creator has shared a snippet from her upcoming 10th book as she celebrates turning 72.
The time travelling drama will be returning imminently for the second half of series seven with fans of the franchise also waiting for author Diana Gabaldon’s 10th book which will most likely be the last novel following and
On Thursday, January 11, Gabaldon took to Facebook to share that it was her 72nd birthday, thanking fans for all of their well wishes.
In addition to this, the creator of the universe shared a disappointing update on the book’s progress as well as a tease for what’s to come.
She wrote: “Yes, it is my birthday (I’m always astonished when it comes round again, but there it is…), and many thanks for all the kind good wishes!
“For the record, I’m 72, or will be, as of 6:01 PM tonight (the night of January 11th, I mean).
“Aside from minor arthritis here and there, I seem to still be in decent working order, so we’ll hope for the best during the coming year!
“(No, the book won’t be out this year. No, I don’t know when it will be done.
“Books have their own time, and I’m not rushing this one, but I hope you’ll enjoy it when you get it.)”
Gabaldon then posted a sneak peek from her upcoming 10th book which has yet to receive an official title.
The teaser reads: “‘So,’ I said, sitting up. ‘You’re proposing to go off for some unknown period of time, to unknown places, to do unknown things that are likely bloody dangerous, fortified only by your memories of my hands and my bottom?’
“‘They’ll be my shield and buckler,’ he assured me, straight-faced.
“‘What _is_ a buckler? I’ve always wondered.’
“‘It’s something like a targe,’ he said, reaching for his shirt. ‘A bittie round shield. About the size of your arse,’ he added helpfully.
‘“I’ve seen targes, you know,’ I said, somewhat coldly.
“‘Have ye ever sat on one?’
“‘No. Have you?’”
“‘Aye, many times.
Comes in handy, if you’re tired to death and out in the wet or havin’ to eat your supper in the snow. Mind,’ he added fairly, bending to pick up his kilt off the floor, ‘ye canna do that if ye’ve got one o’ the fancy ones wi’ a spike in the middle. I couldna afford one o’ those, though—not at the time.’
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[CAST]
[EXPLAINER]
[REVEALED]
“Not at the time. I rather thought the last time he’d held a targe would have been at Culloden.
I felt the expected pang at the thought of that - but for once, the memory was tempered by another. He’d come back from that battle. And a good many others. And at least this search would keep him off battlefields. I hoped.
“I slid off the table as he turned round, and put my arms around him, comforted by his solid warmth and the taste of salt on his skin.
“‘I’ll remember your hands, too,’ I said. ‘If I recall what Roger was saying in church last month, though, that psalm says, ‘His truth shall be your shield and buckler.’ If a buckler is a shield, why do you need another?’
“‘To guard against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Sassenach,’ he said, and kissed my brow.
‘A targe is for swords and knives. The close work, aye?’”
Fans on couldn’t help but share their excitement at the extract, as well as send their birthday wishes to Gabaldon.
One fan wrote: “Happy birthday Diana Gabaldon. Thank-you for just being you!
“I hope you have a lovely birthday & surrounded by family & friends.
“I hope you know that millions around the world adore you for your imagination & bringing us
.”
Another seconded: “Thank you for sharing your extraordinary talent as a writer.
“Thank you for the alternate universe that is Outlander and for the characters we have come to love like family. Blessings to you on your special day.”
While a third commented: “Happy Birthday, Diana!
“Thank you for gifting another excerpt from your book. How lucky we are to enjoy in your day.”
