I get the occasional question as to how I came to write OUTLANDER, and given that today is the 26th anniversary of my doing so, thought I’d maybe post this explanatory message—which I wrote a few years ago in thanks to the Compuserve folk who Witnessed the Creation
Dear All–
On March 6, 1988, I started writing a novel. I wasn’t going to tell anyone what I was doing, let alone ever try to publish it. I just wanted to learn how to write a novel, and had concluded—having written All Kinds of nonfiction at that point—that the only way to do that was actually to write one. (I was not, btw, wrong in this assumption.)
Now, as a (rather convoluted) side-effect of my day-job, I’d become an “expert” in scientific computation (really easy to be an expert, if there are only six people in the world who do what you do, and that was my position, back in the early ’80′s), and as an even weirder side-effect of that, I became a member of the Compuserve Books and Writers Community (then called the Literary Forum), somewhere in late 1986.
Well, when I decided to learn to write a novel by writing one, I also decided a few other things:
1) I wouldn’t tell anyone what I was doing. Aside from the feeling of sheer effrontery involved in doing so, I didn’t want a lot of people telling me their opinions of what I should be doing, before I’d had a chance to figure things out for myself (as I said, I’d written a lot of non-fiction to this point, and nobody told me how). Also didn’t want a lot of busybodies (in my personal life) putting in their two cents, asking when I’d be done, and when it would be published, etc.—since I had no idea whether I could even finish a book.
2) I would finish the book.
3) I’d do the absolute best that I could with the writing, every day. Even though this was a practice book that I’d never show anybody, it didn’t matter. If I wasn’t trying my best, how would I ever know if I was any good, and more importantly, how would I get better?
(In this regard, I had some evidence to go on. I’ve read all my life—hugely—and noticed that in most cases, while I’d enjoy all of an author’s books, including the first one, the books got noticeably better as the writer kept on writing. So, I concluded, with perfect logic, writing was like ballet dancing or piano-playing; if you practiced, you got better at it. I was not wrong in this conclusion, either.)
So, anyway, the book I wrote for practice was OUTLANDER, and here we are, 26 years and (almost) 14 books later.
How did that work, since I’d decided not to tell anybody what I was doing? Well, I stuck to that decision (I didn’t even tell my husband), but about six months into the writing, I was logging on intermittently late at night, picking up messages and posting replies—and found that I was having a argument with a gentleman (named Bill Garland, RIP) about what it feels like to be pregnant.
“Oh, I know what that feels like,” Bill assured me. “My wife’s had three children!” [pause here to allow the ladies to roll on the floor for a moment]
“Yeah, right,” I said. “_I’ve_ had three children, buster.”
So he asked me to describe what that was like.
Rather than try to cram such a description into a thirty-line message slot (all we had back in the old 300-baud dial-up days), I said, “Tell you what—I have this…piece…in which a young woman tells her brother what it’s like to be pregnant. I’ll put it in the data library for you.”
So—with trembling hands and pounding heart—I posted a small chunk (three or four pages, as I recall) of the book I was calling CROSS STITCH. And people liked it. They commented on it. They wanted to see more!
Aside from a few private moments associated with my husband and the birth of my children, this was the most ecstatic experience I’d ever had. And so, still trembling every time I posted something, I—very slowly—began to put up more.
Now, I don’t write with an outline, and I don’t write in a straight line, so my chunks weren’t chapters, weren’t contiguous, and generally weren’t connected to anything else. But they did have the same characters
There were (and are) a lot of very kind and encouraging people who inhabited the Forum—some of them still there: Alex, Janet, Margaret, Marte… and many who aren’t, like Karen Pershing and John Kruszka (RIP), Mac Beckett, Michael Lee West–and Jerry O’Neill, whom I count as my First Fan and head cheerleader; always there to read what I posted and say the most wonderful things about it, one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.
So, over the course of the next year or so, these people kept egging me on.
