STARZ GREENLIGHTS NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “OUTLANDER”
FROM “BATTLESTAR GALACTICA” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER RONALD D. MOORE
Network Will Team up with Sony Pictures TV
Series Based on Diana Gabaldon’s International Best-Selling Novels
Beverly Hills, Calif., June 25, 2013 – Starz Chief Executive Officer, Chris Albrecht, announced today that Starz will partner with Sony Pictures Television to greenlight “Outlander,” an original series adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling books. The network has ordered 16 episodes of the series which will begin filming in Scotland this fall. It is slated to premiere in 2014.
The series adaptation for “Outlander” will be written by Ronald D. Moore (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”). Moore is best known for his work on “Battlestar Galactica,” which won him a Peabody Award in 2006. Ronald D. Moore and Jim Kohlberg are executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company and Left Bank Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
“We were drawn to ‘Outlander’ because it centers on a complex heroine who becomes immersed in an epic time-traveling tale,” said Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht. “Ron Moore is the perfect showrunner to bring the rich world created by Diana Gabaldon, which generated a global fan following, to life. We are thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures TV on this project.”
Moore added, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life. Diana’s created a rich and textured world filled with intriguing characters, and I believe that Starz is the perfect home for her story. I think we’ll make something that the millions of fans of these books will enjoy and recognize as ‘Outlander.’”
Diana Gabaldon’s seven-book series has sold more than 20 million copies and has graced the New York Times best-sellers list six times. The eighth installment of the “Outlander” series is slated to be released March 25th, 2014.
The “Outlander” series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure in one magnificent tale. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married British combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Starz will retain all domestic multiplatform pay TV rights to the original series.
“Outlander” TV Series Online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutlanderTVSeries.starz
Twitter: @Outlander_Starz – join the conversation with #OutlanderStarz
Pls Pls don’t let them ruin the books!
Very, very disappointed. Initially, the release date for the new book was Fall 2013-then it was potsed as December 2013-now it’s March 2014!!!! Again, VERY disappointing for fans!
Dear Mark–
Yes? Well, tell Amazon, then; they’re the ones who post fictitious dates the moment a book’s existence is announced (and, not infrequently, before…).
I’m sorry you’re disappointed, but the simple fact is that you bloody can’t read a book until the writer finishes writing it. (I’ll be finished by the end of the year, but it’s certainly not done _now_.) I know people do assume that simply because Amazon lists a book for pre-order, that means that the book is ready to go right then….but it ain’t true. Sorry!
–Diana
Diana,
Don’t worry about your faithful readers waiting impatiently for your next book. A writer, and generally speaking an artist can not be rushed while creating
a masterpiece ( that would be the masterpiece number 8).
We can always keep ourselves in touch with our beloved characters by rereading
the Outlander Saga 1through 7. It works for me.
P.S. I hope the series doesn’t disappoint us.
P.S. No.:2 I meant the series adaptation of ” Outlander”.
I have reread these wonderful books. I just can’t get enough. I have even begun to read the Lord John series.
I look forward to being able to eventually purchase the series on DVD.
(cable isn’t an option in our area)
I love that you appear to be all Claire, or she you, but one reason fans, not necessarily yours, bet disappointed is that some writers make promises and never keep them. Fortunately I have never seen a promise from you that hasn’t been fulfilled.
My respects dear lady, your fan and admirer
Daniel
Dear Daniel–
And I hope you never will. [smile]
–Diana
She really does sound like Claire!
Diana,
Your being an a**. You know very well everyone was expecting the book to be released this year in the fall. If you knew you were not going to be finished this year you should have spoken up. Mark is absolutely right and you shouldn’t get such a snarky attitude because he’s disappointed.
Dear Kelly–
I _am_ going to be finished this year. I told the publisher early on that I wouldn’t be in time for them to make an early fall date–and the original date on Amazon was indeed always a provisional one; I wasn’t kidding that Amazon makes them up. (Amazon uk is _still_ advertising–for preorder, under an early working title–a contemporary crime novel that I first mentioned somewhere online fifteen years ago. With luck, I might finish _that_ one sometime after MOBY goes to press. [g]) It’s also true that the publisher didn’t make an official announcement of the pub date (as opposed to Amazon, rumor, and hopeful gossip) until they set the March date–they’d delayed in doing that _because_ I’d told them we were getting close to a deal on the TV series–and that’s obviously a major marketing concern to a publishing house.
Now…you say I should have spoken up. I’ll leave it to your judgement, looking at the postings I do–pretty much daily for the last fifteen years or so–whether I try to keep my readers informed or not. I do. That doesn’t mean I should tell y’all every fibrillation of policy, progress, dates, etc.–things CHANGE. And for me to recount every change, without some assurance that what I said was likely to _happen_….well, people would be calling me a lot worse things than snarky, believe me.
