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?
Your book left more than the 4 lines open. I would like to see how the Claire/Jamie/LJ comes along, but I loved the way Claire and LJ related, being strong and decisive, couldn't have done things differently. I've read all LJ books and I've enjoyed them. But I think he is at his best when he interacts with any of the Frasers.
Also a very interestin thing is the connection between Mandy and Jem, that's something that can go a long way.
As per Rogers, I think I know where he is going, but will be nice to know for sure?
Your books are more than the story. As with any good book, I read them more than once, and then is when you get the real flavor, and all the fine subtlety of your mind.
I like what I can perceive there more than anything, that's what makes the books so interesting.
I was waiting for LJ and the S prisioner, that should be very good.
How William will digest the situation? Is Jenny having something to do there?
Well there are so many things taht I don't know how you can write them all in 2 years, so take your time, wew will wait (patiently, (g))
Jamie & Claire first please – they are the heart & soul of the Outlander books & should always be first!!!!
I agree with kittymoore. Jamie and Claire first, then Roger, Briana, Jem and Mandy. It would be nice to have them all reunited.
I would really like to see Jamie get to spend more time with his son William. The poor guy already missed out on a huge part of both of his children's lives. Maybe Jamie could find a way to come through the stones himself and pay a visit to this Cameron fella but please.. please don't let Claire turn up pregnant by Lord John. *shudder*
Roger…always had a soft spot for him, cuz he reminded me of my husband…and now he's lost in the past…please tie that one up. And help him find himself. And don't let Bree fret too long with me. Also…please let her kick Rob Cameron's ass…and find Jemmy.
Almost thinking the past would be better for the whole family than the present, but like that they ended up at LB.
And like the psychic connection between Jem and Mandy…wonder if that's part of Jamie's influence, since he dreams of them. Interesting talents…
Please…whatever you do…don't leave us hanging this badly on the next one. Trust me…we'd come back for more, but perhaps a little less stressed from the two year wait till the next release.
Just finished Echos. I think it might be my favorite of them all, so much to chew on! I am curious about how Hal is going to react to his daughter marrying a nobody Quaker. I enjoyed that scene very much and look forward to more of her spunk!
To start the next book off? I am with most everyone else here, Roger/Uncle Buck. I am very curious about Buckleigh. I like him.
Wouldn't it be neat if Jemmy goes back in time and ends up fathering another Jemmy so that he himself is his own ancestor? As you said, there are many of that name in the family line.
I love your books. Take good care of yourself and we will wait for you in your own time.
I love how your brain works. The way these novels are going you will have material and characters for many series. How satisfying. I just with they could invent something that could read your brain and then we'd have the answers faster. smile Thank you for some wonderful reading moments in my life. Of course, I would like you to address Jamie and Claire first…then everyone else asap.vaillit
Dear Diana,
first of all thank you so much for another most wonderful novel.
At the end of this book I was almost disappointed not to find out what happens to Jem, Brianna and Roger, although what happens to Jamie, Claire and the rest of them is almost equally as important.
But no, for me, Jem's, Brianna's and Roger's fate is foremost on my mind. Has Roger gone through the stones with William Buccleigh, thinking that Rob Cameron has taken Jemmy back in time? And if he has, does he manage to find Claire and Jamie?
I think I would very much like to read about them first.
OMG!!! Just one?!?!
Well, I've got a few story lines I'd like to see addressed right off… 1) Jamie reguarding Lord John's "carnal knowledge" of Claire, 2) Ian & Rachel, 3) Claire & Jenny, and 4) Because I know Jem is quite resourceful, I'll save him for the last, OH! And Roger Mac & William Buckleigh…
Also, I would like to send to you a HUGE "Thank You!" You are an absolutely wonderful writer! This is the first thing that my mother & I have been able to agree on in, Oh… let's say 15 years?
Love & Hugs & "Take your time! It's always worth it!"
Lisa Ceniceros
Moab, UT
OMG!!! Just one?!?!
Well, I've got a few story lines I'd like to see addressed right off… 1) Jamie reguarding Lord John's "carnal knowledge" of Claire, 2) Ian & Rachel, 3) Claire & Jenny, and 4) Because I know Jem is quite resourceful, I'll save him for the last, OH! And Roger Mac & William Buckleigh…
Also, I would like to send to you a HUGE "Thank You!" You are an absolutely wonderful writer! This is the first thing that my mother & I have been able to agree on in, Oh… let's say 15 years?
Love & Hugs & "Take your time! It's always worth it!"
Lisa Ceniceros
Moab, UT
Jamie and Claire and John, by a LONG shot! Just how is Jamie going to deal with John's confession?? How much long does Claire have to wait to get back to Jamie?? It's those two who make the story for me.
then, Roger/Bree/Jem.
then William with possibly a visit from his Aunt??
and then Ian and show things work out for the "wolf in the night".
Oh my! I nearly forgot! it's been almost 4 months since I read the book.
Ok, Jamie/Claire/John, first and formost! Then I want to know about Willie!
I would really love to see the Jamie, Claire and Lord John triangle worked out up front. I really will be disappointed if Jamie holds a grudge against either or if they are held apart for long… I also look forward to really how William will workout his feelings and how the love affair between Ian and Rebecca works out. Waiting……
JEM! You left the kid, Roger and Buck hanging in Echo. Need to know they're OK!
I expect Jamie and Claire will be OK – as will Lord John.
Oh – and PLEASE give William a sense of direction. He's got too much potential to keep getting lost that way….
I became aware while reading ECHO that some part of my emotions regarding Jamie were being extended to Jem. He is a new generation of adventurer, and I really really want to know what happens with him next. He has become to me the young Jamie we didn't really get to experience. And his relationship with his sister is so sweet, I just love the connection. Thank you, Diana. Continue to take your time and produce such joyous, inspirational, sexy, humorous work.
Of course, Jamie and Claire as they are key. I can't imagine a triangle involving Lord John as you've made it clear that they always find their way back to each other. I like that you don't drag things out like a 'romance novel' and instead give interesting storyline based on history and what it was like to live and sustain life 200 years ago.
I love young Ian's character and would like to see much more of his storyline (with him happy I hope). Also, how Jem will fare.
2 and 1/2 years seems like a long time. I'll be looking forward to 2013!
Jamie and Claire, always Jamie and Claire
1st – Jamie and John
2nd – Jem and Brianna
3rd – William
4th – Roger
I keep wanting Jamie to be able to travel to "modern" times. I would love to see his reaction to everything, from cars to phones to supermarkets. What kind of work would he do; how could he still provide for his family and be the laird?
I am DYING to know about Gem & how his parents deal with the Rob guy…
I have also been imagining how the Claire-Lord John & Jaime things works out..BTW-I may NEVER recover from the sex thing between Lord John & Claire. (mind you I cried out loud at Ian's last words…) but sex with John, with a girl…with CLAIRE!? I thought maybe Ben Franklin-never Claire. They were just a wee bit too casual about it…I felt a little bit—-betrayed..
Thanks for letting me vent.
BTW-I'm heading to Scotland in September!!
Amber on her husbands email!!