*(Just to clarify—these were not critiques, just interested comments. I’ve never had a critique group nor ever would; nothing against them at all—I just don’t work that way. But regardless, I’d never put up _anything_ for public viewing that I didn’t think was completely ready for human consumption.)
Some of these people were published authors themselves and very kindly shared their own stories, and advice regarding literary agents and the publishing process (thank you, Mike Resnick, and Judy McNaught!), and in the fullness of time, John Stith very kindly introduced me to his own agent—who took me on, on the basis of an unfinished first novel. And…I finished it, to the supportive cheers of the Forum. A couple of weeks later, my agent sold it, as part of a three-book contract, to Delacorte, and bing!—I was a novelist.
Not saying I’d never have written a book without y’all—but man, you guys _helped_. Thank you!
–Diana
Ms. Diana,
Congratulations on such a wonderful (and meaningful) Anniversary! I so admire anyone who can turn thoughts and characters in their minds into a wonderful read on paper! I am very envious of your talent. Like you, I am an avid reader. But I have never had the courage to try to write something of my own.
I have been reading the Series AGAIN (for about the fifth time!) this winter in anticipation of MOBY this summer. (This time I chose to read the books on my e-reader and have enjoyed them just as much.) Each time I read them, I get something new. And since I started at the beginning this time, I can appreciate things that are fore-shadowed in the later books.
As always, you are the consummate professional at your craft. It always seems to me that you do such a splendid job that you probably came from the womb exercising your talent. It is good to be reminded that you were once unsure of yourself. It should be a great inspiration to all the writers out there who wonder if they are good enough!
Best regards to you,
Penny
I avoided this book until its siren’s call said, Really, just read a few pages, then buy me and read me in full. Did, and have been in love ever since.
There’s more to how she did it. Search online about Jamie Fraser and his inspiration and connection to Doctor Who.
Good day Mrs Gabaldon,
as far as I can remeber,I loved to read. There were books when I was a kid,I read over and over again. Then my family moved from Switzerland to Canada. I had to learn a new language( actualy 2,french and english) and I kept on rading all kind of books. Then one day, I went to the drugstore,to get the medication for my boyfriend,and I past the book section. I decided to buy my self a book,to read on that weekend. So I started to look at the different books,and there was the one who got my attention. I picked it up, read the back of it,and decided to buy this book. But wait,I discovered that there was a whole series,so to be sure not to get caught as it happend before, having trouble to find the following book,I decided to buy the whole series they had there! So I came to my boyfiends house,and he said” You’re nuts spending that much money for books!” Well, he never understood,that buying those books,was for me a wonderful begining of a wonderful adventure,and I just finished my 11th or 12th re-reading,loving it as much as the first time. I can’t wait for Moby to come out,and even more for the Tv series! THANK YOU for writing this books,they helped me so much since 2001. I had a lot of up and downs those last years,and Jamie and Claire helped me so often to forget some of the hard days! God bless you and your family,who have to share their wife and mom with millions of fans! best regards
Karin Bruenggel
Many happy returns of writing days!
You are wonderful and real talent always surfaces from people that really have it.
Keep making us happy with your books. They make us laugh, cry, love; they make us angry and frustrated, they may confuse and enlighten in the same time, they are everything what a reader could ask for.
Don’t stop giving us all these feelings, never.
Diana,
I got Outlander & Dragonfly In Amber as a 2 book set from a book club back in the 90s. I devoured them. I have waited longingly for each new book since then. The characters have become family that I want so much to
keep up to date with. Thank you for great characters and their stories. Can’t wait to read more !!
I am so glad you brought this book into my life- all our lives. The characters are so Alive, the plot with its many layers unfolds beautifully. The love develops deliciously. So many times over the years I find myself suddently thinking of moments between jamie and Claire. I have attempted to write a novel, myself, but have only succeeded in finishing some short stories. I am so glad that you not only persevered and brought your novel into a published existence, but that you went on to write more. Kudos to you!
