Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Unexpurgated Artwork






Right, unexpurgated art. Well, here's the deal: There is a section at the end of THE EXILE (the new graphic novel), titled "The Making of THE EXILE," which is a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration between me and Hoang Nguyen, who did the artwork for the book. It includes a mention of one panel, showing part of Jamie and Claire's wedding night, where the publishing people (reluctantly [g]) decided that the art was a little _too_ graphic, and opted to have Hoang draw a blanket over part of the view. However, Betsy Mitchell, the editor, told me that I could put the original panel up on my website and blog, once the book was out--and I mentioned that while writing my part of the "Making Of" section.


Well, next thing I know, someone tells me that Random House Canada (who are also publishing the book) have uploaded the "Making Of" section to scribd--the link is
here--and all kinds of people are going nuts looking for the dirty art. [g]


I hadn't expected the "Making Of" section to be available prior to publication, so the art wasn't up yet. (And it's not _that_ explicit, anyway) But I was away from home when all this hit over the weekend, so just now having time to get it up. There you are--enjoy!

105 comments:

  1. Wow.

    Well you know what they say about a picture. . . Thanks for "getting it up" - and Jamie, too, of course.

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  2. *kermitflail* Diana, I know all of my fellow Outlander fans up here in Canada are so excited to get our hands on this when it is released. I cannot wait to see Jamie and Claire through Hoang's eyes.

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  3. It is -definitely- more of Jamie and Claire than I ever expected to see outside of my imagination! -jawdrop-

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  4. Did poor Frank ever really stand a chance?

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  5. I already couldn't be more excited for The Exile's release, but now I'm really counting the days until it's out! Than you so much for the fabulous sneak peak! (even if it isn't included technically :p )

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  6. All I can say is WOW!

    Carla ~ Lady Oliver

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  7. It's beautiful...well...what else do people on their wedding night.Thank you Diana and I think you were right about Claire's arm...

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  8. Um. Wow. You might want to include a warning in the title for those of us who look at your blog when taking a break at work. [blush] I'm off to clean out my temporary internet files...LOL

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  9. Dear Heather--

    [rolling eyes] The title _says_ "Unexpurgated Art". How much more warning do you want?

    --Diana

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  10. Dear Jennifer--

    Oh, this scene is included in the book--top of page 124 (for the benefit of folk intending to browse it in the bookstore rather than buy it [g]). It's just that the blanket is drawn up to Jamie's waist and covers all of Claire's leg.

    --Diana

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  11. Diana - Well, now that I've looked "unexpurgated" up, I guess you are right. LOL Didn't mean to offend...I love your books. I consider myself well-read and fairly intelligent but honestly was not familiar with that one.

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  12. Dear Heather--

    Oh--sorry! That didn't occur to me. [g]

    --Diana

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  13. I'm with you, adventures north - poor Frank! LOL!!

    Counting the days until the book is out!

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  14. Yowza! Now that's hot. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. You said it's not "that" explicit... yeah, this is pretty bloody explicit. I love it though, totally made me laugh! LOL.

    Oh Jamie... so hilarious xD

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  16. Holly cow! Wow...Is it me or is it warm in here LOL.

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  17. I am sorry, but I have seen worse on tv during prime time. Anyway, since when is this a children's book? I would have left it in, but that is me. But thanks for showing. I still have my crush on Jamie & Ian, lol.

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  18. UMMM... Yummy!!!! Love it, Love it, Love it. Claire looks like she's lovin' it too!!!!

    Thanks Diana what an awesome treat!!!!!

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  19. Dear Hev--

    Well, I would have left it in, too, but it wasn't my call. And no, definitely not a children's book [g]--but I believe the hesitance was due to the idea that bookstores will likely shove this into the graphic novel section (back by the SF/F books), where the majority of reader/browsers _are_ younger folk.


    --Diana

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  20. so beautiful! I can't wait to get my copy of the entire novel! and I love yours and Hoang's interpertations of a wedding night, while at the same time, the scars make me wince. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  21. I can't wait for it to come out!!!! I want it noow! Love this series Diana!!!! Th e best I've ever read!

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  22. Love it. Although Claire's hand looks a little demon like! All the better to grip with!!

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  23. WOOHOO... love Jamie's 'tidy' bottom :) yep, ...if I was Clair I would go thru the stones to get back to that hot body as well :) Cheers Jo-Anne, Australia.
    PS tidy means .. well tidy!!.... tight, hot, sexy ..you get what I mean :)

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  24. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Wish they would have left it in.

