Outlander. Just the word makes knees weak and hearts quiver all over the world. People scope out social media for the latest news and updates. They read then re-read the books. They watch then re-watch the series. People can quote the lines from The Wedding episode word for word and probably backwards. (Ahem, yes, I’m talking about you.) On Saturday nights, there was a hush around the world as new episodes aired on STARZ and threats were made on social media that any disturbance between 9 and 10 pm would be met with violence.
Believe it or not, it wasn’t always that way for me. Outlander? Who cares? Fiddle faddle and all that stuff. Yeah, that was me just a few years ago. My best friend kept telling me about these books and that I MUST read them. My pat answer was “I just don’t have time,” then I would brush her off with a look that probably said “Get a grip, woman. You are obsessed.” Well, then a little over two years ago, she had the nerve to broach the subject again one night at dinner. There’s a show now, she said. You must watch it, she said. Geez, woman, I thought. Can you not just give it up?!?! Why would I want to watch a show based on a book that I have no interest in reading? Then, she pulled out her phone and showed me a picture of Sam Heughan. Well, he’s pretty likable. I mean, he’s really likable. Honestly, he’s pretty lovable. For Pete’s sake, he’s about the best looking thing I’ve ever seen. Maybe this Outlander thing might just be worth a try to look at him. I mean, I’m married and very happily so, but I ain’t blind and a little eye candy might brighten up my week – even if the show isn’t worth a flip. (I hear you laughing out there.)
Well, I went home and the next week watched the first episode of the first season. Good glory! I was hooked. Not only did Sam Heughan live up to my expectations (and yes, considerably brightened my week) but Caitroina Balfe was beautiful and gutsy as Claire Randall. But, what surprised me even more was the story – it was absolutely fascinating. I promptly proceeded to watch the next seven episodes, the last one ending with Jamie sitting in the window with a gun trained on that wicked, despicable, not-worthy-of-the-air-Jamie-breathes Black Jack Randall.
At that point, the story had taken over my thoughts. Was I becoming, horrors of horrors, obsessed like my friend? What was happening to me – this stable, we-won’t-say-how-old woman who now wondered if perhaps it might just be possible to travel through time and meet someone like Jamie Fraser? I had lost touch completely with reality. Outlander had consumed my waking thoughts and even my sleeping ones. I hate to admit it but when I would get up to go to the bathroom at night, I couldn’t go back to sleep for thinking about the show and wondering what was going to happen next.
Quite unwilling and still more unable to go through countless sleepless nights, I ordered the first book with Amazon Prime two day shipping. Surely, I could survive two nights of sleeplessness. Surely, my husband could endure watching me walk around the house like a zombie muttering words like Sassenach, sláinte and kilts, randomly shouting “Tùlach Àrd!” and dreamily repeating the phrase “To bed? Or to sleep?”
Amazon did not disappoint and here came the first book on the second day. Game changer! It was over. I started reading that book and realized that Outlander was a whole lot more than pretty faces (and bodies). This was a story – a love story – for the ages and I could not get enough. I finished up Book 1, downloaded it on my Kindle, then ordered Dragonfly in Amber plus downloaded it on my Kindle. (May I ask? Can one have too many ways to access these books? Not me! I even ordered the audible versions!)
At the beginning of Dragonfly, I threw the book on the floor, texted my friend that I hated her and yelled as only one can do with a text asking her what in the world had just happened. If you have read the book, you can sympathize.
She told me calmly to keep reading. OK. Maybe I didn’t hate her after all so I took her advice and continued to read and read and read and…..well, you get the picture. I read until I got to Drums of Autumn. I didn’t throw the book on the floor this time but my friend had failed to tell me something very important. This beautiful story brings Jamie & Claire to North Carolina! What? Why would she have not told me that? Really, she lives in North Carolina too. Did she not think that was important information? I decided that I hated her again because I might would have started reading the books a whole lot sooner. Geez, girl!
