NYC: Our Outlander Day Out With Starz

WHAT a fabulous time Tracey and I had yesterday at the Starz event in NYC.  I don't even know how to describe what it felt like to be surrounded by so much...OUTLANDER!  We ran into tons of awesome fellow bloggers from Outlander Book Club, Outlander Fan (singular; no S!), Outlander TV News, That's Normal...Oh my gosh, who else??  Forgive me but there were too many awesome Jamie and Claire loving peeps to name in one post! 

First off, let me share with you what an absolute CLASS ACT Starz is.  I have never been so impressed in my life.  They went ALL out.  I was blown away by the appreciation this company has for US.  Aka fans!  The event was top notch; one of the neatest experiences I've had since diving into this pool of awesomesauce we know and love as Outlander.

The event was held at the truly neat McKittrick Hotel in downtown NYC.  The room the presentation was in was teeny tiny and AWESOME.  They weren't kidding when they said it would be "intimate".

The event started with Ron Moore and Diana Gabaldon doing a presentation that included a video (Sam says "sassenach" in it, y'all), stills of the set, and a Q&A.  It was such an neat little setting which made it even more exciting.  No pretense, nothing flashy, just Ron and Diana dishing Outlander - with the fans.

By the way I sat next to a verra fun woman from Edinburgh; check out her tattoo!  --------------->>

A few points about the series:

-Nine Episodes have been written and another four or five have been partially written.  

- We will see a LOT of Frank in Season 1...in flashbacks.  The writers want us to understand why Claire would want to leave Jamie...and the way to do this is to make us appreciate Frank.  (Dare I say "like" Frank?  DOH!) 

- WE WILL SEE Claire and Frank visit the ruins of CASTLE LEOCH on their honeymoon.  (Chills y'all.  Chills)

- Diana will have a cameo...if she wants one.  :)

- Everyone has been cast for season 1. 

- Ron Moore's wife is a HUGE Outlander fan, as well as a costume designer for the show.  She will not let him change too much.  (WOOT!!  We have a comrade on the set!)

- The part of Outlander that made Ron want to make it come alive on screen?  When Jamie told Claire to stay put after the honeymoon, and she left and tried get back to the stones.  He said they got married and had the honeymoon and he thought they'd go along having this wonderful life together...and then Claire changed all the rules and bolted.  (My words, not his.)

A little more about the tremendous day Starz planned for us:

After the QA, we went to an open-air, garden-themed restaurant on the roof, which was just the neatest place...that was decked out with railroad ties and lots of foliage.  We sat in an area that looked like a box car, complete with faux aged curtains blowing in the breeze.  And all of this against a city backdrop.  Just the coolest venue for a meal with friends. (Tracey and I want to go back with the hubbies ASAP.)  And speaking of a meal, we were treated to fried chicken with a plethora of autumn veggies..along with grilled pears, corn bread and a really yummy bread pudding.  And yes; wine.  (Did I not mention Starz rocks?!)

Speaking of Starz, one of the highlights of our day was chatting it up with the VERRA COOL girls who work there!!!  They got a kick out of Pocket Jamie...and I thought it was hilarious as I almost didn't even bring him along!  I also told them how I LOVE blogging about other Starz shows like The White Queen, etc etc over at MyPurgatory.com.

Ok so lastly, not only did Tracey and I get our picture taken with Ron Moore, but we were lucky enough to ride down the elevator with him...and some fun Outlander fans.  I took this opportunity to mention how much I loved Mission Impossible II...and ask if there was any way we could get my favorite Scottish actor - Dougray Scott - into Outlander, somehow.  He said you never know what might happen down the pike.  After that, I scared him off with my awful impression of Dougray in the film.  He promptly walked off the elevator and probably had nightmares for the rest of the weekend. ;) 

Seriously you guys...I have never been so excited in my life.  This show is going to exceed all our expectations.  Ron Moore GETS IT.  He truly does.  Jamie Fraser is going to come to life and the whole world is going to fall in love with him.  

You can find tons more photos HERE at My Outlander Purgatory on Facebook.

NYC: Starz Outlander Event

Tracey and I are on our way the the Starz Outlander event.  We will be tweeting all day from @myoutlanderpurg and will be posting to My Outlander Purgatory on Instagram. 

Updates to follow!  

Updated MOP Outlander Playlists

For you music lovers out there...

I've updated the Outlander playlists!  Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager and Drums of Autumn are complete.  The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes and Echo are still being added to.  

Check 'em out by clicking the "Playlists" tab above or clicking here. 

Enjoy!  

October 12th Outlander Event in NYC

Just a quick word to let you know Tracey and I *will* be attending the special Outlander event with Diana Gabaldon and Ron Moore this Saturday in NYC.