–Diana
Kelly,
I’m pretty convinced that Diana’s NOT the one being an a**. Really, anyone who has ever read any of her blogs, website, snippets, Facebook, Twitter, etc., knows she’s very upfront about Amazon announcing books before the author is even close to finishing. I remember her making a joke once ( a few years back) about not daring to call her book-in-progress any type of name, because Amazon would be sure to have pre-orders available for “Diana Gabaldon’s newest, ‘That Book I’m Working On,’” for $19.95 or something like that.
We’ve had the pleasure of reading some really great books written by a talented writer. She’s made me very intolerant of mediocrity, as a matter of fact, when I read.
Your “scolding” is out of line and disrespectful. I think she answered you a lot more politely than I would have. Who needs a “fan” like that? Sheesh. Nobody likes waiting. But let the woman do her job, for crying out loud.
Kelly –
Really? _Really_??? Name calling, vulgar ones at that?
Oh, and sweetie, just for the record —
“You’re” = you are.
“Your” denotes possession.
You have a nice day, hear?
Elaine
Oh Kelly,
Two things I have learned in life.
1. Do not anger people who handle your food.
2. Do not anger the author of one the greatest series ever written.
While I agree that Kelly’s comment is inappropriate, it is true that the hashtags on Diana’s “twit longer” posts on her twitter feed have been saying “#outinfall2013″ (until recently). If that wasn’t close to accurate, it should have been “#maybeoutinFall2013″ or #amazonsaysoutinFall2013″. But I don’t know for sure how hashtags work – whether the poster can change them, and I certainly won’t put any stock in them anymore!
That said – so excited about the new book and the series! So nervous about casting! How are they going to find a 6’4″ redhead with blue eyes who can act, do a scots accent and who can believably age 20 years if the show goes to a 3rd season?
Dear Susan–
I’m kind of figuring that you don’t write novels and possibly don’t know many people who do. [g] It’s not what you’d call a precise sort of job. I mean, if one is a dentist, say, you can tell a person that their bite-shield will be in in two weeks, and be reasonably sure that it _will_ be in in two weeks. If you manufacture car parts, you can advise your customers that Part X451-3321 will ship in three days, and they’ll have it by the end of the week. In both these instances, things might still go wrong; the lab that makes individual bite-shields might have a fire and take an extra two weeks to move to new premises, the supplier of Part X451-3321 might go out of business and you have to go trawl through junkyards to find that part before you can send it to your customer. Things Happen, regardless of one’s job.
But writing a novel isn’t like most jobs, in that it’s all coming out of your _head_. Now, some people write reasonably short, not-too-complex, semi-formulaic (meaning nothing derogatory by that; just noting that they are the same _sort_ of book every time) books, and they’re generally able to predict that even with the vagaries of one’s mental processes and the unpredictability of life, they should, by and large, be able to deliver a manuscript with a set period of time. I can’t.
These are big, complex books, and not one of them is like another, in terms of structure, tone, approach or theme–and they do require a lot of research (which is itself a completely open-ended process; there’s no rule of thumb for what’s _enough_ research, I mean; there’s always more that can be done). Ergo, I can NOT predict that it will take me exactly 458 days (plus weekends and holidays) to finish a book. It’s gonna take _about_ three years, I can say that much–but there’s a lot of flex in that. (The additional year between books, you can put down to the “public” side of life; travel and promotion and such small _pro bono_ services as running a regular blog/website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.)
Anyway, what happens is that somewhere toward the end of Year Two, my editors (US and UK) will start checking in with me, asking how it’s going, and when do I _think_ I might be done? They knowing perfectly well that any answer they get is no more than a vague guess. We repeat this process over the next year or so, them checking with me every few months, and my evaluating my process as I go. But it’s never going to be anything like definite or precise. They aren’t going to have a hard-and-fast date _until the manuscript is complete_. Which, you know…it isn’t yet. I’m sure I can finish the book by the end of the year, but I have no idea whether that means October 1st or December 31st at this point. But that does mean they can be pretty sure about the March date, which they want because of the TV series.
Frankly, I don’t understand why people get so het up over WHEN will the book be out?!?!?! and have hysterics when the date changes (which it almost always does, often several times). You know…it’ll be done at some point, and when it is, you’ll get it. After which, you can read it at any time and in any way you like. It’s not like you have an appointment with the refrigerator repairman, and if he doesn’t show up on time, your food will spoil, I mean. [g]
–Diana
P.S. I’m not at all trying to be snarky here, btw; I’m just trying to explain to y’all how it _is_.
Dear Kelly,
I’d certainly love to see how you would react if someone came into your home and told you that YOU were being an ass (and by the way, it’s “you’re”, not “your”. As in “you are”. “Your” is the possessive, unless you’re talking about Ms. G’s ass, but what that would have to do with a release date would be a bit beyond anyone’s ken at this moment). Somehow, I don’t think you’d take it very graciously and call the person rude. Please remember, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I read her answer back to Mark, who was simply stating his opinion, and Ms G was also pointing out the obvious. She did it quite politely, really, considering that he — and now you — have decided that just because Amazon jumps the gun with a timetable that’s not even close to having been confirmed by the publisher, that she — as the author — is required to keep it.
