Are you guys enjoying learning about our wonderful fanfic authors as much as I am enjoying interviewing them? I hope so!
This week, I interviewed the amazing @takemeawaytocamelot.
Known as Sam in the offline world, she was born in Riverside, California and grew up in the Mojave Desert where it’s stupid hot in the summer and a little less hot in the winter. She is second generation Californian, though she doesn’t live there anymore. Her grandmother’s family on her mom’s side originally immigrated from Russia to escape Jewish persecution while her grandfather’s family came from Isle of Man. Her dad was adopted so she doesn’t know much about his family history. With regards to languages, she can only speak fluent English. Although, she knows a little bit of Spanish but not enough to really count. Interestingly, she is teaching herself Klingon because she’s just that kind of nerd. She also wants to learn Tolkien’s Elvish and maybe Black Speak. She is currently 27 years old and has been writing Outlander fanfics for 2 years now. In school, she majored in English with an emphasis on Writing Studies. Her hope is to become an English tutor to help kids see that writing something isn’t terrifying. It was something that didn’t come easy to her when she was younger, but she had a tutor that changed her life. So, she wants to impact other kids the way she was impacted. Currently, she works as a delivery driver for an auto parts store, which basically means she gets to listen to a lot of audiobooks. Driving around 8 hours a day 5 days a week lends itself to audiobooks. In her spare time, she likes to cross stitch and do some reading. Currently, she’s reading a collection of books about the Inklings of Oxford, which included JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. She also likes to crochet and make steampunk-ish jewelry, though she’s not as talented in either of those things as she’d like to be. She also loves collecting things like stamped pennies, souvenir spoons and Funko Pop! figures. Her unique talent is that she can read books upside down! She once decided to read Great Gatsby upside down because she couldn’t get herself to finish it otherwise. She needed the challenge to stay focused. If she could travel through the stones, she’d like to go back and see some famous thing, like a battle or play or something, just to see what it was really like. Although, she thinks she’d prefer to travel like Doctor Who rather than Outlander, so that at least she’d have the Doctor there with her to make sure she didn’t get into too much trouble.
Keep reading to learn more about this amazing mind!
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fanfiction?
Well, honestly it was @gotham-ruaidh. I’ve been writing fanfic for years (before I even knew there was a term for what I was writing). But I watched the OL series, got addicted (sexy Scots in kilts, how could I not??), listened to the entire book series on audio and then needed more. I applied for a mod position at Imagine and didn’t get it, but that was my first try at writing anything for Outlander. Later, Gotham listed me in a post about awesome new writers or something like that and I decided to actually post my work. I haven’t really looked back since.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
Oh heavens… That’s such a hard question! I honestly don’t know. I sometimes think “oh that’s a fantastic line!” right after I write something, but I have really bad short-term memory so I can’t remember any… Some of my favorite series are Exes Au, A Wild Night in Vegas, and Red Jamie and the White Lady. RJWL brings in that fantasy element I love and is an interesting spin on things. It was also the first series I wrote that wasn’t prompted by someone else, it was straight out of my own brain.
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
My process… haha. I don’t know that I have a specific process. I’m awful at writing outlines because I prefer to let the story tell me where it wants to go. Most of the time I have an outline, the story goes a different way. I find that I do a lot of writing at night, but that’s because I’m a night owl. The best way I can describe the way I write something would be like this:
I have a scene in my head, usually playing like a movie (though without music in the background unless it’s needed for the scene). Sometimes it’ll be a series of scenes that fit into a particular story. I usually write out that scene without any of the context leading up to it. Once that’s done, I’ll connect it to the other scenes for that chapter. Sometimes the details in the scene I’d imagined have to be changed to make it work, but that’s okay.
I love asking for input from peers. Inside my head, it all makes sense and I know exactly what I’m saying, but sometimes my readers don’t understand it. So I like getting input from people I know, who understand my style or are very invested in the story itself.
Personally, I try not to edit while I write. I do that with all my writing, not just fanfic. Editing while writing just sucks me into it and I end up spending too much time with the edits to write something coherent.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
Usually something with some sort of fantasy or sci-fi element to it. Outlander is probably one of the only fandoms I write for that has a very small amount of that in the canon material.
Writing, and reading, for me has always been part escape and part process. I do a lot of emotional processing through my writing, even if the scenes or subject matter don’t apply directly to my own experiences. Fantasy and sci-fi have always been the best way for me to escape. It somehow felt safe for me, because it’s so unlike real life that I’m completely transported.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
Hmm… My favorite season… A lot of people usually say season 1 because it was truest to the book. And yes, that was the season that got me sucked into this whole fandom. But I think for me, my favorite is the second half of season 3. Voyager was such an interesting book to me and there was a lot for s3 that I was really looking forward to. Not just Printshop, but watching Claire and Jamie learn how to be with each other again, watch Claire really come into her own in a way she couldn’t with Frank, watching her relationship with Jamie grow and change from what it had been when she’d known him last. I was also excited to see Bree because I love the way Sophie plays her. I also sort of love her relationship with Roger, so I was excited to see that start to blossom.
Have you read any of Diana’s books?
Yes! I have read all of the Outlander series and several of the novellas. I’m about halfway through the Outlandish Companion vol 1. I think Voyager is one of my favorites, because they all take so many voyages in different ways. I love the symbolism and the metaphor in all of that.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
Oh do I ever. I’ve written for Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Mercy Thompson (a book series by Patricia Briggs), and a number of others that I wrote when I was younger. Teen Titans (the cartoon series that was on TV for a while), Heartland (a book series), and almost anything that had a leading man I fell for.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
Hmm… I know a few of my friends know this about me, but I don’t think I’ve ever posted it publicly. I have a mild hair phobia. If it’s human hair and I have to touch it, I start gagging. I couldn’t clean out my own hairbrush when I was younger. Now I have a large tooth comb I can shake over my trashcan, so it works. But I have to wear gloves and use hemostats to pull hairballs out of the shower drain and even then I start dry-heaving. Animal hair, fake hair, not a problem. People hair? No can do.
And that’s @takemeawaytocamelot! I haven’t added her stories to my archive yet, but you can check out her master fanfic list on her blog or her AO3 page.
It’s time to learn more about another one of our wonderful fanfic writers, @writtenthroughtime!
