See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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 just finished reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Have you ever been to any of these places you’re writing about?
I have to ask: However did you pick the places The Fraser clan ended up in the new world?
I read that you live in Arizonea, and I have to say, I have ESPECIALLY enjoyed reading these because I have lived in North Carolina for the last 20 years…Seventeen on the island of Ocracoke, and the last three in Alamance county, and have friends in Asheville, Boone, Linville Ridge (Is Fraser’s Ridge anywhere around the “Highlands”?) as well as Beaufort, (though I have visited New Bern)…
Ocracoke is a very special place with a very special energy…I’ve always said one could build a stonge henge (or the pyramids!) there, so I was not at all surprised that there might be a portal there! I’ve been really searching my brain, picturing the island to see if I could figure out where it is! (Although, there really isn’t any rock there, so I imagine they’d have had to be brought there…)
I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I finish…(Is there a Just-finished-reading-the-Outlander-series support group?)
I do so love this world and this characters you’ve created. I do so wish there were Jamies out there in real life…
Thank you!
J. Kidwell
Dear Jennifer–
Yes, I’ve been to most of the places I write about. [g] Glad to hear your take on Ocracoke, though–I’ve been to North Carolina, but hadn’t time to visit Ocracoke, what with the ferries and all. Look forward to that on a future trip! (Yes, btw, there are lots of deprived-Outlander-reader support groups out there. Google “Droughtlander” and you’ll find quite a few, I bet.)
Best,
–Diana
Thank you so much for giving us the gift of Claire and Jamie. I have just finished rereading all the books and now Moby and feel very sad that I’m going to have to leave them both for awhile. Wonderful to know that there will be another story. I just turned 60 and read Outlander when it first came out so feel that Claire and I have aged together. You have an incredible talent to carry us all along with you into their world and I love the fact that they both need glasses now, they are very real to me. I’m thrilled with the attention to detail on the TV series, I was concerned that they wouldn’t stay true to your work and pleased that they are. Watching the series again now loking forward to April when it starts again here in Australia.
Cheers,
Jacki
Melbourne Australia
I love the series and am looking forward to book 9. I can hardly wait to read how William comes to terms with Jamie being his father, William seeing his sister again and how does Claire come into her full power once her hair is all white!
Diana,
You have ruined it for all other authors! Outlander is the best.Can’t wait for the next book sorry to work you so hard.I also love the series and I’m dying to know who will be cast as Brianna and Roger.Thanks again for all you do your talent is amazing!
Dear Diana,
I’ve been through the Outlander series twice and I am getting ready to read through a this time. The series is just fantastic, and I’ve just now started the the TV series via Amazon….Amazing Is the word that comes to mind. I must day I was so upset at the end of Moby, because I couldn’t immediately pick up the next book and find out what happens…. But the image that popped into my head was the scene from “Gone with the Wind”…. When Melanie is in the porch at Tara, and they see another soldier walling to the plantation…. Melanie looks a little closer, and know instantly that it’s Ashley…..I had pictured Claire’s reaction bring much the same……I cannot wait until #9 is out. I read through the series again last summer. I was back home to Michigan from Texas taking care of my Dad who was dying from Pancreatic Cancer. My little guy and I Spent the summer with my Dad, and supporting my Mom through such a difficult time. I was up many late nights with my Dad giving pain meds, and making sure he was comfortable as possible…..Moby and The Outlander Series were such a blessed diversion from such an awful time in my life….. Moby came out at the exact right time for me…. Thank you so very much.
Marni McClune
Well, I don’t need an ending to MOBY, But I would love to read more about Mandy and Jem as they grow up. They are fascinating characters, possessing such interesting traits from fascinating characters. Will miss reading you.
Dear Marty–
Er….MOBY _has_ an ending. But it isn’t _the_ ending–not the last book, I mean.
Best,
–Diana
Dear Diana,
will there be another John Gray novel? And if so, when will it be out? Just can´t wait!
