FOR THOSE OF YOU ATTENDING COMIC-CON NEXT WEEK…
This is where _I’ll_ be; hope to see some of you there!
Thursday, July 24th
3:00-4:00 PM: Outlander— Diana Gabaldon
Location: Horton Grand Theater (Capacity: 250)
Solo Talk/Reading/Q&A (moderated by Ali Kokmen, from Barnes & Noble)
(No, there’s not a signing afterward; I will be signing autographs at the STARZ Comic-Con booth on Friday afternoon at 3:45.)
This is a ticketed venue, but tickets are free (see information below).
[The following information is from the Comic-Con site:]
HORTON GRAND THEATER:
"This year Comic-Con International adds the Horton Grand Theatre as its new satellite programming room. The Horton Grand Theatre offers special panel presentations in a small, intimate, theatre atmosphere. Each panel is ticketed with extremely limited seating. There is no extra charge for these tickets.
The Horton Grand Theatre is located at 444 4th Ave., just a short 2-block walk from the Convention Center. It’s also on the shuttle route.
Horton Theatre Ticket Information
Entry to each Horton Grand Theatre panel requires a ticket for the corresponding panel. Drawings for panel entry tickets at the Horton Grand Theatre will be held at 9:00 am in the Autograph Area (upstairs in the Sails Pavilion) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each winner will receive entry for two. (Please note: there is limited disabled seating.) The tickets must be presented at the theatre to gain access. The Horton Grand Theatre has assigned seating. Please wear your Comic-Con 2014 badge also.
There will be a second drawing shortly following the 9:00 am drawing for "stand-by seating tickets." The stand-by seating tickets are limited and do not guarantee you access to the panel.
Please be inside the Horton Grand Theatre no later than 15 minutes prior to the panel start time or you will forfeit your seat to stand-by seating ticket-holders."
Friday, July 25th
2:15-3:15 PM: Outlander Panel
Location: Room 6A (Capacity: 1,000)
Panel with Ron D. Moore, Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Tobias Menzies, Lotte Verbeek, and Graham McTavish.
3:45-4:45 PM: Autographs
Location: Starz Comic-Con Booth (#4029)
Autograph signing with myself, Sam Heughan, Ron Moore, Graham McTavish, Caitriona Balfe, Tobias Menzies, and Lotte Verbeek at the STARZ Comic-Con Booth.
7:00–10:00 PM: Outlander TV Series World Premiere
Location: Spreckels Theater (Capacity: 1,463)
"Red carpet event with cast, Ron Moore and Diana Gabaldon with moderated Q&A." [You do have to have advance tickets to this, and I believe it is sold out.]
Saturday, July 26th
4:15–5:15 PM: Ruler of the Realm panel
Location: Room 6A (Capacity: 1,000)
"Joe Abercrombie (Half a King), Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), Lev Grossman (Magicians Trilogy), George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones), and Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle) have written some of the most memorable books of their time, pushing genre fiction into the mainstream. Join these bestselling authors along with moderator Ali T. Kokmen (Barnes & Noble/NOOK Media) for a discussion on fantasy literature, fandom, and how they mastered their craft."
NB: Sam Heughan is also doing a panel on Saturday:
"12:00pm – 12:45pm: TV Guide magazine returns to San Diego for its annual all-star panel. Moderated by senior writer Damian Holbrook, Fan Favorites brings together stars from TV’s hottest shows for a lively discussion filled with behind-the-scenes scoop. Panelists (subject to change) include Misha Collins (Supernatural), Sam Heughan (Outlander), Colin O’Donoghue (Once Upon a Time), Aisha Tyler (Archer), and others."
Sadly, I will be far away from these events. We are still looking forward to finding out if and when you’re doing a European book tour.
Any idea if they are going to record any of the panels, etc. like they did for the NYCC?
Damn it…my husband and I tried to win tickets through Starz! Wish we could be there! And by the way, we’d love to see you back here in Chicago Diana!
How does one enter the lottery drawing? I will be at ComicCon and wold love to attend. The ComicCon homepage says there will be a drawing at 9:00am Thursday but doesn’t say how to enter.
Dear Roy–
I’ve never gone to SDCC before, so not positive–but from the little I read, it would appear that you have to be physically present at the location where tickets are drawn. That’s all I could tell you, though. Maybe the SDCC website has more information, or a contact?
Best of luck!
–Diana
When will your book #8 come is Spanish?
