See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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 Ms. Gabaldon, Thank you you so very much for taking me back to Scotland. Of course I was there in most recent times. I stumbled upon the first of the starz outlander episodes accidently. I was immediately captivated!! I purchased all eight novels in the series, between December 15th, 2014, and January 3rd. 2015, all have been read! Took a little longer because of the holidays, lol. Brilliant writing!! thank you :o)
Dear Diana,
Thank you so much for these eight wonderful Outlander books–great plots, fascinating characters, multiple story lines. I have always loved time travel stories and don’t know how on earth I missed your novels. It took the STARZ series to galvanize me to order Book 1 in August, followed quickly by 2 through 8 which I finished in late September. Like many of your fans I’m rereading them and am now back to Drums of Autumn.
I’m very curious as to whether Daniel Morgan’s life inspired you as to the number of lashes a man could receive and yet survive. I still cannot believe Morgan survived 500 lashes (well, 499 by his count) and went on to a long, full, and interesting life. I read somewhere that, in his old age, Morgan’s daughters used to have to come to the various Berryville, VA, taverns to pull him out and take him home.
I don’t know where Book Nine will take you and all of us, but I look forward to it. I’m in my late 70s, so if I should miss 9 I feel you ended MOBY in the most wonderful way. The story begins in my mind with the ghost Highlander watching Claire wrestling with her hair and ends with Claire and Jaime racing down the hill.
Again, many thanks and all good wishes.
Diana,
I just finished Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. WOW! Thank you for all the endless hours of spellbinding reading. Originally, way back in the 1980′s, I bought My first Diana Gabaldon books and have shared them with my fellow Outlander readers throughout the years. And, have read them all at least 3 times!
I can’t remember what book it was, but you mentioned the bit about the men knitting and were taught at an early age to knit their own socks. I have a written story that was written late 1700′s that has been passed down through the my family in regards to just that! The only difference was being my ancestors were from Germany/Prussia.
Thanks and am looking forward to more of your books!
Fran
I am a devoted fan of your Outlander series, however, I could certainly do with a lot less detail on the flora and medicinal procedures in order to have a quicker book that deals with the actual story.
Dear Maureen–
There are a lot of writers who do just that. I’m afraid I’m not one of them, but there are several who are listed on my Methadone List (under “Resources” on the home page); perhaps you’d enjoy Joanna Bourne or Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Best,
–Diana
I am a retired college literature teacher and admit I have read most of the classics and a great share of the 20th and 21st century good books. I love to read and was introduced to your books by a nurse during a recent stay in the hospital. I have read all 8 books, The John Grey books, the companion and the graphic novel. To say the least, I am a fan of your writing. Your character development intermixed with historical events is awesome. I am so glad there will be a 9th book. Jamie and Claire have truly captured by attention and I feel like they are actual friends. Thank you for the great world of fantasy, love, history and adventure you have given us in your books. You are truly a very gifted writer and storyteller.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
Dear Joyce–
Thanks very much, and I hope you’re feeling better!
Best,
–Diana
Dear Diana,
Just can’t wait for your 9th volume. Please don’t let Lord John Grey die in any of your future books. He is my favorite character along with Jamie’s son Willie. Have been reading the Outlander series since they first appeared back in the early 90′s. Have all your books and will never get rid of them. More LJG’s adventures would be great.
Diana, MOBY is such a rich tale! It is deliciously satisfying to my voracious Outlander appetite. These books just keep getting bigger and better! It delights me so. I love to escape into FraserWorld whenever possible. Thank you for fleshing out your characters so thoroughly (fortunately snowballing the size of the books). I am ecstatic that Book Nine is at least planned. I NEED to hear more about William! Also this mysterious blue healing power that Claire hasn’t tapped into – YET. I’ve been trying to find some other author whose storytelling will grab hold of me while I patiently wait for Nine, but have not yet found one who kidnaps me the way you do. I’ve already been through Echo and MOBY again since MOBY’s release. There’s gotta be something – laundry is so much more pleasant with an excellent audiobook to get me through…
Just finished MOBY LOVED IT !Loved all the Outlander books!
Can’t wait for the next one I know it will be awhile
but I’ll have the second half of the Starz series
Come spring and I can always reread the books again…
Somewhere about two thirds of the way through MOBY I noticed
you used parts of both of the actors names playing
Jamie and Claire in the series just wondering if you knew
they were playing the parts when wrote MOBY…
Your books are so well written with Heart and humour
I’ve enjoyed them so very much…
All the Very Best …Micki
Hello
I hang my head in shame when confessing that I have not read any of our books… Although I feel like I have started (sort of) with watching the Outlander series.
I’ve been scouring second hand bookshops in search of your book but still on the hunt. There’s something special about worn books, isn’t there.
I’d love to find it but honestly (and embarrassingly so) I don’t want to ruin the series by reading the book before I finish watching. I’ll be sure to read your second book before I’m addicted to a tv show and stuck in such a dilemma again.