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  25. Thanks so much for giving us this preview!
    I read the "making of" link, and sadly, the link to the picture of Gabriel Aubrey appears to no longer be working :-( (But I think I did see it when it was first discussed here?)
    Jen in Oz

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  26. OH.. I am SO excited. This is just absolutely amazing. I really get excited looking at Jamie's bottom! :)
    I'm wishing my life away but I wish Sept. 21 would HURRY UP!
    Cynde

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  27. P.S. Diana, I think you are so wrong to apologize for posting that pic without a warning. This is, after all, an adult book. That should be the only warning anyone needs!
    It just goes to show what a wonderfully amazing person you are!
    Much Admiration,
    Cynde

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  28. Oh wow that's great! HEEEEEEEEEEEEE! *suddenly misses hubby* I have my copy on Amazon pre-order and 2 day shipping so they promise me it will be here on the 21st (the day I get back from my cruise!) I love September! Thanks for showing the 'out takes' ;)

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  29. OH MY. I love it. Thank you.

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  30. Dear Peppermintpatty--

    Well, an apology costs nothing, and we don't aim to make people uncomfortable on purpose (errr....well, sometimes I do, but only in books! [g]).

    --Diana

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  31. Diana - I'm going to offer an apology for not looking my new vocabulary word up before posting my comment to begin with. ;) It actually occurred to me to do just that when I saw you had replied. Anyway, as I said before, I'm a big fan of all the Outlander books - have read them all twice with the exception of the latest - as well as your blog and am looking forward to reading The Exile!

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  32. >>(for the benefit of folk intending to browse it in the bookstore rather than buy it [g])<<

    I am one who will not be browsing. I will be buying and keeping the first GN I have ever bought. I noticed the artist seemed to keep in mind that Jamie is a big/tall man. I am partial to a big/tall man anyway, so it made the drawing even better to me. Can't wait!

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  33. Dear Diana:

    Thank you for posting this bit as we were going crazy looking for it after reading the scribd article.

    For what it's worth, you should let your publishers know that the evidence of Jamie's whipping is a hell of a lot more disturbing to see than the bit of boobage and butt cheeks on display. After all, your readers know what's happening, we've imagined it for years (most of the time far more graphically than this!) and we're all guilty of the same thought - we women just wish it was each of us there instead of Claire!!

    Love it!

    Midge

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  34. Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!

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  35. I just showed my DH the picture and he said "Wow, do you like that picture?" and I said "Yes, of course!"
    Thanks Diana. ;)

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  36. Woo Hoo, buns of steel! (fans self). I am a visual person and am so looking forward to this graphic novel. The characters and scenes in the Outlander novels are so vivid just from reading the text, now with The Exile it will be all the more powerful. I agree with Midge in that 1) wish it was me instead of Claire and 2) the second thing I noticed was the scars on Jamie's back (heartbreaking).

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  37. Don't feel bad, Heather. I didn't know what it meant, either. I think it is safe to say that the word "unexpurgated" wasn't the first, and won't be the last thing, we learn from Diana.

    Although I was not sure that I wanted to see the artwork, as my imagination tends to take flight as soon as I read Diana's explicitely descriptive, detailed, and shall we say informative love-making scenes, the "visual" was "verra" nice. "Verra" nice, indeed.

    After seeing the scars on Jamie's back, and knowing there are even more internally, I just have to say one thing. If anyone deserves to have an awesome wedding night, (and sex life), it is Jamie Fraser. 'Nough said.

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  38. Pairfect for the graphic novel... sexy, hot and just what the doctor ordered. Thank you, Diana!

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  39. WOW. Better than I imagined....and believe me, I imagined.... Thanks Diana. You rock!

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  40. Oh my!!!!! So, uh... powerful.
    I think that it's Claire that should have said "Holy God!" over and over and over again!

    Any plans of framing this nice little pic as it displays Jamie's lovely butt sooo vera nicely?

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  41. Whoo hoo! I'm assuming there will be copies for sale at the SiWC?

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  42. oh yum. yum yum yum yum yum yum. yum. *need a cold shower now*

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  43. Wow! Gorgeous. While of course the show stopping picture is perfection, I'd also like to point out how beautiful that cover is! I enjoyed reading the "making of" section as well. It must have been such fun to work on this.

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  44. Fantastic! But...I really wish they would have left it alone. It's really not *that* over-the-top.