Please say Hello if you are there!  We'd love to meet you!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

DAY ONE OF OUTLANDER PRODUCTION, Y'ALL.  Bring your A game and let's discuss!!!

Outlander Production Has Begun!

Just received the following from Starz!  OUTLANDER PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN!!! 

"Please find an image of and quote from executive producer Ronald D. Moore to announce production has commenced on the STARZ and SONY PICTURE TELEVISION’S original series “Outlander.” Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling novels, the series is filming on location in Scotland and will air on STARZ in 2014.  For more information go to our Facebook Page, Follow @Outlander_Starz on Twitter and Instagram.  Join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ."

“Day One and the battle is joined.  We fight to do justice to the material and the fans.  We'll return with our targes or on them.” -  - Ronald D. Moore

It's October...and October Brings Bannocks

Made bannocks to go with my chicken noodle soup the other night.  (Not that this particular soup came close to anything you'll find made by Theresa over at Outlander Kitchen.) My soup was a bit of a Sandra Lee "semi homemade" concoction...but the bannocks were from scratch.  And, as usual, my kids loved them.  And my husband?  He loved them, too.  And it made me realize that I will be eternally grateful to Diana Gabaldon for introducing me to such wonderful little cookie-cakey-sconey-biscuity-goodness.  I've made book-club bannocks.  And I've made Christmastime bannocks.  And now I've made "Hey, it's Wednesday" bannocks.  These things get more delicious every time I taste them.  And that, sassenachs, is a wonderful wee giftie, ken?  :)

Scottish Vines on Facebook

Sometimes there are things I just HAVE to post...even though I know they're kindof objectionable.  THIS is one of those things.  It's a Facebook page called Scottish Vines and is comprised of nothing but quick, 6 second videos made with the "Vine" App on a smartphone.

The thing that sets these videos apart from a zillion other "vines"?  These are made by SCOTS.  Verra, verra disturbed Scots.    They're full of bad language (you've been warned) and rude antics...some of which I find simultaneously gross and hilarious.  They're pretty much Trainspotting meets Jackass.  The one redeemable quality that is really intoxicating - and the only reason I'm even posting?  THEIR ACCENTS, DAMNIT.  I canna get enough.  

See for yourself.  If you dare...

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!

"Remember Paoli!"

Spoiler Alert:  The following pertains to information mentioned in "An Echo in the Bone."

"One of Howe's commanders, Major General Lord Charles Grey--a distant cousin of Grey's--attacked the Americans at Paoli at night, with orders to his troops to remove the flints from their muskets.  This prevented discovery from the accidental discharge of a weapon, but also obliged the men to use bayonets.  A number of Americans wire bayoneted in their beds, their tents burned, a hundred or so made captive--and Howe marched into the city of Philadelphia, triumphant, on September 21."  ~Diana Gabaldon,  "An Echo In The Bone"

Today marks the 236th anniversary of the Paoli Massacre at the Paoli Battlefield which was mentioned in An Echo in the Bone.  

"Just after midnight on September 21, the British led by Lord Grey launched a devastating strike into Wayne's unprepared American camp. Grey had ordered his men to remove the flints from their rifles before the attack began. Bayonets, — a weapon Americans considered barbaric — would be the weapon of choice.

53 Americans were killed and over 100 wounded in Grey's lightning raid. The use of the bayonet coupled with the notion that the British stabbed or burned the Americans who tried to surrender, made martyrs of those maimed and killed at Paoli. For the rest of the war, the British lived in fear that Wayne's troops would try to avenge the affair that came to be know as the Paoli Massacre."   (ushistory.org) 

Every year I commemorate the occasion with a special blog post, as Tracey (my Outlander mentor) and I grew up in Paoli, Pennsylvania.  

Reading about a battle so close to where you grew up - in the Outlander series - is truly a magical experience.  

When I googled "Battle of Paoli" + "Diana Gabaldon" a few minutes ago, many links came up from the MOBY daily lines.  I, being the spoiler freak I am, did NOT look - nor will I - until Written in My Own Heart's Blood comes out in March (Lorddddddddd the release date.)  But how excited am I to think Paoli may be mentioned AGAIN???  Chills, y'all.  Chills.  

And...if Herself mentions the burning down of the Union Salt Works by British loyalists in April 1778 in the upcoming Written in My Own Heart's Blood, which happened in the little Jersey Shore town I live in currently, I'll fall right the hell over and they'll have to run and fetch the smelling salts.  

All kidding aside, please take a moment today and remember those who were killed or viciously wounded by British soldiers at Paoli...and also the United States Army battle cry that was used well into the 19th century.