Your servant, madame,
Michael
Hamburg, Germany
Dear Michael–
Yes, in the fullness of time. [g]
Best,
–Diana
Your attention to historical detail as well as your wealth of knowledge of medicinal plant and surgical procedures that were applied in an eighteenth century setting must take copious amount of research. It enhances the richness of your books as much as Claire, Jaimie, Lord John, William, and all the other characters you bring alive on the page. I have read all the books in the last 6 weeks and now that I have finished eagerly await the next. Thank you for all of them
I ansolutely love the entire Outlander series! I’ve
read all 8 at least twice. The production on Starz
so far has done a fabulous job.
I’m very happy to hear there is another book to
follow! I can’t begin to imagine having to actually
be finished following the lives of Claire, Jamie, and
all the rest! You have an amazing gift! Thankyou
for sharing their world with our world!
Hi Diana, I just finished MOBY and wanted to thank you for writing such a wonderful book! I started reading the Jaime and Claire saga when I was only 17, and now being in my late 30′s these characters have been in my imagination now for most of my adult life and it was so wonderful to dive headfirst back into their world! I had not re- read the series in entirety for over a decade so when I purchased MOBY I decided it was time to do so. I am happy to tell you I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat at times and holding my breath and gasping out loud every bit as much as I did the first time through! Since initially reading the series I have also become a doctor ( a veterinarian) and I thoroughly enjoy all the chapters that explore Claire’s witty medical expertise
Thank you for giving us these books, they are amazing!!!
Tamara
I finished MOBY last night. Gosh, it’s so hard to let go because I was introduced to the series not that long ago and I was able to listen to all of them and it’s like Davina Porter is a relative to me! I know that sounds so silly. I’m so used to hearing her voice EVERY TIME I’m in the car alone and on all of my business trips. Now I don’t know what I’m to do on my upcoming trip to Texas (I hate flying, and she is so soothing to me…).
Who is this woman anyway? She’s just as brilliant as you are, Diana, no offense, but she’s made these characters so real that I’m sort of mourning them.
Thank you for the lovely stories. I thought I was a good writer, but, wow, I can’t even hold a candle to you, my dear.
~ Angela
Dear Diana
Just feel I need to say thank you for the immense pleasure your books have given me. They are outstanding not only for their wonderful storylines but for the diversity, scope and depth of characterisation and true ‘feel’ of the lives and times they encompass. Even the most minor characters grab the reader’s attention (although of course with your books only the unwary fail to pay full attention because otherwise its a devil of a job finding that minor character’s first appearance again when they suddenly re-appear further down the storyline!) I look forward to getting ‘fixes’ of Book 9 in due course but in the meantime have ended up going back to where it all began (for the umpteenth time!!!) having read MOBY (cough) er once or twice… A Brit so haven’t seen them on TV yet but something else to look forward to. Slight twist in that I worked in a bookshop and it was customers that said I just had to read your books!
Dear Dee–
Many thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the books–and my regards to your customer!
–Diana
Of course I in turn recommended your books (in spades!) – still recommending your books especially at the gym to people unwary enough to ask what it is I have on my kindle that keeps me reading on the bike / stepper / cross-trainer that even makes me laugh out loud! Just back-tracked to the Lord John stories reading them in chronological order and really enjoying them sooooo much more this time round. Possibly because I now feel the characters are family friends after enjoying them in the later Outlander books? Half way through Brotherhood of the Blade – and still reading at 2am last night until my husband very inconsiderately woke up and and I decided to comply with his request to turn the ****ing light out for the sake of matrimonial harmony!!!
Dear Diana,
Thank you. Thank you for so many hours of reading your magnificent books, over and over again. I cannot wait to read nr. 9, but hope that it will appear in Dutch by Christmas 2015. Please don’t stop writing!
With love,
Willy, Holland
Dear Mrs. Willy–
Um…WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD came out in June of 2014. That’s less than a year ago. It takes me 2-3 years to write a book of this size. I’m just beginning to work regularly on Book Nine. Ergo…I think you’re not getting it for Christmas of 2015, sorry.