Known as Alli outside of the Tumblr universe, writtenthroughtime was born and raised in West Virginia, USA. Her background includes Scots-Irish, Native American and British descent, but her family has been in the States since before the revolution so she insists she’s resolutely American. Other than English, she also speaks some very rusty French. She can read or listen to the French language and understand it better than she can speak it at this point, but she wants to become fluent in it. She is currently 27 years old and has been writing Outlander fanfics for three years now. In school, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, with an emphasis in print/book design. She also minored in Journalism, Advertising, and Literature. Currently, she works in marketing for a commercial real estate firm where she is being trained to go into market coordinating and corporate event planning. For fun, Alli enjoys reading, rec. league softball and crafting. When asked about a unique talent, she couldn’t quite think of one, but she did mention that she can crochet and finds it very therapeutic. If she could go through the stones and go back in time, she would travel to 18th century England, during the Jane Austen days, as she’s always been drawn to that era.
Keep reading to see the full Q & A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fanfiction?
I’ve always loved to write and after reading all of Diana’s books I craved more. At the time there was very little Outlander fanfiction, I imagine it had been started but I didn’t see much else out there. So I wrote what I couldn’t find. At first it was just for me, then I decided to create my blog. I opened up for questions and prompts, the rest is history.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
Oh boy… I’m not even sure where to begin on picking those. I’ve written well over 70 stories and narrowing down to a few quotes, I can’t do it. The sad part is, I’ve forgotten some of the stuff I’ve written! Just the other day I was on Tumblr and read through a chapter of a fic and thought “wow this is really good! I wonder if they have more?” Only to discover it was one of my own stories and I didn’t recognize it.
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
It all depends on what I’m writing. For example with Briste, it was very much a stream-of-consciousness. A lot of what’s in that story is very personal, I had a very dark period when writing it so I doubt I’ll ever revisit/complete that story just for the headspace. With other stories, it’s whenever the inspiration hits! I’ve taken breaks at work to write, on the metro, the beach, even on the treadmill. I usually ask for the amazing editing skills of @outlandishcridhe and @thescarlettpeacock and the creative input from the lovely ladies I have the privilege of working with at @imagineclaireandjamie.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I’m a sucker for romance and HEA. But I have my streaks of wanting to write something that’ll either shock the reader or make them cry.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
So far season 1 has been by far the best season. I think it stayed pretty true to the books and showed the story we all wanted to see on screen. I was very disappointed in the majority of both season 2 and 3. Not to say there weren’t stand out episodes, because there were, but overall, season 1 takes the cake.
Have you read any of Diana’s books?
I have read all of her books including the novellas and the Lord John series. My favorite book is actually a tie between Outlander and Voyager with Drums of Autumn following close behind.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
I do! I’m completely enraptured by the Dramione ship from the Harry Potter fandom, I read fics for that as well as other HP ships quite often. I also write for a few other fandoms, but I haven’t written anything to publish online for any other fandom but Outlander.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I’m addicted to bath bombs (especially ones with lavender, rose, or vanilla scents). There’s a huge Lush store in my local mall and I can’t help but spend an exorbitant amount of money any time I go there.
Check out writtenthroughtime’s page on my archive now. I’ve already added some of her work there (I’ll be working on adding the rest soon). It’s a great way to get a glimpse of her stories and easily choose the perfect ones for you. You can also visit her master fanfic list or her AO3 page.
It’s time to learn more about yet another one of our beloved fanfic writers, @mybeautifuldecay!
She was born as Sarah in the Midlands of Britain, where she also grew up. Her background is just white British as far as she knows. She says she can barely speak English let alone another language. Although, she does admit she can get by on the few lines of French that she remembers from secondary school, but that barely counts, she says. She is currently 32 years old and started writing Outlander fanfics when she was 28, back in the old Droughlander days during the hiatus of season one. Simpler times, she says, when she would write short bursts on her tiny iPhone because she didn’t have a computer to do it on. In school, she studied Fine Art and Education. Currently, she is a teacher—hopefully gifting young minds or something similar, she says—but I’m sure she gifts them with knowledge as much as she gifts us with her wonderful fics! For fun, Sarah loves painting, drawing and writing, but she also has a new cycling addiction and she would swim her way through the summer if she could. She also loves creating Outlander fanart as well as fic. As a unique talent, she can make weird animal sounds. Her favourite is her dolphin call but she can also do a pretty convincing seal—hand claps and all. If she could go through the stones, she would love to go back and experience medieval times. She’s always had this daft notion that she could be a passable jouster. So she says she’d probably have to go with France or somewhere in Europe where knights would compete. LANCES AT THE READY!!
Keep reading to see the full Q & A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fanfiction?
Truly it was a mix of needing to have my own corner of the universe where I could investigate Jamie and Claire outside of their Outlander covers - I really sobbed when they had to spend 20 years apart and I’ve tried to write AU’s where I stop that from happening or at least curtail it. It also had a little something to do with @gotham-ruaidh.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
I’ve written so many stories now that I can’t even begin to think how I’d choose just one <3 - if anyone fancies messaging me any of their personal favourites - I would love to hear them.
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
I write in a completely boring and uniform way. Once I get started I just write through until it’s done. It might take me a few days and/or weeks but I write in a linear way - I can’t do it any other way because I am totally unable of keeping track of myself.
Do you write during a specific time of day?
In bed with a cup of tea in the evening - it’s always when I’m cocooned in my massive duvet. I--sometimes--write during the day when I get a moment but at work I have lots to keep my mind active so I rarely get any time to sit and write personal things.
Do you ask for input from peers?
I used to ask way more than I do now. I will ask my lovely sisters over at @imagineclaireandjamie because we have a brilliant support network but work has kind of taken over since September so I’m usually quite insular when I write, that and the time differences between me and everyone else can be a challenge. Sometimes I will harass @outlandishchridhe and @thescarlettpeacock via skype, whatsapp and carrier pigeon depending on the time of day.
Do you edit while you write or do you use a more stream-of-consciousness approach?
I write, then I edit then I send it to my beta to check over because I tend to go word-blind and it won’t matter how many times I’ve read through it, I’ll still miss important things. I try to make sure they go out with no mistakes, but I often fail :D - I still find things I need to change now in old fic chapters when I read them randomly and I shake my head at myself.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I love romance tinged with angst. I’m terrible at being able to write 100% happy times but I love giving them minor humps to overcome. I’ve only ever written one story that didn’t have Claire and Jamie being together and reunited (and that one I did have plans to get them back to one another - I just didn’t finish it completely). I don’t want them to go through half the struggles they go through in Diana’s books but it wouldn’t be interesting without some minor humps, would it? ;)
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
That has to be S1 when they were all new and fresh faced. I love young Jamie when he’s so love-naive and has all the heart eyes for Claire. And I love her immediate transition to the 18th century. I just love their humble beginnings.
