Well. I _really_ hate writing this, and I do apologize….but the pub date for MOBY is moving.
Two reasons for this:
1. The first—and by far the most important—is that I began to realize about a month ago that I needed a little more time in order to finish the book the way it needs to be done. I could get the necessary wordage on paper by the end of the year—but it wouldn’t be _good_. Good takes more time. And I’m really sorry, but you’re not getting a book that’s less than the best I can do.
2. The second thing has to do with the new Starz tv show. Two things about _that_:
a. While the original guess as to the date for the series release was April, that _was_ only a guess. In New York last month, the Starz people were telling me (and the assorted fans present; it’s not a secret) that it will be (take your pick), “June,” “July,” “August,” or “summer.” So, you know…later.
b. While I don’t have (and don’t want) “control” over anything to do with the show, I actually am (by contract) a consultant. And while I told the production people that I considered my main job to be staying out of their way, they are amazingly generous about including and involving me. And I am actually required to do promotional things for the PR side of the production. Sooo….am I going to say, “Sorry, I can’t be paying attention to all this fascinating stuff going on, and I’m not going to New York Comic Con, because I have to stay home and finish my novel?” Errr….no. (I mean, really—would _you_?)
So. I would have told you this a week or so ago, but once I’d made the decision that I needed an extra two months to do the book properly, all of the publishers needed to be officially informed. (Publishers hate finding out important things on Twitter or Facebook.)
Now, it’s up _to_ those publishers now to decide on a new pub date. They need to take into consideration all kinds of things, including the new date for the tv show’s release (not that there is an _official_ date as yet—and even if there was, it could move. Stuff Happens, as I’ve told you before), plus the usual considerations—where they can find a good slot in their existing schedule, what’s a good time of year for it, and so on.
I don’t have any idea what the new pub date might be. I’ll tell you the minute we know. But my immediate concern is for all the people I’ve seen this week excitedly making plans to come and see me in Portland or wherever.
Since the pub date is moving….I’m afraid (and my Deep Apologies to the poor publicists) all the tour events will have to be rescheduled, once a new date is chosen.
Now, I know a lot of you have been ordering tickets to the Portland event on April 6th. I’ll talk to the Random House people and the Portland people, and see what can be worked out. I’m happy to go and do that event, even if it’s not part of the official book-tour, if the organizers want that. But that’s up to them. I _will_ do my best to make sure you aren’t harmed by the change, though.
I’m sorry about this, and I thank you for your patience and understanding.
Hi, Diana,
I only discovered your fabulous Series three years Ago. I’m hooked and have Barely Read anything Else Since, choosing instead to Return to Claire, Jamie et al.. Again and Again. Please take lots of time to finish-as the sooner the new book comes out, the closer to the end of the Series we come, and i for one am not looking forward to that!
Regards from Germany.
please I”ve been waiting soo long for the next book in the outland books I:m 80 yrs old . I you keep putting the release d.ate back i:ll never find out what happens to Jamie @ Clair .Im a great fan of yours . Ithink that I”ve read all of the outjander books over @ and over again . just befor the next kook comes out I read the last one ,Sooo I cab hardly wait for the next one for a very good read thank you
Is it odd that I’m even more excited now that I know the date is being set back? There are so many authors that rush through things to meet publication dates, and, in doing so, they put out substandard work. More time to write, more epic story! As far as I’m concerned ^_^
Don’t really know how all this works so hope my response gets through, hope we can get TV series in England as don’t have SKY or cable.
Dear Madame Gabaldon,
Thank you for allowing my mind to escape into the “Outlander’s” world.
Mixing time, believes, culture, progress, history, you gave me ( and I am sure loads of people) something fantastic, I call it my little magic moments when I get time read your books.
Introducing Lord John Grey, and tolerance in those days, what a brilliant idea!
A lesson of humility, and kindness greatly needed nowadays.
Have a lovely day
Nancy
PS I mainly read your books in French (as it is my main language) and the translating team did a great job!
Diana,
Would you believe that I’m glad? I knew the March release would tank my already-hectic teaching job which is always exponentially busier and crazier from March on. Who wants to grade if MOBY is out? I’d have fallen weeks behind! lol Your postponement means I can relax and read without the stress of grading hanging over my head.
Hang in there and thanks for being candid…and brilliant.
Cheers. —Krista
It’s now due out on my birthday, so, cool!
Although the actors chosen to represent some of my favorite characters are very well suited to the role, they have now begun to ruin the wonderful images your descriptions helped my imagination create.
I have re-read the first 7 books about 9 times first to last. But books one through 3 have been read about 12 times while waiting for book 8. And don’t hate me but I don’t think I will watch the show, because I love the books so very much.
I am staring 85 years in the face and want to read all your future books about Jamie & Claire. So, time is of the essence. I read your first book of the series for Book Club. When I made my report, several of the ladies became addicted, as I have. I have reread 1through 7 twice and really enjoyed them. Take your time on 8 but not toooooo long. Love you and may God bless you & your wonderful writing talent.
I just learned of the upcoming TV show and would love more information. I hope they do the story justice.
Hi Diana,
As with all your die hard fans, I will wait patiently for the next book. Better to have it to your satisfaction, than mediocre and only to be read once and put away.