"Rest well, Paoli's heroes brave. 
You did your part this land to save. 
And as the centuries roll by, 
Ever we'll sound your battle cry 

REMEMBER PAOLI!!"

~Henry Pleasants Jr.

Laoghaire and Geillis Casting

Is Ping An in Cuba?!

Thanks to Belinda for sending in this verra cool article (love the newspaper copy!)  

Belinda's comments are below:

"I found this in our local paper and I think this is not Pancho but actually Ping An.  Maybe he flew through the stones and is looking for Mr. Willoughby.  If you look closely,  he is even wearing some kind of collar.   No need to look farther for Ping An's casting for season 3, Voyager!"

For more on Ping An in Voyager, visit Outlandish Observations' Friday Fun Facts from 5/25/12. 

MOP Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  WE'VE GOT OUR CLAIRE, Y'ALL!!!  AND Murtagh!  AND Wee Hamish!  Let's discuss!  :)

MOP VIDEO: Carol and Tracey Discuss Caitriona Balfe!

Lorddddddddd We Have Our Claire!

Oh Em Gee.  How gorgeous is Caitriona Balfe?!  She's perfect.  I love her.  And I don't even know a

darned thing about her.  I know she's Irish.  So that always scores points, as I'm half Irish.  And she's got the Claire "look".  I canna WAIT to see her - and Sam - all kinds of done up in Hair and Makeup on set.  It's going to be wild.

You know what I have to say now...

BRING ON LEGHAIR and GEILLIS!!!!

Outlander Chat Tonight!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  AKA RIGHT NOW!  GET IN HERE!  :)

"Scotland's Game of Thrones"

I seriously enjoyed this article from the Scotland Herald about the upcoming production of Outlander being filmed in the old, deserted "Isola" plant in Cumbernauld, Scotland.  It describes Claire as a "20th-centry nurse who goes back to the 18th century" and Jamie as a "Scottish swashbuckling Jacobite."

Wowwers.  Seriously puts it into perspective, does it not?  For years, I've dreamed of watching the Outlander series on the big screen.  Or a little screen.  Any screen would do.  And now that I'm seeing that dream become a reality, I'm...well...scared as hell!  LOL  Dinna get me wrong, I've been so excited about this since I first heard Ron Moore would be the mastermind behind the screenplay.  And I've pretty much eaten, slept and breathed "Claire Watch" since we found out Sam Heughan would be playing Jamie.

I even took my phone to Tracey's tonight (and she said "Hello? It's Sunday!  They won't announce anything tonight!")  But I couldna help it.  I am way too emotionally invested at this point.

There's no turning back now.  And it's deliciously terrifying!

I suppose I'm somewhat of a seasoned Outlander fan, having written a blog about the series for almost 4 years.  (Although I am not worthy of those who have been fans for 20 plus years!)  In addition, I've waxed on with my sister (and Outlander mentor), Tracey, via video...I've posted daily on MOP Facebook for months...and I've been lucky enough to meet some of you amazing fellow-readers - all in the name of Jamie Fraser.  So I still find it so incredibly interesting when I think of Jamie and Claire, and something totally new about one of them pops into my head.   Today, when I was reading this Herald article, I found myself wondering what Jamie would think of all this brouhaha surrounding the Outlander series on Starz...and being called a "swashbuckling Jacobite".  I pretty much came to the conclusion he would Mmmmfffpppphhhhh the hell out of it...and say there was much more important work to be done.

But clearly there is nothing more important at this point, as far as adaptations go!  I canna WAIT to see the reactions of not only my fellow OutFANders, but also the rest of the world who will tune in to Starz in April.

So to that "Scottish swashbuckling Jacobite", Jamie Fraser, I proudly say:

Je Suis Prest! 

MOP Chat Canceled: Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!  In observance of the Labor Day holiday, MOP Chat will be canceled tonight.

(Unless there are any new casting announcements made today...which is looking highly unlikely as the hour roll by.  Today seems to be all about Christian Grey.)  ;)

Angus Mhor and Mrs. Fitzgibbons Cast!

According to this article on TVGuide.com, Stephen Walters (Layer Cake) has been cast as Angus Mhor and Annette Badland (Doctor Who) has been cast as Mrs. Fitzgibbons! (Thanks, Hildy, from The Book Bosses!)

LIKE My Outlander Purgatory on Facebook!

Hey y'all - help us get to 2,000 and LIKE us on Facebook if you havena already!!  That way, you won't miss out on MOP updates about videos, chat, Starz and all things OUTLANDER!  :)

MOP Video: John Dahl & Where's Claire?!

MOBY March Madness

Outlanderland?

