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This blog began as a challenge.

My wife and I were planning on celebrating our 20th anniversary in Seattle. Coincidentally, an Outlander Fan Retreat occurred that same weekend at Seattle Center. Since my wife is a big fan of the series (and with me being the ever-supportive husband, of course), I agreed to attend with her.

Athough there was a handful of other hardy male souls who also attended the event, I was easily lost among the sea of women fans, but that was to be expected. At the pre-event on Friday evening (Table 1, woo hoo!), I was challenged by a Gabaldonian evangelist (Debby) to read at least the first 200 pages of the first book. She was convinced by that point I would be hooked, and become an "Outmander". I agreed to read at least that far and see for myself what the fandom was all about.

The next day at the main keynote event, I was listening to Diana explain her transformation on the road from university professor to novelist, and I became captivated with her clarity, sharp wit, tenacity, and self-determination.

I mentioned to my wife that if I was to at least get started in the first book, it might be interesting if I created a blog to record my journey, as it were, especially as it would be written from a man's perspective. She thought it would be a great idea, but only if I committed to read the whole book, not just the first 200 pages. *Sigh* Any of the other attendees who heard about this tentative project also said it would be something they would read.

Well, here it is.

I look to the fans of the series to help create this blog and define it. I couldn't even come up with a good title for it. Yet, after a quick roundtable discussion with some of our Table 1 (woo hoo!) tablemates at the pizza party following the event, Danielle made a suggestion of "Steve's Time Slip", to which everyone else at the table went, "Ooooooooh" with approval. Based on that early response, I figured it was probably a safe bet.

Some quick clarification on the context "rules" of this blog:

1) I have not read any of the series, so I have no knowledge (other than in very vague generalities) about the storyline or character developments. If you are to comment on any posts, please post no spoilers!

2) I am not an "Outmander". Yet. Now, having said that, I in no way want to disrespect the men out there who consider themselves included in this term. However, to me, this seems to be a pejorative term, on the level of "Sugar Daddy" or "Beefcake" (both of which I get labeled quite frequently).  :)  If I become a fan of the series, I will simply be a fan.

3) I will be striving only to comment on the story and characters from a man's perspective, not critiquing Diana's writing style. After the years of obscure scientific journals and a multitude of gargantuan novels under her belt, I'm pretty sure everyone agrees by now that Diana knows how to string words together that make sense.

4) My opinions of the Outlander story will be based on my reading preferences. In "recreational fiction" reading I enjoy works along the lines of science fiction writers like Ray Bradbury or Frank Herbert. My favorite fiction series, Herbert's "Dune", is replete with some heady religious, philosophical and political intrigue. My non-fiction tastes include history as related by the early English texts of the Bible (where I spend most of my reading time) and early European history of Protestantism. From what I know of the Outlander series anecdotally from my wife, this should suit my interests well. It will be this background and perspective that colors my opinions stated in the blog.

4) Most of all, I simply want this to be a fun interactive read. Hopefully some of you will be able to re-live your first time through the book through my eyes, and share your thoughts and comments on the various posts so everyone can benefit and just plain have fun.

To the book!

20 comments:

  1. FYI- the term "Outmandet" was 1st coined by Marc MacNichol, Scottish novelist and playwright. He asked for other "Outmanders" to please stand up and be counted.

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    1. Thanks, Tall Chic. Yes, my wife informed me it was a man who coined the term. I tried not to be disrespectful of those who wear the name proudly, but I'm just trying to be honest with how it appears to me. Thanks for the added emphasis. I must say, after seeing how respectful and thoughtful everyone in the "Outlander" group is, I may have to re-think my position...

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  2. This will be fun to follow, "I'm pretty sure everyone agrees by now that Diana knows how to string words together that make sense." That got a smile out of me, with your reading preferences, I don't feel that you'll have any difficulty getting into the series. As I tell people, just get to page 51 (of the copy I loan) and stick with it to the end of the chapter.

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    1. I'm always glad when I can make someone smile. You have a specific loaner copy...? Wow, I think I may have underestimated the enthusiasm of Debby, the original Gabaldonian evangelist we met at the Seattle event! :) Thanks for a fun comment!

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  3. Looking forward very much to reading your blog as you progress through Outlander. And an "Outmander" is simply a man who likes Outlander, and I feel that many other fans, like me, will be interested in a man's perspective on the story.

    My husband is re-reading "Outlander" to prepare for watching the TV series and he's having trouble putting it down, but he only got through the first 3 books way back when. I'm definitely going to tell him about your blog, too. Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks for your interest, Connie! Wow, if your husband only got through the first three, he has some catching up to do. Let's see; this is my first time through the first book and it has 41 chapters...I'm doing my best to do a chapter every day or two...carry the four...I'm pretty sure I'll be dead before I make it through all eight (so far) of the Outlander series! God bless your husband's tenacity, but I'm glad he enjoys it. I'll continue to do my best to get my own perspective out there...