To paraphrase Neil Gaiman, “Diana Gabaldon is not your bitch!” Just because you plunk down money — don’t we all — doesn’t mean you can step up and demand that she write to your time table, your whims, and your say so. I will muchly prefer that the book is written with great talent, then edited and prepared with great care, rather than have a half-assed product put out. And since you are obviously not a writer yourself, you have no clue how the process goes. And trust me, even the best laid plans of mice and men have often seen delays. They happen. Get over it and wait patiently like the rest of us. In fact, find some other books while you wait. Re-read the ones you have. But do not come here and give Ms. G crap and name call just because of it.
You and Mark need to take a chill pill, child. And issue an apology for overstepping.
To anyone who has never created an original work of art, please try to understand.
Art takes the time it takes. Diana’s novels, while incredibly well researched, informative and factual, are not merely journalism. And while her novels may thrill and engage us all, they are not merely dramatic entertainment for a waiting audience. Diana is an artist, creating a remarkable epic that will stand the test of time. Please be respectful of her process. She should not be rushed by those who respect her.
Thank you Molly…and for those who missed the point: “don’t anger the people who handle your food”………because otherwise you may not get fed!
To the naysayers, stop throwing hissy-fits b/c you didn’t get your ‘gift’ on time – a gift is not something you can demand, just b/c you want it now! Diana generously shares her ‘gift’ of words with us – while it’s acceptable to express disappointment, it’s completely counter-productive, not to mention rude, to demand that you want your ‘gift’ now.
Besides, if you’re really this annoyed, then you’re under no obligation to purchase the book; just as Diana is under no obligation to write another book in the series. Thank goodness she doesn’t throw hissy-fits!
The books have been written over several decades – waiting a little longer will only increase the anticipation. So let’s get on with it – and discuss far more important things….like casting for the series!!
Diana – thank you so much for sharing yr stories with us over the years. You are appreciated from across the world as a writer and a storyteller. I am using the time b/n books to re-read them all – and falling in love with the characters all over again.
Cheers from Australia
Hello, I too thought your attitude was a bit snarky, you must realize fans are waiting, and we will wait longer, but to be told one thing and NOT have it cleared up by your self, not cool. If you know Amazon does this then a simple note to your readers would have been welcome and considerate, all those “impatient” fans are the same ones who buy your books and so help to keep you publishing new material, which they then buy some more of , I don’t think your readers want every little contract detail, but something alone the lines of a notice saying “unless I give you the date- ignore would have worked as well.
Dear Joy–
I apologize for any snarkiness. I strive for civility and charity all the time, but do fall short now and then, alas.
As for your suggestion…I, um, _do_ say exactly that. All the time. Repeatedly. Hundreds of times. _Thousands_ of times, over the years. Here, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Compuserve, via email, etc. Unless a specific reader happens to be reading in the right place at the right time, though… Believe me, I’d be delighted to line up all the readers and
brand the information on their buttscommunicate the message to them individually, but haven’t figured out the logistics yet.(Dear me, there’s that falling short again. Sorry…)
[g] I really _am_ sorry if you (or anyone) is upset, but let’s look at it, shall we?
A) It’s a really unpredictable thing. Both on the publishers’ side and (even more) on mine. I do not _know_ when I’ll finish a particular book. I don’t write with an outline, I don’t write in a straight line, I have no idea where the story begins or ends (let alone what happens in the middle), and for sure I don’t know how long it will be. Now, the average writer working today _does_ know at least how long their books are likely to be–and very, very few of them are writing books that come anywhere near the size and complexity of mine. A lot of them–but by no means all–_can_ predict more or less how long it will take them to deliver a manuscript. I can’t.
What I do is make a series of constantly-improving (or so we hope…) guesses, which I convey to my editor whenever he/she (there are two of them, UK and US) checks in, which they do roughly every 3-6 months. On this basis, as I get closer to seeing the whole shape of the book, they begin to make their own guesses as to when the book might be available. Some of these guesses end up on Amazon as pub dates. Now, they really should say “_estimated_ pub date”–but they don’t. From their point of view, what on earth does it matter? They aren’t going to charge a customer for a book until it’s shipped, so what difference does it make if it ships on a different date?