Thank you for introducing me to Scotland through your books. I have been to Inverness and visited Culloden, a very chilling and spritual place and I have been to Edinbough several times (I will be going again this September).
Love the books.
Lynne
PS. I hope you will be able to make it to New Zealand again on your book tour or in the near future.
Dear Diana, Back in 1998 I came down with a really bad bout of bronchitis. My husband was gone all week, had to look after myself, so took to my bed and the electric blanket (it was February, wet and cold ) and so wanted something to distract my misery. I had read all of Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond and Niccolo books twice and the King Hereafter (love that book!) at least four times. Desperation, I called my local Librarian and the lovely woman sent me Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber. I couldn’t sleep but read day and night, you saved my sanity, and truth to tell I stayed in bed longer than absolutely necessary! I remember waiting for A Breath of Snow and Ashes and Echo in the Bone to be published, and the joy of continuing the story. I can relate to so many things, got caught in the London Underground during the bombing of London, R.N school in London in 1948,my brother in law was a Spitfire Battle of Britain pilot survived two years before being shot down, he learned to play the bagpipes in p.o.w. camp! After the war he lived in Inverness and our clan family met there for holidays. Medicine, surgery, (specialed the first pediatric heart surgery in UK) leeches, yes did that!, herbs wildflowers, the Stones, Culloden (before they built the road and tourist center, all that was there was the soulfull wind and the heather), moved to the U.S. and live at the southern tip of the Appalachians, its been a wonderful journey in memory with you. Now I’m coming up 84yrs and hanging in there, I know you are doing your creative best and we all love you for it, take your time. I’m sticking around and as my lost old friend used to say “if the creek don’t rise and the hogs ain’t ate Uncle Willie” I’ll be here in June for MOBY. Jean Macfie
Hi Diana from Queensland Aust.
Your books will be well worth waiting for. I would hate to read something that didn’t satisfy you – all or nothing for me
Dear Diana,
thanks for given me so much joy with your lovely storys. I enjoy them
very much. (Secretly I am in love with Jamie;)
I also wait patiently for your story to be told. I’m already saving money for buying the new book. I have to wait a little bit longer, waiting for translation in Dutch.
Hope you understand my bad English.
With love, Hennie
As with ALL your books, it will certainly worth the extra wait! Thank you for your books, they are my way of escaping from the daily grind and always look forward to the next page. I fell in love with all the characters…. I cry when they cry and laugh when they do as well. Thank you!
I was hoping–wondering if we could expect another of the Lord John/Jamie books or any other before the release of MOBY? Although I have a list of other authors to go to desperation inspires the question. Some of us are pitiful. Or maybe it is only this one. I have not seen that question asked and I can imagine others may want to know. Thank you. DBD
Dear Diana,
Just wanted to add my voice to the multitude of your Devoted Readers who don’t give a damn how long it takes for the next book to come out!! Yes, it has been a long wait since the last time but that will make MOBY all the more a sweet escape into the world of Claire and Jamie. We all truly appreciate your professionalism and desire to write a good book, not just a fast one cranked out to meet deadlines. Thank you for your dedication, hard work and love!!
Will your book tours ever bring you anywhere near New England?? (Connecticut, Mass. and/or Vermont/New Hampshire)
Thank you again for the Outlander saga!
Best, Kyle
A Reader since the early days
I apologize if this has already been asked, but will this be the last book in the series? I just downloaded, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes.” I don’t want them to end!
While I can’t wait for your next book, I am more than willing to wait for your special way of writing.
Also, we don’t subscribe to Starz YET. I’ve already informed my penny-pinching husband that we will be subscribing to Starz this year!
Go Dianna, by the way, I finished Dangerous Women, and found it very satisfying. Especially your story. But the collection of writers in Dangerous Women are some that I read a lot.
Thanks a bunch
Hi Diana How disappointing but I`m sure it`s worth the wait. I t`s such a shame that a TV program has to take precedence over a book as they are NEVER as good but we will have to put up with it and wait the long long wait to find out what happens next to Jamie and Claire.
thank you so much for your wonderful story.
: ( soooo disappointing! ) : Just a couple of questions…….how many more date changes should we expect “to be patient” with? Easy to get caught up int the hoopla isn’t it? The delay in publishing takes the sparkle out of my waiting for a long anticipated book. It’s like looking for work and finding a job that you really LOVE!! I’m told “you have the job, you start next week!” (Nov.) So excited!! Then week passes (slowly), I show up for work and then you I’m told to come back in a month. Just be patient. (Dec.) A little disappointed but I know I’ll at least be working in a month. I go back in a month then am told that they’re sorry the position isn’t available for another 3 mos. (March) Just be patient. Getting very disappointed, wondering if I really do have a job! Wondering what I’m going to do in the meantime……I find some temporary work for 3 mos. Found work but not really into the job. So I go back in 3 mos. (June)…….wonder what will happen then?
Agree, seems misleading. We have been told the book is finished and publishing delayed and now find it is not finished. 4 years seems like a long time to finish a book. Will be waiting with everyone else. smile
Dear cc–
NOBODY told you the book is finished, because it bloody well isn’t. I’ve never said it is, and I’m pretty sure nobody else has any business to be saying so. I’m working on the last section now, and when it’s done, I will certainly say so.
–Diana