See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
Dear Diana,
I came upon your Outlander series quite by chance this summer while perusing the shelves at my local library in search of an audio book to listen to. I was intrigued having seen some references on Facebook regarding a TV series with that title; I didn’t realize it hadn’t already aired. I proceeded to listen to all 8 books in the Outlander series + most of the Lord John books while simultaneously viewing the Starz production. I am totally obsessed!! I would prefer to do nothing else than to continue to immerse myself in this captivating world you have created. My sister, who was stationed in Scotland while serving in the U.S. Navy, has read all of the books multiple times. When I discovered my new found obsession I called her to share it with her thinking she would probably be interested. She laughed her head off when I started singing my praises to your books. She then proceeded to tell me that she had tried to interest me in them in the past and I had politely refused her suggestion. The whole time travel thing had apparently put me off; thank God I got over that!
I am hoping that in book 9 William will figure prominently and/or that you might devote a Novella to him. Has anyone told him that his mother blackmailed Jamie into having sex with her? I would like him to know that.
I am looking forward to book 9 and the rest of season one; hoping that all of the books will be filmed eventually.
Your devoted fan,
Barbara
Postscriptum: I am a red heid as are both of my children.
Okay, okay, so the ending wasn’t a cliffhanger. We just wanted to share the moment, you know?
Dear Diana
I was introduced to Outlander two years ago by an American friend. It came about as she asked me to get her a copy of Trail of Fire.. I can never thank her enough for that introduction. I was soon hooked.
I look a break after Voyager and read Lord John, all of them in order – I do love that man -. I slowly worked my way through the others so was spared the cliffhanger in Echo. ( A deliberate decision as I was warned about it). In response to a much earlier correspondent – MOBY was available in London on 9th June as you said.
Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful series. As a previously medieval historian, the writing of the historical side has been exceptional – enough for me to revisit 18th century history both UK and US . Sadly for me MOBY was published a month after my last visit to the US though I did get to New Hope and the site of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. Had I know about Monmouth then, I would have detoured to there as well.
I was a bit concerned about the TV series – I have seen too many film adaptations that were very bad but this series is wonderful. I am so glad you stuck to your guns and waited for the right production company to come along… The casting is perfect and brilliant as are the production values – the costumes and cinematography are superb and Scotland itself….very evocative.
I just hope that the people of Great Britain will soon be able to see this wonderful series and maybe you here to publicize it.
Kind regards and here’s to the further adventures of the Fraser clan and Lord John.
My dearest Diana. I am a latecomer to the Outlander universe and your wonderful books and stories. This is both a good and bad situation. Bad because I missed out on these books for the last 20+ years they have been available. Good because now that I have discovered them I was able to read straight through the first 8 books without having to wait years for the next one. Until now that is. I am 68 years old and I now have another good reason to mind my health so I am still around for book 9. In the meantime I am working my way through the Lord John Grey series.
These books sing to my heart like no others ever have! I am of Scottish descent (my grandmother was from Edinburgh) and I have always had a strong affinity for the cultre and history of Scotland (yes, I own a kilt). While I was in the Navy I was fortunate enough to be posted to an exchnge tour with the Royal Air Force during which I lived in Lossiemouth, Scotland. Lossiemouth is a small fishing village on the North Sea coast about 45 minutes east of Inverness. I had many opportuniies to fly various low-level flights through the Higlands and over the Moray Firth. In my free time my wife and I travelled extensively through the Highlands, including several day trips to Inverness.
I cannot thank you enough for the joy you have given me with these books and stories. I am every bit as involved with the lives of Jamie and Claire and their friends and family as if they were my own kith and kin.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
(As a side note, would it be possible to put a “Submit Camment” button at the top of this page so one doesn’t have to page through 400+ comments to get to the submit comment link? A button like this could be a link to a separate submission page where you could submit a comment and then link back to the main blog page.)
Thank you, Larry!
What a lovely letter–I appreciate it so much!
I’ll mention the “Submit Comment” position to my web-mistress; she knows How These Things Work, you know… [g]
Best wishes,
–Diana
Thank you for creating such a wonderful story with such interesting characters. I have been a fan since the first book. We really enjoyed seeing you in one of the episodes of the Outlander series. My husband and I have been fascinated with the costumes and sets and appreciate how everyone involved with the series has gone out of their way to be respectful and true to your work. We can’t wait for the next 8 episodes!
Having. reviewed your work schedule I have now come to a realization: Superwoman does exist! I don’t know how you manage, but may the Force be with you.