I read Outlander (for the first time) almost 10 years ago and have now read almost everything you’ve ever published. More than once, as far as the Outlander series goes. My husband has read them all multiple times, also, and we both admit to being spoiled by the quality of your writing. It really does make it tough to adjust to other authors.
You are an exceptional storyteller who makes me feel as if I can actually see, hear and smell (goodness, the smells!) all the places you take me.
I’m so glad for your determination to not only write, but to write WELL. You deserve every bit of success that has come your way, because you’ve worked for it.
Happy anniversary to you! And thank you for sharing your creativity.
Hello,
I understand the difficulty in finding “new” authors after reading these well researched, well written books, however, may I suggest James Clavel. He has passed away now but “King Rat”, ” Tai Pan”, “Shogun”, etc were all my favourites until this series. I believe last one was Gai Gin. The books though were not necessarily a series but most were historical. Loved him! Fantastic escapes into another world, which is what I enjoy so much about Jamie and Claire. Arianna Franklin – also deceased. Ken Follett also has some fabulous books. Sigh! How do you get your husband to read? My husband thinks I’m just obsessed, though he too is looking forward to the series, after listening to my excited comments – scrap hockey honey – my series is on – though still checking for an actual date as I’m too busy reading to watch T.V. Showcase says Summer 2014. Well, I’ve missed another series because my nose is always stuck in a book and T.V. is on hockey so trying to pin down a date so I can put it on the calendar. If you have another fabulous auther, please offer.
Dear Irene–
Well, if you go back to the home page here, click on “Resources,” and then on “The Methadone List.” [g] That’s a list of authors _I_ particularly like and can recommend whole-heartedly to people who want to know what to read next while waiting for the next Outlander novel.
Best,
–Diana
Thanks Diana! That’s how I got onto Arianna Franklin. I check it periodically. A few I discovered by poking around – Susanne Alleyn, Nancy Bilyeau, Oliver Potzch and Samuel Thomas. Great reads. Presently re-reading your series in e-reader (can’t hold those heavy tomes anymore) in anticipation of the series. Can’t wait!
Thank you for your books, your research and the stories . Coming from a medical back ground with a great interest in homeopathic remedies. A relative of mine a medicine woman of the mountains. So your Clair gave me great joy. Jamie reminding me of my deceased spouse. But thank you.
My spouse now and I are researching the Ft. Sante Fe and the battle with the Indians that happened on our land also the land 1243 acres next to us.
Thank you again for opening up our minds to a whole new world and history.
Happy Anniversary!!
All the very best for you and your family,
Forever grateful,
Ivona
A few years ago … my husband and I were spending our summer vacation in the tiny Alands archipelago (between Sweden and Finland), paddling, cycling, hiking and being generally outdoorish about it all. Until I admitted I’d love to also read something, for a change. In Mariehamn (the capital, boasting 11,343 inhabitants), we found a small bookshop and I said all I wanted was a fat English book, no matter which.
I was lucky, there it was: A Breath of Snow and Ashes. So I bought it and read it.
That’s how my own Outlander Adventures got started.
Should you be interested: yes, one can start with Breath of Snow and Ashes, realize it’s not the first part, enjoy it a lot and then go and buy the rest of them. Anyone envying me this Outlander-marathon?
And then (a few years ago) … I started learning French at our local language school. I was quite sad last year when I realized I simply couldn’t afford to attend any more (Time Issues aka Too Much Work), so, out of spite, I went and bought Outlander in French. The Kindle version. Now, it cannot be said I speak or read French, but since I know the books well enough from my first reading, I mostly guess what’s going on. I also use the Kindle dictionary a lot. Quell plaisir!
At least I learned how to say Scotland in French! And what fesses are 
It all boils down to me having to thank you, Diana, at least twice so far, no?
Actually, there’s also a third reason: after a hard day’s work, knowing my life’s mostly not exciting and whatnot, I really appreciate some time travelling, healing, loving and doing stuff – by Jamie & Co., while I lay in bed
In know, I know … still: thank you for that, too.
