See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…
I’m about to head back out in a few hours, to do my _last_ US/Canadian book-tour event in Traverse City, MI. But thought I might grab an hour to do a bit of updating before I absquatulate again…
First—I’m delighted that so many of you like MOBY!* Thank you so much for all your kind words.
As for the next book(s), I have no idea.** I finished writing MOBY on April 15th (having stayed up 36 hours straight to do it), spent the rest of April working 16 hours a day to finish the copyedits and galley proofs, then spent most of May dealing with everything (including stuff associated with the TV show) that was pushed out of the way during the Final Frenzy of MOBY. And on June 7th, all hell broke loose and I’ve essentially been on the road for a solid month, with three brief touchdowns at home (ranging from 12 hours to a whole day-and-a-half). So far, I’ve signed roughly 38,000 copies of MOBY and will undoubtedly hit between 40-50,000 by the end of summer. (No, I don’t have carpal-tunnel syndrome, but thank you for your concern.)
Now, I realize that it’s difficult to know what to say to a writer at a book-signing; I’d be tongue-tied myself, in the presence of someone I admired but didn’t know. It’s always great to hear, "I loved this book!" or "I love your books and I’m really looking forward to reading this one!" if you need a default. "WHEN WILL BOOK NINE BE OUT?!?" is possibly a little less welcome.
But I do appreciate the enthusiasm/impatience that spawn this question, so here’s what my immediate writing future looks like (assuming I survive the rest of the summer):
At the moment, there are only scraps of Book Nine—plus a useful "What I Know" document that I wrote right after finishing MOBY, about the "shelf-hung" subplots (those are bits that are kind of folded back on themselves, but not left as cliffhangers—like where William is going or what will happen to Lord John next).
I haven’t even formally sifted MOBY’s Mfile (the regularly updated list of files written for a specific book) and moved the remnant files to JAMIE9 (the directory/folder for Book Nine) yet (that’s a two-day job in itself). The next thing I do is to go through my major reference shelves, cleaning and tidying, and in the process, assemble the "core" shelf for Book 9–for any book, no matter how many references I consult along the way, there will end up being maybe five books that are _very_ helpful/relevant and that I use a lot, and maybe 5-10 more that I want to keep close to hand, for more limited but still important stuff. I keep one shelf for that core reference stuff, and refurbish it when I start serious work on a new novel. adding new sources as I come across them. Then I read through the relevant portions of ALMANAC OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a _very_ useful book that gives brief notes on everything happening everywhere <g> on a given day, that had any importance in the Revolution. This is my first pass at a historical timeline (which lives in my head and evolves constantly over the course of a book). I’ll probably write bits and pieces while I’m doing these necessary chores, but it’s pretty random and nothing like the sustained effort that comes as I move fully into a book.
In other words, you’re not likely to see #DailyLines from Book Nine for awhile.
Now, there’s a _lot_ of THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume 2 in existence. I’ve been messing about with that on the side for the last 2-3 years, and most of it is _there_, if not yet tidied into its final form. There are a few chunks of original writing still to be done for that–the detailed synopsis for MOBY is the first that springs to mind, though I’ll also need to add commentary to a largish excerpt section (specialized excerpts), and a few other bits to be collected or contracted (i.e., I may have to get someone to produce things like maps or floor-plans, as I can’t do better than crude sketches on my own). But IF I move OC2 to the top of the work pile (not as the main focus, but as the main side-project), it _might_ be ready for delivery to the publisher around January, and thus might be in print sometime in the first half of 2015, which would be nice. (I also need to do slight updates to OC1, removing obsolete material and maybe improving the Gaelic Pronunciation Guide—that sort of thing.)
Then there’s the HOW TO (AND HOW _NOT_ TO) WRITE SEX-SCENES ebook. That’s actually complete, but I finished it right before both the show and MOBY hit high gear, so I now need to read it through again and do final fiddles (and maybe include a few scenes from MOBY), then run it past my agent for response and suggestions (if any). Ebooks can be produced _very_ fast, though, so once we’re happy with it, it could be out within a couple of months–I’d kind of like to have it out this fall, but that’s a matter for discussion with agents, publishers, etc.
And more or less on the same level with Book Nine (in terms of how eager I am to work on them) are the prequel volume about Jamie’s parents (for which I have only fragments at the moment) and the first contemporary crime novel. I think I have about half of that, and it’s "live" for me–but will take a good bit of intensive work, both in terms of research and writing. On the other hand, it’s short by comparison with everything else on my menu.
And on the outskirts of my mind are the germs of what might eventually be novellas, but I haven’t had the time even to _look_ at those with any attention. They _are_ brief, though, and I might well pick one up to get back into my regular routine–come September. I’ll be traveling/working most of July and August, and won’t have anything like peace and quiet ’til Labor Day. (No, I’m not going to Dragon Con this year, unless Starz decides they want to have a presence there for the show, and at the moment, they don’t.)