Is this every Outlander fan on the planet, or what?  Can't you just see us all...dressed in 18th century frocks and hanging out together at Pretend Lallybroch, eating bannocks and yelling at everyone...just like Jenny?!  Canna WAIT for Austenland...

Bronwen Lewis - Fields of Gold

Dear Outlander producers,

Please consider recording a song or two with Bronwen Lewis when looking for music for the upcoming Outlander series on Starz.  I don't watch The Voice, but was sent this by Mar_OFan today and wow.  After only one listen...just...wow.

Thanks!
Carol

MOP Chat - Master Raymond Discussion

Is it strange that I've
always pictured Master
Raymond as Paul Williams?  

Thanks to SWilliams for posting the following about the Master Raymond discussion from Monday's Outlander chat here on MOP:

For those of you on chat late last night when we were talking about Master Raymond and the blue light. Guess what I found in the FAQs on Diana's site? 

"Who/what is Master Raymond? What is his significance? (SPOILER)

Well, he’s a prehistoric time traveler. I think he came from somewhere about 400 BC or perhaps a bit earlier (not technically “prehistoric,” but they certainly weren’t using written records where he started out), and the 18th century is not his first stop.

He is–or was–a shaman, born with the ability to heal through empathy. He sees auras plainly; those with his power all have the blue light he has–born warriors, on the other hand, are red (so yes, “the red man” is iconic). He has a rather strong aversion to Vikings, owing to events that happened in his own time; hence his nervousness when he sees Jamie. He’s afraid of them, but he also realizes just what a strong life-force they have–that’s why he makes Claire invoke it (using the sexual and emotional link between her and Jamie) to heal her.

His descendants–a few of whom he meets now and then in his travels–have the blue light about them, too; in large degree or small, depending on their talents. So he knows Claire, when he sees her, as one of his great-great, etc. grand-daughters. And Gillian/Geillis is another–you notice she has Claire’s sense of plants, though she tends naturally to poison, rather than medicines.

We’ll see him again–though not in Jamie and Claire’s story, I don’t think. Master Raymond should get his own series of books, eventually. So in fact, we’ll see Claire, Jamie, and Geillis again, then– but as secondary characters in Master Raymond’s story (you recall, Geillis mentions having met “one other” (time-traveler) in Voyager, but doesn’t tell Claire who it is).

Heaven knows just when we’ll get to that–in about ten years, at this rate–but we will get to it. {grin}"

Outlander Chat TONIGHT!

Outlander Chat Tonight!  9PM Eastern!  See you there!

Carol and Tracey Dish on Tobias Menzies OUTLANDER Starz Casting

TOBIAS MENZIES to play Black Jack Randall AND Frank Randall in OUTLANDER on STARZ

Look at the expression on my face.
I think it's pretty obvious I can play
a complete douche with ease, no? 

WOW.  What a day.  Tobias Menzies of Game of Thrones fame will be playing both Black Jack Randall AND Frank Randall in Outlander on Starz next spring.

I first saw Tobias when he played Marcus Junius Brutus (Et tu, Brute?) on ROME on HBO.  He was fantastic.  He played the character as "a good kid"...but ultimately, as we all know, Brutus became a turncoat and caused the demise of Caesar.  (BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!)

I have also watched Tobias play Edmure Tully in Game of Thrones over the last year...and I'm not going to lie to you; I HATE HIM!!! (That's a Game of Thrones spoiler - beware!)

I know this is a man who can play both good - and evil; even on the same show.  Bottom line - if I already hate him...I can only assume I'll love him!

Wondering What STARZ Offers?

Dear Starz,  I love you.  Love, Carol

Holy Lord

Jamie Fraser.  Those rocks.  No one around.  Mmm Hmm...

My thanks to the talented Mark Appleton for the amazing visual.  :)

Hot Scots Drumline

Thanks so much to Jaymie for posting this on Twitter.  WHAT a treat!  I can't believe these guys are in high school!  I'd hire them in a second!

Claire? Where Are You, Girl?

Ron Moore at Comic-Con: Starz: "We Love the Books"

THIS is a fantastic Blastr interview with Ron Moore, taken at Comic-con 2013.  I near about fell off my chair when I read this commentary, direct from the man's mouth:

“We’re at pains to really follow the books,” he says to assure concerned readers. “One of the great things was Starz said to us early on was, 'We love the books, we think they are great so let's make the [show] for the people who love the books. Let’s make it for the fans of the books first and trust that anyone who doesn’t know the material will get swept along in the story like everyone else does.' Nobody ever says that,” Moore laughs. “Typically studios and networks just say, 'Yeah, we don’t really care about the book. We bought it for the cover or whatever…' and then dispense with it very early on [in the process]. This was the rare time when everybody said this is great material and we like the story and these characters so let’s try to get as close to the books as possible in the show and that’s what we are doing.”

