I have, as you might suppose, been getting a certain amount of agitated mail following publication of ECHO, [g] all centering on one question: HOW long is it until the next book will be out?!? (This accompanied by various pleas of increasing age or senility on the part of some readers. It’s not that I’m not sympathetic, and I _am_ flattered–but the fact that you think you might not live long enough to read the next book really can’t make me write any faster. Look, just exercise and take your vitamins; you’ll be fine.) As to the question…
It wouldn’t do much good to speculate; I’m always wrong. The books are invariably longer and more complex than I think they’ll be, and _always_ take longer to finish than I think they will. Sufficiently so, that anyone who’s had the misfortune to work production on one of the OUTLANDER books emerges from the experience with several new white hairs and trembling visibly in every limb.
General observation is that in terms of actual research/writing/etc., it takes me _about_ two to two-and-a-half years to write one of the big novels of the main series. That’s baseline. However…
A) The books get increasingly popular. While this is, generally speaking, A Good Thing, it has side-effects. There’s a HUGE demand on my time, in terms both of physical travel and in-person appearances, and the smaller drag created by endless email, propositions, invitations, cover quote pleas, and now–with the upsurge of online venues available–the demand to create TONS more subsidiary material for blogs, online chats, interviews, phone apps (don’t even ask about that one; the publisher just suggested it and I have _no_ idea), enhanced e-books, viral animated videos, etc. I lose at least two/three months a year, if not more, to this kind of stuff (much more, in years when a new book is out and several different countries want me to come and tour. So far this year, I’ve done Scotland, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia–for a total of two and a half months _just on the road_–and will be doing the UK in January, Germany in March, and some miscellaneous Scottish stuff [g] in August. Three European trips in one year? It has its fun aspects, but man, it eats up your work time.
B) I don’t work on one project exclusively, for the most part. I never have. Being able to switch mental tracks keeps me from ever having writer’s block, and it’s good for the separate projects, insofar as pushing one off the front burner while I deal with something else lets the first one simmer peacefully on the subconscious’s lower heat–so the result has _lots_ more flavor and subtlety than it would if I cooked it at a furious boil and splashed it scalding into people’s bowls (cf. James Patterson, if you want to know what _that_ looks like).
So (for instance), while the pub date for ECHO was four years after that for ABOSA, it doesn’t mean that I spent four years tapping away on ECHO without cease or respite. I also wrote (and published) two other books in that time (LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE, which was a complete novel, and LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS, a collection of novellas), wrote the complete script for THE EXILE (the first “Outlandish” graphic novel), did work on a contemporary crime novel (about half-done at present), worked on THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume II (rudimentary stuff, but still work), consulted on a film script, and poked around in the research material, coming up with bits and pieces of other, future books (like the first Master Raymond) that I haven’t started working on in any focused way, but that are waiting on the sideboard for their turn.
So I have no idea when Book Eight’ll be up. Not for at least two and a half years (the publisher does need _some_ lead time to actually print the book), but that’s _all_ I could tell you for sure.
Now, I _can_ say what I plan to be working on during 2010 (putting aside all the roaming around the world stuff, promotion for the graphic novel, and Eldest Daughter’s upcoming wedding): I’ll be feeling my way into Book Eight, working in a serious way on LORD JOHN AND THE SCOTTISH PRISONER, ditto the OC II (because I’d like to have that one done before the end of the year), and seeing if I can pull together the contemporary crime novel (which is about half-done, and I think I know where the other half _is_, more or less).
You will get a couple of things in 2010, though: 1) THE EXILE. This is the much-talked-about graphic novel, due out September 28!, 2) a new Lord John novella, “The Custom of the Army” (due in March from Tor books, in an anthology titled WARRIORS), and (probably) 3) “A Leaf on the Wind,” a short story in a Penguin anthology titled STAR-CROSSED LOVERS. This one tells the story of what really happened to Roger’s father, for those with a particular interest either in MacKenzie family history and/or time-travel. [g]
So you will get something to read, and fairly soon. As for Jem…don’t worry about him; he’s a pretty resourceful little guy.