In the meantime, any eager soul who foolishly asks me, "When will Book Nine be out?" will be politely ignored. Or bonked on the head with the copy of MOBY they just asked me to sign, depending…
*(And for those few who complained that the ending of MOBY was a cliffhanger….go back and read the end of AN ECHO IN THE BONE, to see what one actually looks like. <g> If you just wanted to "see" what happened next in MOBY…feel free to fill in your own version of "OMG! OMG! OMG! <hughughug> <weep tears of joy> OMG! OMG! OMG! <broken endearments> OMG? OMG? OMG? <hopping up and down> OMG!" I have complete faith in my readers’ intelligence and imagination, and I don’t tell y’all things I know you can figure out for yourselves.)
**Webmistress’s Note on August 28, 2015: A lot has changed in the year since Diana posted the blog above on July 6, 2014:
- See Diana’s Book Nine webpage for excerpts (aka "Daily Lines") and current information.
- The revised, updated and expanded version of THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, VOLUME ONE, was published on March 31, 2015 in the U.S.A. This ultimate guide to the OUTLANDER series covers the first four major novels: OUTLANDER, DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, VOYAGER, and DRUMS OF AUTUMN. (The original OC was published in 1999. The U.K. edition of this guide was titled THROUGH THE STONES.)
- THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, VOLUME TWO will be published in the U.S.A. on October 27, 2015. OC II is the guide to the second four major novels in the OUTLANDER series: THE FIERY CROSS, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, AN ECHO IN THE BONE, and WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD (aka "MOBY").
First and foremost, take very good care of yourself and rest. We (your adoring fans) would be completely lost with out your artistic ability and phenomenal ability to weave a tale.
Second, Thank You so very much for sharing your craft with the world. You have helped make it a better place to reside in.
Many thanks,
Denise
I have a slightly odd comment. I adore the books, both the Outlander series and the Lord John books. I eagerly but patiently await the next release… but I have grown to appreciate your cheeky attitude towards your readers as much as anything. I do not often read the authors notes or look at the web pages. I like to let the books stand for themselves. But your manner of addressing your audience, the way you express your very realistic and human response to the realities of taking on such projects, the way this tone has started to even bleed into the parentheticals in your authors notes in MOBY give you a voice and a face that I have come to admire. So as well as enjoying your fiction, I have come to enjoy your non fiction.
Dear Jen–
Haha! Not everyone feels that way, I’m afraid [g], but I’m glad that you do!
Best,
–Diana
Having read 90% of the comments, I have that warm and comfortable feeling of having been with friends.
Just celebrated my 87th and am confident I will be around to read Novel 9. If not, my thanks to those who recommended their favorites (which I have listed) and plan to read them all. That will occupy some of my time til I rejoin Jamie and Claire.
Somehow I raised 3 children who are not avid readers….as I have been since ‘Run Jane Run….’Run Dick Run’ and Spot falls in there also. It breaks my heart for what they have missed…like the incident during a church affair, at Catholic college, where I was reading, Gengis Kahn (sp), The Earth is the Lord’s, and sister paused by my pew and inquired about my reading. Heart pounding, I showed her the cover and she nodded her approval and walked on while I continued the drama of pillaging and killing with good old Gengis.
Whenever I finish one of your books, I feel like I’m loosing an old friend.. So I’m glad there will be another. By the way the show is great too, I hope it continues long enough to encapsulate all of the books. Now that you’re working with Ron Moore any thoughts about bringing Jamie and Claire into the far future.. He’d make a wonderful Galactic Warrior!.
I was worried that William was sort of left as the lost child, not brought into the Fraser Clan so I’m glad to hear that he will somehow get his turn. He needs some Jamie love again… Could he fulfill the Fraser prophesy (I thought that interesting..) So many possibilities but I’m sure your creative mind has thought about them all!
Dear Diane:
I purchased your entire series Aug 19th for my Kindle an i’m currently beginning book 7. You have taken me on an exciting roller coaster ride. My father was a civil war buff an i know he would have enjoyed your books. I met a couple at a local 2nd hand book store. They were traveling cross the US an had stopped to get books for their journey. I was asked to suggest an author they might look for. I told them about your series an discovered the man was a civil war buff. I explained your books to them an we looked but none of your books were in the store.
I told them they really needed to read them in order an to look for book 1.
I was anxious to see the movie which Starz produced but alas i cannot get their channel.
My question is, will they be producing a CD set maybe by Christmas time? I really hope so! It will make an awesome present. Thank you for your excellent series an a toast to many more to come!
Me and my sister were not introduced to your books until 2010. We do not know how we missed them all the years before since we both love to read. Thank goodness one of my sister’s co-workers had one of your books sitting on her desk one day and my sister asked her about it.
Like everyone else, I am really looking forward to the (hopefully) last book. Since I am on my 3rd bout with cancer, I am not sure if I will still be around for the next one. But even if I’m not, I just want to say that your books have brought me pleasure in some of the worst times of my life. Even though it would bring me great pleasure to know that you were working on book 9 this very minute, I know you have other interests and I understand.