B) There are issues _other_ than simple delivery at work. Publishers don’t just say, “Oh, we’ll get the manuscript on June 6th, so six months from then is Dec. 6th, that’s the pub date.” They have summit meetings to discuss when certain books should come out. Some times of year are better for some books (_all_ the publishers like to push their big bestsellers out the door in the Fall quarter, because of the Christmas revenue, while a debut book might do better in the spring, when it won’t be so lost in the marketing deluge). Sometimes they want to avoid putting a bestseller out on the same date as another publisher’s bestseller, so it will have a better shot at a) audience and b) position on the NYT list. So if–for instance–they’d scheduled one of my books and then discovered that Simon and Schuster was putting out Sharon Kay Penman’s new book on the same date, one publisher or the other might move the date. And then there’s the issue of what’s called “co-op” (cooperative advertising). What this is, basically, is how books are displayed in physical bookstores. Every inch of a bookstore (bar the basic shelves) is for rent. For a price, you can get a book an end-cap display, a pyramid on the central aisle table, a ladder display by the “New Arrivals” shelf, or a dump by the cash register. Or several of those things. But with _all_ the publishers competing for the same space…maybe you can’t get good co-op for the date you had in mind, but you can get it a month later. Do you move the book? Or do you say, “Oh, my GOD, we can’t do THAT!! All those readers EXPECT THIS BOOK to be out on October 23rd! They’ll be Utterly Distraught!” –and publish the book on the original date, knowing that half the people who want the book won’t see it in the bookstore because it doesn’t have prime display space?
[You know, it's just vaguely possible that I really _am_ snarky...dear me...the unpleasant things one discovers...]
OK. [g] Anyway, the point here is that it’s so common for pub dates to change that it wouldn’t occur to anyone in the publishing industry that it was any sort of problem. My first three books were actually published on the original dates set for them–partly because the publishers didn’t _set_ a date until they had the manuscripts in hand, and partly because they weren’t buying co-op space–but none of the others have been. They’ve _all_ changed–some of them more than once. (Actually, all of them more than once.) And frankly, I’ve never heard any flak from readers before now about a pub date changing.
So I’m kind of wondering why suddenly it’s a big deal. Clearly it _is_, to you and some other folks. But why? The book will be there for you as soon as it’s physically and economically possible. Are you being damaged in some way? (I noticed someone elsewhere complaining that the delay was “at the expense of your fans”–implication being that the book’s being published in March rather than December was exacting some cost from said fans. So far as I know, being impatient doesn’t actually cause physical harm, or even make you scream at your spouse and put salt in his coffee, but if it does, I certainly apologize.)
Anyway, C)
C) is The Unforeseen Stroke of Lightning. I.e., _something_ happens that makes it exigent to move the book. The author is on the next-to-last chapter when he falls off his motorbike and has a concussion. The publisher learns that Another Publisher is bringing out a book on exactly the same topic, by an author with a bigger name. Or–as in this case, it’s a _good_ stroke of fortune, and someone is making a movie or TV show of the book(s) in question. In that instance, naturally they want to reinforce the marketing for both books and film, so it makes perfect sense to move the book to coordinate its pub date with release of said film thingy.
Now, I mention that specifically here, BECAUSE…the date we have for the airing of the Starz tv series is (surprise!) also approximate. They haven’t even started filming yet. We don’t know _what_ disasters might befall the production. IF everything goes along as planned (and we certainly hope it does)…then the series _probably_ airs in April, and the book comes out in March. But if it _doesn’t_ all go as planned? Then it kinda depends on how much dislocation there is. If the series was delayed for six months, they probably would go ahead and publish MOBY in March. But if it’s delayed for one month? Six weeks? Might just move.
And if it _does_, I’ll tell you. Repeatedly. In every venue available to me. And dozens of y’all won’t see any of those notifications and will be bent out of shape when they discover the Horrid Truth. I regret that (no, really, I do. This is not actually fun), but it’s sort of not in my control to make it otherwise.
That’s kind of how it is. So I apologize once more, and leave you with the hope that you’ll enjoy both the book and the TV show, when you get them.
All the best,
–Diana
In my opinion it is worth the wait. The release date tease may kill me, but not before I read the absolute end of their story! Thank You for such an engrossing read. I am an enthusiastic fan forever!
Diana –
Geeze, I was just taking issue with misleading hashtags! I would never rush your process, considering the amazing results. However, you left us with several HUGE cliffhangers, and it’s been 4 years! I think it’s a little disingenuous to think we would wait meekly and patiently and not be disappointed when the date we expected to get our answers keeps getting pushed back. Now I understand that you are not the source of the misinformation, but why not be flattered that so many of us are waiting with bated breath? My literary refrigerator is full of melting ice cream and spoiled tuna casserole and you are the only repair person in town!
(And OMG – you replied to my comment!)
Amazon has done that to me before. I’m not surprised. It’s all good tho.My b’day is 4 days after publication date and I’m sure my Mom will now buy it for me for my b’day
I need to re-read the last one anyway so I won’t be going back to it while I’m reading this one. I’m sure you do understand, however, that where you left off last time was as bad as where you left off in Outlander… we are all very concerned about Jemmy and for that matter poor Bree and Roger!!
Diana,
I believe it’s hard enough to have the deadlines pushed by the publishers, and “us fans” need to be patient. Even if the book is promised, I know things come up and the quality as well as length of your books should never be compromised. I’d rather wait 5 years for a book you are satisfied with, and continue to be the excellent quality that you provide. There are so few books out there with such quality of writing!!!