Your schedule seems crazy (never mind hectic) hope you’re not seeing your days blur past you as this must be quite an exciting time for you having such achievements in your writing.
I’m no writer. More an ideas girl.
What would you suggest for someone that has a concept for a story and would love to find a great writer to do it justice?
With fond regards,
deidre
Dear Deidre–
Well, I hope you’ll enjoy the book(s) when you get to them, and in the meantime, I’m really pleased that you’re enjoying the show–I think they’ve done a fabulous job with it!
I also enjoy used books–though in the interests of general information, I feel I should note that all my books are still in print (new) in ALL formats, from hardcover, trade paperback (the large size) and mass-market paperback to ebooks (for all types of e-reader). I’m told that one doesn’t often find them in second-hand shops, though, because people don’t get rid of them.
As for finding someone to write a book based on your concept, the only feasible way of doing that is to pay someone to do it. Any writer worth his or her salt has more of their own ideas than they’ll ever be able to execute in a lifetime; they aren’t looking for more. But some writers will do work-for-hire projects, as a means of earning extra money. Could be rather expensive, though; I’d suggest writing it yourself, and see how you get on. Best of luck!
–Diana
Wow! Thanks for getting back to me.
I started the prelude. It sounds like a poem. Guess there will be hundreds of drafts before it feels right.
Writers really do not have any easy job.
..and the awards keep on coming! Just inspiring! Thank you.
Have a great day
x
Hi Diana,
I’ve just finished MOBY (Written In My Own Heart’s Blood) after reading all eight books in succession. I’m sure you would be accustomed to hearing such enthusiastic praise for your writing but I’d just like to add my thanks to you for creating such great tales around the Fraser Clan and the details of life in the 18th Century. At the same time I appreciate the concept and ethical issues you explore concerning the question of how one might effect the lives of so many if time travel were actually possible.
Your saga has proven to be both a blessing and a curse however as it’s the first time in many years that I’ve become so addicted to reading a particular series, and like so many of your readers, feel almost bereft at not being able to keep on reading! I won’t ask about book 9 but will struggle with great anticipation to wait for it to see how you resolve things.
Thank you again and great work.
Hi Diana,
I am one of the zillions of your readers who will NOT wait patiently for your next book lol but wait I will. A couple of year ago on the beaches of Cuba I gave my girlfriend a hard time because she was reading the Outlander series yet again (in anticipation of the next book coming out). I couldn’t see what the dickens she found so fascinating about a woman who time traveled when she got too close to a silly rock.
Well one day I was housebound and bored enough to spend the day reading the cereal box so I picked up Outlander (Julie had forced it upon me), and with an extremely bad attitude began to read. Within an hour it was official. I was an addict. I have read the series 4 times and I’m sure will read it several more.
Soooo impatiently and with trepidation I wait. Trepidation because sooner or later one of the main characters has to die and it changes in my mind daily as to which character I couldn’t live without.
Now quit wasting your time reading emails and get to Jaimie9 ROFL.
Have a wonderful day,
Allie
Dear Diana,
I admire your writing and attention to the smallest of details which I feel add to the believability of both your characters and storylines. I am an obsessive fan of the Outlander books in particular but first read a Lord John novel before discovering them. Love both but Outlander most of all.
It is appreciated how much hard work goes into the preparation, writing and finishing of your books and of course the publicity side and now the wonderful T.V. Series so I hate to make any derogatory comments but feel you are inclined to appreciate readers input without feeling slighted. That is certainly not my intent as I admire you greatly both as a strong woman and a exceptional writer
Dear Diana,
I admire your writing and attention to the smallest of details which I feel add to the believability of both your characters and storylines. I am an obsessive fan of the Outlander books in particular but first read a Lord John novel before discovering them. Love both but Outlander most of all.
It is appreciated how much hard work goes into the preparation, writing and finishing of your books and of course the publicity side and now the wonderful T.V. Series. So I hate to make any derogatory comments but feel you are inclined to appreciate readers input without feeling slighted. That is certainly not my intent as I admire you greatly both as a strong woman and a exceptional writer
However I found M.O.B.Y not as compelling as the other seven books and I felt it was due to the over analysis of the time travel question by Bree & Roger. I was also bored by the Roger and his ancestor Buccleigh,s travels through the stones to find Jemmy. It should have been exciting especially when he met Brian Fraser but somehow I found it distracting. Perhaps my second read through may shed more light on this incident, I hope so.
Maybe I’m being picky but I wonder if your inclusion of so many storylines in the one book rather took away the impact and made a more confusing read.
Anyway I’ve said my bit and still look forward to the next book regardless. I have not lost any of my enthusiasm for your work. Jamie is a wonderful creation!!
Lastly I have to give maximum praise to the T.V Series of your book. I never thought it could be portrayed so well or believed that anyone could play Jamie or Claire convincingly : But boy was I wrong. The actors are wonderful and the series is of amazing quality.
Congratulations and here’s hoping they get to do all the books. All good wishes to you and yours now and in the future.
