Dear Readers–
Well, AN ECHO IN THE BONE debuts on the New York Times list next week at #2! (My publisher sent me a large bottle of single-malt Scotch in congratulation–and, I suspect, in apology for having released Dan Brown’s book a week before ECHO [g].)
HUGE thanks to all of you, and I’m thrilled that y’all seem to be enjoying the book!
A word about the ending…I did say, did I not, “Nobody’s going to hit the end of _this_ book, and think it’s the last one?” [g] Indeed it is not. There will certainly be a Book Eight–and no, I have no idea when that one will be out. At the moment, I’m home on a (very brief) furlough from book-touring; back on the road Monday, and won’t be home for good until Thanksgiving, which is the soonest I could reasonably resume anything like a productive writing routine–as well as a prequel volume about Jamie’s parents, a Volume II of the OUTLANDISH COMPANION, and heaven knows what-all else. But the story is definitely not over!
I have just finished ECHO and have to say the only disappointment is that it ended. Congratulations, You've done it again. PLEASE HURRY with the next one. In the meantime I will have to console myself by reading the whole series AGAIN. Please, Keep them coming! Thank you sooooo much for sharing your unique talent with me.
Congratulations on your NYT list spot. I accidentally came across "Echo" in Borders last night – I'd no idea it was out – and actually squealed in excitement (people looked at me funny for it, too). I've just finished reading it about twenty minutes or so ago and am TEARING MY HAIR OUT. I agree with Maria, who said you are evil. But it's definitely the good kind of evil that keeps me begging for more.
I'm just over 60% done with the eBook. And I've heard that it ends in a bit of a lurch and I don't think I'll mind. That type of suspense can be great.
In addition to the ones you listed I was a talk of yours when BoSaA came out when you mentioned the possibility of a Master Raymond book(?). I'd love to read that one at one point too. *G*
Thanks Diana… i have just started An Echo and im trying so hard to get time to myself to read it but even with a 2yr old climbing all over me im still riveted.
I assume you know where all our beloved characters are headed even though they have all been left in precarious positions! And assuming that, the next book should be a piece of cake for you to produce in a more timely fashion! *g* Obviously it won't be soon enough for all Outlander fans. Claire and Lord John? Never saw that one coming. And Jamie says, "Why?" He killed men who "might" have had "carnal knowledge" of his wife. Can't wait to see where that story line goes. You threw several curve balls in this book and I enjoyed them all. Congratulations on your continued success and please keep them coming. I look forward to the prequel.
I devoured the book and it's so far my favourite in the series. I can't wait to read what happens next (but I guess I'll have to). Enjoy your short time at home!
Hey, I can read both and love both. And I certainly did enjoy them both. I've been waiting for three years ;-).
Excellent work, my lady. So worth the wait. And congrats on the #2 spot. Bet that changes very soon. I managed to entice a co-worker to start reading. She just got Outlander and she's hooked too!
hi there. i'm about 2/3's of the way through echo and i'm loving it. i'm trying really hard to take my time with it, so it's not over so soon.
i'm pleased to say that my hubby bought me a ticket to see you in calgary. so i'm really looking forward to that. i'll bring my book with me in the hopes that i'll be able to have you sign it for me.
safe travels,
melynda
First-Congratulations! Second-I haven't had the urge to sit down and compose fan mail since I was a teenager in the throws of "love" with one Donnie Wahlberg of the New Kids on the Block (Just to completely date myself. *laugh*). Through the entire reading, I sang your praises to any and everyone who'd listen, and some who wouldn't. *grin*
I love these characters and your writing. I don't know of another author who can make me laugh out loud, and sob brokenheartedly (*shakes her fist goodnaturedly at you for that*), sometimes at the same time!
So, for that, as well as all the upcoming goodness you're bringing to us, Thank you. From the bottom of my story loving heart. Thank you.
I just finished ECHO – *amazing* – loved it!! Didn't want it to end. Such a tremendous and wonderful work. If felt like I was back with long lost friends. So, so, so looking forward to more books. Let the adventures continue! (and never stop??) Thank you so much for sharing you talent with the world. I've loved Jaime and Clair, et al from page one.
You're Welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome. (I bought three) *g*
Michelle
…who loved loved loved the ending!
You're Welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome. (I bought three) *g*
Michelle
…who loved loved loved the ending!
