See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
Hi Diana,
I have to say I am loving the mini-series.
I have been a long time fan of your books, I actually found your first one in paperback – it was a cover with a mirror of some sort on it. I finished it just when A Dragonfly in Amber came out in hardcover, and I have been hooked ever since. I have probably influenced another 20 people to read the series.
The ending for My Own Heart’s Blood was absolutely perfect – if you had decided to end the books there, I would have been content but I am so thrilled the story isn’t finished.
Congratulaions on your success with the miniseries, and your books. I am ready to start reading the books from the beginning again.
‘
Terri
diana
thank you for these wonderful books they have touched my heart for years. I must have read them at least 12 times in the years since outlander came out. lost my sister 3 years ago and started reading outlander again and imagined that my sister went back in time instead of gone forever. doing that has helped me get through the hard times along with jamie and claires help. so thanky you very much. a very devoted fan of books and series. Barbara Raade
Dear Barbara–
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. But in fact, I think your sister has gone through time–but forward, into eternity. She’s still there for you, though. [hug]
–Diana
thank you very much you are an angel for all of us god bless
Diana: Your reply above to Barbara about her sister’s time travel “forward into Eternity” was one of the most wonderful and touching things I have ever heard being said to one grieving such a loss. I am going to borrow that thought as I go through my own grieving for my loving husband as he enters hospice for terminal cancer. What a comforting thought to hold on to! Thank you – and I hope you don’t mind my “borrowing” your beautiful phrase. And, as a side note, love the Outlander series and await Book 9. Blessings.
Dear Carol Ann–
God bless you and your husband; may His love support you through this very trying time. [hug]
–Diana
Dear Diana,
Your lovely books and I first came into contact less than one year ago in a tiny bookstore run by a lovely old lady and her cat in Galveston. I had just come to the college there on Pelican Island and had been thrilled to find such a gem of a used bookshop, little did I know what awaited me. It was sometime after my midterms that I ventured in there one Sunday morning in search of some comfort food when I happened upon a few of your books in the historical fiction area. After reading the back and the first few pages, I was hooked. Since then I have read every book many times over and even searched for a CD version so I would not have to wait to read one of the books on my 5 hour trip home for thanksgiving. My friends and family hear of Jamie and Clair constantly. I was so thrilled when I learned of the series being turned into a TV show and I absolutely love it! Saturday is even better for the show’s addition. I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that a chance encounter brought your books into my life. You are brilliant and the things you have written have filled many hours with me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations with all of us.
Your Aggie Bookworm,
Bethany
I saw the first episode of Outlander on Starz and was compelled to know more about these characters. I could not wait for Saturday installments!
I read the first book on my iPhone and was hooked! I read all eight books straight through for three weeks. I’m am anxious for more. I think I will read them again to savor the joy again.
You are a very good writer, but an even better story teller with such great characters. Please don’t worry with research, but rather focus on the characters. They are fascinating and compelling.
It seems that this year has been quite busy for you. Enjoy these days. This may be one of the best times of your life even if you feel heady and exhausted at the moment.
Many thanks for your many works. I am very appreciative.
Alix in Houston, TX
PERFECT!
As I was hurtling through MOBY, I began to wonder (right up until the end) how in the world you were going to wrap it up. Upon finishing the very last sentence of the book, I felt thrilled, relieved, teary, drained, and perfectly content (as I imagine Rachel must have felt on her wedding night). I loved it! (And the ending.)
On Saturday nights my daughters, my friend, and I watch the Starz TV episodes as if it was Super Bowl Sunday, complete with lots of junk available to eat. After the first episode, however; I learned not to serve anything involving meat mixed with red-colored sauce of any kind…or noodles. My husband also enjoys watching the show, but we decide in advance if he waits until the next day (like last week).
Assuming that you never get tired of hearing how great you are….YOU’RE SO GREAT!
p.s. I thank God for a poor long term memory, so that I can soon read the entire series again for the third time!
I hope you have a perfect day, also.
Susan
Diana,
What amazes me, beyond your obvious creativity and prodigious output, is the fact that you RESPOND to all these posts here and on Facebook. This after endless book tours, STARZ promos and the actual filming of your cameo….
Are you SURE you don’t have a doppleganger / stunt double?