Dear Ive–
It usually takes about a year to do the translations.
–Diana
I live in San Diego and I tried to get tickets to Comic Con. I sat in Starbucks for 2 hours watching my computer only to see each day sold out. It would seem that previous attendees receive priority which isn’t very fair.
I then attempted to get tickets to the Starz premiere. The second chance opportunity went to my junk mail and I didn’t see it until it was too late! I’m a lone Outlander fan amongst my family and friends and I would love the opportunity to meet up with other Outlander fans who “get it.”
I am looking to see if anyone has any extra tickets for me. I just need one.
I’m still trying to win Comic Con tickets on the radio. Wish me luck.
My friend got 4 ticks for stand by only for premier tomorrow. She gave them to me. I will be there early tomorrow morn. to see if I can get in. You can have one if you want. let me know
Trying to get tickets for any of the events is like digging for gold. No strike here. Give Sam a smack on the cheek for Sacramento, you pick the cheek..hee
Love the books -signed KILT INSPECTOR
Hello,
Ik have attempted to get in touch with you by various means over the past couple of months, including your publisher, which was not helpful.
I have, several times, emailed you an invitation to promote your books and the Highlander Series on Starz though a two-day book signing at the 149th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games in Pleasanton, California on August 30 and 31. I know that you were at our Games several years ago.
I won’t go into detail here, but we would provide you, what I am sure would be the most beneficial book signing as our advertising reaches several million people through the media.
If this message has indeed reached you, I would appreciate correspondence as to any interest, etc…..
If you have read earlier, more detailed information, and you simply are not interested, I would appreciate knowing so that I proceed to further.
Regards,
Floyd P. Busby
Caledonian Club of San FRancisco
Promotion/Advertising/Program Chairman
buzco@buzco.com
925-825-1043
Hi, Floyd!
My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. It’s, um, been kind of busy around here for the last couple-three months…[cough]. I did receive at least one of your emails, but had delayed answering it, both because of press of Other Stuff, and because of uncertainty regarding an August trip to the UK (a mini-book-tour plus mini-vacation). I do now have confirmation of those dates, and we will still be in the UK at the end of August. Thank you very much for your kind invitation, though, and I wish you all the best with this year’s Games!
Best,
–Diana
So Happy for you! I love your books. I live in San Diego and it is very hard to get a ticket. Enjoy your time here. My daughter went to NAU for one year but she missed San Diego and graduated SDSU degree in English. I turned her onto your books too. Thank you for writing them. You are awesome! I married my own Jaime in 2006 a redhead from Ireland that is my life’s blessing. xo
Dear Diana,
Has anyone prepared Cait and Sam for the nortoriety that they’ll achieve when the show airs? I’ve been following all of the hoopla for the past year on the various websites and facebook. Judging from the bits that are shown, I have no doubt that the tv show will do justice to your wonderful books It’s a dream come true for me to see your story come to life – I cannot imagine what you must be feeling!
I hope you don’t tire of hearing it, but I also want to express my gratitude for giving all of us your beautiful and inspiring novels.
Respectuflly yours,
Melinda
Hi Diana
Just wondering if you know whether Outlander will be shown here in Australia. I have read all of the books and loved them. I read the first one when I broke my ankle and a friend brought it around with some others to give me something to occupy myself. My 14 year old daughter Clare Elizabeth, was just 6 weeks old at the time. As you can imagine, I immediately recognised yourself as someone with wonderful taste in names! Anyway I digress! We do have showcase here so maybe it will be shown on there? Do you know if and when this might be or if it will be released on DVD?
Karen
Dear Karen–
Yes, it will be on SoHo Foxtel in Australia…and I believe it’s airing on August 14th, but you should check that.
Hope you enjoy it!
–Diana
That’s fantastic, thanks Diana!
Woo hoo! Yer little ripper!
The same day I found out Outlander was airing in the US I emailed SoHo for Aussie premiere dates….they were fantastic and got back to me immediately. Two weeks countdown from today. Cheers to all the other Aussie fans.
Have a great time at COMIC-CON. So excited for the series on Starz to start.
I so wanted to go to SD but at least I have tickets for NYC. Diana will be in Ohio come November so I guess I’m a happy girl! Have fun in SD Diana but not too much fun!
Dear Diana,
First, a question about MOBY: How did Frank Randall’s wonderful letter to Brianna get taped to the secret drawer in the desk at Lallybroch? As far as I recall, the desk has always been at Lallybroch, in the possession of the Frasers. Have I missed something or is this another (delicious!) part of the story to be revealed in the next book?