Reminded me of my "Please do right by Jamie Fraser" letter from wayyy early on when we just found out about the series.  Something tells me he and Starz are going to do right by us fans.

Congratulations to Outlander's Sam Heughan - E! News HOTTIE OF THE WEEK

Let's Get Sam Heughan Voted as ENews Hottie of the Week on TWITTER

Let's get our new JAMMF, Sam Heughan, voted in as ENews's Hottie of the Week! Head to Twitter and tweet @enews and include the hashtag ‪#‎HottieoftheWeek‬ VOTE EARLY VOTE OFTEN--voting ends Friday! Spread the word!!!

Sam Heughan: Feast Thine Eyes. And Ears.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Sam Heughan Cast as Jamie Fraser in the Upcoming Outlander Series on Starz

The press release, direct from HERSELF, Diana Gabaldon:

IT’S OFFICIAL!

SAM HEUGHAN CAST AS JAMIE FRASER IN STARZ & SONY PICTURES TV’S “OUTLANDER”

New Original Series Based on Diana Gabaldon’s International Best-Selling Novels 

From “Battlestar Galactica” Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

Beverly Hills, Calif., July 9, 2013 – Starz in association with Sony Pictures Television has announced today that Sam Heughan will play the role of Jamie Fraser in the original series “Outlander,” adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books, which will premiere on STARZ in 2014. The chivalrous young Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser, has been adored worldwide by fans of the seven-book series that has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times.

Diana Gabaldon said, “Oh. My. God. That man is a Scot to the bone and Jamie Fraser to the heart. Having seen Sam Heughan not just act, but be Jamie, I feel immensely grateful to the production team for their painstaking attention to the soul of the story and characters."

"From the very beginning, I knew the part of Jamie Fraser would be difficult to cast,” said Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore. “I had no one in mind for the part. I knew that someone would just come into the audition and be Jamie Fraser. And that's what Sam did." 

In “Outlander,” Jamie Fraser strikes up a passionate affair with Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. Armed with sheer grit and enduring strength, he is a strapping young Scottish clan lord with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. He is intelligent, principled, and, by 18th century standards, educated and worldly, with a tenderness and compassion that stands out in contrast to his contemporaries. A natural leader of men, he has no political ambitions or desire for battlefield glories. Instead, he wishes to remove the price on his head and return to his family’s ancestral farm. 

Sam Heughan is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he was a 2003 nominee for the Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performance for his work in the program. Last year, he originated the role of Batman in the DC/Warner Brothers and Waterlane production of "Batman Live," an international tour which opened at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles and went on to tour in South America and throughout Europe. In 2010, he was nominated for a British Soap Award for “Villain of the Year” for his role as Scott Neilson in the BBC soap opera "Doctors." He has also had roles in a range of television series including, "River City," "Island at War," "The Wild West," "Midsomer Murders," and, most recently, "Any Human Heart" as Lieutenant McStay. His TV movie credits include, "Breaking the Mould" for BBC Television, "A Very British Sex Scandal" for Channel 4 and "First Light" for BBC2. He was nominated for a "Grace award" for his performance as Prince Ashton, the son of Sir Roger Moore, in “A Princess for Christmas” for Hallmark Channel. His film credits include the short film Small Moments, and the feature films Alexander the Great from Macedonia and Emulsion. He will also be seen in the upcoming film Heart of Lightness. On stage, Heughan has performed at a variety of theatres in such productions as “King John,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Vortex,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and more. At the Royal Scottish Academy, Heughan starred in productions including “Crime & Punishment,” “The Seagull,” and “Prometheus Bound.” He is repped by United Talent Agency in the US and United Agents in the UK.

The series adaptation for “Outlander” will be written by Ronald D. Moore (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”). Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining & Supply Company and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television. 

The series will begin filming in Scotland this fall.

“Outlander” Online 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/outlandertvseries.starz

Twitter: @Outlander_Starz - join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ 

My Outlander Purgatory VIDEO: Carol and Tracey's Reaction to Sam Heughan

Outlander (on Starz) Casting Humor

UPDATE: Starz now says Sam Heughan is "in talks" to play Jamie Fraser in the upcoming Outlander series on Starz

OK so now Starz is saying that someone jumped the gun and they're "in talks" with Sam Heughan for the role of Jamie Fraser in Starz' upcoming OUTLANDER series.

If he's the guy - My Outlander Purgatory is happy.

If he's not - it was fun while it lasted!

PS - TELL me Sam Heughan's people aren't tickled PINK at the leak!  Either way, everyone in the US knows who their client is now!

SAM HEUGHAN has been cast as JAMIE FRASER in OUTLANDER on STARZ!