Anyway, that’s when I began wanting to know everything about the places that Jamie & Claire visited and/or lived in North Carolina. Yes, I’ve lived in North Carolina all my life but it’s a pretty big state and I’m no expert outside of my own local area. I connected with a great Facebook group (NC Outlander Fans) who are all North Carolina residents by requirement (if you qualify, check them out). I have learned so much from this group but there’s still much more to learn, to see, and to do. So, I thought to myself, “Self, wouldn’t it be great to discover the places Jamie, Claire & clan went to in North Carolina with fresh Outlander eyes? And wouldn’t it be great to share all those discoveries with others who may or may not live in North Carolina? And, better still, wouldn’t it be great to write about the history & places of North Carolina and how they relate to Outlander beginning with Drums of Autumn and weave Jamie & Claire’s story in at the same time?”
And, there you have it. That’s the long story of how this insanity started. As a result, here I am today, writing my first blog post, realizing a dream which has been in the making ever since I read Drums of Autumn and all the later books.
So, Sassenach, are you ready to go to North Carolina? I hope the answer is yes and that you will join me on this wild and crazy ride through time with Jamie and Claire. Along the way, I sincerely ask for your comments, kind corrections, suggestions, and recommendations as we learn and laugh together. As for me, Je suis prest! Let’s go!
P.S. I decided not to hate my friend anymore. I finished all eight books and thanked her for sharing them with me. Now, she looks at me like I’m the crazy one. I think she’s right. You can check out my diagnosis here.
33 Comments
droughtlander ends in a month and you’ve launched this endeavor! you are crazy!…well done!!!
Told you I was delusional. Haha! Totally bonkers! Thanks for commenting, Katherine!
“…might would”? Lol a along with “might could” from South Carolina, it’s a southern thang!
Oh girl. There’s “no telling” (another southern thang) what you’ll see me write here! LOL! Thanks for commenting!
Totally exciting! Thank you and good luck !
Wow! Thank you, Lisa!
I lol’d when I read your diagnosis from I Fash Yeken. Brilliant! I love the blog; keep it coming. I know Droughtlander is almost over but you can always write during those sleepless nights!
Thanks Carol! Yes, I. Fash Yeken has had a very hard time with me. LOL!!! Thanks for reading!
Great job so far! I’ll be back to see what you post!
– Lisa from Monroe NC ( and a proud member of Facebook’s NC Outlander Fans)
Thanks Lisa! I appreciate it!
Beth — Well Done! I’m In! Like you, I am truly bummed that they are not coming here to Film….. I went through the same “stages” of “becoming all things OUTLANDER”, ( talking the talk and imagining being part of it all…dreaming about it, losing sleep by reading into the wee hours of the night) but it’s just not enough! I”m not a “computer person” – so looking at all you have done on this page alone has me in AWE! Signing up!
Cindy, thank you so much for your kind words. This blog has been a work in progress for months. I used to blog a few years ago and had to re-learn a lot of things I had forgotten and learn a whole bunch of new stuff. I love the creative part – designing the website is almost as much fun as the writing. Yes, I am addicted to Outlander and like you, I eat, dream and sleep it. Ever wake up in the middle of the night and have to get your Outlander fix? That would be me! Again, thanks so much!
Love this blog!
Thank you, Emily!
What a great idea for a blog! Thanks to Karen Henry for pointing this out to me. So, how many ways can you have the Outlander series? Let’s see, I have all of the original hardcover books. I have the trade paperbacks (for travelling, of course). I have the regular paperback (why not)? I have them on my Kindle (just in case, you never know). I have the books on CDs. I have the books on Audible. And I have the Outlander series from Starz. And I have the anniversary edition of Outlander in hardcover. I have the reissued version of Companion I. I am sick. I need help. Or I just need to go read, listen, or watch. Seriously, I’m excited to read your future blog posts!
Pam, I think we must be soul sisters!!! Haha! It’s ridiculous! I even have Bear McCreary’s soundtracks on CD, iTunes & Amazon Music. I mean if there is a way to get Outlander or any form thereof, I will find it!!! Thank you for your kind comments! Karen is a sweetie too, by the way!