I echo everyone’s comments – love Jamie and Claire. I can relate to Claire and search for Jamie! I have enjoyed the tour through Scotland in your books to the point that my best friend and I took a ten day photographic journey through Scotland last May. It was phenomenal and I can’t wait to return and photograph the southwestern corner – where we did not venture due to time constraints. I eagerly await the next book – thank you for sharing your talent and your imagination.
Happy birthday Jamie and Claire, and thank you Diana! I also have introduced many friends to your novels and now they are as addicted as I am. I’ve had the new novel on pre-order for months!!!! Not long to wait now!! Please don’t stop!
Well… I have read Outlander (eh hem) more than once, but I decided to listen to the audio version while knitting as a refresher before the series… since I hadn’t experienced it that way I thought it might be fun. It just so happens that I listened to that bit when Jenny talks about being pregnant last night. It is a wonderful bit of writing. I am so glad that you decided to write a novel…. and another and ….
Thank you, Diana, for the wonderful Outlander series! I’ve read them all and, because of the TV series, am reading them again. So far Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber seem like brand new books because I read them so long ago and have a tendency to gallop thru your books to find out what happens.
I am enjoying them immensely the second time around because I’m reading slowly and savouring your writing. These books cover so many topics but I think of this series as the best love story I’ve ever read because of Claire and Jamie’s relationship. All your characters are believable and interesting with depth and personality. Each book has been a great read!!! Thank you for sharing your writing adventure with us.
My “first contact” with your books was 1998 – so funny – because it wasn´t a decision at the bookshop – no – I won a “mixed package” of books from your german publisher – and I took Outlander (Feuer und Stein) with me to a holidaytrip with 12 friends to Danmark.
The hardcover was published in Germany in 1995, and the paperback I won in 1997.
So – there are some pictures from this holiday – me on a sofa – reading and reading and reading. Lost for the world!
Thanks foru your books – they are really “true friends” in my life!
Wendy
Hello Diana, i just have to tell you how much i love your books and your characters. I have to tell you that i have read a lot of books and especially in my teens, wich was when i read Outlander the first time. But your books about Jamie and Claire have always been with me and i could never forget them.
So what i wanted to say was hank you for writing these wonderfull books.
Nurdjan from Sweden
So glad you started And finished your first novel! I am in aw of those who can tell a story that makes me feel like I know the characters and feel with them. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all Diana.
Diana,
I have read, re-read, and re-re-read these books, much to their well-worn appearance, and just finished yet again an Echo in the Bone to prepare me for when MOBY is delivered to my kindle so I can re-enter the lives of my favorite characters. (I will of course get a hardcover book for my library, but hope to keep this one pristine, hence the kindle). Your imagination is limitless and I congratulate you on your well-deserved success. I am bursting with excitement not only for you, but for all of us fans who eagerly wait for the series to premier. I already informed my husband that we WILL be paying extra for the STARZ program whether he likes it or not and I anticipate he will soon become a reader as well because he will also want to be informed of plots and characters ahead of time. I cannot thank you enough for the hours of pure enjoyment, sometimes anger, and often tears you have brought me. [I don't think I will ever get over the Loaghaire character to be honest, but now that she's finally married off I hope I can get past it.] I also hope someday to go to Scotland to visit some of the historical sights, particularly the battlefields. You have picqued an interest in history in me that none of my teachers were ever able to inspire. Your gifts are many, and I am grateful. Thank you so very much. You’ve enriched so many of our lives in ways money never could.
Diana,
Can you tolerate yet another gushing fan?
I first discovered the Outlander series only 3 years ago. I’d heard of this novel some time ago, yet didn’t purchase it until 2011. Within the first hour or so I was hooked. I devoured it within a weekend (housework, dishes, laundry, etc, were all ignored for 2 & 1/2 blissful days. Also, I must admit with *some* (small) amount of shame & a smidgen of guilt, so did my family. (I did manage too cook a meal or two for them – simple fare that could be prepared without too much thought and only required one hand for preparatiion, because the other hand was holding your book.) They were fed, the house didn’t fall down around me, so all is well. On Monday I rushed to our nearest book store and purchased the remaining books – devoured those as well within a month. I had quite a bit of housewrk to catch up on at the end of this I’m month but I’m not complaining.
