See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
I have been a fan of the Outlander books since my sister got me started on them years ago. I was sad when I got caught up and had to anxiously wait for each new one to arrive. I’m a fast reader so have to force myself to slow down and savor each one so as not to finish it too quickly. Your writing style is just amazing-the flow of the words and the entertainment of the conversations is the best! We don’t have anything but basic local cable so I’m not able to watch the Outlander tv series but pick up every tidbit on Face Book or the news. I was able to envision Catriona as Clare fairly well. It’s taken a little longer with Sam, even tho he is a lovely looking man. Even tho I know Jamie was very young when he and Claire met-I always saw him as a more mature looking man and much taller. The more I see Sam, the more I like him as Jaime, but when one commenter mentioned Chris Helmsley, I could really have imagined him in the part. Anyway-I hope there are more than the 9th book. The Fraser clan seem like family and I would be saddened if either Claire or Jamie should pass on but I could imagine an ending with them at an advanced age, sitting on the porch,holding hands and looking out over all they’ve developed at Fraser’s Ridge. Than you for these books and I will also be grateful for any more .
Beautifully said. And I agree totally with your review. I wish I could slow down, but I get so excited to see what is coming next………..
I love these books for their realism, foundation of facts, research, and how I am drawn in to them! I have respect for you, Diana, as you write with integrity. We do not need another “Fifty Shades of….”, but more of what you do. Thanks and I will be looking forward to the next, next, etc.
Dear Ms Gabaldon,
I just finished listening to ALL of your books (including the novellas) in chronological order of the story. The whole thing is (was?) read superbly by Davina Porter.
Some I listened to for the second time, but I wanted to have the whole story in one go, from Outlander to MOBY. Took some time, I admit, but it was so worth it. You are a great storyteller!
best,
Meike Bruhns
Dear Diane,
You “almost” owe me a dollar! I’ve read recently on your site that if anyone can put the book down after reading 3 pages you would send them a dollar. My sister has been telling me to read “Outlander” for 10 years and I’d resisted due to the fact I don’t/didn’t like the “time travel” genre. About 2 years or so ago I decided to read it to get her off my back. After reading a couple of chapters (see how you get out of owing me a dollar?) I closed it and didn’t open it again… I just could NOT get into it! Fast forward a year or so… and everyone is talking about the Starz show, plus remember that sister of mine? She had asked how I liked it and if I’ve read the rest of the books. Yes, she is like a dog with a bone and one of your best fans!
The show was about to begin I thought I should at least try the book once more as I knew I’d watch the show as I love anything historical and Scottish. Could it be that I’ve got more than a few Scots in my family tree and Kilts? Yes, I’m much like Frank as I can see people’s eyes glaze over when I begin talking about genealogy… lately it’s 2 of my ancestors who were brothers and fought in the Civil War with Cobb’s Legion Calvary in North Georgia and North Carolina. See? I did it to you! *G* But, I digress!
As we all know that in most instances the book is always better than any movie/TV rendition of it subject. I started it over from page one and for some reason, began to enjoy it. *G* I’ve now read/listened to all 8 books over the last 7-8 months and love them. I’m planning to read the Lord John books and anything else that you published while waiting for the 2nd half of “Outlander” on Starz to begin… not to forget the 9th book. I must tell you that the last page of “Written In My Hearts Own Blood” had happy tears streaming down my face paired with a huge grin! What an ending to a book!
I watched a YouTube talk you did at the Toronto Public Library last year and was delighted to hear you speak and find that you have a wonderful sense of humor! I live just north of Atlanta, if you should ever come this way I’ll be sure to be in the audience. You are a gem is many many ways!
Thank you so much for all your work and I still think you may owe me a dollar as I did put it down for a year! *G*
Lisa, now a huge fan
Dear Lisa–
Yes, but you read more than three page. [g]
Best.