Thoroughly enjoyed the first (rather speedy) read, and even more njoying the second more leisurely one. Even with the fire-crackers at the end. Also very much looking forward to seeing – if not meeting – you in person in auckland, NZ!
Tooki of the Lallyquilters
Diana, as someone who has read through the Outlander series at least 10 times and has bought the books for friend and relatives because I loved them so, I beg you to take your time in writing the next book in the series!
Please give us more tim with Jamie and Claire and Ian and Rachel and less time with Lord John.
Put me back into Claire and Jamie's mind and heart. Do not feel rushed.
I have to admit to you that I was a bit disappointed with Echo.
Take your time and give us the Jamie and Claire that we love. I want to know their hearts and minds. I just plain want more Jamie and Claire and MUCH less Lord John.
They seem almost strangers to me in Echo, and I wish for the next book to correct that. I miss knowing what their thoughts are and what's in their hearts.
In the meantime, I'll start reading the series again and wait for your next installment.
Oh, and please tell me WHY Ian loves Rachel. And WHY Claire wanted to have sex with a gay man. And WHY LJ wanted her. But tell me in the book. Thank you, Diana.
Dear Renee–
The fact that the book may not be EXACTLY what you think you wanted does not mean I rushed it. I assure you, it was crafted with extreme care, to do exactly what it does.
I don't blame you or anyone else for wanting something I've done before–most writers _do_ do the same thing over and over again–but I've _never_ done the same thing from one book to another. I don't really want to do something I've already done. The result of this normally _is_ that when a new book comes out, there's an outcry from a small percentage of readers, who are Seriously Bent that I didn't do X. Well…you know….sorry, but the books of the series are each unique in tone, style, theme, and approach.
If you don't happen to like Lord John, I suppose you could skip those sections containing him–but he _is_ a Rather Important part of Jamie and Claire's lives, as well as of the plot–as much as Young Ian, William, or Roger and Brianna are.
As for what Claire and Jamie are thinking, their thoughts are on every page where they are–and so are the answers to the questions you've asked. (You might perhaps read it again?)
P.S. Oh–for those of you struck [g] by some of the incidents and climaxes in the book, who might want to discuss them with other readers–I'd invite y'all to come round to my folder on the Compuserve Books and Writers community, where you'll find a good many in-depth discussions of the new books.
Try this one, for example:
http://community.compuserve.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ws-books&tid=65285
And 'thank you!' too. Even though I too was calling you all sorts of names at the end of the book, at the same time I was thoroughly enjoying the pain you inflicted [g]. I can't believe you are thinking about getting back into a productive writing routine after Thanksgiving. Diana – you deserve a long break! Take time to play with your dogs (or should that be Doug!)
I really wanted to comment on the beauty of the UK cover. I know the obvious imagery is of the leaf skeleton being an 'echo in the bone' of the leaf, but having read the book I think the cover fits in so many more ways. You have masterfully woven together all these disparate plot strands, each one of which can be represented by a rib. All the ribs join to make the spine of the leaf, which would represent the storyline in Echo. The lack of flesh in the leaf (I know leaves don't actually have flesh!) represents the cliffhanger plotholes at the end. So many questions to be answered! I sure hope that next book has a complete leaf on the cover [vbg].
I loved reading about Ian in 'Echo'. Thank-you! He is one of my all time favorite literary characters!
Congratulations! I was just talking to my cousin (who I'm partially responsible to for making her as addicted as I am to your series, the other being our aunt) and I told her that I checked the NY Bestsellers list last week and didn't see Echo on there. I was hoping it was because it was the 1st week it was out and thus couldn't be on the list. I'm happy I was right….it should be #1, though!!!!
I LOVED Echo and I cannot wait for the next one. Your writing style is in it's own league. I've never read any book before yours where I feel like I am actually transported and living in the time of your characters. And I LOVE Jamie! My poor husband…:) He says, "well that just ruins any guy's chance of being perfect in his wife's eyes." Have fun in your travels and enjoy your break! I can't wait for #8!
No, THANK YOU! The next best thing about reading your books has been sharing them with friends and family. My aunt and I call weekly to discuss what we have read and swoon over certain Characters. I think watching me read "BIG BOOKS" has made my 13 year old son also like BIG books and series. So THANK YOU for the fun read and I think Late Sept. Is the best time to release a book, it makes schlepping toward October that much more fun.