Four years!

This week marks the 4th anniversary of my discovery of the OUTLANDER books. People talk about how these books have changed their lives. Well, in my case, it really is true! If you're interested, here is the story of how I found OUTLANDER. Unlike many of you, I didn't know anyone else who had read the books. I had never heard of Diana Gabaldon. And I really did find OUTLANDER completely by accident, browsing in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in 2006.

I ripped through the series much too fast the first few times, reading all six books (ECHO hadn't yet been published) in only five weeks, then immediately starting over with OUTLANDER. I was already thoroughly addicted by the spring of 2007, when I discovered the Compuserve Books and Writers Community. I still remember very well what it felt like the first time I got up the nerve to ask Diana a question on Compuserve. "Nervewracking" does not begin to describe it! <g> And how thrilled I was to get an answer back from her! That was in March, 2007. Sometimes that seems like a lifetime ago, but I haven't forgotten the feeling.

Then, in September, 2008, I was stunned and delighted to be named Section Leader of Diana's section of the Compuserve forum. I'd never been in a leadership role online before, and really had no idea what to expect. It's been more work than I bargained for in the beginning, but the results have been very, very gratifying -- to put it mildly!

You can imagine how delighted I was when Diana signed my copy of the ECHO paperback, "To Karen, Czarina of Traffic and a great friend!" Great friend?! Wow. I'll treasure that for a long time to come.

And this blog, too, has succeeded far beyond my initial expectations. Thanks to all of you for your continued support!

"A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" was a wonderful early birthday present for me this year. <g> I'm looking forward to much more OUTLANDER-related discussion and speculation -- not to mention, many more of those entertaining Monday-night OUTLANDER chats with the Outlander Purgatory gang! -- in the year to come.

Wishing all of you in the U.S. a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

14 comments

Cristina H said...

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Karen Henry said...

Thanks, Cristina! (Yes, I didn't mention it above, but today happens to be my birthday.)

Karen

Tracey R. said...

Happy birthdayOutlanderversary!!!!! And thanks for the MOP chat shout-out--those chats are a blast!

Have a great Thanksgiving! :-)

--Tracey

Karen Henry said...

Thanks, Tracey! You and Carol have done a LOT to add to my enjoyment of All Things Outlander this year, and I really look forward to those Monday night chats!

Enjoy your holiday!

Karen

Purgatory Carol said...

Happy Birthday, Karen!! And congratulations on your anniversary! It's amazing how time flies, isn't it? I love your story about not knowing what to expect at Compuserve and asking Diana a question for the first time. I totally understand!

Hope you have a great birthday! "See you" next Monday!

Carol :)

Karen Henry said...

Thanks, Carol! See, this is why I make such an effort to see that newcomers feel welcome on Compuserve, because I remember all too well how intimidating it can be to post there in the beginning!

Have a great holiday and I'll look forward to chatting with you again on Monday!

Karen

Aven said...

Happy birthday, Karen. I'm so glad you were named Section Leader *g* You do an amazing job, and we all [speaking for everyone with no shame at all] appreciate it.

Lolly S said...

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Karennnnnnn. Happy Birthday to you! (That's me singing - my first hobby! My second now begin an Outlander fan!)

Karen Henry said...

Thanks, Aven! :-)

Karen

pl said...

Happy Outlander Birthday Karen!!! Love your Blog! And your Czarina of Traffic work. Both are on my bookmark bar to click every morning to see what's new and fun. All good things are wished for you! Patricia

Marte said...

You ARE the Queen. :) And happy birthday!

Susan said...

Dear Karen,

Happy Birthday!
Happy Anniversary!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
And I hope you don't embarrass your parents with your Valentine's Day conversation!

Susan H.

Karen Henry said...

Thanks to all of you for the kind words!!

Karen

Jane said...

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Karen, happy birthday to you, and many more!

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