Last night on Compuserve...

Here's an exchange of messages between me and Diana Gabaldon on Compuserve last night. As you read this, keep in mind she enjoys messing with our minds! (And it's not my fault, I swear. <g>)

Message # 79575.1

Diana:

I think the most interesting answer you gave to any of the questions on Saturday was the one where you were talking about the psychology of the characters (sorry, I'm paraphrasing, because I've only watched this part of the live stream once) -- about how you like to sort of strip a character down to his basic nature and "see what he's made of" by seeing how he reacts. You've done this over and over again -- Jamie after Wentworth, Roger after the hanging, and so on. And so when I heard you say, "And I have no qualms about doing that", my instant reaction was (and I did say this out loud to the screen! <g>) "That's EXACTLY why I'm worried about what might happen in MOHB!" Because of the unpredictability of your plots, and your willingness to let horrific things happen to your characters. That's what makes these books such an emotional roller-coaster ride, especially on the first reading -- that feeling that absolutely anything might happen, that (just as in real life) there are no guarantees.

We have talked here before about writers "throwing rocks at their characters". I guess it's William's turn next.... <g>

Karen

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Message # 79575.3

Dear Karen--

Oo. Just when I read this, a little ripple went up my spine, because I realized what the Necessary (Horrible) Thing was that had to happen to resolve (or, um, not, as the case may be...) a particular situation.

Just remember when you read it--it's All Your Fault. <g> (Not really; your comment just triggered a thought that was hanging there; it would have come to me sooner or later anyway.)
--Diana

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Message # 79575.8

Diana:

Oh, no! What on earth did I say?? <laughing nervously>

Note to self:

1) Don't give her ideas! (Oops.)

2) Be careful what you wish for!

3) Fuirich agus chi thu. (Right. Like I'm going to be able to sleep peacefully tonight, knowing I inadvertently put some really devious idea in your head? Great. Thanks a lot. <wry g>)

You know I'm always glad to help, but I have a feeling I'm going to regret it, just this once!

Karen

P.S. to everybody else: It's not my fault, I swear it's not! <g>

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Message # 79575.9

Dear Karen--

It's OK, don't worry. <g> Like I said, I would have figured it out eventually in any case; what you said just made a couple of waiting puzzle pieces snap together.
--Diana

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Message # 79575.11

Diana:

Well, that's better. <g> I'm in favor of anything that helps you make progress toward finishing the book!

Karen

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Naturally I have NO idea what she's planning, but I thought this exchange was too good not to share!