Secondly, and more importantly, a simple thank you. I have no illusions about being a writer, but I feel compelled to acknowledge the precious gift of this book, “Written In My Own Heart’s Blood”, which I completely adore. I will attempt to convey my deep appreciation for this amazing novel, as well as all of your books. This feels like a daunting task for a mere mortal. How does one explain the theory of relativity to Einstein? Paint a portrait for Van Gogh? Compose a song for Dylan? Or write a coherent letter to Diana Gabaldon? Just dive into the deep end, on a wing and a prayer, I suppose.
I count the “Outlander” series of novels among the dearest treasures of my life. These stories have woven seamlessly into the fabric of my being. I carry them around with me like my secret family. You have brought some magic into my experience – given me so many thrilling adventures, a sense of connection to family, and the power of a Love deeper and more indestructible than time. You make me feel all of life’s myriad of emotions – everything. This seems to me to be what it means to be a great writer. To lure the reader into an alternate reality, if only for a wee while. To feel the wind lashing my hair, to see so clearly the sacred stone circle, or the spark of mischief in the eye, to hear the desperate, whispered words of prayer, to laugh out loud hysterically, to cry from the depths of your soul when all seems lost. It feels like a magical blend of your words and the reader’s imagination. Through your adventures, I continually discover myself. What greater gift exists than souls colliding? You are a woman of substance, indeed. I only wish to reflect back to you a tiny measure of the joy you have bestowed upon me. And I am only one of a multitude. It must be odd to find yourself admired and adored by so many strangers, who know so much about you, through the baring of your mind, heart and soul within your work – then giving it away for the whole world to see. How can it not come back to you?
May all of life’s happiness and love attend you and yours all of your days.
Yours most faithfully and gratefully,
Linda Lebo
Diana,
My whole family and I have been fans for many years. I am going to Comic-Con this week. My entire con is Outlander focused, just trying to get into your panels and autograph signings. I don’t know how my luck will fair but in the event that I don’t get to meet you, I just wanted to say from my whole family (father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friends) that we appreciate your hard work and absolutely love Jamie & Claire. I didn’t get tickets to the Premier on Friday night…but you can bet your butt I’m going to pester the booth workers as best I can to see if any of them has an extra ticket!
I just wanted to follow up and say I was blown away this con. I got to go to your reading, your signing, your panel, and the premier. My opinion of you as a wonderful person as well as an amazingly skilled writer is cemented in. You’re so very wonderful and entertaining to watch!
Dear Diana,
First, a question about MOBY: How did Frank Randall’s wonderful letter to Brianna get taped to the secret drawer in the desk at Lallybroch? As far as I recall, the desk has always been at Lallybroch, in the possession of the Frasers. Have I missed something or is this another (delicious!) part of the story to be revealed in the next book?
Secondly, and more importantly, a simple thank you. I have no illusions about being a writer, but I feel compelled to acknowledge the precious gift of this book, “Written In My Own Heart’s Blood”, which I completely adore. I will attempt to convey my deep appreciation for this amazing novel, as well as all of your books. This feels like a daunting task for a mere mortal. How does one explain the theory of relativity to Einstein? Paint a portrait for Van Gogh? Compose a song for Dylan? Or write a coherent letter to Diana Gabaldon? Just dive into the deep end, on a wing and a prayer, I suppose.
I count the “Outlander” series of novels among the dearest treasures of my life. These stories have woven seamlessly into the fabric of my being. I carry them around with me like my secret family. You have brought some magic into my
experience – given me so many thrilling adventures, a sense of connection to family, and the power of a Love deeper and more indestructible than time. You make me feel all of life’s myriad of emotions – everything. This seems to me to be what it means to be a great writer. To lure the reader into an alternate reality, if only for a wee while. To feel the wind lashing my hair, to see so clearly the sacred stone circle, or the spark of mischief in the eye, to hear the desperate, whispered words of prayer, to laugh out loud hysterically, to cry from the depths of your soul when all seems lost. It feels like a magical blend of your words and the reader’s imagination. Through your adventures, I continually discover myself. What greater gift exists than souls colliding? You are a woman of substance, indeed. I only wish to reflect back to you a tiny measure of the joy you have bestowed upon me. And I am only one of a multitude. It must be odd to find yourself admired and adored by so many strangers, who know so much about you, through the baring of your mind, heart and soul within your work – then giving it away for the whole world to see. How can it not come back to you?
