WELCOME to the All-New, Completely Redesigned, and—with luck—Totally Updated Diana Gabaldon Official Website!
Many, many thanks to the very talented Jeremy Tolbert of Clockpunk Studios (www.clockpunkstudios.com), who did the new design (and guided me through the maze of learning to work with WordPress).
And many thanks to the lovely Rosana Gatti, who designed (more than once {g}) the original Diana Gabaldon website, and has run it for more years than I care to count.
(Thinking especially of longevity these days, as a) it’s my birthday {g}, and b) OUTLANDER (the novel) was published twenty (yes, 2_0) years ago!)
Now, there will be a few spots where I’ll add new material, links, excerpts or whatever as we go on, but I think the new site is essentially complete.
(There will be a link to a Facebook page, for instance, but that’s not quite available yet.
And my blog will now be an integral feature of the website, as well.
I hope you enjoy exploring the new site!
Do please let me know—there’s a place for comments, below, and on other parts of the site—if you see anything that doesn’t work, or have suggestions for things we may not have thought of that you’d like to see.
(And you can use the “Follow” links to talk to me via Twitter, if you’d like.)
Thanks-Diana
I stumbled on the Outlander series by total accident! It was mid-October of last year and I was “out” of books at the house. (Horror of horrors, right?) I typically like epic-y, largish books and noticed a big green (my favorite color) book on the bookstore shelf. Now, I usually don’t choose a book by its color (or its size), but I didn’t have my reading glasses on me. I squinted at the back cover and saw “time travel” and “Scotland” and figured it would be up my alley. Yup…it was “An Echo in the Bone.” I got about 1/3 of the way though it and thought WOW this is a really good book, but it has to be a part of a series. : ) The rest is history. I’m now almost through with “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” but I’m going to read “Bone” again as I feel I will get a LOT more out of it. I just have to pry it from my neighbors’ hands. I gave it to her to read after I read it as she, too, was desperate for a good read at the time. But she’s a really, really s l o w reader…
Anywho…Add me to the count of waiting patiently for the next book! I plan on starting the Lord John Grey series now that I read on your website what they are about!
–Rhonda (A new and loyal fan)
P.S. I find myself saying “verra” and “dinna” constantly now in normal conversation. Does anyone else do this????
While reading the books, the conversations in my dreams were with a Scottish accent! Well, the dreams I could remember at least
Isn’t it amazing how this series tends to take over your life? Throughout the day, I would catch myself daydreaming of what would happen next with Jamie and Claire. The different emotions I went thru while reading the books were amazing as well! How can one get so concerned for the welfare of a character in a novel lol!
Five years ago I finished Voyager and through a series of twists and turns (or just life) I haven’t had the time to commit to The Drums of Autumn. But this is MY year. I have had to review the last few chapters of #3, and I am almost finished with that…then onward!
Thanks, Diana, for all the work that goes into your writing. That is what makes it the best read out there.
Belated Happy Birthday. Blessing abound to you!
D
Hello! I just read your short story and immensly enjoyed the dynamic between Jerry and Dolly and especially seeing a new side of Frank. I can’t seem to find anyone else discussing it on your blog! I’m anxious to read about Roger’s side of the encounter (hopefully) in the next book.
The question I have for you is about Frank. In Outlander, when Frank refuses to consider adoption, does he realize who Roger is? If he does realize Roger is Jerry’s son, does that lead to guilt that he has (indirectly at least) created many orphans, thus not considering adoption? He’s always come across as a very astute individual, he’s obviously fascinated with genology, and he had close ties to Rev. Wakefield. I must admit, I have never been very interested in Frank until I read this short story, but I would definitely be interested in reading more about Frank’s years during the war.
Anxiously awaiting Book Eight!!
Dear Katie–
I hope you don’t mind my removing a sentence from your comment, to avoid giving away the ending of the story for those who haven’t yet read it. {smile}
Glad you enjoyed “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows”! As for Roger and Frank, I think Frank probably does know who Roger is, though I don’t know that this would influence his feeling toward adoption. I think that more likely comes from his preoccupation with genealogy and family trees–thus wanting a child “of his blood,” as he says.
Diana,
A few of my comments will not be received well by your ‘followers.’
In 1992 I received the first two Outlander books as a gift. It was eight months later when I began reading the ‘Outlander.’ That was the beginning of my preoccupation with the Outlander series.
