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?
Hi, Diana,
I think I'm really eager to see more of William's reaction to his parentage, and hoping that he will be able to work out some sort of relationship with Jamie. It has always broken my heart that Jamie is such a good father, and yet, has never been truly able to enjoy either of his children. He did, finally, get an opportunity to build a relationship with Bree, but that's been taken from him…again. So I think I'd really like to think he could at least have the same with Willie at some point.
Diana,
Well, since you asked…
Of course, like most of the other commenters, I would like to know what happens next for all of the main characters. But I'd also love to see any of them cross paths with characters we haven't seen in a long time, like: Duncan & Jocasta, Ulysses, Josh, John Quincy Myers, Nacognaweto, and if at all possible, Raymond.
I particularly enjoy 2 devices you occasionally use: 1) having main characters interact with or hear about smaller characters that have been introduced elsewhere so only the reader knows that there is a connection (same with historically famous people) and 2) "finding out" in the books the reasons for historical events and current situations or beliefs, such as Clare's sighting of the Loch Ness Monster or the origin of the burning cross.
Thank you so much for the books and the wonderful people in them I have come to love.
- Nicole Z
What I want to first in the next book… if Jamie mops the floor with Lord John. I don't care if Jem is in the tunnel for another book, because I know he will be okay. As far as Claire, John and Jamie…. bring it on!
Looking forward to the Graphic Novel and OCII too!
Tell Moe I said, "arf".
What I want to first in the next book… if Jamie mops the floor with Lord John. I don't care if Jem is in the tunnel for another book, because I know he will be okay. As far as Claire, John and Jamie…. bring it on!
Looking forward to the Graphic Novel and OCII too!
Tell Moe I said, "arf".
Firstly, congratulations to your daughter and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Secondly, I haven't finished Echo yet since I started law school prior to its publish date in Sept. and my nose has been buried in other books until very recently. As I type this, I have Echo sitting next me and I've just begun so I have no idea what I'd like to see in the next book. I am just happy with what you write so I can probably say that I won't have any particular preference. Also, (and at risk of sounding completely selfish) I'm quite happy with waiting for the next book since law school generally excludes pleasure reading.
Lastly, I'm REALLY interested in knowing more about Master Raymond if you'd want to write about that while letting others simmer.
Dear Diana,
I love all the books and I just finished ECHO today….You left us with so many unanswered questions and situations. First off I want to know about Roger and does he make it back in time and reconnect with Jamie and Claire. I am glad that Jem is ok but maybe he goes back through time while he is trying to get out of the tunnel. Brianna had a feeling of the tunnel having powers when she was there so maybe Jem finds the passage? I know that Jamie, Lord John and Claire will work out their situation and we all know Lord John only married Claire out of friendship. Jamie will understand but might not like it at first. Ian and Rachel make a great couple and I hope it works out for them. I am sure that when William realizes that Brianna is his half sister he will want to connect with her. Maybe that's how he becomes a believer in time travel….Speaking of time traveling, I would love for Jamie & Claire to go into the future with Roger back to Scotland.
Diana, you have your work cut out for yourself..Thank you for your written words. Happy and Healthy New Year. Joede
NOOOOO, Jamie must NEVER go into the future!! He'd be a mess there!!
Jamie/Claire/John will be fine. Hope the argument doesn't streatch out too long. Their beyond all that now aren't they?? Briana will be fine. It's Rob who should be afraid there. Jemmy will be fine – even I think if he ends up back in the past. I'm worried about Roger maybe going back and then not knowing Jem never did go through. I know he would never go back without him, SO . . . Briana, Jem, and Mandy need to go back too. I can't stand them being away from Jamie and Clarie. PLEASE, send them back!
I would like to see you return to one of the early scenes in the first book where Jamie appears outside Claire and Frank's room. What was that all about? And as you tie all the loose ends together, spend more time with Claire and Jamie. I have enjoyed the other characters, but Claire and Jamie are the very heart and soul of the series. Thanks
Dear Juliana–
You _did_ see Claire and Jamie's reunion when he was revealed to be alive. (I'm amazed at how many people read so fast "to find out what happens" that they actually _miss_ a lot of "what happens"!)
Dear Rory–
I'm so sorry to hear about your illness–do take care of yourself!