Have you read any of Diana’s books?
I have and I’ve read them all. It took me a while to plow through The Fiery Cross but I did it in the end. Other than Outlander (for obvious reason), my favourite book is A Breath Of Snow and Ashes because it was the book that gave me so much Claire and Jamie time (even with the horrors that they face the wrath of). Sigh. Anything Jamie and Claire I am here for. 100%.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
I used to read way more than I do now because I had a little more free time but when I can, I search through Tumblr because there are so many awesome and talented people out there. But I don’t write any other fandom works - only Outlander.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
Now this is a hard one. I think I’m quite boring so finding something that I haven’t revealed is tough. O.K. - so, although I’m actually a teacher, during most of my holidays and free time I love to go and help my friend dog walk and cuddle pooches. I will legitimately lie on the floor and let them all cover me - no shame. Also, I was born with bright ginger hair but it sort of went a strawberry blonde so now I dye it because I prefered it ginger. I hope that’s not too dull.
And that’s the amazing @mybeautifuldecay. Even though I haven’t added her stories to my archive YET, you can check out her fanfiction master list on her blog or her AO3 page.
This week, I interviewed another great Outlander fanfic writer, @abbydebeaupreposts!
Abby was born on the East Coast of U.S and grew up in and around New York City. She is 50% Greek and 50% Mutt, but can only (barely, she says) speak her native tongue of English. Without exactly revealing her age, she did admit that she has a playlist stuck in the 80s. She only started writing Outlander fanfics a little over a year ago. In school, she studied Political Science and Economics. Currently, she does mostly transaction work, focusing mainly on contingency planning and a lot of technical writing. For fun, Abby enjoys hiking, biking, playing tennis, reading, cooking, and watching documentaries. As a unique talent, she revealed that she can tie a cherry stem with her tongue! If she could travel through the stones, she would like to relive her life as a baby boomer or possibly go to Paris in the 1920s. She was adamant that she would not be all that adaptable to the 1740s, as she has a healthy respect for deodorant, tampons and indoor plumbing.
Keep reading to see the full Q & A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fanfiction?
The long droughtlander between 1 and 2. I started writing fanfic probably like everyone else --because there were some things I wanted to read that weren’t written yet. Also one of my children had a serious medical issue and needed surgery (he’s doing really well. If any parents out there need to figure out how to go about finding a peds neurosurgeon feel free to DM me). It was a hugely challenging thing to go through. I had a lot of time waiting and pacing in doctor’s offices and hospital corridors. The thing is you are still processing later on-- months later...it echoes across a lot of your life even after and there was upheaval for awhile. Anyway, I stumbled on Outlander fanfic -- perfect small snippets -- the fandom platform is a kind of shorthand that cuts through the expositional crap-- we know who the the characters are and mostly where they are going. Fics usually have regular updates so you stay interested, etc. A handful of writers in particular gave me something to look forward to, a nice escape and lovely food for thought about something other than the things happening IRL. That made a difference to me and I -- corny as this sounds--hope maybe I’ve been able to return the favor/pay it forward.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
This is a great excuse to reflect on what I have been doing so thank you for that. Let me preface this by saying that I love writing but readers make it fun, special and interesting. So I just wanted to say how enjoyable readers have made this experience. In the process of reviewing everything to try and pick out some quotes has made me realize that I did accomplish my starting goal-- I wrote some things that I wanted to read that remained unwritten and I am kind of happy with how things turned out. Here we go:
“He kissed her as if she was the essence life itself and she kissed him as if by doing so she could bring him into the light.” --An Outlander Affair to Remember
“If my lips touch yours, Sassenach, I might no’ be able to stop. I’ve been holding heaven in my arms while you slept.” --An Outlander Affair to Remember
“Kiss me quick, all’s quiet, no one is coming.” Claire huffed as she dropped into his lap. “Aye? Well, if it ‘twas you coming, Sassenach, it certainly wouldna be quiet for long!” -- An Outlander Affair to Remember
“I could have been content, you know...Everything changed when you came into Faith’s life.” Jamie could not remain silent. “Sassenach, I came into your life, too.” “I know. That’s it, exactly.” Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, as if the truth of the statement made her heart break. -- This is Us
“Dearest LJ, If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; Your best chance is with a scalpel, not a spatula!” -- This is Us
“Sassenach, if ye think that kiss’ll help me focus on something other than how much I look forward to doing it again, I must tell ye I am no’ of the same mind as you. Come here, lass,” he said as he moved in for the kill. -- Queen’s Gambit
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
I very specifically choose a quote or a scene or a theme from the source material and then challenge myself to drop it on its head and slide it from the OL-verse into my fic in a way that changes its meaning, reconstructs it or reinterprets it. This is true of all my stories except perhaps the Abby After Dark Collection-- which is a little less….literary in nature. This Is Us in particular uses many influences from the book-verse (and TV show too actually) and it has resonated with readers despite the fact that I know about half of the readers haven’t read all the books. I love the fact that it appeals to both kinds of readers.
Do you write during a specific time of day?
I work looooong hours, I have a fairly busy life with my family and friends and so I try and attend to writing a little bit every day but some days more than others.
Do you ask for input from peers?
Not in the way you mean--I don’t have a beta and I know it shows! But my peers are beyond supportive of me. We do discuss story arcs and character development, funny plot bunnies, etc. Especially when you get the odd mean anon. They are so great in those low moments. I have been blessed with cheerleaders in the fandom from day one. A lot of people ask how can they get traction for their work and on their blogs-- here is my best advice: team up with someone or several someones--There are artists out there, GIF makers, book analysis bloggers, script nerds, BTS photo blogs, photoshop wizards- find them team up-- @smoakingwaffles started really getting traction with @annalisedemoodboards and the Polaroid series. @futurelounging was just flat out funny and caught @bonnie-wee-swordsman‘s attention. I started on AO3 and @pissedoffsoka13 found me as did @thistlekat777 and really encouraged me to come to Tumblr and then @outlanderedandoverhere drew an amazing This Is Us the fic that is my blog banner and @cantrixgrisea started much as I did posting (but fanart on AO3)-- incredible stuff--and she is so adorable and funny. These are just a few of the ways people give input-- I learn everyday from what they are up to.