Against the advice of family and friends, in 1998, on a whim, I booked a flight to Scotland and used your books as a guide and an excellent guide your books were! I travelled by train from Glasgow to the Orkneys (needed to take a ferry to the Orkneys, of course) and all points between. One of the highlights of my trip was a stay in Inverness in a 200+ yr. old home on the River Ness and then there was Culloden Muir/Field. I was awed by Culloden. A couple of years after my trip I was given an English ball shot from Culloden. One of my most precious possessions. It was given to me by a Scot from Inverness who appreciated my passion for Scotland. The ball shot was passed down in his family over the years as a ‘reminder.’ ‘Lest We Forget’ comes to mind.
Diana, I thank you for the books that sent me on one of my most memorable adventures.
Now, for the comments your ‘followers’ will NOT like. I doubt YOU will be bothered by my comments. I met you years ago at a conference and got the sense that any criticism where you are concerned is like water off a duck’s back and sometimes that can be a good thing.
I will continue buying your books (hardcover) but only until you finish the Outlander series, if I live that long!
My ‘preoccupation’ with the Outlander series ended after reading “The Fiery Cross.” In my opinion, for some reason, you began ‘losing it’ with “The Fiery Cross” and it was downhill from there. You hit rock bottom with “The Exile,” a truly awful book. I prefer the ‘old’ website to this one. There is something very drab about this website. As I said, ‘in my opinion.’:)
Dear Aya–
Not all books are for all people. I hope you enjoy whatever you read next.
–Diana
Aya,
One of my favorite responses to criticism is “Until you are able to have the creativity it takes to produce one novel, please keep criticism of those that are to yourself”.
Dear Jennifer–
Well, you know–it’s really true: not all books _are_ for all people. I’ve read any number of books that clearly weren’t for me {g}, even though thousands of other folk just as clearly liked them. Surely one should be allowed to discuss a book, whether one liked it or not? (Which is not to say that all criticism is well-founded or intelligent–but neither is it all narrow-minded or stupid.)
–Diana
Happy belated Birthday Diana! Absolutely love the new website and bookmarked it to keep updated. It is easy to navigate and organized well. Napolean (my tricolored pembroke welsh corgi) will stay connected through Goodread group (outlander fans) and your website. Thank you so much for many hours of pure pleasure and” escapism”.
This is a great website . . had no problem moving around at all . . thank you!
Love all of the books, but I am a die-hard fan of the Outlander series and I’ve kept them all. I’ve started reading the whole series again – not many books can stand that test!
I am looking forward to the next book. Your research is so enjoyed . . the books come alive as I turn the pages.
Have a great spring and I wish you fortitude to keep up with the touring .. your books are worth it.
-Andrea
Hello Diana,
I have recently become a huge fan of your writing. I purchased an Amazon Kindle for myself just before Thanksgiving. I do hope this is not a bad thing for writers. We do have to buy the downloads. Anyway, I downloaded Outlander and just couldn’t put it down. At our family Thanksgiving (U.S. holiday) get together I discovered my brother-in-law also purchased a Kindle for himself and was in fact reading Outlander as well. I recently discovered that one of my dear friends is anxiously awaiting book 8; a friend I never imagined would be interested in this type of storyline. Through the Kindle Facebook page I have discovered a whole world, with your series a favorite. I am a third of the way through Drums of Autumn. I’ve never considered myself an obsessive person, but I am in love with the majority of your characters, and in love with hating the others. My husband is of Scottish heritage, so it makes it even more fun to “live” amongst the highlanders.
What’s nice about the Kindle is when I finish one book at midnight I can immediately download the next book. I already have books 6 & 7 downloaded. This is a series of books I would like to have on my library shelf so I am very interested in the set you mentioned coming out in June. I hope book 8 will be included.
Thank you for giving us wonderful places to visit and adventures to live through.
Your devoted reader,
Marta
Dear Marta–
Thank you! No, it’s fine for people to read the ebook versions {g}; we do get royalties on those as well, and authors are generally pretty happy to have people read their books, in whatever form. (I have both a Kindle and an iPad, and really prefer the former for reading.)
–Diana
Glad to see the website is up! I look forward to browsing and checking everything out. It looks great!
Diana,
I am so excited to be writing something that you will read, I am such a big fan
Congrats on the website it looks beautiful! I have been reading the Outlander novels since I was 13 or 14 and they have gotten even more enjoyable as I have gotten older and now that I have a family of my own. I don’t know how you make the lives of these time-travelers so easy to relate to, but thank-you so much for all of your hard work!!
I also wanted to let you know that I was trying to follow the link provided to the poisoned pen website by clicking the “here” button, but it wasn’t working. I’m not sure if that was because the link wasn’t working or the website wasn’t working but I wanted to let you know about it anyways. It gave me a chance to say “hi”
Thanks again from your loyal fan,
– Ash
Dear Ash–
Thanks! I’ve been out of town, but will have a little time tomorrow to work on the website (need to correct a few typos, add links, etc.), so will check the Poisoned Pen link to be sure it works.