–Diana
Hi Diana
At the moment I am reading the unabridged writings of James Boswell regarding the “Life of Samuel Johnson”. Having read all your books and thoroughly enjoyed them I noticed that Blackfriars Bridge was not built at the time of your novel regarding LJG and The Private Matter ( Re: his travel experience on his way to Lavender House) The above bridge was being discussed regarding the design in 1759. The beginning of construction was in 1760. Blackfriars Bridge was ready for pedestrians by 1766, for horses by November 1768 and for wheeled traffic in November 1769. Please don’t think I am being picky regarding the history of the city of London but at the time of this novel there were only two bridges in existence – London Bridge and Westminster Bridge(1750). Maybe you were just giving us a history of the Molly House locations in the 18th & 19th centuries. I have already pre-ordered your “Outlandish Company Volume 2″ Maybe this error (if it is) can be mentioned in the above yet to be released Outlander Companion 2.
Cheers…Sarah.
Dear Sarah–
Many thanks! I always want to know things, and appreciate the information very much!
–Diana
Thanks for your reply Diana regarding Blackfriars Bridge. The reformation was taken from Peter Ackroyd’s book “London The Biography” Gives a great history of London through the ages. Lots of info. on the city in the 18th century.
Cheers………Sarah
Dear Diana,
I have been a fan of your Outlander books since becoming a registered nurse in 2002, the sister on the ward where I started working introduced me to your books and I have now read, re read – over and over again – all of them. Your writing is believable, funny, descriptive, amazing and being 4 days younger than you am slightly jealous that I cannot write or even think of anything so wonderful as you have. We cannot get the Starz series in the UK .. Yet I am hopeful that we Brits will be able to enjoy Sam Heughan, Catriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies portrayals of Jamie, Claire and Frank/ Black Jack. We can read online how Outlander has won awards in the USA and I’m so delighted for you all. Is there any chance that we will be able to view your series in Britain this year?
In anticipation and
Kind regards from a very avid fan
Honor
PS from the pictures online Sam Heughan is Jamie personified and totally gorgeous! Thank you for choosing him!
Dear Honor–
The series will premiere in the UK on March 26th! It’s being carried by Amazon Prime Video. Enjoy!
–Diana
Wonderful news thank you Diana I’m going to check it out as soon as it is available.
Best wishes
Honor
Won’t compete on number of times I have read the series. Obviously some books were read more often than others, but each is a delight (although I was pretty steamed about the cliff-hanger at the end of Echo in the Bone.) Right now I am just finishing up with MOBY on Audible. The entire series is now on tape and Davina Porter does an outstanding job handling the multiple accents and points of view. I have listened to each in sequence and recommend this as another way to appreciate and enjoy the series. In fact you hear some of the exposition which you (I) raced over in order to find out what happened next. It’s worth hearing.
I just got the DVDs for the first TV shows and am enjoying those. Clearly they have made changes to the specific story to make a thousand page book work in an hourly show but the actors are excellent and the scenery is spectacular and the TV Claire and Jamie and the Audible and print Claire and Jamie are like close cousins of each other. Very relieved to hear that there is at least one more book in the works. These characters are now part of my family and I would miss them.
I have just finished Moby, tried to make it last soooo loong, I laughed and cried reading again another of these wonderful editions, am so happy to hear there will be another, will have to re read my others in the meantime.
Dear Diana
I am reading books for a long time and when I read Outlander it was just amazing but now i dont know every time i read your books my eyes filled with tears and reason of it is Frank Randall a man doomed for his goodness first he meant just minor character to me but his actions for both Claire and her child were simply great.
even though I tried to not think about him he just keep coming back in mind and the courage he has shown to raise another mans child and helping the wife how has left him.He makes me wonder sometimes and sometimes make mad with rage.
I might think that even the hero of series Jamie can’t do something like that.
P.S forgive grammer i am not that good at it
Diana,
I love all of your works. After reading through all of your wonderful comments above,
I will say only that I am glad you are the Author and I a mere reader. I had not visited
your webpage prior and found it very interesting.
Best Wishes for your future works . . . no hurry here regardless of my age.
Hmm, okay.. So when does Book #9 come out? …just kidding – no “bonking” required