Do you edit while you write or do you use a more stream-of-consciousness approach?
I am the worst proofreader in the world-- but I edit constantly, it’s why it takes a long time between posts.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I don’t have one. I write more modern AUs. I am too much of a nerd about wanting to fact check things and it’s just easier to do that with a modern world setting. The only genre I don’t think I could do are the kinds of fics written by @futurelounging and @diversemediums and @kalendraashtar-- these fantasy/futuristic/past complexities that are fantastically unique.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
Season One 1-8 because a more perfect glorious season there never was. That is not to say that I haven’t been blown away by several episodes in all three seasons-- they have their strengths and weaknesses.
Have you read any of Diana’s books?
All of them and many side ones as well.
Do you have a favourite book?
ABOSAA.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
Until a few years ago I hadn’t heard the phrase fandom let alone… so no.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I play Texas Hold ‘Em and a mean game of Oh Hell.
And that’s Abby. Even though I haven’t added her stories to my archive YET, you can check out her fanfiction master list on her blog.
This week, I had the fortune of interviewing another one of our fantastic fanfic writers, @kalendraashtar !
Known in the non-digital world as Marina, Kalendra was born and raised in a small city in Portugal near the capital, Lisbon. As far as she knows, she comes from a long line of Portuguese people. Other than her native Portuguese, she is also fluent in English and speaks a bit of Spanish and French. She is currently 29 years old and has been writing Outlander fanfics for a whopping 3 years now! She has a master’s degree in Medicine and she is now in her last year of residency in her medical specialty, Family Medicine. For fun, she enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and watching TV series. She has a bit of a sixth sense which she thinks is not a unique talent, but I disagree—it seems awesome! If she could travel through the stones, she would love to spend a weekend in 17th century Scotland (but then again, who wouldn’t?).
Keep reading to see the full Q & A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fan fiction?
I started writing Outlander fanfiction in late 2015. Back then there weren’t many of us writing, basically just the girls at Imagine and a few solo writers. I was on the first year of my residency and needed something to exercise my creative muscle and to unwind, while also practicing my English. @gotham-ruaidh was a huge influence and the first person to encourage me – I believe most of us are here because of her.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
“I recalled the sensation of his laugh as I laid my cheek on his chest, a scientist studying the mechanisms of happiness.” - Happier
“And in his eyes I saw the first light of dawn, balmy and golden and pure, seeming to have come earlier than all the nights before, when darkness lingered in the curtains of our bedroom.” - Promise
“And they kissed, until there were no more kisses left, and even then their lips went on touching, whispering to each other of a thousand kisses shared and a hundred more to come.” - Tales of Us
“And I’ve come to realize that to love is to choose, again and again, on the perfect days but particularly on those less than perfect. To love is to say ‘I see you, what you are, and I choose again to entwine my life with yours’”. - His Name is Home
“Even when night came and we were left in complete darkness, I listened to her breathing, absorbing the symphony of the lover I craved.” - A Lifetime of Her
“Claire, the keeper of his heart since he was a boy, had gone where he could not reach her. She ended; and nothing else could ever begin.” - Sirius Supernova, Constellations Series
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
I’m not a very methodic writer, usually is pretty much stream-of-consciousness and I edit when I finish a chapter. My editing is mostly correcting writing mistakes or adding a few words here and there, I’m not prone to changing the plot or entire scenes. I normally know where I’m starting and where I want to end with a story, some things that happen along the way like bits of dialogue or scenes, but I try to keep it as organic as possible. I don’t really have a schedule for writing, usually it happens when time and inspiration are in sync.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
Definitely Modern AUs. I also like to throw in a bit of the supernatural on occasion. I enjoy the process of trying to place Jamie and Claire on such different circumstances. What changes in them? What is fundamentally the same? What shapes their reactions in this new life?
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
While I have thoroughly enjoyed aspects of all 3 seasons, the first one has to be my favourite. The core of it was truly Jamie and Claire, the birth of their legendary love story. It was such an intimate season. Besides, Scotland (landscapes, way of life) was front and center and for me that was a big plus.
Have you read any of Diana’s books?
Yes, I’ve read them all. My favourites are Outlander and ABOSAA, with DIA a close second.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
Not currently.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I have kind of an unusual and difficult to handle phobia – dogs. Like I love the idea of dogs and to look at pictures of them, but I can’t handle their physical presence near me.
Check out Kalendra’s page on my archive now! I have already added a few of her stories. For a complete look at her work, visit her fanfiction master list on her blog.
Next up in my Getting to Know series, I've interviewed another amazing Outlander fanfic writer, @owlish-peacock36!
Owlish Peacock, a.k.a. Ali, was born and raised in Kentucky, U.S.A. She has a very diverse background, being mostly German, Irish, Scottish, French, and English, with a little bit of Native American—though, you couldn’t tell it by looking at her. She can only speak English, although she did take Spanish for four years in high school, so she can understand a bit of it. She is now 25 years old and has only been writing Outlander fanfics for a little over a year. In school, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education and is currently working on her Master’s in Higher Education Administration. She is also currently a full-time substitute teacher for her local high school, teaching English for the rest of the school year. For fun, she enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, baking, plus being an amateur makeup artist. Her unique talents include being good at memorizing and being a surprisingly decent dancer. Her boyfriend says her talent is compassion—how sweet! If she could travel through the stones, she would go to either Colonial America or the English countryside in the 19th century.
Read on to see the full Q&A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fan fiction?
I had gotten into Outlander after watching the first episode of season 1. From there, I was hooked. I read the books, I watched the show. Around Fall/Winter 2016, I became curious about the online presence of Outlander. I began searching for blogs and fansites. That was when I began reading Outlander fanfiction. I had read fanfiction before, but had never written it. I had always loved writing, so I decided to take a stab at it. I had ideas, and I wanted to share them. I contacted gotham, spoke with her a bit, and she boosted me. That’s that, pretty much. I’ve been writing ever since!
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
That’s a tough question, honestly. I can give you a few that I like, though:
“Wide awake, Jamie painted without abandon, and without thought. He had no outcome in mind for this cacophony of color and texture, but he knew that he had to do it. He had to put these…these feelings down on canvas.
He surveyed his colors.