–Diana
Hello, I’m not one who likes changes, hate those on my PC to get to pages I’ve been using for months. PLEASE where is the link to the discussion group! … is it calles good-reads? … or something similar, maybe.
Thanks in advance for any help,
Lotte
Hello, is this going to work?
Dear Lotte–
I don’t know; what were you trying to do? {g}
Dear Diana,
I tried to submit a comment and could not find it anywhere, so I gave it another try. In the first place, I was looking for a link to get in contact with the ladies at Goodreads. I desperately miss it and the opporunity to discuss your fabulous books!
Lotte:
I don’t know about Goodreads, but if you are looking for a place to discuss the books, why not come over to the Compuserve Books and Writers Community? (Click on the link at the top right of this page, where it says “Follow Diana Online”.) You’ll find plenty of discussion of Diana’s books in the Diana Gabaldon folder on Compuserve. We’re always happy to see new people on the forum.
Karen
Karen, thanks for the welcome and I’ll give it a try. By pure chance I happened to find my discussion group, though.
Lotte
Happy Birthday to you and a great 20 to the Fraser clan from Québec, can’t wait for the next (sniff sniff) and last book
Dear Ginette–
Why do you guys keep _doing_ that?!? Assuming that whatever the next book is, is the last one, I mean. Every single book since VOYAGER, I get people writing to me (or moaning on other websites) about how sad they are that this is (or will be ) THE LAST BOOK!! Then everyone writes me in accusing droves when the next one comes out–”I heard that [X] was the last book!” yeah, they “heard” it from people jumping to conclusions and putting them online. _I’ve_ never said, “hey, this is the last book.” I didn’t say it about Book Eight! Read what I _did_ say, on the front page of this site! I don’t _know_ if it’s the last book or not–I won’t know that for a while. But I hope you’ll enjoy it, regardless. {g}
Regards to Clan Fraser of Quebec! Je suis prest!
That sound you hear is my tap dance!! This is the first I’ve read suggesting that the “next” book is not necessarily the “last” book of the series!! I feel totally justified in my imaginings about what might come to pass!! Thank you, Diana, for the clarification!
Happy Birthday to you and Outlander. I cannot believe it has been 20 years ago that the journey with Jamie and Claire began. I remember finding the paperback in the bookstore and thinking it would be interesting. Little did I know that it would be one of my favorite books read and reread over and over again, but that I’d be continuing to follow this story and grow up with Jamie and Claire. Thanks for all the years of entertainment and joy!
Happy- belated- birthday Diana!
Thank you for introducing me in such lovely era and characters with your Oultander series.
Though i’ve only get to know it for the past three years it seems quite a time already! You’re responsible for making me getting another qualification in English language which is not my native, ofcourse !
The new web site looks marvellous . I love the colours and the letter style, they are friendly to the user with just a touch of “vintage” looking !
Best luck to you !
Margo
PS
Now, i’d fervently like to improve my Italian language skills, also….is there a chance you get inspired by an Italian hero ? Just teasing you !
Diana:
The new website is easy to navigate, easy to read and I for one love the old velum background. Happy to hear that your publishers are leaving you alone to “write” instead of sending you hither, thither and yon. I do hope you have a say in the matter.
I so admire your patience with all of us champing at the bit for “the next book”. You are such a gracious lady and really wonderful to all your fans.
Thank you for the comment about ebooks. I can imagine authors are receptive to the new technology, as long as they still get their royalties (and why wouldn’t they, as it is intellectual property whether it is printed on a page or a digital readout on an ereader). Isn’t it easier for the publisher’s as well? I buy hardbound books and will continue to do so. There are books out there that I’ve read (for my book club as an example), that I’ll never read again, I end up donating to the library, who end up selling them at book sales to generate $$$ to buy more books and improve services in the library. That is a lot of paper and sadly some of it ends up in recycling or (Horrors) in the garbage. Consequently I love my kindle!
Happily your books have their own shelf in one of my bookcases. A leather bound set would be lovely…I know a bookmaker that can “rebind” books and I’ll have her do that when the series is complete to leave to my yet unborn grandchildren! *G*
Again kudos to a lovely website!
VickiB
Dear Vicki–
Thank you! {smile} I personally own a number of books in both paper and ebook form; I love books, but the Kindle is _so_ much easier to travel with than several pounds of paperbacks (on the road, I regularly read a book a day–in airports and airplanes–and am obliged just to discard them as I go, hoping to find replacements in airport bookshops, which are often sadly lacking in anything I truly want to read).
–Diana
We do a “lot” of traveling as well, and it sure saves space and weight in the suitcases and carry on. My husband, Paul, is fond of saying that Amazon should “give” the ereaders away, each time I download another book. *G*
There is nothing like opening a new book, the tactile act of turning the pages and the aroma of a new book isn’t quite up there with the smell of a clean baby…but close! *G* Can you tell I am retired from working in a library?
Vicki B
Hello Diana! Here I am emailing you as I have just finished Echo in The Bone and it’s 3am in the morning. I had to rush to find out if another book is coming so we could find out what happened to Jem, Brianna’s son, and what happened next with William, Claire and Jamie. I am happy to see you gave a reply to someone about an 8th book. I had no idea this series started twenty years ago. My sister in law suggested the series a few years ago. I must tell you that I am addicted to your story telling. I would be curious to know how many male readers feel the male characters are written like a male would think and react. I love how you show each character has a life of it’s own, even without being the main characters. While grossed out at times by the medical or battlefield details or the punished Jamie received over the years, it is only because it is so real and I am thankful I live in modern times. I love how you go into Claire’s mind when it comes to the medical details and the surgeries she has to perform. I will have to check out Lord Grey’s books. I finished this seventh book in two weeks, staying up very late and being drowsy at work the next day. Thank you for the opportunity!
God bless all you do and looking forward to more reading. Happy Birthday!
Dear Lori–
Yes, male readers so far have unanimously appreciated the male characters as much as the female ones, though I’m not sure why this should be surprising. Most authors write about characters of both sexes, don’t they? (Though I’ve certainly read unconvincing characters _of_ both sexes, _by_ both sexes–i.e., I’ve read books by male authors that had unconvincing male characters, and female, ditto. It’s just craft, I think; not identity.)
As for Book Eight, if you look on the Home page, down at the left-hand corner, you’ll find out all about Book Eight–and there are excerpts _from_ Book Eight under the “Writing” tab, under “Outlander Series.” Hope you enjoy them!
–Diana
I like the new website, and have been trying to find out whether there’s a way to subscribe (RSS Feed) to the Blog as there was with the old version. Can you please post instructions on how to do this?
Jen in Oz
Dear Jen–
The box that says “Follow Diana Online” in the bottom middle of the Home page should have an icon on the left that is the RSS subscription. I think. {g}
–Diana
Hi Diana. I’m new to this blog and don’t know if I’m doing things right or not, but here goes. I have been a fan of your Outlander series for so many years. I’m really obsessed. I live in the mountains of western NC, which is where Fraser’s Ridge is supposed to be. It made the story so much more interesting to me.
I was wondering if you know about some of the local legends in the area where Frazer’s Ridge is supposed to be. I live about an hour from Boone. Have lived here all my life. I think it would be really cool to write about one of them such as “The Brown Mountain Lights” in your next book. The native Americans as well as early settlers have seen this unexplained phenomena continuing into the present. I’ve seen them many times. would make for an interesting story in the book.
Dear Sue–
Yes, I’ve heard about the Brown Mountain Lights. That was the spark of inspiration for the scene in DRUMS OF AUTUMN, wherein Claire meets the ghost of Otter-Tooth.
Glad you’ve been enjoying the books!
–Diana
That is so cool!!! I’m going to have to go back and read that part of the book. There are so many wonderful legends here in our old mountains. I just retired from teaching fourth grade here in Yancey County and loved teaching and relating some of these old stories. Dr. Lloyd R. Bailey, Sr, who is a local historian, has done a whole series on western NC called, “Heritage of the Toe River Valley”. He would make a good contact if you want to find out any local history or about some of the first settlers in our area.
I’m so excited to talk with you. You are a genious storyteller who combines romance and history with a good dose of mystery and excitement. Keep writing about Jamie and claire and their family!
Diana,
I just wanted to know if there is still going to be a movie out soon now that there is a potential musical being talked about.
I just ordered the cd. love the music so much.
Jean
Dear Jean–
I really like the musical CD, too. {smile} As to movies, etc.–if you look under “Other Projects”, you’ll know everything I do!
–Diana
I am being patient, and while waiting for you, I have started reading “Into The Wilderness” by Sara Donati, and so far it’s been a good read….something others might enjoy too. This is while I am still working on my Farm Town version of Frazers Ridge, and my newest farm called Lallybroch. Too bad Face Book doesn’t offer “Heather” for me to add to my farm!!! I have had several people that I hire on my farms to work, that know right off where Frazers Ridge & Lallybroch can be found!
As always,
Your Number One Fan!
Deborah, can you please find away to upload pics for all of us to see.. I am a FB farm town fan and its great what can be done… would love to see you hard work !
I have no idea how to do it, but, if anyone else knows how, let me know!