Well, I tell you what, Chloe…since you have such definite ideas on how books should (and shouldn’t) be written, I think the Very Best Idea would be for you to write your Very Own Book, thus insuring that it will suit you in every tiny respect. Let me know when it’s published and I’ll be happy to do a review for you.

Cordially yours,

–Diana

Well, I think there’s a minor disconnect between my view of what I’m writing, and your view of what you think I’m writing. I.e., I’m not writing romance novels; I never have been. Now, I personally like romances very much (will be happy to recommend several of my favorite romance authors, if you like–try Joanna Bourne, for instance; she’s superb)–but have certainly read enough of them over the years to know that that’s not what I’m writing or want to write. I couldn’t give you a label for what I do write, but it’s big, it’s complex, it’s multi-layered, and it’s kind of not intended for people who ONLY want to watch Jamie and Claire engage with each other on a courtship level of emotionality. If that _is_ what you want, all I can suggest is that you re-read OUTLANDER, and then stop.

I’m certainly not offended that you don’t like this or that character, this or that storyline, this or that sense of content or timing; all books are not for all people, and I hope you enjoy whatever you read next. You, um, _will_ note, though, that it’s my name on the front of the book–not yours.

–Diana