    Can't wait to get a copy! :)

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  45. Everyone needs to just get the hell OUTTA-my-WAY...YES! The children and old ladies, too! I'll trample them too, to get that ex-expa -expee -purgatory picture!
    (Thanks Diana- I SO needed that "glimpse" of Jamie)

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  46. Dear Pam--

    Oh, I'd reckon so. [g]

    --Diana

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  47. Diana,
    C'est tres joli...Too bad it couldn't get included in the Exile... You've outdone yourself!
    Though the graphic novel is one instrument to visualize Jamie and Claire, thank you for giving flight to the other instrument, my imagination, with your beautiful, expressive and creative writing...Will be the first one in line in Cleveland for the release...bonne chance!!

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  48. It´s a pitty, that Silvia K.-W. still hasn´t decided to publish a German Version of the Graphic Novel... I wish, she would... after having seen this pic *g* a little more...

    Best regards
    Susan (who got a little red... *g*)

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  49. Dear Diana, is it bad that I've come to my computer 3 times this morning to admire this art work? Just out of curiosity, did you enjoy the experience enough that you might consider another graphic novel some day?

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  50. Angela,

    You are much more restrained than I. I have visited this page so many times since Diana posted the graphic that I'm dizzy from the process!!!

    As to the other part of your comments, I, too, would thoroughly enjoy a GN for every book. There have been so many offstage occurrences for us to labor through that, at my advanced age, *snerk* my brain is tired and can't properly "imagine" as well as I used to...

    Midge

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  51. Dear Angela--

    Oh, sure. I enjoyed it immensely. Whether there's another graphic novel or not depends on how well this one sells.

    --Diana

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  52. Hmmm. Wonder what would have happened to the line at the DBF if you had had THIS picture for our perusal! When I saw it I immediately called up my friend saying, "I don't know if this is a "squee" moment or we're just a couple of dirty ol' broads, BUT...." and told her I had emailed her the link. (We are both in our 50's.) Anyhoo, loved reading "The Making of." I will be at my local bookshop when the key turns the morning of the 21st! Oh, and I as I am a singer, I especially enjoyed the song previews from the musical. The voices are lovely.

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  53. Whew! I wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers...

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  54. Love, love, love it! So HOT!

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  55. Dear Diana,
    I think you picked the right picture for your post to decide whether there will be another graphic novel!! lol
    T

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  56. I think the "publishing people" need to better familiarize themselves with your readers. In no way is the above image "too graphic." Thanks for sharing it!

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  57. Dear Diana,

    whoo hooo. Very HOT!!! I've looked at the picture in school educating IT while the pupils were working and suddenly one of them asked why I got that red ears. *cough* After the lesson I shared with some colleagues and we decided to order one for the teacher's lounge even it is in english not in german. I think we will get it just before our sailing trip and we will have fun!!!
    Thanks for sharing! Moni

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  58. It's exactly how I pictured it in my head- except in my head the perspectives are reversed- head of the bed to the left if you were standing in the doorway. Excellent job, can't wait to read the whole novel!

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  59. Wow! Such talent...all the way around...writer, artist, Jamie and Claire.
    I bought the limited edition print from the Poison Pen earlier this week. They told me it will be unveiled at the opening party and the print composition/subject is a surprise. Hmmm.. Much as I love this frame...I probably would not be able to hang it in TOO many places in the house I will be looking forward to the mail..the book from Amazon and the print from the Poison Pen. You rock!

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  60. I WAS joking about the Limited Edition print being this frame *big grin*. I am sure whatever the limited edition print is though will be beautiful.

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  61. I ordered my signed copy of The Exile along with the signed print, from the Poisoned Pen yesterday. After seeing this I'm even more excited to recieve them. I agree with everyone that this should have been left in. It's no where near what goes on in my imagination while reading the books. I hope there will be more GN's in the future. Thank you so much for the time you put into this series. You truly do so much more for your fans than any other author I know of. Keep up the GREAT work.

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  62. I noticed before you posted this sexy pic that "The Exile" was ranked 87 in Barnes and Noble's sales rank... The day after you showed us Jamie Fraser's butt, it has skyrocketed to #46. Coincidence? I think not. ;)
    Rachel

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  63. I had to think about it overnight! I didn't find it that sexy and couldn't figure out why - I think it's because I saw the scars and thought they were fresh whip marks because they're so red. THAT graphic image kind of ruined the rest of the picture for me! I find the violent scenes in the book leave a longer lasting impression on my imagination, I guess.
    (Oh, and is it just me or does Claire's hand looks a bit hag-like?)
    Anyway, I've yet to find a graphic novel that I've enjoyed, but maybe I'll like this one! :)

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  64. gulp...can't breathe...