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give you that might help you understand how superbly written your books are, how in-depth the characters, backdrop, etc are is to tell you something from several months ago. I’ll preface this by saying that I’d just reread the series for the eleventy-millionth time, (okay, slight exaggeration – I’d revisted/reread your books about 8-10 x’s. Anyhoo, I’d just finished Echo (again!), and was watching something on television, (can’t recall what, other than it was an historical documentary of some kind. There was an issue regarding health-care/medical attention, and I thought to myself, “well, for goodess sake! Claire would’ve been able to handle that!”. Within a second, two at the tops, I realized that Claire wasn’t REAL!!! And that, Ms. Gabaldon, is among the highest praise I can give you. Your characters are so fully developed, (even that disgusting S. Bonner! Blech!!), that I momentarily forgot that Claire was a purely fictional character.
As for the series, while I am thrilled for you, I must be honest and admit to a smidgen of trepidation. Brcause these characters are so fully formed in my mind I’m almost, Almost, I repeat, with ‘almost being the key word, almost trepidatious about the series. How can the series possubly live up to the vision in my head re: these characters?? It’s a tall order to fill, though I trust your judgement in the choosing if said characters.
I anxiously await MOBY and have already told friends and family that unless there is some kind of horrible catastrophe to not contact me for 2 or 3 days after June 10th. I will be busy with my nose in this book.
Please, keep up the amazing work! My copy of MOBY is pre paid and I will be at the bookstore bright and early June 10th. Addionally, I look forward to seein you when you tour the Toronto, Canada area. I will definitely be there!
Diana…..
As I read all the messages from your loving readers who now feel as though we are all dear friends….I realize that my feelings were not as strange as I thought. Also, you have such a diverse group of fans! And from all over the country…how cool is that?
Everyone … falling in love with the characters…admiring Claire to no end and her life in general….the way she loves and the way she is so strong and determined are just amazing to me. Not to mention the way she loves Jamie and each time they were separated I couldn’t read fast enough for them to be back with one another! I am still afraid they will die off someday and not return. If that ever happens we’ll all be here to comfort each other because it will be like losing family or best friends. You make them so real and to see them come alive on TV is going to be so ……what??? It almost makes me nervous! Amazing…. to so many who have followed the journey along with you. But thrilled…. since I’ve done so much talking to others about the books, you and the characters who have come alive for us for so long in your writing.
I wanted to just add my CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family and all the time out of your life that you have devoted to writing each book knowing you have this “following” of people waiting patiently.
I never thought I would pick up such a long read…… I sometimes think I have AADD because I can’t sit still long at all because I am just antsy and have so many things I enjoy doing. BUT, when I was so hooked on The Outlander Series…I could only go to the bookstores hoping for the next one and I actually stayed put and read every one of them!! Not only was I proud of myself but so was my husband. I would read to him as we traveled in the car so he can’t wait for the TV Series as well. I also have to thank you for just “coming alive” to us on your blogs and FB and your web pages! I love the way you talk back to us when you feel the need…how many authors would actually do that?? I don’t know.. because I don’t follow any others like I have you…and it makes the books so much more real. I compare it to knowing the artist of the painting you have hanging on your wall ….only better…. They then begin to mean much more.
So thank you for giving so much of yourself to us out here! CANNOT WAIT for the TV Series …that is what I was looking for tonight….when it is actually beginning? It has been a while since I have looked…..so I need to keep surfing tonight. Also need to tell you…. that was great how you shared the process of choosing the characters with the public. I can’t believe you put yourself through that agonizing experience with everyone’s opinions!!! BUT we love you for it. So…again. You have made yourself a special friend to us all. May God bless you, your family and your future! If I were to write a book….it would ramble on forever….sorry folks!