I am enjoying the tv version of Outlander even though some of it is different than the book version. I think that is what is keeping my interest the most…..picking out where the series deviates from the book. And of course, looking at Jamie (Sam) isn’t hard to do:)
I have always loved to read novels, especially historical fiction. I discovered your books at our library in August 2010, and within sixteen weeks had read all seven of your wonderful books. And now I have finished reading Written In My Own Heart’s Blood and I loved the ending. I will look forward to your next book, whenever that may be.
Just want to add my minor praise on a job well done with MOBY and look forward to #9. Have thoroughly enjoyed and loved all 8 books to date and greatly look forward to the next, if I live long enough. After all I am 71 and only God knows the answer to that, however I have great faith that there is a fabulous Library in heaven for people like me and am sure all of your books will be present to I can enjoy them throughout eternity.
I just finished MOBY and my eyes filled with happy tears that Brianna and Roger and the kids have reached Frazer Ridge I can’t wait fir the next book!!!
I will wait patiently for #9. I have enjoyed all your books and the novellas. Please continue the fantastic story!
I love your series and was thrilled at the airing of Outlander on Showcase in Canada. However, Diana I felt compelled to relay how disappointed I and many fans are on how Showcase is airing the series. It is on at 10pm on a Sunday evening and runs 90 minutes with more than half of that being commercials. We understand that commercials are necessary but these are extreme. Then last night’s show was the icing on the cake! On top of all the commercials, with 20 minutes remaining, commercials start again then all of a sudden it goes into a 10-15 minute trailer for another new police series!! We didn’t know whether Outlander was done, cut off or what was happening. Then all of a sudden at approx 11:28 it comes back on with a 60 minute ending. What a waste of our time. We are tuning in late on a Sunday evening to watch your Outlander Series, not trailers for new shows and nonstop commercials. We are extremely frustrated and disappointed with Showcase. Certainly a good way to alienate fans.
Dear Lucy–
Well, I sympathize–but why on earth are you writing to _me_ about it? I have nothing whatever to do with when, how, or on what channel the series is shown. Call or write Showtime and make a fuss about it. (I don’t at all mean to sound abrupt here, but really–I don’t have anything to do with it.)
Best,
–Diana
sorry I meant 60 second ending near the end of my comment.
Diana,
I just finished reading MOBY about 2 hous ago. I have to say that I am a huge fan. and I have loved all of the books so much that I read them all in the span of a month. I have 1 pressing question that is driving me nuts! In the next book might Jenny recognize Roger Mac?
Dear Elana–
I don’t know. I haven’t written it yet. [g]
–Diana
Dear Diana,
What a wonderful story teller you are, I have been hooked since first reading Outlander or here in Australia Cross Stitch. MOBY was everything I could have ever hoped for and more. I’m at a loss as to what to do in my ‘spare’ time now but it will be back to the beginning again no doubt. I will wait patiently for your next book to be published. I love your idea for a novella and possibly something on Jamie’s parents. I can’t wait to see the TV series….Thank you for your excellent writing and all the joy you give.
Diana,
I have been an avid reader my whole life and enjoy many types of books. I discovered Outlander a couple of years ago, loved it, and read all of the rest. I’ve read lots of great books and lots of bad books……but your books are the ONLY books I think about almost daily, even years after reading them! Your work is incredible. I can’t wait for #9.
Hi Diana,
I am experiencing Outlander withdrawl. I’ve read all your books and am re-reading Outlander. I love how the tv show is so true to the book. I love all the knit costume acoutrements. Would you be able to share an officail link for patterns and what not so that I might re-create some of them for myself and others? I can’t wait for the next installment. Thank you for sharing your amazing tallent with the world.
Katie
Thank you so much for the wonderful job you have done on this series. I was thrilled with the magnificent ending to MOBY and never saw it coming. I have recommended your books to anyone that would listen to me; relatives, co-workers, strangers on a bus! My winter project here in the cold northeast is to reread the entire series. Just wondering how many books you will need to write until you bring Jamie through the stones.
Diana,
In February of this year I was introduced to your books through my sister in law who highly recommended them. Plain and simple I was entranced and addicted at your style of writing and rhythm and the story line of course! I devoured all 8 novels within 7 months and will begin the John Grey series next. Thank you for sharing your talent and creative mind in this beautiful story. I have enjoyed the Starz series and cant wait to dive into more Diana Gabaldon stories. THANK YOU!
I re-read the entire series from the beginning for the third or fourth time, so I would be ready when Moby came out. I finished #7 and the next day #8 arrived from Amazon. I could not put it down and completed it in in about a week. I did need to work, eat. My husband cleaned house that week. I have to thank you for the ending, although it did read like the end of the story. I convinced myself that I would be OK with that if it was. Then today, when I saw you had posted there would be another book, I discovered I had been holding my breath. I just let it out. Thank you. I would like to see what happens to Lord John and William, who being so much like both his fathers, figures out his place in the world. It seemed that he grudgingly accepted the accident of his birth, but what kind of man will he become because of it?
I just really wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the peace provided by the ending. Home at last!
A friend recommended I read this series… And I am so glad I have… I am on the 6th book and cannot seem to put them down. Thank you for captivating your audience with this awesome story telling!! It makes me want to get back to my own writing which I abandoned 5 years ago… Thank you for the great reads!!