Mrs. Gabaldon,
Your books and short stories are such a pleasure to read, thank you for how much hard work you put into each and every one of them! I have just one small question… Will there, one day in the future, not asking when, but is there a chance that there will be more Lord John stories somewhere down the line? I’ve read every single bulge, short story, and novel you’ve written, even ordering “A Trail of Fire” all the way from the UK as it is not yet published in the US, and I love them all, but I’m dreading that there might not be another Lord John book to look forward to one day since I’ve heard nothing about it. He is such a fantastic character, quite possibly my second favorite of the entire Outlander series (after Roger), and I’d love to see his journey – his series – continue.
Thank you for everything,
Sincerely,
Angelina
Now that I have completed the 8 novels from the Outlander series, reading one after the other all summer, I feel like I am going through withdrawal. I’ve dreamed of Jamie and Claire in my nighttime dreams and one morning woke with a man’s voice speaking Gaelic to me in my head. ( I have idea what the words or meaning were.) My request is that the 9th novel pick right up where the 8th left off so we also can experience the great homecoming. Diana, you are my new favorite author.
What does that mean waiting moderation? I don’t have a website
Dear Karen–
It’s just part of the spam-filter on this website; if the software thinks there _might_ be something off about a post, it alerts me that a post is waiting moderation, and I go look at it. If it’s _not_ spam, I let it through and it posts normally.
–Diana
I just finished the Scottish Prisoner. It was wonderful. i hope that there a sequel to it picking up at the end of the Scottish prisoner.I want read about how Lord John marries Isobella.
I must agree with Larry Jones. I have some Scottish ancestry as well. A friend loaned me the first book in 1995, saying she was sure I would enjoy it. And did I ever! I teach English composition to college freshmen and often refer to this series as an example of outstanding detail that comes from quality, time consuming research. I have my own set of all 8 and have read them all twice – once was last summer to be ready for the no. 8 but the publication delay sent me back to #7 (Echo in the Bone) for a third time refresher. I have enjoyed the film and am definitely sad to have to wait until springtime for the next season. Genealogy interest has me reading a great deal of history in the British Isles and like costumes and setting very much – appear to be well researched as other info in the books. has been. Claire is not quite what I expected as I see her as more “slender” and hair a bit lighter. She is strong willed however. Jamie’s hair could be a bit more red but he displays an amazing strength and strong moral character and pride that makes hair color less important. Both are wonderful in their roles. Frank/Jack is also. The credits go by so quickly I am not sure where this has been filmed – for sure it is breathtaking. I would also like to see the lyrics of the opening song in print somewhere or a place to buy this haunting melody. My granddaughter (age 21) has recently started reading the first book. Look forward to talking to her about it. So am looking forward to book 9 and can only imagine what it takes to get it done but I am even older than Larry Jones, so hopefully have enough “time” to see how this will end. Thanks to you and your staff for the excellent work.
Dear Mary–
Me and my staff? [laughing] What do you figure, I have elves living in my basement who do the writing? Nope, it’s just me; I do all of the research and the writing myself.
Much obliged for your good opinion, though!
Best,
–Diana
Diana,
Not quite sure how to phrase this as I devoured the Outlander series and will very likely start reading it all over again. However, since I have lived in NC most of my life (both piedmont and mountains – currently) and am in the medical profession and a gardener, I did note a few errors. Depending on how accurate you want to be, let me know if you’d like assistance from an elf.
(I’ve had 2 patients with colonicvaginal fistulas; the second grossest condition I’ve encountered.)
your books are amazing…every time I finish one I wonder if I will be granted enough time on this earth to read the next one. I am totally in love with the TV series, it is so well done and the casting is amazing! my only criticism is that I wish there would be subtitles when the Gaelic is spoken….since reading your books I have the most extraordinary desire to learn that language! I don’t think you will ever read this email but in the case that you do maybe you could ask that subtitles be included for the Gaelic spoken parts! God bless you and your writing skills I am so happy to be in the Outlander fan club! Peace! Kathryn Cali
Thank you so much for your wonderful series of books which I discovered quite by chance 20 years ago. I am so desperate to see the tv series, would you have any idea if there will be a DVD or if it will be shown in the uk on tv. From the trailer, I think the stars that you chose to be Jamie and claire are exactly how I imagined them to be. Thank you for so many hours of pleasure and I look forward to the ninth and possibly final book in the series. You are one very clever lady may I add. Thank you.
Dear Diana,
After 2 years of urging from my BFF I immersed myself in your Outlander Series (in anticipation of watching the TV Series). For the past 6 weeks/8 books- time faded away, daily life almost ceased to exist (who really needs to sleep or eat when there is a great book to read) and happiness flourished in my heart as I lived life with the Frasers. You leave your readers truly satisfied yet longing for more. I can’t wait to begin the Lord John Series and read the novellas. As I have a restaurant to run, a family that missed my interactions and 300 hours of beauty rest to catch up on…I may wait 24 hours for my formal introduction to Lord John…(then again I may not).
Thank YOU, Thank YOU, Thank YOU!