–Diana
THANK You for many hours of sleepless nights! I’m tired, but satisfied. Very very nice.
i know that you have heard this over and over, but I have read your Outlander Series (with the exception of #8) through 3 times. I am a student working on my Master’s degree so I can’t do pleasure reading during the Fall and Spring semesters, but this summer I will be reading your books again including #8. I have also watched the first series when it was first on Showtime and then I recently purchased it when it became available and watched it as quickly as possible one weekend. I am eagerly waiting for the next season of Outlander. I am awaiting #9 even though you say it will be the last one.
Good luck in all you do and don’r forget to take care of yourself!
Elaine
Dear Diana,
I have come late to the party. I ordered the Starz channel about two hours before the premiere of the Outlander series because I was intrigued. An hour later, I was enthralled and delighted to find that the show was based on a series of books. I finished “MOBY” recently, and because I cannot bring myself to part with Jamie or Claire or Bree or Roger Mac, I have started at the beginning again with the audiobooks (yes, audible.com). I hope that you stay involved with Starz and the series so that you can protect the intent of your work. Just wanted so say thanks and that I will try my best to be patient for the next installment.
I am beside myself with anticipation of the Starz premiere of Outlander on April 4. It has been so hard waiting since episode 8 aired last September. I can’t image how it must feel to have created such endearing characters that millions love worldwide. After watching the 8 episodes on Starz now when I re-read your books I can actually hear the Starz Claire and Jamie speaking the words. Starz did an awesome job casting and the actors were stellar themselves. I have read every one of your books published and all the characters are like friends that I feel I know so well. I’m not sure if you will return to Frank and let us know how he found out about everything to better prepare Brianna. I am most curious I have to admit to find out who ends up with William. How will he met her or has he already? I will wait patiently for the next one without ever asking when. I am just extremely grateful that I found your wonderful series and that there is yet at least one more.
I’ve read all 8 of the Outlander Books. Never bored! Character development is marvelous. Thank you for your great talent.
While driving through Scottish countryside with my grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law (whose heritage is Scot, being Clan Lenox), I was moved by the beautiful countryside and the wildness that exists even today. The Lenox Castle was destroyed, and more than likely he was a minor relation.
Anyway, the grandchildren became restless and in order to calm them down I began a story regarding a Scottish Laird, Lady and vile dragon. As it developed, the words were delivered with an accent that I didn’t know. The whole family was interested and entertained.
I am not a natural storyteller, but something tangible was there and spoke to me and to my heart. Perhaps my heritage is Scot rather than French/ Irish.
Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration. Marion
Hi Diana,
Today, my copy of Outlander DVD will be delivered. Really looking forward to watching it. I have read all of the books 3 times and enjoyed the third time as much as the first. Well probably more as the story has developed so much. I am a Scot living in New Zealand and your books are always in the major and smaller book shops. I loved the ending of Book 8. Each book has been an adventure. thank you.
Dear Diana,
I have only just discovered your wonderful Outlander books towards the end of 2014, and have quickly devoured all 8 books since then! At the end of book 8 I had a tear in my eye as Brianna, Roger and the children reappear in Jamie and Clare’s life. At times I have felt like I was in a reading fever, as I simply could not put them down – even to go to work! I am an infrequent reader of fiction, but Jamie and Clare’s story is such a magnificent saga that it has reduced me to tears on many an occasion. Thank you, thank you so much for the pleasure your books are giving me – I now wait with baited breath for book 9! I discovered the books on viewing the first 8 episodes of the televised version – which is also a visual feast! Congratulations!
Ms. Gabaldon,
I have been an avid reader since I was a child (I am now 63 years old) and I have NEVER been as impressed or enjoyed any books more than I have your Highlander series. These characters have brought laughter and tears in equal measure into my very humdrum life. I do not have a lot of money but I have managed to buy the first seven books and my brother has promised to buy me number eight for my birthday next month.
As much as I look forward to book nine I appreciate the amount of research involved in the writing of this wonderful series. Please do not hurry it along but take your time to give us the best Highlander book yet.
Thank you for being the author you are and giving an old woman hours and hours of enjoyment.