Great idea for a blog, Beth! As a longtime resident of NC, I will never forget how stunned, delighted, and fascinated I was, on my first reading of DRUMS OF AUTUMN, to discover that J&C were going to settle in North Carolina. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Oh, Karen. Now, the pressure is on!!!! I hope I do not disappoint! Thank you so much for promoting my blog and I look forward to your posts as well. Maybe we could collaborate sometime in the future – if you’re willing to deal with a newbie! Much love to you, Karen!
Thank you Beth! I’ll be checking in from California!
Great! Thanks Helen!
YEAH! My father was from Salisbury. 🙂 I took my whole family on the “Outlander Tour of NC” right after I finished reading the books in 2010. We were going to see where their grandfather was from, ya know? It was so much fun to see the sights from the book and much more affordable than a trip to Scotland for this Georgia girl. 🙂
Hey Diane! I know what you mean! I want to go to Scotland so bad but the cost if prohibitive right now. Thankfully, there are so many Outlander things to see right here in NC. Thank you for commenting! And, of course, you found where your grandfather was from, right? 😉
This blog might be truly interesting but it pains me to tell you that with this font it’s totally inreadable for us, poor bespectacled folks. And the grayish lettering as well.
Hi Eugenia. I’m sorry to hear that. You are the first one to mention this. What type of device are you looking at it on? Would love to resolve the problem if I can. Thanks for commenting.
BP, so impressed with your blog. I’ll check in on occasion. I went bonkers too with Outlander. So to help me with my obsession, I started an Outlander Book Club in Memphis. The women of the group are wonderful and insightful. This past summer I was able to spend 9 days in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains looking for Outlander. I feel as if we may have passed paths while I was there. Cannot wait for the Premiere.
Hey Connie. Thank you for the kind comments! I assume you didn’t find Jamie or you would not be commenting now. I’m still on the look out! 😉 Thank you for visiting my site and hurry September 10!
I’m looking forward to future posts. I’ve spent a lot of time on Google Maps trying to find places mentioned. I’m sure your blog will be more fun, informative and entertaining. And thanks to Karen Henry for the link.
Thank you, Joy! I hope you will enjoy the blog! Thank you so much for stopping by! Yes, Karen Henry made my day when she linked to my blog!
Ok so I’m confused about when outlander actually gets to new Bern. The reason I found out about the series was. A Visit to new Bern recently and I promptly ordered the ebooks and my husband and I have binge watched the series on amazon prime. The last episode has Jamie and Claire washed up on the coast of Georgia. I’m way behind in my reading so please tell me there are more seasons and episodes to come where they actually get to new Bern. Have thorough enjoyed the series but am disappointed that new Bern hasn’t yet come into play. Thanks!!
Hey Allyson! Don’t worry – New Bern is coming. Jamie & Claire arrive in North Carolina in Book 4, Drums of Autumn, and in Season 4 which starts in November. The show has been renewed for at least Seasons 5 & 6 and it is in Season 5 (or Book 6, A Breath of Snow & Ashes) when New Bern comes into the picture. In the meantime, Jamie & Claire have many adventures awaiting them in North Carolina! There are eight books in the series to date with one more hopefully published next year and then a tenth will be the final book in the series according to the author, Diana Gabaldon. I highly recommend you read all the books. It’s an exciting time for us who are Outlander fans and live in North Carolina. I’m so excited that the show’s focus will be here for the next few seasons! Thank you for your comment and I hope I have answered your questions.
Love the show..I was to see Jamie in modern day time..
sure i used to love it
Hi Beth
I WISH with ALL my ❤ that I could make it to the OUTLANDER’S FRASER’S RIDGE
HOMECOMING. 🥰💘
I live in Australia 🇦🇺 DownUnder too far to come OutLander and be there. 💝
We are living on my husband’s superannuation money (don’t work no more) were 60+ years old. Its hard to live.
I can’t travel I have trombosis and other things so life is a bit of a problem for me.🥺
I’ve always been a fan of OutLander and casts… since 2017. I always wanted to go and see any of the casts, go to the sites…..🥰💝💖💝
I ONLY can KEEP up with ALL the media 😔 I would love to make it and wish can afford it.😢