See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
Was malva christie a possible time traveller also, hence why when Claire cut out her baby, there was a blue light (such as when the doctor touched touches roger’s throat)?
Dear Elly–
No, that was (likely) Claire, not Malva.
–Diana
Thanks for the response Diana. I was curious as Claire as healed many people and this was the only time a blue light was mentioned in regards to her. Also, Tom Christie did refer to Malva’s mother being a witch, so thought there may have been a bit of a deeper mystery there.
Love your books and really enjoying the tv series!
love your books,thought id read them all,but looks like im actually behind on the ones not in the big 8.since “discovering”you,im baffled i could have missed such a fantastic wrighter.i can barely write letters,but am an avid reader,and intend to read everything you have ever written.we do have 11 of your books,and im asking santa for more.hope y’all have a Merry Christmas.
I just came across this: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34693269?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u856&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery1 Has anyone else noticed or am I the last one??
I just wanted to say that I came across your books only a couple years ago (my mom gave me “Outlander” and said: “it’s good, but it’s weird” and so it took me a while to get around to reading it!). I have now read them all; I just finished “MOBY” last night and, as usual, felt a little like crying when I realized there was no more story! Number 9 is the first one I will have to wait for, and it’s not going to be easy! But I have been hooked from the very first chapter, so thank you for writing such incredible books.
I just wanted to say “Thank you”. I bought the first Outlander book about 5 years ago, but didn’t actually pick it up to read until this past October. I just finished the last sentence of book 8 about 3 minutes ago. I could not put them down. I haven’t been this captivated by a book series for about 15 years when I first entered the world of a certain boy wizard. I’ve read my share of series of books and most of the time at the end of them I’m just reading so I can finish them , only for the sake of finishing. I found myself putting your book down quite often in the last 100 pages just so I could stretch out leaving the world you created. I hated saying goodbye! I then quickly searched the internet and was relieved to discover there will be a 9th book! Thank you again for your creation and never leaving your fans wanting (except maybe for more!)
Sincerely,
Becky Kain
Hi Diana,
I have only discovered your books since September and have now read all the outlander series that you have written. Once I finished one, I had to read the next. I was so happy to see that there was 8 books and I will try and be patient as I wait for the 9th book. I am impressed with all the history, the sub plots and the love story that exists in your books. Thank you for writing them, they have been my escape into another world that makes reading so enjoyable.
Joy
Dear Diana,
Wow! I LOVE your writing and the Outlander books. I am reading MOBY now.
I have to agree with the women of “advanced age” who are concerned they may not live to read the ninth book. I am 73 but hope springs eternal and I am SURE I will be reading that book when it comes out.
Thank you for your wonderful imagination and diligent research. The characters are very real people to me and I have to have my daily fix of their adventures or I feel bereft.
All my best to you.
Elaine
Thanks for your wonderful books. I cannot begin to fathom how you are able to write such long books and they are thrilling. I would give anything to write just one book but cannot get the discipline needed to accomplish the task. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head but can’t seem to set them to paper. You are blessed and I so appreciate your talent. I read Outlander when it was first released and thought it was one of the best books I had ever read. This year I watched the series and thought it was very good. It made me want to read the rest of the series and tonight I just finished Moby. I am going to be lost without the Fraser family adventures.
I feel so selfish, knowing you had only finished the latest book this year, to want another right NOW! But I re-read all my Outlander books after the Outlander TV extravaganza finished and now I’m thirsting for more. Wonderful news that you are indeed writing book number 9. I do have at least one of the spin off novels so perhaps will content myself with a few more in the interim. Thank you for your wonderful work.
I first became aware of Outlanders on Starz. I never missed an episode. The series ended for the season and I just couldn’t believe it! I could not wait until April 2015 when it resumes so I bought the 7 book Kindle bundle. I was entranced and just couldn’t stop reading it on my iPad, iPhone, laptop…in my car, during lunch breaks, in the park, while my husband slept…every moment I could I read. I finished echo in the bone and immediately purchased MOBY. I can’t believe I finished it in two weeks. I thought the ending was fantastic and the emotions both Jaime and Claire must felt jumped right out of the book…err…my iPad. I will never forget the story and look forward to book 9, whenever it comes out….it won’t be easy but I will wait.
In the meantime, maybe I’ll take a trip to Scotland next summer.
Diana, I am a new fan. I started reading book one on September 15, 2014 and finished book eight on December 6, 2014. I love your writing, your characters are wonderful. To tell you the truth as a women I thought I was dead on the inside but after reading these books it has awaken something in me that I thought was lost forever. Your books have put a smile on my face and song in my heart. Thank you!
Diana,
Love the books – my hairdresser got me hooked by lending me her Outlander paperback. I bought all, including Outlander, for my kindle and have read the series 3 times now. Thanks for the link to the first episode of the Starz series. With it I was able to convince my boyfriend of the need to expand our cable package to include Starz! It is the best adaptation from book to screen I have seen.
Beth
I just finished MOBY and loved it although I found it a little strange that Bree and her family show up in America in 1778 when the last time we saw them they were in Scotland in 1739. I am late to the party but this summer was a bad time for me and my husband. Although things are getting better, devoting a large chunk of time to reading has not been on my agenda. Since I have Scottish ancestors Stewarts from Ayrshire who came to the United States in 1863, I am fascinated by all things Scottish real or make believe. The rumor in my mom’s family was a relationship with Mary Queen of Scots but I do not know much truth there is to that.