Orange? Yes, orange. Fiery. Flames. An accurate depiction, he thought. His body radiated warmth, all centering around his core. His heart.
He wondered if he could recreate Claire’s skin. A soft pale color with a light, peachy glow. Long, ivory lines: her legs wrapped around his…
Red. For his hair. His colors melting into hers. His fires setting her earth ablaze.
More of her. More of him. Movement. Collision. Explosion.
Love?
Perhaps.” – Alla Prima: Chapter 5
“He couldn’t stop himself though, couldn’t turn back. His body would not allow him. So, he trudged behind this spectral being, guiding him through a valley of death.” – Ghosts in the Daylight: Chapter 3
“She seemed to glow, as if lit from within by a candle. The world around them darkened; she was the only light.” – Seek, and You Shall Find: Chapter 7
“He rolled over, then, pinning her beneath the weight of his love. He tickled her with stubble and lips, and she adored him in kind.” – Imagine Reality: Chapter 5
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
When I begin a story, I usually have a clear beginning and end in mind. From there, it’s a matter of filling in the blanks. I usually have a good idea where I want a story to go, but that doesn’t mean I’ve never veered off and taken a story completely off course!
I don’t have a specific writing schedule; I’m sort of a temperamental writer! I love writing, but if the mood doesn’t strike me, I can’t churn out a story. When the mood does strike me, though, I’m writing like crazy! Sometimes I’ll write at 2 am, sometimes I’ll write during a break at work. It just depends on the day!
I’m not a huge editor of my writing. I’ll proofread it, but most things I post are first drafts. For me, editing can take some of the “in the moment” emotion away from my writing. I’ll nitpick until it isn’t any good anymore. So, I just leave it alone.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I always feel more comfortable writing modern fics. That way, I can take some snippets from life and sneak them in there. However, I always tend to add fantasy or supernatural aspects to my writing, whether they are set in the past or in modern times. In that way, I sort of create my own world inside this existing Outlander world.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
My favorite season has probably been season 1. It seems to have that perfect mixture of romance and adventure and humor. Plus, it’s the first one, so obviously it’s going to hold a special place in my heart.
Have you read any of Diana’s books? If so, which ones? Do you have a favourite book?
I’ve read the main eight a couple times, but I’ve never read any of the spin-offs/novellas. I don’t necessarily have a favorite; I have multiple favorites! Outlander is always fun to read, simply because it takes me back to the very beginning of this adventure. But, I also love Voyager, and seeing how the characters have/haven’t changed with age. And then there’s Drums of Autumn which is great for a couple reasons:
1) I love seeing Jamie, Claire, and Brianna together and
2) I live on the eastside of the US, so I see places every day that make me stop and think, “Fraser’s Ridge could be here…”
Lastly, A Breath of Snow and Ashes just makes me super emotional. Those are the top four!
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
I’ll read some every now and then, but I only write for Outlander.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I was Prom Queen my senior year of high school. It’s trivial, but kind of cool because I didn’t expect it.
I also met Jack Antonoff (musician) one time.
And there you have it. A deeper look into the mind of yet another one of our beloved fanfic writers. I haven’t added her stories to my archive YET, but you can check out her fanfiction master list on her blog.
This week, I've interviewed another great Outlander fanfic writer, @gotham-ruaidh!
Known as Sarah out of the Tumblr sphere, gotham-ruaidh was born and raised in New York City. She also lived abroad for a number of years. She has an interesting mix of Irish, Italian, and German descent--although, she just sent her DNA to be tested for ancestry, so who knows! Amusingly, she does not speak any of the languages from these countries. However, she does speak fluent Chinese, well-enough Spanish, and enough-to-be-dangerous Russian. That is one very diverse person! She is currently 32 years old and has only been writing Outlander fanfics for 2 years. In school, she completed an undergrad in biology and a graduate degree in economics. She is currently a Program Manager at a very large international corporation (one she did not reveal but mentioned we’ve probably heard of (very intriguing, indeed). For fun, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, crossword puzzles, travelling and needlepoint. When asked about her unique talent, she revealed that she cares too much. How lovely! If she could travel through the stones, she would actually want to go 150 years in the future to New York City. Cool!
Read on to see the full Q&A.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fan fiction?
Back in the fall of 2015, there was very little Outlander fanfiction. And I didn’t like any of it. The Mods who ran @imagineclaireandjamie at the time were looking for new writers, so I decided to apply by writing a story that I’d want to read. The result was “Glen Rowan Cross,” and the rest is history.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
Quite a few in my new story Uitlander. You’ll just have to wait to read them =)
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
It’s easiest to write when I have a specific idea for a scene, or a bit of dialogue; the rest of the chapter (or ficlet) just comes naturally. I do very little editing of my writing; what I publish is about 95% first draft. It’s easier for me to write at night than during the day, because I use my subway rides to think of ideas and my spare time at the office to daydream.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
Modern AUs. Though I’m quite liking writing in a different historical era for Uitlander.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
Believe it or not, I’ve enjoyed all three seasons equally. I’m honestly just so thrilled that it even exists; back when I started reading Outlander in 2005, the general consensus on the Internet (aka Compuserve, the only place to interact with other Outlander fans) was, isn’t it too bad that this can never be adapted properly? (keep in mind that at the time, 2-hour movies were pretty much the only option). But that was OK, because people would rather have no adaptation than a terrible one. So I’m just so ecstatic to even have a series that I can’t pick a favorite season.
Have you read any of Diana’s books? If so, which ones? Do you have a favourite book?
All of them. Too many times. But my favorite is Voyager; it goes places and takes its characters places that is brave and bold.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
Write – no. Read – yes.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I am an alumni interviewer for applicants to my undergraduate college.
Check out gotham-ruaidh’s page on my archive now. I’ve already added about 90% of her stories there (the rest will be up soon(-ish)). It’s a great way to get a glimpse of her stories and easily choose the perfect ones for you.
Guess what time it is? Time to learn more about one of our great writers, @lenny9987!