Speaking of that, though–which is the storyline _you_ most want to see addressed Right Up Front in Book Eight?
I suppose I'm most anxious to find out about Brianna, Roger, Jem, etc. up front. I have a theory about a cool twist I'm hoping for…
Of course I want to know about Jamie, Claire & Lord John, as well, but I have confidence that they'll all work it out
I really do want to see a serious discussion between Lord John, Jamie, and Claire about time-travel. I would love to see John's reaction/questions/marvel when they are finally able to convince him of the truth of the phenomenon. I have no real fear for Jem; he is Jamie's grandson after all, and even if he travels somewhere out of control, I believe he will survive and return to his family. That's the Pollyanna in me I guess. Diana, please enjoy some well-deserved time off, and happy holidays!
Dear Diana, thank you for asking. I would like to see the Bree/Rob/Jem issue resolved first more to see what Bree does with Rob than concern about Jem. I KNOW he will make it out ok. Then the discussion with John/Jamie/Claire, which will be incredibly interesting. That wil then leave you the leisure to get into all the emotions around Willie/John/Jamie. Thank you so much for these wonderful books and wonderful characters. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Pat
I came in to this series with the first book. After reading DIA, I told friends that the ending was not a cliff-hanger. It went way past that. Diana took us to a cliff and pushed us over!!! There was no hanging…we were in free fall. Those reading the series do not have that same reaction – the subsequent books exists. In many ways, the way EITB ended was similiar. SO. Voyager was extremely satisfying after DIA and Diana's chose of scene order was excellent. (No surprise.) Therefore, I live the choice of "what do I want FIRST" up to Diana! Her choices have worked for me in the past!
Well, I'm spoiled for choice! First would be seeing where/when Jem ends up, though I'm sure he'll land on his feet anywhere/anywhen. Then on to poor William who is probably off sulking somewhere. I'd bet Ian wouldn't waste much time finding William and telling him that Rachel is not available! Hah! Can I confess, though, that I have a particular soft spot for poor Percy? As John said to himself on the last page "Percy, Jesus, Percy!" Not first thing in book 8, but I'd love to see Percy heal the breach between him and John – they were so sweet together in Brotherhood/Blade, and then 2 decades of suffering for both of them. They both deserve a break. I didn't miss the repeated occasions where John is tempted to laugh at Percy's jokes, or that John had some repressed enjoyment at "three arrows" with the Baron. Hah, hah! He should get over pining after Jamie and find requited love for himself. Loved book 7!!
I had to chuckle at this entry, because I've recently made the comment, "I hope I live long enough to see the end of this series." LOL!
I'm anxious to see how *all* storylines resolve. I miss seeing Brianna and Roger in the past, so I'm anxious to see how that all plays out. I have no problems with cliffhangers whatsoever. It's just difficult to wait so long to see what happens!
Dear Diana,
I think we should pick up with Roger in the beginning. He 'vanished' in ECHO. He's the one I think was left in the most peril, and for whom I was left with the most questions. Did he actually go through the stones? Did he travel or was he spit back out? Will he be with Buck, or was Buck killed/separated from him?
Tess
I want to know how William comes to grips with things!
I have often thought about and felt so sorry for those older readers who may not make it for the end of the series. I'm 33 and discovered "my Jamie" just last year. And the agony endured by those who started off with Diana from the beginning… waiting and waiting for the subsequent novels!! I don't know how you did it.
I'm not worried about Jem. I know you'll take care of him. I really love Ian. If you could make really great things happen for him, I'll be good.
LOVE, karla m.
P.S. NOW, GET TO WORK! kidding…
I can't choose one.
Jamie's fugitive status and the predicament John and he are in.
William's issue with being Jamie's son.