So, Diana, I am willing to wait and keep rereading the wonderful books you have given us. I can understand the impatience of others (since I am REALLY looking forward to your next book), but they need to relax. Life is short.
A dachshund and Outlander lover,
Kris
Hey there!
Loretta and I grew up together in OKC. She is helping me with my son right now.
She is very proud of you.
I had talked to Loretta about my daughter and you also.
Sent her this link to see if she has a face that fits anyone in the book/Starz.
Would like to do something nice for Loretta if something comes of it…
http://www.NicciFaires.com
Best of luck for you! My son went to Aberdeen University for masters studies if you need any help or have any questions!
Sandy
Oh, hi, Sandy!
How are you? Yes, Loretta mentioned your daughter to me. Lovely girl. [smile] I don’t personally have anything to do with casting–I don’t even know who the casting director/agency for the series is/will be. Your daughter really needs a professional theatrical agent, though; it’s not the kind of business where people can just walk in off the street or apply by themselves. Best of luck!
–Diana
Seems to me I read the dates on this site! I don’t use Amazon
I have started reading the books for the 2nd time, I become so involved in the books that I feel a part of the era of 1700′s. Please finish #8, I can’t wait. Thanks so much for Jamie and Claire.
Get over it people. You can’t rush something so huge just so it will fit into some artificial release date. Yes it is disappointing that it will take longer than we thought, but why would you want Diana to rush it? The depth and quality of her work is not something which can be ‘hurried up’.
My dad always used to say that half the fun of going on a trip is the looking forward to it. This is the exact same thing. Our gleeful anticipation time is just extended. I am just happy that there will be a next book.
I started reading these comments thinking how excited people will be to hear more about the upcoming filming and book. You can imagine how my jaw dropped when I saw attacks on the author. There are way too many feelings of entitlement out there.
Diana, I have never read another author as talented as you. Your books keep me captivated all the way through and I thank you for all the research and hard work you put into them. Still looking forward to the next one, but until then I’m enjoying re-reading the previous ones. Thank you again…
Well, I would like to say you are being the a** . Do you even follow Diana’s page? She posts on it daily, Amazon says anything I usually check her page Bedford making a**umptions cause she’s the boss, aye! So, if you truly enjoy her books you could aT something like “Diana we love you!! Could you please hurry? But, really, take take take all the time time you need!! LOL. You can always reread her books again like the rest of us, or find something new!! Try to remember, without Diana Gabaldon there would be no Jamie and sure! BOOYAH!!
Don’t forget that the “TV” series kicks off in 2014. I cannot think of a better promo for the Book and the Series.
The creation of a film/tv series has been hinted at on this site for years. To me it appears that negotiations took that long; and any financial manager and publisher worth their salt would insist on holding back the release of the book.
I am happy for Ms. Gabaldon’s success, I’m just disappointed that it is at her fan base expense.
I just hope that I am still alive and/or coherent (I’m over 60) when everything breaks
Dear Carmen–
Well, I tell you what, Carmen…I’m over 60 too, and I really don’t expect to go downhill all that much in the space of three months. I hope you don’t, either. [g]
–Diana
Dear Diana,
Apparently, you’re doin’ it ‘rong.
Lurve,
The Internets
Seriously, it’s ART people, not manufacturing. A great book is worth a few extra months. And since y’all can clearly spend that time being all dramatic online ‘n’ stuff, it will fly by. Jeez!
They can’t ruin the books – they can only ruin the TV production, and if they do we can certainly switch it off!
Congratulations Diana and Outlander peeps! I’ll never get over my love for this book and the characters. I knew this moment would come.
Hey Diana!
Just wondering if book #8 is going to be the last book in this series? I’m very excited for the release and can’t wait to see how it unfolds. You’re the best, and thank you.
– Meghan
Diana,
I am very excited for the new book and just wanted to let you
know (and I think I speak for most of your readers) that we will
be waiting patiently and graciously for the next book. You just take your
time because we know it will be definitely worth the wait. You never
disappoint your true fans and your books are the best I have ever read!
Thanks for all your hard work and wonderful stories!
Chris
Thank you, Chris!
–Diana
So, what is the release date of book 8?
I’m patiently waiting.
I can not imagine how time consuming all the research must be
Steve
Dear Steve–
Thanks for your patience! [g] If all goes as planned and nobody has a major disaster, the US/Canada pub date is March 25th, 2014, and at the moment, that looks good.
–Diana
@ Chris ……Amen to that.
It sucks to wait, but in the end WELL WORTH IT!
@ Diana…..I would rather wait and get the book just as it should be.
@ Fans……There are some things worth waiting for.
So excited to hear a series is finally in the works. These are my all time favourite books and I’ve hoped they would make it to film.
It’s going to be a tough job for the actors to play Jamie and Claire as you have made these characters so real over the years and we all have our own impression of what they are like.
Can’t wait for the series and the next book and I don’t care when they get released as long as I know they’re coming.