May all of life’s happiness and love attend you and yours all of your days.
Yours most faithfully and gratefully,
Linda Lebo
Will you be coming to the Chicago Comic Con?
Dear Lisa–
No, not this year.
–Diana
We’re in Tucson, sad to miss this!!! We are thrilled that our favorite books are coming to life on Starz; you’re all genius’ as far as we are concerned!!!
Bill would like to know, Diana, are you a “traveler”? (tongue in cheek, or not) He thinks maybe you speak from personal experience!!
We are in awe, as I know everyone is, of your Epic Tale expertise!!!! Thanks be to YOU, your Mother & Father, for you have enriched our lives!!
THANK YOU, for the stories (and EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE SERIES)
Bill & Becky Plowden
Hi Diana,
I of course love the series, like everyone else here! I especially love ALL of the medical/clinical bits! Do you actually get to see/attend any surgeries/medical procedures or is it just written research?? (I work in a hospital!)
Can’t wait for the show to air! I have starz already!
Thanks, Lori
Diana,
Welcome to ComicCon, until last night I have never heard about outlander. My friend is coming up on his 10 year wedding anniversary and called me from Wyoming and asked if I was going to ComicCon, of course I am. Well he asked me to try to get a book signed by you for his wife Melonie, she is a huge fan. I told him that it was a pretty tall order considering my ticket is for Saturday. I started doing some research and found out that you are having a red carpet event at Spreckels. Well I find that amazing considering I valet cars there on the weekends. I’m not quite honestly sure how the red carpet event will work, or if you are actually going to park your car with the valet. I was just curious, I mean after all he is one of my oldest friends. So what do I have to do to get you to sign a book for my friend’s wife. I know you are very busy and probably do not have even a second of free time this weekend. But it never hurts to ask.
Diana – I have been a big fan ever since I picked up The Outlander when it was first published. I have read all the books (the first one twice already and just started MOBY. I have taught early American history and I am impressed with your facts in several of your books that cover that era. I am also keeping up the the Lord John series.
Do you have any plans to schedule a book talk on the west coast of Florida around the Sarasota area?
Looking forward to Epsisode 1. Signed up for Starz just for this. Congratulations and good luck on the 9th.
One of your many book fans,
Mary
OMG Why are Claire’s eyes blue. Anyone who has read every book, as I have, knows her eyes are sherry/amber. I haven’t seen the first bit of the first episode and I am already worried that this is not going to be true to the books.
Don’t worry Jo Ann. I have seen the first episode and it is wonderful! I, too, have also read Outlander numerous times noting the “whiskey colored eyes” but I have to honestly say that her eye color did not even enter my mind as I watched the show. There are a few minor changes (which are necessary) to the flow of the story but nothing that changes it so that you won’t recognize it as truly, truly Outlander.
Great work on the part of Ron Moore and everyone, especially including Diana, to keep it as true to the book as is humanly possible. This is going to be an epic series.
Jo Ann and Linda. I watched the first episode this weekend on Starz.com. Trying to embrace it but struggling a bit. Yes, the story was very true to the book, but having some trouble finding Claire believable as the tough, independent person she needs to be.
And didn’t feel any chemistry between them on that horse at all
Maybe because her round arse is missing.. I expected Claire to be curvier and less tall. Jamie later says this is where/when he fell in love with Claire and it just wasn’t there!
But of course will watch episode 2, have to see more of Jamie, maybe it will come together. I hope so!
And, when we get to Voyager, should be a new actress to play the ‘older’ Claire, here’s hoping.
Mary,
You know, this all goes back to the notion that everyone thinks that each actor should fit the character they see in their own imagination. It just is not going to happen. I think that the casting is phenomenal and I personally hope that they simply age the current actors to fit each season as it occurs. A new actress to play Claire in Voyager to meet Jamie in the print shop after she travels through the second time would be horrendous, IMO!!! It is just like Diana says: Sam is Jamie and Cait is Claire. I don’t think anyone else could come close to portraying them!!!
Give it all a chance and maybe it will turn out to be just what you were expecting, or maybe even better. These books are the best I have ever read and the TV show will be also, but we may have to be somewhat tolerant of a few changes including who is playing the part.
Thanks Linda, I’m sure you’re right! I’ll watch it again. There’s no way I would miss watching this series, have loved the books since first discovered at the library in 1995 :o)