Look forward to book 9 when ever it shows up.
I picked up Outlander, which a friend had given me, in 1993 just as I was to start graduate school. Time travel, I though, piffel and never read it. I picked it up again when I graduated and was hungry for anything fiction. I was hooked as soon as Claire went through the stones. I have given Outlander to a lot of friends so they would have their own copies. I retired in September and have started rereading again. I never did get around to the last three books, and I am in Outlander gluttony and loving it. It is like spending time again with cherished friends. The thought of a 9 th book is just over-the-moon to consider. I love the series, could not have asked for more! Thank you so much, Diana, for these wonderful gifts. Louise
I viewed the “Outlander” series in the fall and instantly fell head over heels in love with the story and characters.
So much so that I have since read all eight books and I am now listening to the audible books. Jaimie and Claire are the characters most women are infatuated with. Jamie, the warrior, every woman wants one, and the gentle lover who is over the top in love with Claire. The reality of the times and men’s attitude toward women brings home how fortunate Claire is to have found a man like him in the 1700′s.
You style of writing draws me in and keeps me there to the point of eye strain. I have to set my timer to close the book to attend to tasks necessary to run my personal and business life. You are blessed with creativity and I am grateful for the hours of pure entertainment you have provided with your books!
Dear Diana,
every one has already written so much, so many compliments. Expressing exactly what I think and feel, so what else is there to say as very well done?
Your books have been accompanying me now for more than 17 years. Like many others have stated as well. But nevertheless it’s the only series of books I have, where the characters like myself grow older parallel with me, keep their own characters over the years and feel very vivid, when oping the first page and my “head-movie” turns on.
It’s like looking at old photographs of long not seen friends and family every time a new book comes out.
And since this is the first time in all these years I visited your homepage, I know even know that there will be one more book to come. I hope large and thick as the others ;))
I have to admit, I did have a small battle with myself, if I should watch the series or not, which I did in the end, I was too curious. I had to watch the stream on amazon.
I agree with you, the acteurs are very well casted. The DVD will be mine for sure, though I have to wait some time still. and the story is close to the books, well counselled.
So keep on writing , dearest Diana. Your stories, will always be guests in my live. Thank you for that.
Wishing you all the best from this side of the world.
PS:1 I admire the part about the “blue light” in part 8
The ‘Outlander’ books brought me out of a 30 year fiction hiatus. Back in 1984, my husband (going on 36 years of marriage) said I wasn’t getting much done besides going to work and basic chores. So I quit reading fiction, concentrating on ‘getting much done’….long story short, I watched the STARZ series and had to know everything about these characters (and the author behind them.) Now, halfway through a Breath of Snow and Ashes, it’s fun to look for ‘Outlander’ books second hand for co-workers, though I can count on one hand the number of times that’s happened…these books are collector’s items. I’ve worked in surgery for almost 30 years, so like others, I enjoy the medical aspect of the series, wondering how well I’d fare in the same (albeit unbelievable) circumstances.
Hi Diana
Have just re read, the whole series (of big books) again, second time I’ve read Moby. At a loss with what to do with my life now?!
Dear Alana–
Read the Lord John books and the novellas? (Check the “Chronology of the OUTLANDER Series” under the “BOOKS” tab.)
Best,
–Diana
Dear Dana,
I just discovered the Outlander series this August (2014), when I picked up Outlander at an airport news stand. A few pages in I was totally hooked. I love to read mysteries and historical fiction, but I haven’t been this captivated by a series since the Lord of the Rings or The Clan of the Cave Bear. Since August, I have read all 8 books of the Outlander series and like everyone else is waiting for book 9. I will now start on your other books, perhaps with Moby, some of the fill in earlier books, or the Lord John series. Lest you think all I do is read, I am a professor of economics at Iowa State University with a full-time professorial job. I just love to read! You have made fall semester–filled with teaching a large section of introductory microeconomics, much travel, several international boards, interviewing candidates for several positions in our department, and beginning a new research program–full of wonderful moments with Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger, and all your other wonderful characters.
Note–I am also an historian and deeply appreciate the care you take to make the historical facts both right and interesting. You have taught me Scottish history I never knew and made the American Revolution come alive in new ways.
Thank you so much!
Elizabeth (Betsy) Hoffman
Professor of Economics
Iowa State University
Dear Betsy–
Hey, all _I_ do is read… [g]. I just do it while cooking, waiting for dogs to finish investigating the shrubbery, doing laundry, etc…. Haven’t figured out a way to do it while working, alas, but fortunately I enjoy writing.
Merry Christmas!
–Diana
Carol Amundsen
December 22, 2014 • 10:12 pm
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I have just read about Rogers parents . Now there is only MOBY left, [VIRGINS too when i get it ] I think I will leave MOBY and reread and listen to all the others again , knowing that it is there safe on my shelf comforts me. I loved that you are going to write one about Jamies’ parents .I read the Christmas gift you gave us about them and had tears in my eyes while reading it and i don’t know why. I laugh and cry reading your books.
Do you think you will ever come to BRISBANE QLD AUSTRALIA ?
I would love to see you if you do.
THANK YOU DIANA FOR CARING ABOUT YOUR FANS.
FROM CAROL