I would rather wait for quality than quantity.
I am looking forward to the next book from Diana and will wait as long as necessary. I did not read the Outlander Series, I listened to it by downloading the books from Audible.com. Diana has a fantastic reader, Davina Porter, who it from England and who produces so many accents for every character in the series. I have listened to them twice and will again. The series is also available for rent at most libraries.
I highly recommend that everyone should take advantage of audible books.
Just a few comments re casting of Sam Heughan. Was impressed that you were blown away with the audition tape and felt he totally captured Jamie. I looked at the video of Sam’s performance excerpts and wished I could’ve seen the one you saw. My initial impression was he appears almost effeminate. Id have picked him for Lord John. He is attractive for sure but nothing I’ve seen of him captured the warrior Claire fell in love with. I trust his acting must be good based on your comments but am certainly hoping they can make him look more like the amazing deep blue cat eyed red and gold haired hero. I realize the man is an actor but after seeing him portray intense gay scenes it will be difficult to imagine him being Jamie. Sincerely they knock it out of the park picking Claire and that the amazing chemistry between her and Jamie is captured as well as you have written it.
hope
Dear Pam–
I think you’ll be surprised–and pleased. [g]
–Diana
Just saw 2 pics of Sam with long red hair and a bit of facial hair. He began to morph somewhat into Jamie. Am getting more excited now. I am surprised as the image of Jamie in my mind is so distinct that I’d almost decided not to watch the series. i thought I’d either be 1) too critical or 2) start to lose my own picture of Jamie. However, I’m actually rather eager for the series to start. If you had not been so thrilled at what you saw on Sam’s audition I’d probably have passed altogether. I am very glad that the series will generate a new group of Outlander fans and more readers of the books.
I agree wholeheartedly. He’s just too feminine in the clips I’m able to find online, even when he’s playing a masculine part. Would have been perfect for Jack Randall, though.
Dear Lanelle–
Well, such clips as I’ve seen have largely involved his playing a rather effete (upper-class English) character, or a gay one. I’ve had the advantage of having seen him “be” Jamie Fraser–and I can assure you that he’ll do a wonderful job with it.
Best,
–Diana
We can’t get Starz here in New Zealand, so I am wondering when the rest of the world will be able to see the Outlander series. I can’t wait to see it. Sam Heughan certainly looks the part, but I haven’t seen any of his movies.
I wish them every luck and hope that we readers outside the US also get a chance to watch the serial.
So excited! That facebook link does not work though. :\
As an Australian reader of Diana’s books, I too hope that we get to see the TV series!!!
As an Australian reader of Diana’s books, I too hope that we get to see the TV series!!!
Yeah to that !! Not only to be able to see the series in the UK, as soon as it is released, but also, maybe to be in Scotland at the time of filming. Which locations will be used ? Do they know yet?
Good luck in the right choices of actors too – not an easy job, but we all have our own “dream team don’t we?.
I can’t wait to see which actors play Claire & Jamie!
I vote for Shaemus from WWE to play Jamie…
Dear Ellen–
Well…tastes differ, don’t they? [g]
–Diana
Wow, Diana, you’re tactful!
Dear Nancy–
Well, let’s put it this way: my middle name is “Jean,” not “Tactful.” [g]
–Diana
Finally, I am so delighted! I have said this should be a series for TV or movies for many years now. When he was in his 20′s I thought Brendon Fraser could have been the young Jamie and Liam Neison would have been perfect for the role of Jamie when Claire returned and finds him with the crocked nose. Liam woould now be a great Dougal. I really hope they get the casting right! I have re-read the books several times. It was like reuniteing with loved ones and old friends. Congratulations to Ms Gaboldon. Only sorry that the release of the next book is being delayed, as I had preordered on Amazon.
How about Angus Macfadyen (Robert the Bruce in Braveheart) as as young Jamie’s father Brian or uncle on his fathers side?
I don’t know what I’m more excited for, ‘Written in my Own Heart’s Blood’ or the ‘Outlander’ TV show!
Oh, Danielle! That’s an easy one … while I’m thrilled Outlander is to be made into a series (and a bit skeptical, too), the Very Best will be MOBY … worthy of being read over, and over … can’t wait! Thank you, Diana, for the many “little vacations” in Claireland! Always a great visit!
It’s finally good to have it down in black and white! Now I hope they can get the story and the casting right.
Maria: Your preorder on amazon is still good and your price is locked in.
How close do you expect the TV series to remain to the original novel(s)? I have been watching a TV series based on a series of novels, and while the initial storyline is the same, as are some of the characters, after a few episodes, the TV series departed completely from the books.
This is excellent news. My mom loves the books. I’m gonna give the books another shot and hopefully I can get into them now knowing there will be a television series.