PS…As I read about Claire’s focus while practicing medicine – particularly surgeries – I thought about my own focus and calm when preparing dough, making omelettes, a good soup or pride in a well brazed pan of bones for stock – and often she is with me as I work. I’m inspired to new levels in my own profession thanks to your writing. Kudos.
I would just like to say that I read book 8 in 2 days and was amazed at the ending. The series has been outstanding and I hope to see a season two.
Thanks for all your work and those helping you.
Dear Brenda–
Just out of curiosity…who do you think is helping me?
Best,
–Diana
Dear Diana, Enjoying the series as much as the books….they have become interwoven with my life!! Saw a clip of a video titled “Voyageur” on the internet but the actors playing Jamie and Clair are not the same as in Outlander. Is Voyageur being made into a series as well?
Dear Juanita–
I imagine that’s one of the dozens of fan-made videos that have been posted over the last several years. It’s nothing to do with the Starz TV series.
Best,
–Diana
I started the series this year, so I was able to read all the books right away without having to wait long in between…. I just wanted to say I have absolutely loved this series! I was kinda thrown off when you started writing from other character’s points of view, but love it so much now! Im so happy that there is going to be a 9th book, I cant wait to see what happens. The show is so wonderful too, I have really enjoyed it. Now that the show is on break I have started reading the Lord John series. Thank you so much for creating this wonderful series, you are extremely talented.
As an Outlander and Lord John Gray fan, I am hoping I live long enough to enjoy the 9th book, but especially looking forward to the Outlandish Companion, Vol. 2. I have re-read all the stories many times, and find the Starz series to be beautifully done in all respects. Recently gave away my Vol. 1 Companion and have ordered a replacement. I’m 76, a grandmother and a widow now, but never alone. I was introduced to the Outlander in 2008 while undergoing cancer treatment, and the world of Outlander has become more than a wonderful other world to escape to, the characters are like family now, close to my heart. Last year I visited Scotland, because of Outlander, and hope to go again to see more of this beautiful country and culture. Diana mentions in July of 2014 that her Outlandish Companion Vol. 2 may be published in 2015, I sincerely hope so! Diana is the most amazing author I’ve ever encountered! Thank you, Diana, for sharing your vivid imagination with us all and for your thoughtful patience with your many fans. Sending prayers for abundant blessings upon you and your family, from Marli in Vermont.
Kia ora Diana from New Zealand,
I am like many many people who thoroughly enjoy reading your wonderful books. My first book I purchased was at a fleamarket and from there I have not stopped reading, I am on book #7 and I have already bought #8. I catch a train to and from work which is 30mins each way and gives me my quiet time for reading….it is my space.
Your books remind me of my dad (born in Newport Wales), Chief Petty Officer in the British Navy. My grandmother was Scottish and my grandfather was Irish. My dad came to NZ and fell in love with the country, fell in love with my mum and married. Many times he would talk to us all (there are 6 girls and 4 boys) about his homeland Wales, Scotland and Ireland. I am a NZ Māori but also my whakapapa (geneology) comes from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
What true love there is for Claire and Jamie…Faith, Hope and love (in my language Whakapono, Tumanako and Aroha) and the greatest of them all is Aroha (LOVE)…..
Thank you Diana for the wonderful mind that you have in creating such beautiful books.
Ma Te Atua
Hei Manaaki
Hei Tiaki ki a koe
May our Heavenly Father bless you and keep you safe.
Arohanui
Cynthia
Thank you very much, Cynthia!
Best,
–Diana
Dear Diana,
Someone gave me a gift card to a book store many years ago. I bought the paperback edition of Drums of Autumn, unaware that it was part of such a wonderful series. Wow, talk about a gift that keeps on giving! I immediately bought the rest of the series and have been enthralled ever since. The show has been equally rewarding, thanks in large part to the actors and behind the scenes people who care for the characters as much as we do.
Did you ever imagine your first attempt to write a book would result in all this?!
Love and hugs,
Julie
Oh no! I’ve caught up with the books. I knew I should of put them down and savored more instead of being greedy and reading them into wee hours of the night and letting my house go to pot and the laundry pile up. Now what do I do? Wait what? Four or five years? You are joking right? Okay, I guess since that’s the only option.
I just started reading your books when the series came on. I had no prior knowledge. (I know, where have I been right?) Now I can start watching the series again without comparisons.
I just want you to know that these are the best books I have ever read. You had to of lived this life to be able to write so beautifully about it. I kept thinking, oh my gosh, what now!!!? I’m happy to have the very boring life I have compared to these books and I look forward to reading the next. I appreciate your mind and your abilities of putting everything down on paper that comes to life in my reading it.
In deep appreciation,
Beth
Diana, however long it takes for #9 to come out, it will be well worth the wait. Thanks for immersing me in the Outlander world. It’s a great ride.