Lenny was born and raised in Central Massachusetts, U.S.A. She’s mostly Polish from her dad’s side, but she also has some English and French on both sides as well. Other than English, she speaks a moderate amount of Spanish and a tad bit of French. Her niece enjoys making her feel old, even though she’s only 30. This may come as a shocker because she’s amazing at it, but she’s only been writing Outlander fanfics for three years now. Wondering how she manages to masterfully achieve gripping and eloquent storytelling? Well, she has two BA degrees, one in English Lit. and one in History, PLUS, she has a Master of Arts in English and American Lit. I know, it all makes sense now. She was previously a freelance writer and editor for three years. Currently, she works in marketing for an employee communications company. Her main hobbies include, unsurprisingly, writing and reading, while she also enjoys knitting. If you ever meet Lenny, ask her to perform her parlour trick. She is somehow able to write her name upside-down, not in print but in cursive, and with her left, non-dominant hand! What can’t Lenny do, that’s the real question. If Lenny ever got the chance to go through the stones, she’d probably travel to the 19th century, somewhere in America.
As I’ve mentioned before, Lenny, along with @bonnie-wee-swordsman, had the wonderful fortune of having their fanfics read by our beloved Outlander duo. Here’s Lenny’s video if you haven’t seen it (or if you want to rewatch it for the umpteenth time):
I asked Lenny a couple questions about the story behind this video and about her fanfic writing in general. Keep reading to see her delightful answers.
How did it feel when you first found out that Sam and Cait would be reading an excerpt from Chapter 6 of Written In the Stones?
Shocked was the biggest and then a combination of flattered and embarrassed (’cause I never wrote with the intent that ANYONE from production would or should read it). When Harper’s first reached out to me they weren’t specific, it was just to talk about something regarding my Outlander fanfiction, so I assumed it would be for an interview or to participate in some “how do you feel writing fic when DG’s opinions of it are so against it” kind of thing. When they followed up and said they’d actually read a selection of that fic on camera, I was at work and had to leave my desk and take a walk outside to calm down ‘cause I was physically shaking from the shock.
How did it feel when you watched them actually reading your fanfic?
I only made it through the video once and haven’t been able to watch it since. It’s just too weird hearing words I wrote coming out of their mouths, haha. Though I loved their reactions when they realized Mrs. Graham was in it.
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fan fiction?
I got to beta-read some of @gotham-ruaidh’s Shifted fic way back when she had started writing that so the first little bit of fic I wrote was just for her eyes and maybe a week later I posted it on Tumblr. When the reaction there was so encouraging I wrote a little more and then a little more, basically drabbles, before starting on longer pieces.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
Oh man, ummm… I have more favorite scenes than favorite lines. Jamie meeting baby Faith in Faith Restored (if I had to pick one line: “Claire was mesmerized watching him as he processed the details of Faith’s features and began to get a feel for her developing personality”) and then when Jamie and Frank have their little confrontation in Collision Course (“As Jamie ducked to leave the cave, the light caught him in such a way that it seemed to nearly pass through him like a ghost and Frank’s blood went cold”).
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics?
I usually have a pretty firm mental outline before I start writing, so the big plot points and I always try to have how it will end decided so I at least know which direction I’m writing. I tend to write in the evening before bed. It’s a great way for me to mentally unwind. If I wake up early, I’ll write a bit then too and whenever I can on the weekends. I usually only reach out when it’s a scene that I’ve struggled to make work for myself and I don’t really trust my own judgment anymore. The first time I wrote a smutty scene I had two or three people read through it first because I had zero confidence about it. I’m a linear writer and pretty much just go but if I get stuck or stall or have to pick up after having taken a break, I read back through what I have and edit what’s there.
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I like writing canon divergent AUs, so usually taking one of my ‘what if’s from reading and taking the canon story in different directions. I also love trying to work in some of the later canon elements into the story too, so getting to the same/a similar place by different paths. I do have an idea or two for AUs that are more traditional and independent AUs, but I want to finish some fics I have open first.
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
I think 1A will always have a special place because it was so unexpectedly magical (and consistent) but I have loved what they’ve done in Season 3 almost as much. I think they do best when they really take their time and have more episodes to tell it in.
Have you read any of Diana’s books? If so, which ones? Do you have a favourite book?
I think I’ve read all of them—the main series, Lord John spin-offs, and the novellas. I love the emotional arcs of Voyager the most, with the domesticity of Drums a close second. Echo and Written in My Own Heart’s Blood are pretty high too.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
I’ve written a few very short drabbles for Orphan Black and Black Sails but nothing like what I’ve written for Outlander.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I stumbled into appearing in a brochure for our local library when I was seven. Literally walked through the door with my arms full of books to return and they asked me and my mom to stop and could they take and use my picture. It was the library and I loved (and still love) the library so of course I said yes and my mom agreed. I still have that library card, too, though I’ve had to tape it back together a few times after accidentally putting it through the laundry.
There you have it, folks. A journey into the mind of the wonderful Lenny. Be sure to check out Lenny’s page on my archive. I’ll be updating it soon with links to her work. For now, you can go here to read all her amazing stories directly.
Imagine Jamie could somehow know before his mother even died that he would end up married to an English woman (like a premonition, if he had them stronger). what would he and his parents and sister think if they believed it was true??| Part 6/? of the WTT's Posts for ImagineClaireandJamie Series
danielledreamsthedayaway asked: Hello lovelies! I loved this new story!! Could we get one in the Modern AU or with Jamie and Claire in the 20th century? I know we had a shower scene when Jamie just came to the 20th century, but a joint bath would be nice...| Part 5/? of the WTT's Posts for ImagineClaireandJamie Series
Anonymous asked: Imagine little Faith asking Jamie if Claire really was a fairy and that's why she couldn't stay with them | Part 3/? of the WTT's Posts for ImagineClaireandJamieSeries
Anonymous asked: We all know that, realistically, Claire wouldn't have gone back through the stones any sooner, even if she knew Jamie was alive, not when it meant leaving her child behind - but what if she had to come back because of Brianna? What if, with Bree originally being meant to be born in XVIII century, and with only one of the parents being a traveler, she was getting sicker every day and the only cure was to get her back to her own time? A druid-lady can diagnose her ;) | Part 2/? of the WTT's Posts for ImagineClaireandJamie Series
Anonymous asked: Imagine Jamie going all proud poppa mode with baby Faith if she had lived | Part 1/? of the WTT's Posts for ImagineClaireandJamie Series
Unless you guys have been living under a rock, you probably have read at least one fanfic written by the lovely @bonnie-wee-swordsman. You probably also know that back in October, she along with @lenny9987 had the wonderful fortune of having excerpts from their fanfics read by Sam and Cait. Here’s the video for those of you just waking up from hibernation:
(Here’s lenny9987′s video)
I thought it’d be fun to question Bonnie-Wee-Swordsman so we could all get to know her a little better.