Just as long as the writing and acting are both well done I’m sure I will love the show. However, I can’t even imagine who would be good enough to play the lead roles of Jamie and Claire. Maybe Max Irons for Jamie even though he’s on another show right now. But like I said, no idea who could fill Claire’s shoes. Both are pretty big roles for one person. I sure hope they choose their cast rightly. Can’t wait to see the show.
I’m so excited! Maybe after seeing the tv show, some of my friends will want to read the books. I’m really looking forward to seeing who they pick to play Jamie. I’m thinking Chris Hemsworth would be yummy.
Chris Hemsworth would be perfect as Jamie!
I second that!!!!! He would be Verrrrra good.
Thank you Diana for sharing your talent with us.
I just googled Chris Hemsworth and I agree, make his hair red & he would be almost perfect. I have my own fantasy of how Jamie looks lol.
I hope it is an unknown actor. Scottish and a real red head. Not a pretty boy but a man’s man. Just sayin….
I agree Susie!
Oh. I am excited. Please say it will be able to be viewed in US. I am also somewhat nervous. I pray they do it justice. These are absolutely without a doubt my all time favorite books. I have reread them 5 or 6 times already. I will reread again this year so that when I watch the series I can have a fresh perspective :). Love your writing Diana. I am so impatient for the next installment, but take whatever time you need. I want a good story! LOL
How exciting! Will have to get cable again unless Starz allows episode d/l purchasing. Can’t wait for this & the latest book. No rush despite Amazon’s chainyanking. Better to wait for book done right than get slop in a hurry
I have always pictured Breanna as Laura Prepon (from That 70′s Show) with her flaming red hair.
Fantastic news! Thanks for sharing this with us all…what an exciting development. Hoorsy!
*Hooray* of course. Sigh.
Dear Laura–
Don’t worry about it. [g] I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if not…it’s easy enough not to watch, you know.
–Diana
Dear Diana, I’m another loyal fan who can’t wait for both the book, and the miniseries! It’s not your fault that the book isn’t coming out when the bookstores’ websites said. I still have MOBY preordered whenever it comes out! Your loyal fan, Pat H.
So so so SO excited for this and for you!!! Two things to look forward to now! Next book and the show. WAHHHOOOOO!
Hi Diana,
So excited to hear that you’re working on a new book! Please take all the time you need to produce another one of your gems. The kind of detail and creativity you put into the books is what keeps us fans coming back for more and for folks like Ronald to want to make the story line available to so many more people.
The Sony pictures announcement came on my birthday no less : ) What a nice gift.
I’ve had the hardback editions since your first except for the last one which I received as a gift from my daughter as an audio rendition.
Please keep up the great work and do take good care of your health.
God bless you and yours.
What wonderful, scary news! Wonderful because it will be interesting to see the books come alive. Scary because people in the entertainment industry so often mess up what the author has so beautifully written. I hope they make the TV series as good as Diana’s books. As people have mentioned, casting is important but even more important is the script and the direction. We will just have to wait and see. And, no matter what happens with the TV series, we always have these great books to read and reread!
I am excited to see these stories take life in television! I am concerned though, that the male role they choose for Jamie could never live up to my interpretation of him. I have fallen in love a bit with that character!
I am also disappointed in the delay of the next book, however, can also appreciate that the details Diana researches and the process of putting and EIGHTH book in a series together is such a challenge, and delays are not surprising either.
I am excited and eager to get the book, however, I reread the series from the beginning again, over and over… and that will help me get through the wait!
Diana, you are truly a favorite author of mine, and I have read all your books that I have been able to get my hands on. If I had to say, I would say top 5 for sure, and I am an avid reader, who reads roughly 80 books per year, not in fiction only, which encompasses more authors than I could begin to list.
Keep up your excellent work, because your books are always worth the wait, no matter how eagerly anticipated!
I absolutely adore Jamie Fraser and I have since the day I met him in the Outlander book. I can’t wait to see what they get up to in the next book. I also can’t wait to hear more about Brianna and Roger Mac.
I am thrilled that they are making a television series but I have to say that casting is THE most important part of it. If you don’t get Claire and Jamie just right it will ruin the storyline. I watched a few television episodes made of the books by Terry Goodkind (my second favourite author after Diana Gabaldon), and was utterly disgusted with the casting. Richard Rahl is much like Jamie….larger than life!! The actor they cast was an average sized, ordinary man…..not the larger than life Lord Rahl. I really hope they don’t make the same mistake with Jamie and Claire.
Diana, I looooove your Outlander series. I have been reading since was 3 and yours are some of the best books I have EVER read. Please continue.
So sorry you were called snarky and blamed for the misinformation. I also pre-ordered a book from Amazon and am, of course, extremely disappointed that it will be March before we get our hands on book 8. However, you are, by far, the best writer I have ever read and I’m willing to wait a while longer. I NEVER re-read books and remember very few characters for long but I remember every character in your books including Jamie’s and Claire’s full names and their birthdates and I’ve re-read the entire set 3 or 4 times. I even have my sister hooked on your books and she is one of those who rarely reads fiction. We discuss Jamie and Claire as if they are personal friends. When I first found your web site and read the raves by your fans, I thought, “How ridiculous!” But then, here I am, raving just like everybody else. Anyway felt bad that you got slammed and had to throw my 2 cents in there. Oh, and thank you for getting me through a very bad time after 2007 when both my mom and mother-in-law went through chemo and radiation treatments and died within months of each other. My sister also had cancer late the same year. Needless to say I was extremely depressed and think I would have lost it comletely without your books for relief. Thanks.
