See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
Diana
Thank you for Jamie and Claire. I feel like I am growing older with them. I retired in September and have been happily rereading the series and am now on the last. I want to parce it out so it will last, but cannot put it down. As a registered nurse I find all the medical details fascinating and just love the details.
Love the series…and happily await 04 April. Louise
Dearest Diana,
I started listening to your books sometime in the 3rd quarter of 2014, I dinna ken what happened but I failed to finish it after only 4 chapters. During the holidays, I was going through a rather tough time in the family front and immersed myself in watching and re-watching Lord of the Rings but that has tied me to the couch (though that was okay as I was getting a lot of knitting done too). So after New Year’s, I decided I better move about and distract myself by continuing with Davina Porter in my ear. And oh man! You and Davina Porter make a great team.
I know you’ve been praised and thanked and praised and everything and I guess there’s not enough words in English to express gratitude and praises so as to deliver it again without repeating everyone else.
What you’ve done for me is give me a different perspective on life. That whatever that end I came to in 2014 would only lead me to a more solid future. So you gave me hope too.
It’s weird to be picking up life’s useful tidbits from a story about time travel but I know this isn’t really what the story of Jamie and Claire is all about (it’s just an aspect of it). One thing that always rings true in your stories is that love comes in so many different ways and happens in different times, sometimes unexpectedly, cutting boundaries and traversing time. And even if I must have lost it now at 35, I may one day find it again… maybe, maybe not. I’m just glad I have bairns and with them my heart would be full enough.
One day I will get a chance to meet you, I wish I don’t get tongue tied or just fall on the floor when that happens. I would remember though not to ask you when the next book would come out no matter when this time will come. From what I’ve read of your work and about you with your own telling, you are a fantastical woman, worthy of all the praises and success that you have now. I’ve never really had a favorite author, I just say Paulo Coehlo even if I’ve only ever read one of his books, because he’s a rather popular author. I say Gabriel Garcia-Marquez because that means I’ve endured 100 years of Solitude. Now I can proudly say Diana Gabaldon is my favorite author. The very fact that you are unable to even categorize your body of work characterizes the awesome skill that you have. I can’t even begin to fathom how all of these stories form in your head. What an amazing use of the brain! I suppose I can say thank you for keeping me from being a pretender in that regard.
I only wish there really is a Jamie Fraser. Sigh! Swoon! Well there’s Sam. I think he’s real enough. hahahah…
Slainte! Moran Taing!
Your servant,
Sherlyn
When will book 9 be available? HA! I haven’t even finished 3 yet and I am worried about 9!
#INLOVEWITHYOURBOOKS
Hi, Diana, I love the Outlander books and side books! I feel as if the characters are friends. I’m glad for the side books. They answer questions I had about the main books. You said you’re updating the Companion 1. Do I need to buy that in addition to c2? Thanks, Brigit
Hi Diana, I LOVE your books and can’t WAIT for the next one.
I am thinking about going back and reading them from the beginning again.
I just have to say that I was very disappointed in the casting for the STARZ Outlander series. Unfortunately for me the actors cast for Jamie and Clare do not match how I envisioned them. Jamie was a very large, tall man according to your description in the book and the actor that is playing him is not. Also Jamie had flaming red hair which is why he had to wear the brown bonnet when he was living in the cave, and the actor playing him has some red in his hair but not at all how Jamie was described in the book. Clare is not as I envisioned her either so I am not a fan of the TV series and will not be watching it.
However I think it is very cool that they are doing the series, especially for those who may not have read the book and so don’t have the jaded view that I have of the actors, I’m sure they will enjoy it VERY much.
I hope you can write another book picking up where MOBY left off with Brianna and Roger and the kids returning to Jamie and Clare… At least that is what I think was happening at the end of MOBY…
Love you Diana! Thank you for all the good reads!!
Darcy
How did Jamie learn printing? Will there be a side book about it?
Dear Birgit–
I don’t know; hadn’t thought about it. [g]
Best,
–Diana
How about one book with “Leaf on the Wind”, The Space Between”, and “Virgins” all together?? That would be quick. Also, any prequels. I don’t care to buy three books with multiple authors that have no relation to Outlander. Not an ebook – I don’t do ebooks. I’m sure there is enough audience like me to be worthwhile for you.
i was totally devastated when I finished Moby. Thought what do I read now????
Look forward to the next book.
Diana,
May I stand up and clap? I just finished My Own Heart’s Blood, read slowly, so as to savor every minute.
This book, as with all the others, has taken me away this past year to somewhere different. This particular
year being one of the hardest of my life. (Well we all have them don’t we?)