How did it feel when you first found out that Sam and Cait would be reading an excerpt from Chapter 7 of “A Hundred Lesser Faces”?
Well, I guess it’s important to note that I kinda knew that it was at least a possibility. Harper’s Bazaar had reached out to @Lenny9987 a few days prior, and so I’d already gone through the stages of OMG SQUEE/THAT’S SO COOL THEY”RE DOING THAT for her, so when I saw a ‘Harper’s Bazaar’ show up in my DMs, I knew what it must be about! With Lenny on board, I signed the release immediately and said OF COURSE YOU CAN USE MY DUMB STORY!!!
On the one hand, I was super excited and flattered to be involved, especially since they told me up front that Sam was going to say the name of my blog and title of the story, and let’s be real, I would have said yes for that one gif alone!
…but to be honest, there was also this whole level of ….WAIT….WHAT IF IT’S LITERALLY JUST THEM MAKING FUN OF OUR WRITING?? WHAT IF DG STANS PULL OUT THEIR FANFICTION-HATIN’ PITCHFORKS AND WE GET DRIVEN OUT OF FANDOM??? FCKKKKKKK WHAT IF IT’S JUST ALL-AROUND TERRIBLE????
Now, Lenny and I were both pretty good at crossing fingers and hoping for the best and reminding one another of all the good, promising signs that those worst-case scenarios wouldn’t be the case….but still, it was pretty nerve-wracking,to have to wait a month with all those speculations rolling around in our heads! It was great to have a good friend with whom to commiserate!
OH, and when they first reached out to me, they didn’t immediately mention which story of mine was involved (they didn’t tell me until we were actually emailing off of tumblr), but I knew from Lenny that the selections were all reunion-themed, AND SO there was a frantic 30-or-so minutes in which I was like
#BURIES SELF UNDER SOIL AND IMPENETRABLE IRON FOR 50000 YEARS
How did it feel when you watched them actually reading your fanfic?
Equal parts CRINGE and SQUEE and HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER. I haven’t actually been able to bring myself to rewatch it! Not that it was terrible, I just can’t. In the same way I can’t watch I Love Lucy (#anxiety)
What inspired you to start writing Outlander fanfiction?
I listened to ALLLLLLL the Outlander audiobooks and a few of the Novellas between January and April 2016. I’d recently finished The Space Between, and got inspired by the following line:
“Did you come looking for me?” he asked boldly. He moved a little, trying to get a better view of the man. He was nearly sure that the frog appeared younger than he had when last seen. Surely his flowing hair was darker, his step more elastic? A spurt of excitement bubbled in his chest.
“For you?” The frog seemed amused for a moment, but then the look faded. “No. I’m searching for a lost daughter.”
Rakoczy was surprised and disconcerted.
“Yours?”
“More or less.” Raymond seemed uninterested in explaining further.
I got thinking about who this might be, and though the more obvious answer is likely Claire, I got thinking, ‘what if it were Faith’? And the rest is history.
What are some of your favourite quotes that you have written?
Oh, goodness, this is hard. A lot of my favorite things to write are comedic banter between Jamie and Claire, but I can’t for the life of me think of any specific passages.
So here are just a few angsty bits that popped first to mind:
Flood My Mornings, Ch. 11:
“He surrendered himself to her, not by way of seduction, for—by some unspoken understanding—neither sought to tease or arouse the other; but rather in the way that marble submits to the sculptor: expectant of the promise that one person’s touch will create beauty”.
A Hundred Lesser Faces, Ch. 6:
Yes, the body, so perfectly adapted to regenerate and prolong us, will do everything in its power to erase the imperfections life inflicts upon it. The platelets will descend; the threads of fibrin will lash and bind; the white blood cells will attack infection at the breach, keeping the small hurt from becoming fatal. It is how we—physically, fundamentally—go on.
The body cannot comprehend that its healing power, that very erasure, is a wound in and of itself; that our hurts and imperfections might be nothing less than our deepest desire.
For a Lost Daughter, Ch. 3
They murmured it to one another, over and over.
Faith…
Faith…
A name. A child.
Faith….
Faith…
A command. A call to a strength neither of them possessed alone.
What is your writing process when writing your fanfics? Do you ask for input from peers? Do you edit while you write or do you use a more stream-of-consciousness approach?
First I outline: What are the big things that must happen to move the plot forward?
Then I brain dump snatches of detail or plot points. Just write everything I can think of to get the basic flow in the google doc. Then I go back and brain dump snatches of dialogue or description into that draft. In no particular order, just capturing as many of the little snippets of inspiration that come to mind as possible. Sometimes this happens more in my head than on paper, but this is my general process. Like visual art: draw the outline, then do the basic shading, then add the more precise shading and highlights, and slowly move to smaller and smaller details until it looks right.
Sometimes when I feel stuck, I have to go back and analyze myself, asking things like: Why did that snippet of dialogue seem important to include? What am I trying to get across about that character or that moment? And from that, does my original snippet do that concept justice? Most of the time, not, so revise, add, delete, wordsmith, etc. A lot of times, I’ll go back and do the analyzing part a little more formally, particularly if I’m feeling stuck or if the scene is extra emotionally complex. (E.G– Stepping back and actually writing down answers to questions like ‘what is claire actually feeling right now, and why?’ ‘Am I taking for granted that ________ , etc). It helps me stay focused on the character’s state so the progression of the dialogue feels natural rather than just zipping around from dramatic high point to dramatic high point.
And then I just obsessively re-read what I’ve written and make tiny adjustments until it’s time to post! For me, there’s no real distinction between ‘writing’ and ‘editing’. Pretty much every chapter of mine comes together in tiny little adjustments over a long stretch of time. Some of my favorite quotes/moments came from literally last-minute tweaks. As in, minutes before posting! It also keeps the mental pressure down, for me—because there’s absolutely no expectation for it to be perfect right off the bat, or even for many days. The goodness comes over time and with lots of thought and small improvements, not from having it together immediately (a good life lesson, actually!)
And no, I don’t tend to ask for input before posting, except for the occasional fact-check!
What is your favourite genre to write and why?
I’m a sucker for meaningful angst. Angst for angst’s sake can be too much, but as long as there’s hope for redemption, I’ll always throw my energies into making the dark turmoil before the dawn breaks as dark and painful as possible!