Thanks for all the books, BTW: The Outlander series has served me well through many life changes from deaths in the family to brutal layoffs. Reading about Claire and Jamie’s enduring love and resiliancy in crisis has been a welcome diversion…maybe even a lifesaver.
Dear Diana,
I do not wish to distract you from any of your current projects, but having read and re-read all of the Outlander and Lord John novels and novellas, there is one particular point that I cannot seem to reconcile and was hoping you could shed some light on it.
In The Scottish Prisoner, when Edward Tweveltrees challenges Jamie to a duel, Hal asks Lord John if Jamie is any good with a sword. Lord John replies that he is reasonably sure Jamie hasn’t had a sword in his hands in several years, so Hal suggests that Lord John take Jamie for practice before the duel. However, Jamie doesn’t end up fighting in the duel, but in MOBY, when William tells Hal that he knows Jamie is his father, Hal tells William that he could have done worse for a father, and that Jamie is a damned fine swordsman. When and how did Hal learn that Jamie was a good swordsman?
And since I’m asking…
What was the scandal that sent Lord John to Ardsmuir?
And
Who is the “nameless girl” in France, whose death Jamie feels responsible for in An Echo In the Bone?
If all will be revealed in future books, then I will patiently await those answers, but if I’ve overlooked or misunderstood something, please put my mind at ease.
Oh, and one last thing, will we get to hear more about the circumstances surrounding Hal and Minnie’s wedding? It sounds like it would be quite an entertaining story.
Thank You!
Dear Susan–
Well, there’s a lot of time between THE SCOTTISH PRISONER and MOBY. [g] And I expect there will be at least one more Lord John (and Jamie) novel to fill in what happened in that gap. Personally, I have no idea what happened (yet), but I imagine whatever it was, it revealed Jamie’s prowess with a sword to Hal.
As for the rest of your questions…_Fuirich agus chi thu_. [g]
Best,
–Diana
Yay! I’m so glad to see that there will be another Lord John book!
I just finished MOBY and was totally satisfied with the ending. I will look forward to the next chapter of their lives in number nine. I have grown to love all these characters so much and just thinking of Jamie and Claire makes me smile. I have recommended this series to countless people. And I love the new TV series. I think they are doing the story justice.
I am just finishing up the first book. I am completely Hooked! I have books 2 – 5 sitting on my bookshelf eager for my attention! however, my husband asked me the other day, could I PLEASE take a week or so between books? apparently, there is laundry to tend to, dusting to do (as the family has taken to writing notes to each other IN the dust) a garden that needs tending and how he’d REALLY like a hot meal! ha ha
I lost my mother a little while ago and had found myself in a huge depression. Being able to escape into the wonderful world you have created has been a total life saver.
Thank you for more then you could ever imagine!
Dear Ms. Gabaldon,
I was introduced to your books early this year after ending a 7 year relationship. I felt very lost for a while and a couple of friends of mine recommended Outlander to me to read. I devoured all 7 books within 2 months. I fell in love with the characters, relationships and overall story. I was so enthralled with the books that less than two months after I finished reading them, I found myself on an impromptu trip to Scotland. It was my first solo trip and was honestly the best trip I had ever taken. Scotland is an absolute gem! I started to feel like myself again and the healing process began. I can’t thank you enough not only for writing these books, but providing the inspiration to take the step towards becoming me again.
I’ve finished reading MOBY a while ago, and I am now thoroughly enjoying the TV series. I’m waiting enthusiastically for the next book and I can’t wait to see where you will take us next!
Nika
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your books…what more is there to say. Have really enjoyed the Lord John books (he has become one of my favorite characters) and look forward to all that you bless us with in the future. What a wonderful gift you posses!
Thanks,
Scarlett
Dear Diana,
There are more than enough people telling you you’re a gifted writer – so I won’t. I’ve been reading your books (over and over) since I was a teenager and in times in which I needed to flee reality they have been a refuge to me. They’ve taken me to places I would never have gone and to feelings I never thought I could feel. Your stories not only made me _be_ there with them, they have also taught me a lot in the way of what’s important to me in life. Cause I found myself in many of the book’s situations and learned how I felt about them, in my own life.