I just wanted to say thank you for a light in my nights.
Keep going. Brilliance never comes easily and does not come when called.
I look forward to Book 9 when it does come.
Best,
Terri
Dear Terri–
Thank you! And I do hope your next year will be a good one!
Best,
–Diana
I started book 1 the night Outlander premiered on Starz; I just finished book 8! Thank you for the wonderful world I spent my “down time” in during the last 5 months. I hope to see an announcement for book 9 someday, but until then; Slainte!
Jennifer
Dear Diana,
I confess I arrived late to the party. After viewing the beautiful TV series last fall, I’ve been gorging on your Outlander series ever since. Maybe I got lucky only discovering the books so recently. I loved reading all eight books back to back starting with the printed version of Outlander, and then switching to Kindle versions for the rest so I could reload immediately after finishing each book. Whoa. A hell of a ride it has been.
Thank you for so many things: Jamie and Claire (delicious), beautiful vivid settings and smells (love the smells), and so many twists and about faces I can’t keep it straight (but love trying).
I can only imagine the blood, sweat and tears you let fall into these beautiful stories. I thank you from my heart.
With joy,
June K. Sherwin
Dianna,
I love all your books and the Starz series brought the characters to life for me. My vision of Jamie was very much that of the actor, except my Jamie was taller. My Claire was shorter and not as thin. But I have found their skill in portraying their characters is excellent and enjoy the series more than can be expressed. Not only have I reread the books. I have seen all the episodes on Starz and am anxious to see the next season in April.
My question is, do you think the series will be available on DVD when it has been aired completely? I would love to own that too, (I have all of the OUTLANDER books) I am in the market for the LORD JOHN Series. Thank you for your wonderful stories I look forward to reading all of your books, Laurie
Dear Laurie–
I hope you’ve found the DVDs. [g]
–Diana
Thank you. Ever so simple while it conveys so much. I’ve just “plowed” thru all 8 books (7 in pb, 1 hb) in approximately 2 months. It did take a few days in between some volumes as I awaited their arrival. I had to read them this way because they were all there. I am satisfied for now. Art is not created quickly. I still need to acquire OC1. I’m glad to learn here that there will be an OC2.
Again, thank you. I read it all, I loved with them, I worried with them, I laughed again and again, I cried a lot, when needed, and I read some parts a couple times. I know I will re-read them all at a slower pace now.
I’m also enjoying the Starz series. It’s always fun to put faces to the characters in print, and, of course, it’s great to see Scotland. My own ancestry is English, and I would love to visit, but unless I start buying lottery tickets and win big quickly, it won’t happen in this lifetime.
I’m a cat person and loved Adso, but I understand dog people (most of my friends are) and I hope Ian gets another dog, but Rollo was so perfect, how can you top, or equal, that?
While I patiently await Book 9, I can fill a lot of that time with the Lord John series. I haven’t even started them yet. Whenever you come to Portland, Oregon, for a book signing, I’ll do my best to come meet you. No, I’ll not be jumping up and down screaming OMG!! After all, I’m a senior citizen. I should be able to control myself by now.
THANK YOU!!
Dear Diana
I am happy about claire and jamie but now and then i cant stop thinking about frank a man who doomed for his love and goodness i cant stop thinking about him and every time read about claire and jamie i think about frank and now i think that it is what happen to you when you show goodness to someone that you end up with betrayal
Hello, first I would like to apologies, I did ask when your next book is going to be out on Facebook and I am sorry. I just wanted to know if there was going to be a book after MOBY. I am just happy that there is going to be one. So you can bonk me over the head with MOBY if you would like. LOL! You put so much work into your books and I love all of your characters. I have a suggestion for the next book, see what you think, now did I get it wrong that Ian has one Mohoch son living with his ex-wife? He went to see his ex-wife and got to see the boy and gave him a name. Are going to have Ian possibly have the child see him again and explain that he is his real father? Which makes Ian’s new wife’s son has a half brother. Hmmm…wouldn’t that be interesting to add to the story? Just an idea. I am so happy that you are out there. Looks like you have been to some really interesting places and I am watching the series.
Dear Jennette–
Wait and see! [g]
Best,
–Diana
Just wanted to add my thanks for the Outlander series. The books have everything I find exciting in novels. It’s going to be hard to wait for number 9. The actors in the show are truly amazing. If the 9th book is the last of the series, I have a feeling it with be heartbreaking. I guess I will have a few years to prepare myself though. Thank you again, Diana. You have such a wonderful talent. You have given me joy, laughter, and tears. I’ve got to say I couldn’t put the damn things down,. Thank you!!