What has been your favourite season of the show so far and why?
Season Three honestly threw my love into a whole new level—I loved many of the adaptation changes they made, and it just felt like a beautiful homage to the books with some wonderful twists. THOROUGHLY enjoyed.
Have you read any of Diana’s books? If so, which ones? Do you have a favourite book?
Pretty much all of them! I’ve only read a scattering of the Lord John Books, but I’ve read all the OL books and novellas.
Do you read/write fanfics for any other fandom?
I will occasionally read some ACOTAR or Harry Potter fanfic, but I haven’t written any yet.
What is one random fact about you that you have never revealed on Tumblr before?
I have a mole on the pad of my right big toe, right above the nail.
I hope you all learned a little more about this beautiful mind. I know I did!
With the new year fast approaching (or already here depending on which part of the world you live in), I thought it would be a good idea to create this survival guide. The following are 5 tips for pulling through the rest of this Droughtlander.
Tip #1: Go (re)read Drums of Autumn
I say this as someone who has not read the book yet (but plan to as soon as possible), but if you’ve seen my previous post, you’ll know that—as I learned from reading Voyager before watching season 3—reading the book before watching the season will most definitely enhance your viewing experience. And what better way to help you get through these hard times then to journey a little further into Jamie and Claire’s love story?
Tip #2: Go (re)read Diana’s other Outlander books
Okay yes, this is kinda similar to the tip above. But I have some other points, I swear. If you haven’t read any of the books yet, this would be a great time to finally get into it. It’ll provide a new way to experience the Outlander story. It will also take up a lot of time since Diana’s books are fairly long, which is awesome because then before you know it, the Droughtlander will be over. You can decide whether you want to read ahead past book 4 or not. For me, I do not want to read past book 4 before watching the next season because I would rather have the book fresh in my mind. But, if you find yourself lying awake at night, needing to know what happens, then keep reading. Also, for those of you who have read all the books already, why not reread them all over again? That will definitely get you through until season 4 returns.
Tip #3: Rewatch the first 3 seasons
Yes, this may seem obvious, but I have a fun little twist to make your rewatch even better. So first, find someone, possibly a friend or family member. Then, use all the persuasion power you can muster to convince them to start watching Outlander. Now, not only will you get to relive the story from the beginning, but you will also get to witness someone else experience it for the first time. It’s truly a win-win situation.
Tip #4: Watch behind-the-scenes and interview goodies on YouTube
If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with not only this amazing show, but also with the wonderful actors who help to create the magic. Below are some handy links to some videos featuring these lovely humans:
Classics:
Season 1 Bloopers + Deleted Scenes
Season 2 Bloopers + Deleted Scenes
Comic Con 2015 Panel
Comic Con 2017 Panel
PaleyFest 2015 | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Compilations:
Official Starz playlist
Outlander Barcelona’s Videos
Outlander Italy’s Videos
Entertainment Tonight’s Videos
Outlander America’s Videos
TV Guide Playlist
Outlander World’s Videos
Entertainment Weekly Playlist
Laugh-out-loud funny:
Sam & Cait Attend Couples Therapy:
(And don’t forget the bloopers!)
"Outlander" Stars Recap Seasons 1 & 2 in 9 Minutes
How Well Do Cait and Sam Know Each Other?
Sam & Cait Quiz Each Other
Sam and Cait Play If/Then
Facebook Live Q&A with Sam & Cait
The Cast Recite Their Lines in American Accents
And once season 3 is released on DVD, there’ll be even more goodies to watch!
Tip #5: Read amazing fanfics created by the Outlander fandom
We are so lucky to have so many great fanfic authors in this fandom. The authors post on several sites, including A03, fanfiction.net, and right here on Tumblr. They write a wide variety of fanfics, from modern AUs and post-episode inserts to delicious smut and fluffiness galore. With the hundreds of stories available to read, you could get through this Droughtlander with ease.
Even better, if you’re looking for something specific, whether it be a certain genre, length, or other specific fanfic, visit my tag page. Here, you’ll find Outlander fanfics categorized by different tags so it’ll be easier than ever to find the perfect fanfics to read. I’m still in the process of adding older stories into the archive, but soon, I will move on to adding new stories every week.
Why You Should Read Drums of Autumn Before Watching Outlander Season 4
If you're one of those people who are on the fence of whether or not to read Diana's books before you watch the show, let me help you.
I, admittedly, had never heard of the books or the show until this past summer. I binged the first two seasons within a month and was forever hooked. I did not think I would last the remainder of Droughtlander without these amazing characters so I decided to pack my bags and jump aboard Voyager.
I am so happy that I read the book before the third season. It made me experience the show on a whole new level. Let me give you 3 reasons why you should read Drums of Autumn before the fourth season.
1. You absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next
I know the feeling. You just finished watching the finale and now you’re dying to know what happens to Claire and Jamie. The solution? Easy. Just go out and read the next book. It is the absolute best way to survive the Droughtlander. Not only will you not die of sheer boredom, but you will also be rewarded with journeying through a little bit more of this epic love story before the show even returns.
2. Knowing what happens in the book does not make the show predictable/boring
I know this is probably what worries most of you. Even I was afraid that if I did read the book, the show would essentially be spoiled for me because I would know everything that would happen.
But, let me assure you, this is definitely not the case. Sure, you’ll know what the major plotlines are, but trust me, you will still experience plenty moments of surprises. The Outlander writers like to change some details from the book, whether for lack of time or personal preferences. Sometimes they reorder scenes or even add completely new ones. You truly appreciate these moments when you have already read the book. It is so much fun to compare how the writers adapted the book into their own interpretation.
For example, if you recall this scene with the skull, Voyager readers were absolutely dying when it aired. Because we read the book, we knew that these remains were of Geillis and we knew that Claire would be the one to slice her neck off. This fun little foreshadowing element the writers included was an awesome payoff for those of us who read the book and I’m sure they will have more of these in the next season.
3. It is just amazing getting to watch on screen what you pictured in your head
If you’re like me, you imagine every scene in your head when you read a book. Getting to actually watch the magic of Catriona and Sam performing these scenes is indescribable. Watching a scene play out when you already know the gist of what will happen just makes you feel all the...feels, for lack of a better word. You just become so amazed and awestruck by how beautifully the cast and crew bring the story to life.
So, let's go through those stones and travel to the Drums of Autumn soon before our beloved show returns.
