Though Diana Gabaldon is still currently working on the tenth and final book in the Outlander series, she has confirmed she has already begun writing the much-anticipated prequel.
The prolific writer, who has spoken before on how she works on multiple projects at any one time, first revealed she would be creating a new novel based around the adventures of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser in the summer of 2020.
The original Outlander universe romance, the story of how the pair came to be together has excited fans since it was mentioned how they secretly eloped in the original books.
Now Diana has shared what could be the opening line to the new prequel book, which takes place just after Jacob MacKenzie, the chieftain of the MacKenzies of Castle Leoch, has died.
Posting on her social media, the 70-year-old wrote: "Ellen MacKenzie, eldest of the children of Jacob Ruadh MacKenzie, chief of Clan MacKenzie—well, the late chief, if only by moments, but she’d think about that later—grabbed Ailidh Watt from behind and dragged her out of sight, clapping a hand over her slobbering mouth to stifle her cries."
Tagged with the hashtag #prequel, the excerpt appears to show the moment of Jacob's death and also the surprising coolness of Ellen at what is the death of her father.
The moment will lead up to the Great Gathering, which is then called to decide on Jacob's successor for the title of clan chief, and the place where Ellen finally meets Brian, the illegitimate son of Lord Lovat, Simon Fraser.
Author Diana Gabaldon first confirmed on Twitter in 2020 that a book about Ellen and Brian Fraser was “in progress”.
Both Brian and Ellen remain popular, if little-seen, characters in both the books and the show, with Jamie even asking Claire to name their first-born child after his father.
And it seems the fans are already getting excited about this latest tease though Diana did add that there was more written than that, but that she wouldn't be posting it for some time as she's "barely begun working on it".
One fan wrote: "What I love about your writing… I am instantly in that moment.
"I can 'feel' her disgust at the warm wet slobber oozing through her fingers… her knowledge that she must continue to endure it to silence Ailidh.
"At the same time, I can identify with Ailidh’s terror mixed with rage, surprise and confusion as the realization overwhelms her of what is happening."
While another added: "You have me hooked! I hope you enjoy writing as much as we all do reading your words!"
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