Towards the end of Moby I became aware that this might be the last book of that series, with most major questions answered and both parts of the family safe (-ish), and I became content with that thought. It would have been a good one, too. Ending I mean. Needless to say that I am nevertheless happy that the story hasn’t yet been told to end and, please, take all the time in the world you need for Jamie9. Was I in your boots I’d go for a reeeaaally long holiday with my family before writing another one word.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful imagination (and devotion to history) with me throughout all these years. All the best for you and your loved ones.
With heart-felt regards from Nuremberg
Yours Melanie
Post Scriptum: Was I to give any advice or ask a favor, I would ask you to use your author’s powers to make more full-length (!!) audio books from your books (I think there are only the first 3 or 4) – cause I really don’t see why anyone would prefer a shortened version to the whole detailed story. Cheers!
Dear Melanie–
All of the audiobooks are available UNabridged–in English. If they aren’t in German, I don’t know that there’s much I can do, as that would be the decision of the German audiobook publisher–but I certainly hope they wise up! Abridged books are horrible.
–Diana
Dearest Diana,
I have read and through my library have listed to Ms Porter read your works of art, and now, I am addicted to the series on Starz. I love the episodes and sometimes find myself closing my eyes and remembering the pages of the first novel.
I want to thank you and the other writers, for staying true to the book. I only hope that they continue on this path. Like other fans around the world and here in the US. I look forward to reading the next books. Could I please make a suggestion here for a later idea. I know that the story of Claire and Jamie will have to end eventually, but could you please, like you did with Lord John Grey, write some adventures with William and maybe his niece and nephew… It is just a thought, but think that would make a lot of us happy when Jamie and Claire come to an end.
Thank you for being a superb writer and researcher. You have inspired me to try to write.
Sincerely,
Alice
Diana,
Having endured the sweet agony of impatience mingled with anticipation every time I finish one of your books you’d think I’d get better at it but I don’t. I’ve just finished reading MOBY for the second time and feel at odds with myself as to what to do next. I always feel a bit disoriented when I come out of the Outlander world somewhat like a diver who’s spent a little too much time under water. As long as you have more story to tell, as long as you see Jamie and Claire’s story continuing I will, as happily as I can, wait. Thank you for the novellas, the John Grey chronicles, your facebook page, your blog and for your contributions to the Outlander series. Just like the dedication to detail with which you write your books it seems Starz wants to get it just right and I can wait for that too. Thank you again for enriching my life
Dear Diana,
So many hours did I enjoy reading the Outlander series of books. I’ve never written to anyone in my life like this, but felt something draw me to write to you and express how much I love this story, especially the name of the heroine.
My mother only got to read the first 5 before she passed, and it saddens me that she was never able to continue to the end because she thoroughly enjoyed it also. I inherited her love for reading, thankfully, and it’s been a wonderful distraction throughout my life, getting to escape into stories, so I carry on for her.
I look forward to many more wonderful hours spent reading and getting absorbed in your imaginative tales.
With a heartfelt thank you so much,
Claire
Thank you, Claire!
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother–but I’m glad that you were able to share the books with her, and perhaps feel her close to you when you read. [smile]
Best,
–Diana
You’re an amazing writer!! An after reading thru some
Sorry, unfortunately my cat loves the keyboard or well maybe it’s more my finger running over the keys. I just wanted to say thanks for writing such a great series. I really enjoy the action , the powerful leading heroine and obviously the romance.
I know you like originality and are a very busy lady, but I would LOOOVEEEE to see a new story or plot with a different heroine and characters involved…..time travel of course. Keep it up I love your work.
I love your books and have always been fascinated with the prospect of time travel as I believe there is more to this world than we realize. I am so hoping that you will find the time to do the master raymond series and possibly even a book all about the creepy creepy geillis.
I am still reading (savoring) MOBY. I appreciate all that goes into each and every book in this series and await patiently for the next installment. Like many other fans of your books, we all hope there will always be another book to look forward to!
Another wonderful read! Thanks! I have recently been to our best used book store and replaced my paper backs. (I also have hard back collection of a lll your books.) Many of my friends have been introduced to your Outlander series after they get hooked on book one. I am rather selfish with my hard backs, but let all the paper backs be read to loose pages, etc. When ever I enter the used book store the clerks know what I will be purchasing. Your Outlander series is being read over and over. I am now enjoying the film series and can hardly wait for each Saturday night to drift off to Scotland. I have read the book three times and still find new information every time. Thanks again!