    When I can breathe again I will post something...

    Shamrock

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  65. That is exactly what I needed! It might be enough to get me through the month without the next installment. Think I might print the damn thing off!!! Thanks Diana.

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  66. wow, how can we get that as our screen saver???!!! I don't think it is too explicit at all!Those cabonga boobs on Claire look too fake and what's with the arthritic looking fingers on Claire? mmmm... those muscular arms on Jamie YUM!

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  67. Dear sanderson--

    You think Claire looks unrealistic and Jamie _doesn't_?!? Rof,l!!

    (As my husband said when observing Hoang's first sketches of Claire, "At least you know your artist is heterosexual.")

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  68. Oh--re the Limited Edition print--

    I don't have anything to do with that, myself; it's an arrangement between the bookstore and Hoang.

    --Diana

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  69. Ah, a dream realized...Jamie's unexpurgated butt!! And the scars are part of his persona, he wouldn't be who he is without them.

    re Claire's fingers, like her open mouth and closed eyes they speak of ecstasy to me, a gently caressing hand would never do!!!

    Thanks Diana, I love it. I've had this pre-orderd forever and it's finally Sept...

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  70. Thanks... Now I'm officially a pervert. I nearly jizzed in my pants and I'm a girl. A truly a beautiful picture. Can't wait for the book. Now I must find a good hiding place for it... under the mattress perhaps! - LC

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  71. Lovely way to put the "graphic" back in "graphic novel"! I mean, what exactly were the "publishing people" expecting?? WE certainly did not underestimate Diana's imagery...and Hoang's art...

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  72. By your own description in Outlander Jamie is suppposed to have short hair at this point in the story. And what is with that freaky shade of red?! As for Claire, I hope her hair is curlier than it appears in this picture and more like you descibe it in the books. Her boobs give her the impossibe anatomy of a Barbie doll and even a heterosexual man knows "fake" when he sees it. But then again with those claw-like hands maybe Claire is an alien with unreal attributes. [rolling eyes] I hope this is the unexpurgated art and the finished pictures are better than this one. Thanks for giving us a preview.

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  73. Hello Nurse!

    As far as unrealistic attributes, even Superman had muscles that were exaggerated. Why shouldn't our favorite hero and heroine be any different. (Big Fat Grin)

    And I seriously hope Laoghaire sees this if she ever can "look back" (sneaky me)

    Thank you Diana for sharing and allowing me to rekindle my favorite couple of all time!

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  74. Oh sorry Laoghaire, that really wasn't very nice of me.

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  75. Dear DG,

    All I have to say is "Clutch the pearls and hand me a cold drink! That sure ain't Disney . . . whoo."

    But I have a question. If this is a Jamie's side of the story as seen by Murtagh, would the wedding scene be Murtagh's "imagination" of happening upstairs in the bedroom since he and a group of others were "keeping watch" downstairs in the pub? Or am I wrong?

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  76. Dear Jovita--

    The thing about a graphic novel is that the handling of viewpoint is _extremely_ flexible. You can change viewpoint from one panel to the next, you can have several viewpoints operating at once in a single panel--or you can operate with no viewpoint save the reader's, which is what's going on here.

    --Diana

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  77. Dear CW--

    You know...if you approach a work of art in a strictly literal frame of mind, my guess is that you may not quite get all it has to offer. Just a thought.

    --Diana

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  78. Mmm mmm mmmm!

    Is it weird that I've always found Jamie's scars on his back to be somewhat attractive?

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  79. Dear Diana,
    Your comment, above, is to the point. An artist's work is their vision, their interpretation of a scene. Are Renoir's poppies or Monet's waterlillies less beautiful for their _impression_ of them, rather than a realistic interpretation? Hoang's illustrations are beautiful, continuity errors, marginal deviations, and all. And though this will be the first GN I've purchased, I've had it on order for months! I so enjoy your whole series, but Outlander has remained a particular favorite, so I am really looking forward to this re-interpretation. Don't let me get started on my admiration the series, or I will embarrass myself and possibly, you. I will not admit to how many times I have re-read each tome (something I am want to do with my favorite authors, of which you are number one).
    Please give advance notice of when you will be in the Dallas area....

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  80. As the owner of several graphic novels, I can securely say that I have seen panels MUCH more explicit than this.

    Granted, most of my graphic novels are Alan Moore works, but still. The idea that this is too smutty for the graphic novel set? Psssshhhh. :)

    Lovely artwork, and I can't wait to get my hands on the book itself, redacted artwork be damned.

