt from book 10! ❤️

But, in addition, I enjoyed learning about her writing Outlander on her husband’s garage computer! 😮

“Who’s Jamie?” 😂😂😂 

If only he knew at the time what a juggernaut her “practice book” would become! 

That evening, I joined members of the FB group, Hudson Highlanders, for dinner. It was wonderful to meet these lovely ladies, two of whom I had only met via Zoom (L to R: Tonise, Lynn, Gwen, Susan)! 🤗

Then to bed for an early rise.

Next morning, I had to say goodbye to Jim and Jody.  We have room-shared many times at various comic cons and they are the best!

In front of the red and white Empire State Building.  I think they look like newlyweds although they have been married 36 years!

Farewell my friends, old and new. Until next time!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo/Video Credits: Outlanderanatomy, www.timeout.com, Jody Kawamata-Chang, Diana’s publicist, kind waitress at “The Restaurant” eatery! 

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2022 Outlandish Vancouver/Outlandish Adventures – Day 3

Day three and we were off and running!

Jamie caught up with us in the vendor room and held us at gunpoint! We surrendered! 😍

Next panel was the guys! Just the guys! And, only the guys! 🤗

They got settled in and the questions began!

Jody stood at the mic and said she had been a teacher for 36 years and wanted to predict the type of student each had been. She Thought Tim and David were quiet. But, likely, Paul got into trouble. Yep, turns out, she was right.

David was studious. Tim also was quiet in school but did use humor to deal with bullying! 😮

And, Paul……  Weil, Paul got into trouble for talking too much! His punishment was to write many time what it was that he did that was bad!

Tim was asked if it was difficult to play Tryon.  His answer was candid, interesting and enlightening. He replied that it helps to understand that the British always think they are right! He said he put himself in that frame of mind when he played the part of Governor Tryon. He added that Tryon felt justified in all the decisions he made even though they were bad for the settlers. He was so good as a baddie!

Then, questions were interrupted for an surprise auction! An Outlander fan who was not named donated a rug to be auctioned  off to benefit the Wounded Warriors project. Koko explained that she goes by the moniker, “The Happy Hooker.” 😊 She is a disabled vet. The rug was made of wool that was hand dyed, hand carded, hand spun, and hand hooked! It really was a splendid piece of work!

Bidding began at $20. For a moment, Tim took over and did a perfect imitation of a bonafide auctioneer!

Bidding moved to $30, then $40, then higher and higher until it sold at $1600 to the highest bidder: Tina from Texas. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Sadly, time was up and the guys exited. Buh bye, guys! 👋🏻

Then the gals came in. Caitlin and Joanne took their seats and the grilling began anew. People are very curious! 🤔

Asked what male character of Outlander they would like to play, JoAnne wants to play Roger. Caitlin wants to play young Ian! (Psst…..I think she would make a swell young Ian)

Question: “What was filming like?”

Caitlin said, nothing is like what you would expect. Scotland is cold and wet. She was very scared at first. And, most importantly, she made sure she carried Tampons in her purse! 👍🏻

I asked how they liked the corset. Caitlin said not at all! She had trouble getting food through her esophagus into her stomach and it was very hard to use the toilet! They had port-a-potties, which were cramped with dirty floors.

But, JoAnne loved wearing a corset. She said it was the best her figure ever looked!

I have to agree. I wore one while walking the Royal Mile in Edinburg in 2016 and I liked my posture! 😇

Caitlin shared that any stories about how difficult children are on set, are true. She said at the S5 wedding scene , she was supposed to take care of Jemmy, but both twins were terrified of her. She was directed to lay Jem down in the basket but the baby kept standing up! Director, Stephen (Woolfenden), was signing to her to push him down in the basket which she tried to do but after that he screamed whenever she came near him. (moms know this wouldn’t work) 🫣

This is one reason Joanne was given a “plastic” baby to hold for her scenes as Amy.  The camera would cut away to a live baby for close ups. 👍🏻

Asked what was hard for Caitlin to play the role of Lizzy, she was very candid. For her screen test, she was asked to do the bit where she tells Claire about the wee curlies around Jo’s paps! 😜 It was hard to be serious, but then, she took it seriously because she loves Lizzie’s innocence and her wondrous exploration of her sexuality. She also looked forward to playing a polyamorous relationship which is a first for her.

The ladies left and then the whole crew re-emerged for the last panel of the event. And, we were able to posit our final questions.

When you joined Outlander, were you prepared for the fandom?

Caitlin, No!

Paul, No, but he is grateful and appreciative of us!

David, No. These experiences are not available to anyone outside this room (includes entire fandom). He really appreciates hearing and receiving the love of the fans.

Tim, No. At first, he only knew what the director told him. Soon, he learned that the fans know the books forward and backwards. (Of course we do! 😇)

Any fun fan stories?

David said he appreciated the gifts fans give to his son. He is very grateful for their thoughtfulness.

Caitlin was in Glasgow walking down the street with John bell. People would stop them and ask if she would take a pic of them with John! Puir lass! 

Tim said someone gave him a foot spa as a gift! 😁 He wondered if this was OK?

Joanne said someone knitted her a pair of fingerless gloves. One bore a picture of a bear and the other a cluster of grapes. She wondered what that meant! 😉

Last question was did you know about Outlander?

Paul did because he is Scottish and very aware of the influx of tourists. He shared this apocryphal story: Diana was on tour and stopped at a bookstore in a small hamlet. She picked out two books and took them to the counter to pay. The bookstore owner said they were on “the house!” Everyone in Scotland knows about Diana. 🥰

And then it was time to say goodbye for this event! Great time! Great guests! Great fandom!

We exited the event and even said goodbye to our strange security guard. It was asleep at its docking station! 😁


The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo and Video Credits: Sony/Starz, Outlander Anatomy, Jody Kawamata-Chang, www.natgeo.com, www.secretseattle.com