Warmest wishes
,Yvonne.(U.K)
Dear Yvonne–
No, I never mind feedback from readers. Pleased to say, though, that most of the readers from whom I’ve heard didn’t share your opinion of MOBY. [g]
Best,
–Diana
I know I’m late to the party, but I have just finished the eighth book and am just tickled pink to know you will be writing a ninth book! Your work is excellent and I am addicted to every syllable within these books. Thanks so much for creating such a wonderful world for me to escape to, as an avid reader it is a pleasure to find a series to fall in love with. I’ll be waiting ever so patiently for your next work to come about!
Best,
Morgan
Diana,
I just finished reading the entire series from the beginning. I haven’t had a chance to read the novellas yet but think they will keep me going until number 9 gets published. Thank you for sharing this world with us readers and good luck with your other endeavors.
I happened on The Fiery Cross in the fantasy section of a library. My wife Susan and I read all the others thus far as soon as we could, and pounce on each new one (including sidetracks like The Scottish Prisoner and the Lord John stories) as soon as we can. We can’t afford many new books, but never consider passing up one of these…We haven’t seen the TV adaptation but are looking forward to it when it’s available on disc. What a glorious denouement if the whole series were eventually adapted to the screen like the Harry Potter books — Susan has read through the entire series four or five times and is talking about how it’s about time to do it again. She always picks up something on a new reading that she’s hadn’t noticed before, and she credits Claire’s experiences and comments with helping her learn to bear cold, adversity, and other things better than she could before. This is no small praise, as she was run over a year and a half ago and has been dealing with broken bones and constant pain ever since. — Many, many thanks for all the books, we hope nine will not be enough yet, and we sit both eager and frustrated before each new release.
Dear Diana,
It is such a pleasure to renew my acquaintance with old friends when I read your books. My daughter bought me MOBY just a few months ago. After I finished it, i was inspired to go back and read them all again a second time. It was so nice not to rush, but to savor. There are some passages that draw you in so thoroughly, i don’t know of any other author that does it so well. I am older (64) done a lot of reading, and find I have to go back over some passages because they are so good. So carefully crafted as to be “art”. I just wanted to share my deep appreciation, and to ask who do you read? I know you are very busy, and very productive, but is there someone you escape into? Thanks……………again.
Dear Beaty–
If you look under the “Resources” tab on the home page here, you’ll see “The Methadone List.” This is a list of writers whose work I particularly enjoy and can recommend without hesitation. Hope you find something there you’d like to try!
Best,
–Diana
Dear Diana,
I’ve been a huge fan of your books ever since Outlander first came out back in 1991, and I am thrilled to pieces to see it finally brought to the screen. Now I am NOT going to ask (because I know better) when you’ll finish Book Nine or any other project. I know the answer will be, when you’ve finished them and not a moment sooner. I try to be patient. However I do have a question about the Outlandish Companion. When the Outlander saga is completed – whenever that may be – will there be another updated, finalized version of the Companion planned at that time? I certainly hope so! Thanks for making so many people happy with your brilliant writing!
Peggy
Diana, like all your other millions of fans, I love the Outlander series, and I look forward to anything you write. I’ve been an avid reader of fiction since, er, for almost 50 years, and this series has held my attention like no one since Thomas Costain or Margaret Irwin. But Please, Please, stop killing off characters you have seduced us into caring about! Fire, rape, drought, war, pestilence, famine, ok, but stop killing innocents! I can’t afford the hankies
Diana- just finished MOBY – I stretched it out as long as I could, just reading 1-2 chapters before bed each night. Started reading your books in 2002 when I brother turned me on to them. I subscribed to STARZ solely to watch Outlander, and have downloaded the song as my ringtone.. Always brings me right back to Claire and Jamie when I hear my phone ring! Am still plagued with the vision of a Highlander outside of Claire’s apartment window, when Frank encounters him. It was in the TV show as well. I’ve gone back and read that several times but there’s not much explanation. Was it Jamie? Did he come thru the stones? Was it his ghost? Will it be explained at a later time?
I love your books!! I think I’ll have to go reread them again just to stay with the characters I love so much! I hope to meet you one day at a book signing. California is not so very far from Arizona.
Sincerely,
Diane
Diana,
I have been enthralled by the Outlander series for many years, and like many readers re-read the whole kit and kaboodle before a new release. Thank you for all your hard work.
One question I’ve had concerns the white sow. Why did you never name her? Clarence has become a character in his own right, but the white sow endures nameless.
I am thrilled that you will be continuing the series and eagerly anticipate the release of the ninth book.
alyson
Dear Alyson–
a) The White Sow is iconic. And
b) You know what Jamie, Young Ian (and a few other people) have said about demons and otherwordly thing: Ye don’t call something by name unless ye expect it to come.”
c) Most people don’t name an animal they expect to eat one day.
–Diana
Right. Never name a hen Chicken McNugget. Ask me how I know this.:) (She had a long and happy life.)