Jemmy being in the tunnel.
Roger and Buck going back in time.
Brianna and Rob issue.
Ian and Rachel…. I want to know more.
Personally, I think this could keep going generation after generation but I guess that is excessive. I've just gotten so interested in Young Ian that I want to know his story.
No question about it. The way Jamie is going to handle the news about Claire and LJ being married.
Would like most to see Jamie, Claire and Lord John sort out the tangles and secondly (can I please have two "firsts?") Brianna, Roger, and Jem's dilemmas addressed. I do love the MacKenzies almost as much as Jamie and Claire. And then there's William.
Thanks for these great novels. I only discovered them last spring and I've read all 7 three times. It was fun being able to go from book to book without having to wait three years in between each one. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, waiting like everyone else for the next one. I'll try to be brave.
Merry Christmas, and have a safe and healthy next couple of years!
Dear Diana,
I think the wait is the hardest for those of us who came into the books recently and have had the luxury of just grabbing the next of 7 at the conclusion of each. Now we just need to learn the virtue of patience like everyone else. Your family is the most important, so take all the time you need. Maybe with a few year's wait, I'll be able to focus on mine again.
I think Roger/Buck should come first, or else Claire/Jenny – which would allow a nice way to provide background of what has been going on, as they fill each each other in on things. Hey, they could ride off together again in search of Jamie. And that would then lead us to . . ..
Hej!
I first read Outlander when I was eleven (I'm soon 25) so your series have been a constant part of my life, I can't remember a time when I wasn't waiting for one of your books to come out, and it was always worth the wait. So, I don't mind the wait:). I'm, as always, most interested in Young Ians story, probably because I grew up "with" him, if you know what I mean:)
Greetings from lovely snowy but cold Sweden
Nadine
I JUST finished ECHO before coming to the computer and reading this post and had also just expressed the sentiment in a journal where I write comments on all the books I read that I don't know how I'll manage to wait another 4 years for the next book! Yet I fully understand it takes as long as it takes. I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.
Emotionally, what I would want addressed first is Roger's predicament followed closely by Jemmy and Brianna, but what seems most natural is to pick up the conversation between Jamie & Lord John.
Now off to exercise, eat right, start a new career, and read Austen to Zafon in the meantime.
Thank you for writing books that arouse so much interest and eagerness on the part of your readers!
Thanks for the comment about Jem… since I have kids a similar age to him I'm pretty sensitive to any "danger" that affects the kidlets in stories
Really would love to hear about Roger/Rob/Buck/Brianna & Jem first I think.
I don't know how you do it, but you have some kind of energy. 2010 is going to be a big year for you with your daughter's wedding and all the other things, can't wait for the graphic novel!!
Now about how I want the next book to open up, I really want to know if Roger goes back and what will happen with Jem, Brianna, and Mandy.
My goodness, the four stories all ended with so much going on! What a ride it was, can't wait for the next one!
Hi Diana
I am *dying* to know about Roger/Brianna – whether he's gone through the stone; whether Brianna can escape from Rob Cameron; whether Roger and Brianna will see each other again, and soon – not 20 years later like you've done with Jamie and Claire.
Personally, I'd like to see what Brianna will say…or DO…to Rob Cameron for his abduction of Jemmy. She has already thought to herself, "I know what it's like to kill a man.," and I'm thinking that Rob is going to be VERY surprised and regretful (too late?)when he realizes he's grabbed a red-heided tiger by the tail…not to mention her fiery-headed cub! *g*
Next, will be the continuation of the John/Jamie conversation but I think all will be well there. Jamie's an understanding man, after all…and loves not only Claire, but John too – as much as he's able.
I hope to read about Roger. The poor man went through so much already, and now he is looking for his son in the wrong place.
I hope that Cameron guy gets what is coming to him, the creep!
I hope that, in the last book of the series, Jamie and Claire find a place where they can forever be together.