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  81. Love it! I will be at the bookstore next Tuesday as soon as the doors open. Any chance there will be more graphic novels? What I would really love to see is editions of all the novels with illustrations throughout.

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  82. Love the fiery mountain on the book cover, sucha great detail.

    Can barely comment on the wedding night scene, it's so beautiful - I have seen it in my imagination since 1991, and this is so spot on! Thank you for this wonderful series, -SS

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  83. Christ on a crutch...whoo! *fans self*

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  84. Hi Diana!

    During your "Outlander in Graphic Terms" panel at Dragon*Con, you mentioned that you saw a nude painting (or sculpture?) that made you think "that is what Jamie would look like naked." You said you sent a photo to Mr. Nguyen for inspiration when drawing Jamie's behind. I meant to ask you which painting/sculpture you were referring to when I stayed around to get a photo/my book signed, but I was too starstruck and I completely forgot :)
    I would love to see the real-life inspiration for Jamie's naked backside!

    As a side note, you were the reason I decided to attend Dragon*Con and it was really exciting to get to meet you! I actually went to the panel that was scheduled for Monday and the Dragon*Con employees were completely clueless as to why you weren't there. I wish I had checked your blog prior to attending since you announced that you wouldn't be there.

    --Bri

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  85. Dear Bri--

    Yes, and I went and told the DragonCon employees (on Friday) that I wouldn't be there Monday, TOO. _And_ asked them to please note that on the signage for the events I wouldn't be at.

    Still, it _was_ awfully busy and chaotic.

    --Diana

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  86. P.S. Oh, the naked rear end. It's a postcard of a painting in the National Gallery in London. I don't recall the artist's name at the moment (and I'm not in the office where the postcard is), but it was titled something like, "A study for the Academy." A male nude, seen from behind, standing with one arm over his head and a very tidy bottom.

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  87. So I did a little searching based on the info that you gave me, and I'm pretty certain I found the painting! It's in the National Gallery in London, titled An Académie, and fits your description perfectly. Here is the link:
    http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/french-an-academie/352043
    (I hope it's the right one!)
    You have made us Jamie Fraser fans very happy, indeed :)
    Thank you so much!
    --Bri

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  88. I suppose I can print, cut and paste it into my copy of the book. ;)

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  89. Cathy, that is an EXCELLENT idea!

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  90. Very clever, Cathy! I think you've started something here...

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  91. Jeez, I opened it at work too, and got out as fast as I could...some of us don't know those big words like unexpurgated or what you said- :).

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  92. Dear bluemoon--

    Yes, that's it! How clever of you! [g]

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  93. I can't wait to get my hands on this book! For your upcoming book tour to promote The Exile, will you be hosting one in Toronto?

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  94. Dear Canadian anonymous [g]--

    No, no Toronto this time. The Canadians--mindful of having nearly killed me on the last tour--asked for only a couple of extra cities, added on to the ends of the Surrey International Writers Conference (near Vancouver) that I do every October. I'll be going to Edmonton and Victoria, as well as doing a couple of events (one solo, one multi-author) in the Vancouver/Surrey/Langley area. (And doing my usual prison visit! [g])

    Next summer is our tri-ennial normal visit to the Fergus Highland Games, though--so we'll be _close_ to Toronto in August--see you then!

    --Diana

    --Diana

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  95. So I never thought I would be interested in a graphic novel, but that illustration certainly changed my mind ;)
    Ordered it right away and can't wait for it to arrive. Will you be in DC at the book festival?

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  96. Frank never had a chance. I can't wait for the book!!!!!!!!!

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  97. I like the original picture! GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

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  98. I am wanting to see the original picture as well! In the book it states the original can be viewed on your website Diana. Help!! Give me a hint as to where to look. Love the books and the new GN is the best! Jamie is just as I pictured him!!! YUM!

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  99. Dear Diana,

    I, for one, am so thankful that you and Hoang spent so much time emailing back and forth, "tweaking" Jamie's body until it was just right! EsPECially his butt! Delicious...in a word. :)

    Sarah

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  100. Those readers of graphic novels aren't THAT young. I would hope a look at the "unexpurgated" art would inspire them to hitch up their pants, put down the video game controller, get out of the garage and find a real girl! As for Claire's hands, those hands aren't arthritic nor those of a hag. Claire is having great sex and is holding on for dear life!!!!!!!

    Kate

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  101. Dear Donnie--

    The original picture is at the top of this blog post.

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