JAMES ALEXANDER MALCOLM MACKENZIE FRASER has been CAST!

As announced in Deadline Hollywood, Sam Heughan has been cast as Jamie Fraser in Starz upcoming OUTLANDER series, adapted by Ron Moore of Battlestar Galactica.

I can NOT TELL YOU how happy I am with this casting.  Why?

1. Scottish!!!!!
2. GORGEOUS
3. Reddish hair
4. Reddish beard
5. 6'3"!!!
6. Beautiful facial structure
7. Serious acting chops
8. Did I mention SCOTTISH?!?!?

Holy crap.  I don't even think it has hit me yet.  I have one thing to say:

BRING ON CLAIRE!!!!!!

Jamie and Claire Dolls from The Wee Beasties

My apologies to our awesome MOP friend, Sooz, who asked me to post about this eons ago!

You must check out these adorable Jamie and Claire dolls, made by Ellen at The Wee Beasties over at Etsy.  Look how gorgeous they are!  I was blown away when I realized how much work must go into these beautiful creations.  

Cool Louis XV Mistress Fabric Design on eBay

How cool is this?  Thanks to Lesley for the way cool find!

Ron Moore Tweets OUTLANDER

Press Release: Starz Confirms Outlander Series for Spring 2014

Starz Officially Greenlights New Original Series "Outlander" From "Battlestar Galactica" Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore

Network Will Team up with Sony Pictures TV

Series Based on Diana Gabaldon's International Best-Selling Novels

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz will partner with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight "Outlander," an original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international bestselling books. The network has ordered 16 episodes of the series which will begin filming in Scotland this fall. It is slated to premiere in 2014.

The series adaptation for "Outlander" will be written by Ronald D. Moore ("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Star Trek: The Next Generation"). Moore is best known for his work on "Battlestar Galactica," which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of "Outlander," which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.

"We are thrilled to be bringing 'Outlander' to Starz next year," said Chris Albrecht, CEO of Starz. "Diana has created an incredibly compelling heroine, thrust into a very complex world, not to mention, time. The books weave a fascinating tapestry of history, spirituality, love and honor, not to mention plenty of time travel, sex and warfare. With Diana's stories guiding us and Ron's mastery, we hope to bring Claire and Jamie to life for the millions of fans the world over."

Moore added, "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life. Diana's created a rich and textured world filled with intriguing characters, and I believe that Starz is the perfect home for her story. I think we'll make something that the millions of fans of these books will enjoy and recognize as 'Outlander.'"

Diana Gabaldon's seven-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times. The eighth installment of the "Outlander" series is slated to be released in the fall of 2013. The "Outlander" series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one grandiose tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Starz will retain all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Casting in Ireland. So?

Methinks it's time to have a little discussion about some of the Outlander casting fears that are floating around the interwebs...namely the one about the Irish location of the casting company.

As John Cusack once brilliantly said in Say Anything:  YOU MUST CHILL!!!!

Below is a scene from 2011's Camelot on Starz.  (Yes, Starz.)
It was cast by Gillian Reynolds Casting.  In Ireland.  Who was cast?  Let's review:

Jamie Campbell Bower - English.

James Purefoy - More English tremendousness.

Eva Green - French...schooled in London.  And gives me chills. 

Joseph Fiennes - English.

Claire Awesomesauce Forlani - English.

Philip Winchester - American, schooled in England, his mother's native country.  

OK so let's review.  Starz series...cast by Gillian Reynolds...in Ireland.

Hmmm.  Let's take a looksee:

And you know what?  SO WHAT if some of the actors end up being Irish??  They're ACTORS.  That's what they do.  Would you rather they hit up Hollywood and get Emma Stone and Tatum Channing?  Lorddddd no!  (NOT that I don't love both of them...but I'm making a point.)

And you know what else?  I'M IRISH!  So knock it off!  ;)

OUTLANDER Casting Info

Check out this blog post from Maggie, an intern at Gillian Reynolds casting in Dublin, about the OUTLANDER CASTING that is going on RIGHT NOW!!!

ONE Day Only - FREE SHIPPING at the MOP Shop!

This just in...

TOMORROW - June 21st - is International T-Shirt Day and you can get FREE SHIPPING with no minimum order at the MOP shop!  Enter Code: TDAY2013

Here's your chance to get some witty Outlander merchandise before Starz says we canna sell it to you anymore!

Video: Outlander on Starz and Written in My Own Heart's Blood Release Date

Note: Season 3 of Game of Thrones is mentioned verra briefly in this video; be warned.

Hubby Tom's Voyager Update

Tom is reading chapter 50, "I Meet a Priest".  Here are his thoughts (and my own.) 