Dear Diana
My friends and I have been reading your books for years, passing them around, and excitedly telling anyone who stands still long enough of these exceptional works. The TV series is fairly close to our imaginings and thankfully not changed out of all recognition like sometimes happens. Even non writers like ourselves can see the huge amount of research and work that goes into each book so thank you, thank you, thank you! We hope you will write a few more though and look forward to your next creations. While we wait we just re-read previous books and find all the bits we missed in our haste the first time. Wishing you health and happiness from your Australian fans!
Hi Diana,
I just want to say I absolutely love your books!!
I have just read the eight books in the Outlander series in the last 11 weeks. To the average book reader this may not seem like much but for me it is amazing as in the last 30 years I have probably only read a total of 15-20 books in total which includes your eight. I was wondering when approximately you expect to have the ninth in the series available?? I am hoping I won’t have to wait 5 years…. sorry to be cheeky but you have inspired me to read & I thank you as I never dreamed I would enjoy reading this much.
You have also increased my wish to see Scotland as my ancestors originate from Scotland. I am a MacDonald by birth. You descriptions of the countryside is amazing and one day I will definitely get to see it for myself….
I just started the Lord John series which is a good read just not as complying as Jamie & Claire.
I have also seen the first half of session one of the tv series Outlander which is fantastic and can’t wait for the second half in April. Not quite as great as the books but still fantastic
Thank you for inspiring me to read.
Cheers Michelle (NZ)
Dear Michelle–
I’m in the very early stages of Book Nine right now. MOBY (Book Eight) came out less than a year ago, and I spent nearly six months doing book-tours (in multiple countries) and promotion for both the book and the new TV show. So I’ve only had about three months of actual work on Book Nine so far.
I don’t plan the books out ahead of time, and I have only the vaguest notions of what happens in a book (I don’t write with an outline and I don’t write in a straight line; I write where I can see things happening). So it’s impossible for me to say how long a given book will be, let alone when it will be finished (life gets busier by the minute, with a _lot_ of unexpected interruptions). I hope you’ll enjoy it when you get it, though!
Best wishes,
–Diana
Dear Diana I just wanted to repeat a reply to an earlier post, just in case you don’t go to past posts. I think, and this is just a theory, that the reason Clair was able to go through the stones the first time was because her five times great grandmother was Briana, since they came back at the end of MOBY it is entirely possible. ( at least as possible as time travel). I also think Frank knew a lot about what would happen to Briana. Why else would he teach her to shoot and ride, so maybe he knew more about Clair’s ancestry.
Dear Diana,
First, I apologize for my unstable English.
I’m Japanese.
I learned English in junior high and high schools for six years, but am not good.
It is like Mr. Willoughby.
I got absorbed in your amazing books after watching the Starz Outlander series on TV.
I read all seven of your wonderful translation books.
I have read this book three times over.
I cried and laughed and was relieved.
My heart is full.
I am amazed to learn that there is such a book.
Then, where a married couple lies in edge and the edge of bed, as the time move on.
It is my small opinion.
Me too.
I have a hankering for Clare and Jamie.
I showed courage and said to a husband.
“When we sleep, let’s to join hands”
He said,”I will”
Even though sometimes.
Diana, It’s thanks to you.
Men should read this book.
I look forward to “Book 9″.
before that time, I must finish reading Book8.
The translation book only to seven volumes, and I was anxious about them.
So I just reopened study in English.
For reading “Written In My Own Heart’s Blood”.
But, The English wall is thick highly, and I almost became discouraged.
Could you encourage?
Please sent to your Great for my address.
By the way,
My impression,
The most favorite scene in the books.
“The night of the manatee”. -Voyager- .
I think it will be their second wedding ceremony.
That’s very very beautiful Night.
- A little question -
I want to know the state of Jamie in more detail when Clare was half-dead. – A Breath of Snow and Ashes -
A huge fan from Japan.
Sincerely.
Dear Aico–
Your message is like a poem–very beautiful! I think when you have read WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD, you will have a very good idea of Jamie’s state of mind about Claire in A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES. Thank you very much for your kind words–and I much admire your courage in fighting the English language in order to read my books!
Best wishes,
–Diana
Dear Diana.
I was really touched.
I didn’t think you could get a comment from you.
I’m very very HAPPY!!
Thank you for giving me good advice. Diana!
I keep reading.
Please keep writing you as ever .
A fan keeps reading.
Please come and hang out in Japan next time!
Yours sincerely
AICO