Aside from being concerned for Jem I want to know if Bree and Roger reunite and in which time period.
I guess I'm just going to have to go back to the beginning and re-read the entire series (again).
First of all thanks for the reassurance about Jem. That was one dangling story line that I found very hard to read.
I would like to see the book open up with the Jamie/John/Claire situation, followed closely by Willie's situation. I am so curious as to how Willie will view John from this point on, especially on a long-term basis. It seems to me he would find it hard to trust anyone after what he has found out.
I am so glad to hear the GN has a release date this year, it will be the first GN I have ever bought. I can't wait for Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner.
Congratulations on your daughter's upcoming marriage. We just celebrating our daughter's wedding in October and some fans of yours commented when they saw the pictures "You didn't tell us that she was Bree!" Which is really funny because the Bride and Groom have never read the Outlander series, but have Celtic ancestors so went with a Celtic theme. *G*
Thank you for your reassurance about Jem. I was worrit aye?
Story line: Personally I'd be happy if it started out with Bree pounding the pooh out of Rob Cameron. That is only for my own satisfaction though. I love how you started Echo with Ian's encounter with the band of no goods and trust your skill to lead us into the next addition…or should that be edition. *G*
It takes as long as it takes, good books my be read in a rush, but they can't be written in a rush. Looking forward to "Exile", which will be the first graphic novel I've ever purchased, and to all the other offerings from your most fertile imagination.
Merry Christmas and peace and health to you and yours. Tummy rubs to the four footers too!
Oh wow, I'm just starting to re-read Echo, I devoured it with the first reading, and now can't wait to go back and find out what I missed in the devouring. I would of started it all over again immediately after closing the back cover but needed to let it simmer in my mind for awhile, and also my friend borrowed Echo as soon as she could get her paws on it. (I got her hooked on your books earlier this year and she has read every single one back to back!)
As for what to address at the beginning of the book. Oh my. Ummm Everything!
Rogers going back in time is a definite, what happens to him this time around and how does it affect life in "current day" Scotland?
Willie, Jamie, and Lord John. Oooh Boy! My heart stopped while reading that passage, and I'm very happy that Willie has become a central character in his own right!
Also the Jamie, Lord John, and Claire situation. Talk about leaving a girl hanging. I don't remember ever laughing so hard though.
I could go on and on here. But suffice to say I am one of those chomping at the bit to read your next book, but do have the patience to wait till it comes out in 2+ years. I'll just re-read all of your books for now, and I have yet to start the Lord John books so those will suffice.
Happy Holidays!
Jamie and Claire- The series is wonderfully rich, but it's nothing without Jamie and Claire together.
I'd like to start with Brianna kicking Rob Cameron's arse. Then, of course, getting Jem safely back with Bri.
Be cool if Roger gets to see Jamie and Claire again, though. I'd say that's pretty high up there on the list of what storyline I'd like to see first and second.
Most concerned about Jem's predicament and Roger!!! Did he actually go? Did he get where he wanted to go? How will he find out that Jem is in his own time? Will Brianna and family go to find Roger??? Can't wait to find out
Half the fun is the anticipation.
I would like to see you go back and fill in some of the short sharp, shocks. Ian's wound, Fergus's machinations and intrigues. How much time passed before the Ian and Emily reached their accord? Lots to start with to build the momentum.
Congratulations on your daughter's engagement and Good luck with the wedding planning.
Thank you very much for my philosophy books. You have such an understanding of human nature.
Merry Christmas
I'm with the Jamie/Claire/Lord John camp but followed very closely behind with Roger/Brianna/Jem/Mandy. Do make Rob Cameron pay in the most deliciously vicious way you can. He deserves it.
I am thrilled to hear there will, someday, be a Master Raymond book.
Diana,
I'm addicted to the 'Outlander' series. Not too crazy on the whole Jaime/Clare/John triangle as I don't think there really is one. I guess I'm just old fashioned enough to believe that love conquers all.
Would like to hear less of John and more of Jaime, Clare and their entire extended family. I read Echo and although I enjoyed it, there was too much of Lord John and too little of everyone else.
Like everyone else, I'd like to see what happens to Jemi and Roger. It would be nice to have the entire family together again at Lallybroch.
Thank you Diana, for a most entertaining read. I am currently re-reading all the novels from the begining and anticipating the next one.