Doin' a little dishes...
Talkin' a little Voyager.

Claire is hangin' out with the reverend…she got picked up in the mango swamps. (LOL Mangos? Mangroves!)  She was walking thru muck and mud and talking with birds and bees….very Alice in Wonderlandesque - like Willy Wonka.

Then she meets Dr. something or other (Sterne, obvs)...he was obviously an Entomologist.  He brought her back to the hut…and there was the crazy reverend guy and mamasita…but the reverend guy got all stoned on gange and fell asleep…

Mamasita said her dress would never fit a cow like her…thinking Claire didn't know what she was talking about…but obviously Claire speaks Spanish because she speaks every language known to man - including Swahili - because she is Claire Beauchamp in the Year of our Lord, 19xx…  And she's always saying "Hold on, Beuachamp!" 

Remus is the name...
Bugs are NOT my game!

Mamasita keeps speaking spanish and calling Claire  a cow…which makes her one of my favorite characters so far. 

Sterne reminds me of the zippity doo da guy Br'er Rabbit talks to.  (ROFLMAO at this sooooo hard.  How he's picturing a Jewish fellow named Sterne as Uncle Remus is beyond me.)

Even when Claire's ALONE, she's arrogant.  (ROFLMAO)

We are now debating about where Jamie met Sterne.

This has been a very entertaining update for me.  I hope you've enjoyed it!

OFFICIAL American Release Date for Diana Gabaldon's 8th Book in the Outlander Series: Written in My Own Heart's Blood

From Diana Gabaldon's Facebook page:

"Written in My Own Heart's Blood has an official North American release date—March 25, 2014!"

You can preorder on Amazon now!

Scotsman.com: Outlander is Scotland's Game of Thrones

Check out this awesome article from Scotsman.com about Outlander on Starz next year.  They're calling it "Scotland's 'Game of Thrones'."  And they seem to be as stoked as we are that it's filming in Scotland.

Dang.  I'm thinking "Road Trip".  (With a little air travel mixed in.)  ;) 

Outlander Starz Series Update from Diana Gabaldon

This was posted on Diana's Facebook page in the wee hours of the AM.  It answers a ton of questions we discussed at MOP Chat last night.  She has nothing to do with the casting or writing of the Outlander series on Starz:

"OK, a slight correction: the production people tell me that the sixteen episodes are all for the _first_ season. (And if all goes well with that...they then might get a second season. This is kind of how television works, you know?)

Many thanks for your delight and enthusiasm! I'm sure with support from you, the show will do just fine.

As for the "oh, they'll RUIN it/oh,I can't stand to watch/oh, it'll be cheap and cheesy/oh, they're sure to mess up the characters/destroy the storyline, etc., etc., etc."...comments, you guys are of course welcome to your opinions, too--but feel free to curb your enthusiasm at any time.

I am NOT writing this show. I am not CASTING this show. I do not have CONTROL over this show. (I do have input, and the production people are very kind about asking my opinion on things. This does not mean they have a legal obligation to take it. )

You know why not? Because I don't want to. I'm a novelist, not a screen-writer. I'm a naturally solitary writer--I don't even have research assistants; my books are mine alone. Screen-writing, by contrast, is an intensely collaborative business.

Scripts go through dozens (literally) of iterations, being worked on by any number of people--then reworked by other people, over and over. A new director (for a show or an episode) can insist on a new direction or changes; an influential actor can ask for changes. Multiple writers means constant--and I do mean constant--collaboration.

I'm not a team player. (Ask anybody. ) AND I have books to write. Were I to be involved in a TV series beyond simple consulting, it would suck my soul, waste my life, prevent me ever writing another book, and be generally a Bad Idea. I'm not doing it.

I would also probably not be good at it, whereas I have a good deal of faith in the very experienced and talented people who _are_ doing it. I saw the pilot script and thought it was an amazingly good adaptation (by marked contrast to various film scripts I've seen over the years ).


So, you know....chill. Cross your fingers, hope for the best, and if you can't stand to watch, wait and read the reviews, and if it looks OK, you can get the DVD. "

I work with a film production company.  And as someone who has collaborated on script revisions, I can tell you that Diana is one thousand percent correct about what screenwriters do.  It's a never-ending process.  I helped my partner revise a script two years ago.  We went start to finish - word for painstaking word - multiple times...then went back over many scenes a zillion times.  And this was all before pre-production.  The script was then changed by producers during production.  Things were tweaked on set.  Now - long after we went into post-production - we are STILL changing scenes...deleting scenes...moving scenes around...adding scenes that had been cut.  Even changing music.  The film is "finished" (it's never really finished)...yet cutting just one word from one sentence can have a massive impact on the feel of a scene.