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  4. I'm not real good with blogs. But as I Still can't get my own husband interested in the books it will be interesting to hear your views as you go through it!! Here's a toast to your beginning!! CHEERS!!! :-D

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    1. Well, Cynthia, you must be doing okay with this blog, since I see you are brave enough to continue to comment! Thanks for the support and enthusiasm!

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    1. Fun for who, Shawna? Fun for me, or for all of you who have already read the series and are just watching me fumble my way through in public...? :) Thanks for the support!

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  6. I'm the husband Connie mentioned above. My nickname is Dick but, since we've moved to Costa Rica, a lot of folks call me Ricardo now. I love science fiction, but I'm not much into romance novels (a guy thing, I guess). Outlander is clearly both (and lots more). Since my family hails from Scotland (many generations ago), I'm also receptive to the product of the obviously extensive research that Diana has put into the ethnicity of Scots. The books have all the elements that make a great story and I'm able to forgive the lack of boring, tedious parts that real life stories have in favor of the continuously exciting, provocative, and thought provoking.

    Admittedly, I'm a pretty fickle reader and after three books the first time around, other science fiction that had space exploration, lots of technology, and shorter time frames lured me away. The fading of reading books in favor of spectacular video, totally believable animation, and awesome audio may have been a factor as well. Perhaps it's fortunate for me that we have less of that here and I'm often forced to do some of the work myself. I think I'll make it through all the books this time. I'm looking forward to catching the Outlander series on TV soon, though.

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    1. Ricardo, my friend. So good to hear a male voice out there in Outlander land. A Costa Rican ex-pat with a Scottish heritage? Wow, sounds like YOU'RE the one who would have an exciting blog to follow and not me!
      I hear you on the video/visual front. I usually like my fiction thoughtful and compact within a 2-hour format like movies; however, a good fiction book, that is, a really good yarn, can capture my thoughts. I like how I can put it down and pick it up later with no break in the action. So far, I am enjoying how descriptive and vivid this narrative is. I value your continued input as my journey continues...

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  7. A distinguished Judge read and wrote reviews for a series of books written for young girls (Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace). His perspectives were fascinating and very valuable. We had months of lively discussions on our mail list. REALLY looking forward to your reactions. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Well, CM Pete, I can tell you honestly that I am not a Judge and I am rarely considered distinguished, so I hope that does not dissuade you from future opinions I post here. :)

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  8. Since I can barely get my girl friends to read the book I know my husband will NEVER read them. He just isn't a reader at all.I look forward to your perspective and see what your impressions are of our Jamie and Claire. I have been a fan since 1991 and have read the books 3 times......and I am on another reread now and listen on audible.....Enjoy your reading!! Marie

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    1. Marie, you are amazing! 3 times through the series, plus another re-read AND Audible...(my dear, is there something we should know about your real life?) :)
      Wow, that is fantastic! I feel like such a novice in the presence of someone so familiar with the series, and I'm sure you are chuckling at my relative naivete through my initial posts. I told my wife I feel like a blindfolded rube in the company of sighted spectators who can watch me stumble over every well-placed chair in the room...I hope you can enjoy my feeble attempts to convey my thoughts on these stories. Thank you so much for commenting!

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  9. I am looking forward to your perspective and journey. I honestly don't know how many times I have read and/or listened to Outlander. I tend to listen to the audio version when I am walking, but reread the series before jumping off the deep end into each new book. My husband has also read the series. He likes sci-fi, some fantasy (Game of Thrones...), and obviously is not put off by big books. In fact we saw Diana on our 25th anniversary when she was here in Seattle for Echo. Welcome to the past.

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    1. Thank you, Mary. So many experienced readers of the book series here, I must say I'm fairly taken aback at times. Glad to know there is still interest in my fair musings. Hope you continue to enjoy the blog series!

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  10. I enjoyed reading your post so far and as a Christian woman agree somewhat with your thoughts on the sex and mysticism. I just try not to dwell on those parts (suspended disbelief and all). Don't let people make you feel like you're being disrespectful for stating your opinions, as all opinions are colored by our personal beliefs. And have fun! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Ana. Of course, everything we state is colored by opinion, but I do my level best to at least be respectful of all. My wife/editor is helping reign me in if I begin to get too "preachy", (although, fair warning, she tells me I may have difficulty with restraint at some later developments). I appreciate your supportive comments, as the response to this blog series has been a bit unexpected and overwhelming. Thank you!

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