Waypoints: My Scottish Journey

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One of the things that fascinates me about Outlander is how the fans are drawn to the story and the actors. I’m not typically a fan girl and it seems lots of other people are the same. But with Outlander, the books and the show, they have been pulled in just like I am. I think a lot of it is from Diana Gabaldon’s amazing writing skills, and that the cast has brought her books to life so perfectly. But the big draw is how well Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe portray Jamie and Claire. I loved it when he described their audition together and how everything fell into place. I don’t think any of us can imagine anyone being better as Jamie and Claire. It's set to debut in hardcover October 25, and will be released simultaneously in the U.S. and the UK. Spend agloriousevening withaward-winning actor and Sunday Timesand New York Timesbestselling author of Clanlandsand TheClanlands Almanac, Sam Heughan, as herecounts his journey of self-discovery along the West Highland Way.

Journey deep into the Highlands in the first memoir by bestselling author and actor, Sam Heughan – exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him.I actually appreciate that he doesn’t try to invent trauma or drama where it doesn’t exist and is honest about his life. His Father did a run-out when he was young but he never missed what he didn’t know because his Mom was so loving and supportive and responsible. Asked what the experience taught him, Heughan responded that completing the walk "made [him] think that anything is possible. Instead of procrastinating, to get out there and do it. It was an adventure literally on my doorstep and yet I had never attempted it." He also revealed that in writing the book, he found himself opening up more than he typically does. "The opening chapter is very personal. I actually wrote it some time ago. Whilst processing the experience I had with my father. I’m fiercely protective of my private life and so to present this to the world makes me feel vulnerable but also, I hope that others who have similar experiences can relate." After being cast as Jamie and Claire, Heughan says that he and Balfe both instinctively felt protective of each other, and that support continues unflaggingly to this day. When asked in a recent Good Morning America interview about what makes Outlander such a hit, Heughan simply answered, “Firstly, I mean, my chemistry with my co-star Caitríona Balfe, she’s an incredible actress. We were two green actors, we didn’t have much experience, and we’ve been on this amazing journey together.”

To celebrate the publication of his first full memoir, Waypoints, Sam will be live in conversation, exploring his Scottish heritage and reflecting on the personal waypoints that define him. Touching on his career in theatre, television, and film, Sam will consider his life of fascinating contrasts: a Hollywood star with deep roots in rural Scotland, who is both outgoing and content in his own company. When I was younger I was under the impression that celebrities write memoirs because it’s another way of them talking about themselves (ok, technically that is what they are). Now I’m older and in my wise ways have decided that memoirs act as a bridge to understand that “celebrities” are just as human as us and have gone through struggles and unending effort to be get where they are to write a memoir. I have such respect for someone who was willing to chase a dream for so many years and have such a positive outlook of their life. We learn a number of other things on this Scottwalk. Does Sam Heughan have a fear of cows? He might. That is a very important part of this book that has been overlooked by everyone. But know this: He is scared of cows. That adversity is what eventually inspired his own charity organization, My Peak Challenge, which inspires others to live a healthy lifestyle, and has raised money for a range of causes from hunger relief to cancer research.But while on that topic, Sam's particular journey I find to be really moving. He definitely paid his dues and struggled. Now knowing this side of him, I definitely respect him a lot more and appreciate his depiction of Jamie Fraser on a whole other level. I feel like we just scratched the surface on the amount of layers that make up Jamie's character. That little sliver is enough to make my head spin. I never realized the complexity of bringing a character to life on the screen. Especially one who is established in a series of books where fans could study the character and rip apart an actors portrayal of said character. Kudos to Sam. I honestly do not think any other person could accurately give us the most authentic version of such a beloved character. I actually listened to this on audiobook, which is narrated by Sam himself, alongside my husband. We are both huge fans of Sam’s acting after being mildly obsessed with the TV series Outlander. First off, I want to point out that this was not at all what I was expecting. After reading Clanlands and the Almanac, I guess I was under the impression that this would be more about genealogy and personal history, rather than a journey to gain perspective. I am definitely glad that I was wrong. At points I felt my own feet and bones ache as it's so descriptive about his travels along the West Highland Way you feel your traipsing along with him.