So basically...as I said last night...we all want to prepare ourselves for the fact that things are NOT going to be exactly as we read them.  

If you are happy this series is being adapted for TV...then sit back, strap in, hold on, and wait for the outcome.  If your expectations aren't unreachable, you might just be pleased.  

If you are NOT happy this series is being adapted for TV; don't watch.  It's that simple. 

But for the love of ALL that's holy in this world, let's not BITCH about it for the next year...and let's definitely not be rude/snotty/snarky to - or about - each other about it.  It is SO NOT WORTH IT.  The series is NOT going to be exactly like the book.  Hopefully close, as Diana said...but not exact. 

Outlander on Starz: The Ron Moore Writer's Room...Explained

What I'm finding interesting about this article is the mention of the Writers's Room and what these people have worked on in the past.  Take a look!

Diana Gabaldon: Author Breakfast Interview at BookExpo America

Neat interview with Diana Gabaldon at BookExpo America.  She talks about what writers have inspired her...and in what way.  That, alone, makes me giddy with glee.  I am always on the edge of my seat when she talks about writing.  What I wouldn't do to be able to take a class with DG as my instructor!

Diana Gabaldon Announces Starz Series at BookExpo America

Just in case you didn't get to see Diana make the announcement, here it is, in all its glory.

Scroll to 51:23 to see her speak (and try to find your happy place while Chris Matthews is trying to pronounce her name.)

LOL  It wasn't even that bad...but we're so protective as fans, aren't we?

Deadline Article about OUTLANDER on STARZ

Check out THIS very cool article about the upcoming Outlander series on Starz.

It's HAPPENING, Y'ALL.

Outlander on Starz in Spring 2014?!

From Nicole over at the Compuserve Books and Writers Community:

"Dear All, 

I just watched the live stream of BEA and Diana had some exicitn gnews to share: 

She said she has signed the contract to the TV series last night, they'll probably start filming in September this year (no, she hasn't any idea who will be cast) and the pilot will probably air in spring 2014." 

Um...wow.

Happy Memorial Day

Dear Claire, SHUT IT! Love, Tom

Just a man...and his Kindle (and his
Dairy Queen) on a Sunday afternoon.

OK so my hubster, Tom is halfway through Voyager...and just found out about Jamie marrying Leghair.  Claire left and is on the horse after their huge fight that Jenny put a stop to.

Although he's enjoying the book BIG time, this little situation (snicker) has done nothing to soften Tom's feelings about Claire!  Listen to what he said:

"Claire has the inability to see anybody else's opinion or understand their side of the argument because she knows, in her head, and in her heart, that she's right about everything.  She's so self-centered and arrogant.  She just can't imagine her being wrong.  She just can't imagine somebody else having an opinion that would explain the situation, because in her head, she's right...all the time.  Claire is never at fault.  She has started problems...she's gotten men killed...she got that ship burned down...and never, ever once did she ever sit down and assess blame to herself.  It's always someone else's fault."

YOWSA!

It's just so awesome to discuss different aspects of the series with new readers.  I fear Tom may never soften toward Claire...but there will be plenty of entertaining discussion along the way!

Outlander Chat Tonight

Outlander Chat, yo.  9PM Eastern.  BE THERE.  (please)  :)

SoozShop is OPEN on Etsy

Direct from Sooz, MOP friend and maker of GORGEOUS shirts and jewelry: 

By popular demand, new Outlander  inspired  machine embroidery designs are now available for order on Etsy.  These are stitched directly onto 100% cotton casual shirts, of a size and color of your choosing.  Two of the designs include a leading letter in a Jacobean thistle motif followed by a font verra similar to that used on the Outlander books.  The fifth incorporates a Celtic knot design in tone on tone colors along with the popular "Keep Calm and..." slogan.

Here are the designs:

In addition to the embroidery design options, there are some jewelry pieces now offered. Each is a unique creation and depict the names of each of the books in the Series along with a few surprise references. Other designs are in the creation process. An example of one of the 12 offered looks like this:

All of these can be found on Etsy (www.etsy.com) in a shop titled "SoozShop" for those interested.   My idea for designing these is to be able wear the love of the series so you can share it with those that stop to ask.......Please stop by the Shop if you're intrigued.

Blessings, Sooz

Silliest 'Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser' Video Ever

We've been discussing our favorite Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser video lately...so I had to post a chunk of it today.  I just watched this and laughed harder than I did when we made it.  Enjoy!

(Spoiler Alert:  We are discussing An Echo in the Bone in the video!)

Happy Birthday Jamie Fraser Videos: 2013 Edition

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Happy Birthday to the hottest fictional character (who we like to pretend is real) on the planet,

Mr. James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser!