Well, it’s like this: The new, snazzy, all-signing, all-dancing (well, singing, at least) 20th-anniversary edition of OUTLANDER will be released on July 5th.
On July 5th, I personally will be traveling from New York to Laramie, WY (which is one of those places that you can’t get there from here, so it will take all day, starting before dawn) in order to be the keynote speaker at the Sir Walter Scott Symposium held at the University of Wyoming. What with one thing and another (ThrillerFest, for one–it’s even more impossible to get _back_ from Laramie to New York, taking all night as well as part of the next day), I won’t be back in Arizona until sometime on the 10th.
Now, The Poisoned Pen bookstore has graciously offered to host an event for the launch of this book, if I’d like. The question, though, is really–would _you_ guys like this?
I’d be happy to spend an evening with you and sign your books (and perhaps read a few excerpts from the upcoming SCOTTISH PRISONER and the so-far-untitled Book Eight (I really must come up with a title one of these days), but I don’t know how much demand there might be for Diana Live {g}, given the nature of this particular book. I mean, it’s a _beautiful_ book, and stuffed full of entertaining extra material–but it’s not a brand-new novel, either.
Let me know what you think, and I’ll tell the bookstore in a couple of days.
Thanks
I can remember recommending your books to my daughter some 18-20 years ago when they were first published. When she got to Voyager, she told me she thought the books were far-fetched. I asked her if she meant the time travel and was surprised when she said: “No, the fact that they’re still doing IT and they’re over 40!” She turned 40 last year, (she’s married with three lovely daughters) and you can imagine the teasing she got from the rest of the family. Love the books, and have bought all of the hardcover editions – the paperbacks have just fallen apart with re-reading. I’m from Australia, so don’t get much chance to see and hear you speak “in person” – very envious of all of those who can attend at the Poison Pen. Keep writing, I’m looking forward anxiously to the publication of Book Eight, your books are very special.
Norma
LOL…my daughter is in her 20′s and cannot fathom that her dad and mom still “do it” in their 50′s…if she only knew!
I am a stay at home mom and have been since my kids were little. A friend of mine , knowing I was going a little crazy with the kids, gave me Outlander. I loved it! W would read and talk about it all the time.That started in 1994. I bought A Breath of Snow and Ashes but kept it on the book shelf it was not the same since my friend was no longer here. One day my daughter 16 was looking for something to read so I gave her Outlander. It had been a long time since I had read it. Long story short she loved it and read the whole series. I however had not finished and then I thought you know its been a long time I should read it again. This time it only took me a couple of days to read , being that my kids are older and do not require as much time. I found that I still love your books and it has inspired me to pick up reading once again. Oh how I have missed the way I live through all your characters. I am looking forward to your 8th book what ever its name will be.
Yes! Yes! Would love it. I will by this signed from poisoned pen, and will come if able.
Yes! Yes! Would love it. I will buy this (signed by you) from Poisoned Pen, and will come if able. Oops, hit send before I meant to.
Why not a trip to the K.C. area? I’d love to meet you in person and wouldn’t mind traveling a bit. After all if you can go to Laramie……
Diana,
I’m sure your many fans would love to see you at a book signing. I would love to be there and meet you if I lived near. I do thank you for letting us know about the ability to order online and get a signature copy, that is a wonderful thing to do for you fans. I just discovered your wonderful series just after Christmas and have since read all 7 books of the Outlander series, all the Lord John books (and Novella’s and short stories), as well as the short story of Roger’s parents (loved that one), and all your excerpts you’ve written. I am excitedly waiting with great anticipation for book 8 (as well as the next Lord John books).
I did have a question. I just finished reading the short story “Lord John and the Custom of the Army” and was curious about John’s gold paperweight. He describes it as Gold with a large sapphire and he wonders where Jamie Frasier could have come across this? Did Jamie send John this, why? Or was this the sapphire that Jamie found when he escaped Ardsmuir and there gave to John? Just didn’t know if I missed something.
Thanks,
Susan
PS Any idea when we might have Book 8?
Dear Susan–
Yes, that’s the sapphire Lord John took from Jamie at Ardsmuir.
–Diana
If I promised you warm days, cool tradewinds and beautiful beaches could you be lured to Hawaii? This is why I can’t be at the Poisoned Pen, Hawaiian Air raised their HNL to PHX fares!! I will be ordering a signed copy!! Like most of the other posts – please stay home, forget your family and friends, and finish the “new” one. I still smile thinking of Jamie saying to John…”Why?” Come ON!!!
You have made my recent retirement exactly what I had planned….reading, reading, reading. I am a late comer to the Outlander series but I tore through them all. Now I’m re-reading them again.
Mahalo nui loa
I lived in Laramie when I was a kid and would LOVE for you to do this! I can’t make it to your Kingman, AZ gig this month even though I talked both of my cousins into going (they live up there and it wasn’t hard to convince them!).
But visiting Laramie would be awesome. Seeing you in person and listening to you read an excerpt, icing on the cake.
The book looks great and I will absolutely get it to add to my collection but sadly I cannot make it across the country to Arizona. However, I will try to make it to the NY appearance. By the way, I think I found a possible Jamie — Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor in the new movie has the height, the blue eyes, is only 27, has the good looks and the incredible body. Check him out – http://www.chris-hemsworth.net/
Happy Mother’s Day Diana.
With red hair, he’d be perfect!
Thanks Lisa,
I agree. Very nice!
Diana – I’ve read all the Jamie and Claire books twice now and will probably read them all again when the next book is available. I read them on my e-book (Barnes and Noble Nook) and am asking for all the books in hardbound for my birthday. Since my birthday is the end of July, I would love to have the new edition of Outlander and will definitely be telling my husband or son to make sure that’s the one they get!! : )
Thank you for all the reading enjoyment that you’ve given me over the years. I’ve read a couple of the Lord John books, not as “satisfying” (I love long books that I can almost live in the story along with the characters). I am, though, axiously awaiting the Scottish Prisoner book, probably because Jamie is in it, more than just in Lord John’s thoughts, interesting as those thoughts may be.
Laramie is the wrong Middle-of-Nowhere. Please come to MY Middle-of-Nowhere and I would love to come to your book signing! Congratulations on the re-release. And I’m beside myself with excitement to read in your comments that you’re on the final frenzy stage of Scottish Prisoner…write write write!
Hola, Diana solo agradecerle por escribir de la manera que lo hace. Jamie y Claire se han convertido en mis personajes favoritos. Es dificil conseguir sus libros en mi pais Argentina. Y daria cualquier cosa por poder presenciar una lectura y firma de ejemplares. Lamentablemente la distancia juega en contra para ello. Bueno, es un placer saber que el libro 8 está en marcha, para el 2012, ufff falta mucho!! me matará la espera!
saludos
WOW! Twenty years….I do remember reading Outlander for the first time, the year was 1992. My Mom purchased the book for my sister as a Christmas gift in 1991 and the rest as we say in our family….is history, LOL! Each of us in our family has a special story to tell in regards to the Outlander series. I own each in hardcover, each a first edition and all but one is signed by you. They are a treasure and stand with the likes of Homer, Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, H.G. Wells and many others. Also, as I am a bookseller, my passion in telling someone who has NOT read your books still gives me goosebumps when I give my *talk* of introduction and I place that first book in their hands. I tell them that they are going on a literary adventure and it will be like no other they have experienced.
Thank You Diana! And yes…I will be purchasing the 20th anniversay addition, too.
AGGGHHHH!!! I just finished Echo in the Bone and I am already having withdrawls!!! Don’t go to NY or another book tour! Please stay home and finish your next book. Where can I send you coffee and treats to keep you writing??? You are the greatest!
Hello Diana
You mentioned above about flying to Scotland on 14 July – does that mean there could be some events in the UK – rubs hands together with glee – I live on the outskirts of London but would gladly travel to any book readings / signings – would love to grab a hardback copy of special edition. I have 3 (young) daughters and I want to keep some books for when they are older and my dog-eared paperbacks aren’t as impressive!! I know they will love the series when they are older!! And nothing more special than a signed copy!! Hope to see you soon. x
Dear Lisa–
Well, yes–though the only really public thing I’m doing is Tartan Day in Aberdeen, on 30 July. See you there? {g}
–Diana
It is such a shame if the only event is all the way up in Aberdeen!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for something a bit futher south!! If you want taking for “high tea” in London, you only have to ask….!!!!
My original copy of Outlander is so worn and tattered from so much love, I would gladly be in Arizona on the 10th to purchase a new copy.
Thank you Diana for working so hard on Book 8…My mother-in-law and I cannot wait until it comes out. I have dibs since I purchased the entire series for my 40th birthday last year. I got her hooked last month (yes, she read all 7 books in one month!).
I love your characters (who seem more like friends and family) and, like so many, if not all, of your fans, am anxiously awaiting the book’s arrival.
Wish I could attend one of your signings…Ever think about coming to Santa Barbara? It’s beautiful and centrally located in California..hint, hint.
Love the idea of purchasing a signed copy from the Poisioned Pen…I will contact them directly.
Cheers, and best wishes for a great year.
I am hopelessly addicted to your books. I have read them all at least 5 times over and listened to the audio versions at least 3 times or more. I know you hear a version of this all the time.
I am a late bloomer reading them— read the first only last year. I have tried to read other books and have, on occasion, acutally finished a few! None have measured up for me to your writings of Claire and Jamie. Sorry, I’m sure you think me a pathic case—like —”that girl needs a life.” And I promise I will get counseling!
I introduced your books to two of my daughter-in-laws who are just as in love with the books as i am—well, maybe I have them beat by a little. I literally go around asking people that I meet if they read and if they do (or don’t) I can’t stop myself from recommending your books. I go on and on until I start noticing them slowing backing away from me wearing a weary smile and nodding cautiously. Ususally my husband is with me and he assures the person that I am totally safe! (He is very understanding of my, let say— interests (?).
I will definitely buy the anniversary edition and will get you to sign through Poison Pen. My vote— do the book signing. I won’t be able to come but I know how everyone who will be there will enjoy your company and good humor.
Dear Diana,
Congratulations! Have a marvelous adventure in Scottland. I’ll be there in spirit.
As for book 8, I enjoy the anticipation.
Fois,
Jeanne
Guess I’ll have to read the series a third time while I wait for the 8th book…!