Dear Janet–
I’m really glad the books could be a help to you–and I’m so sorry to hear about your mother and mother-in-law; that’s a terrible blow.
Don’t worry about the occasional (mild) negative comment. People get upset and post what they’re thinking without pausing to consider–I do, too. [wry g] And after all, very few people actually _know_ any novelists personally; it’s no wonder that so many think that a novelist is just born with a stack of stories in his or her head, like an artistic Pez dispenser, and all you have to do is bonk them on the head sharply enough and they’ll spit one out.
–Diana
Ah, Diana! Thank you for the many gifts of laughter! Yes, writers have that odd gift of imagination … should he go there? Here? With her? The the kid, the nephew? How, and then What Happens … eeeeeee! And you’re expected to make logical sense of the Whole Shebang. And, of course, your readers expect perfection … well, YOU are, right!? (g) Good Luck! Yeah … being so marvelously gifted is an odd kind of handicap. Re-reading Outlander, I always find something new, something that applies to me, that day. So many lessons, thoughts, and educational tidbits. Faskinating!
I wondered if anyone was going to mention cancer and the need for wakeful oblivion? I, too, coped with breast cancer last year, six rounds of chemotherapy, 30 sessions of prone radiation (to help protect the heart and lungs, which almost invariably incur damage, as opposed to the industry standard of supine radiation), weight loss (and the attendant anxiety) due to a study trial for Metformin to minimize subsequent tumors, and anxiety over a second lump found in the opposite breast (found under my Kevlar body protector, worn while teaching), that happily turned out to be benign. Downton Abby was my “wakeful oblivion” for the chemotherapy and radiation, while your Outlander series served these past nine months (read twice) to occupy my thoughts as I passed into good health again. I look forward to the next installment as Lord John does with regard to the white deer: ” Its’ coming is a gift, which I accept with gratitude.”
I have much more to thank you for as well in your series. I deeply respect your belief in God and the honest portrayal of your characters’ struggles with belief, as well as your deep appreciation of the difficulty of living “accepting one’s own mortality,” and yet “living fully,” as a paradox “worthy of Socretes.” After struggling to keep my Mother alive with 14 infections in 14 months after two major strokes, I know all too well how one faces mortality, relishes life, and attempts atonement, as my Mother’s illness allowed me to do through her illness. Cancer only made that recognition more vivid, although I am a faithful believer as well. Your series has also allowed me to appreciate my husband of 26 years even more. His understanding of comparative religion, and his knowledge of ancient Greek, often remind me to remember “life half full,” not “life half empty,” as your characters do while they struggle. May I thank you, as well, for your deep appreciation of and knowledgeable research and writing on medicine, the struggle of subsistence farmers, our Indian tribes (I’m 1/32 Sioux), travel, the horrific desecration of the clans by the English, mid-18th. history on both sides of the Atlantic in general, bigotry and hatred that was intrinsic to that period, key battles of the American Revolution, the role of the press, ley lines (we lived in Flagstaff, close to Sedona!), and the vivid details that bring to life that period, from the smells, the colors, the textures, the voices and the hourly struggles. I feel that I can touch my husband’s four surviving Mayflower ancestors, and my Viking ancestors who made it to The Shetlands and to Iceland, through the rich panoply of images that you portray! Genetic heritage does, indeed, live on. I can see it over the mantle- piece, with a portrait of Henry Adams Blyte, one of my husband’s ancestors. The London musical and the television series will only reach more audiences, who deserve this sublime touch of history, and the opportunity to take a “Outlander” tour of Scotland next year will make me anticipate the publication of the next book even more! Thank you!
May I respectfully suggest, one professional writer to another, that I send you tidbits at times on horses, their uses and reactions, if I catch a description that might not ring quite true? I’ve noticed a few in your books, and wonder if they might be minutely adjusted in a reprinted addition? I’ve had the pleasure of emjoying equines as members of my family for 46 years now, and indeed, have run an internationally accredited therapeutic riding program for The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International, for the past 14 years. My knowledge is theoretical as well as practical, and I might be helpful to your writing, in some small part, for all of us who love the sublime equine.
With many thanks, again, for your contribution to all of us readers, worldwide, over so very many countries and generations, I am, most Sincerely, a devoted fan!
Dear Carol–
So pleased that the books could be helpful to you, in whatever way! And certainly, I’d be most grateful for any suggestions that occur to you in re horses; clearly you’re an expert in that regard, and I always listen to experts. [g]
–Diana