Diana,
I absolutely love these books! I am an avid (an very fast reader) and they have kept me entertained longer than any other series I have ever read. I just discovered you a couple of months ago and I am completely hooked. Imagine my delight when I saw that they were making a TV series. Great job casting this! I have finished Book 8 and will patiently (ok maybe not patiently) wait for book 9. I will have to begin reading the John Grey series I suppose. Anyway…I love you!
April
Having read all the books – starting with “An Echo in the Bone”, so initially NOT in the right order – I can’t wait for the next one. But PLEASE can someone tell me if/when the TV series (or the DVD of it) will be available here in the UK.
Definitely MORE, please!
The TV series is already available in the UK. The first 9 episodes can be viewed from the Amazon Instant Video service and are free to Amazon Prime members (you can sign up for just the streaming service if that is all you want). They release another episode every Sunday after the Saturday night viewing in the US.
I hope this helps.
Kirsten
Yay another book to add to my book collection, I’m a relative newcomer to the Outlander series, having seen the tv show just recently but having had the first audio book for yonks, but never having the time to listen to it fully…. Since then I must say I have the first two books and am finding it hard to put the first book down to do anything productive so you win Madam, I bow down to you for keeping me hooked as that is rare these days.
Whenever the next book comes out its gonna be awesome and I can wait…. I have a lot of catching up to do anyway till I’m at the stage where I can read MOBY…. or maybe not depending on how I devour the first two books.
But a heartfelt thank you for bringing these characters to us and letting us be spirited away by their stories. Long may it continue
I just finished reading the Outlander series for the 2nd time and am starting over again. I have seen the first 8 tv episodes 5 times and when episode 9 airs tonight they are running the first 8 episodes before it. There is something very gripping about the love story between Claire and Jamie. I look at my husband of 50 years and am lucky to see and feel the same thing. It was satisfying to see so many loose strings tied up at end of book 8 but we still have William’s future unsettled and what things may happen with Brianna’s return? Oops–that should have been a spoiler alert. You are 80 and I am 72. I wish us both good health so you can write and I can read more about the Fraser clan. A talent like yours is rare indeed.
Thanks, Dorothy, but I’m not 80 yet. Only 63. I hope to be writing for a while yet. [g]
Best wishes,
–Diana
I am so glad to know there is a book 9 coming sometime. I think I will just start over at book one to see what I may have forgotten; although I read so fast it may have to be reread several times before the newest one comes out. I read the first 8 in 2 and 1/2 weeks. Couldn’t put them down much to my family’s dismay. Now maybe we can start eating Normal, cooked meals again. Thank you Ms. Gabaldon for such an intriguing and exciting escape from my reality for awil.
I am very worried that at my advancing age, I will not be healthy and able to
read Book 9.
Please write a few hints on something I can hold onto about the Frasers while
I am still alive …Haveread all your books at least 6 times.
Dear Maureen–
Well…all kind of things happen, and there’s the American Revolution, and then some more things happen as implied in the books you’ve already read, and then there are some surprises. (As in–I have No Idea; I don’t plan these books ahead of time.) My best advice is that you should take your vitamins. [g]
Best wishes,
–Diana
I honestly just want to say thank you for creating such an epic series…a little more than 20 years ago I picked up my first book on a whim and I have been hooked since then. No one in my family reads, my ex told me he couldn’t understand why I would want to read when I could just watch tv (ha!). Now my daughter who is 6 is following in my footsteps and devouring books. I recommend your books to everyone I meet that seems as if they would truly enjoy them. Quite a few have told me they have bought and lives the series. But I must ask HOW do you keep track of such massive amounts of information without confusing the details? I’ve always wondered as the books are so detailed and have to much historical/timeline info going on.
Thank you!
Bought and loved……auto-correct will be the death of me.
Dear Rachel–
Well, that’s a rather complicated answer. [g] I did write it up, though, for THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume TWO, which will be out this October.
Best wishes,
–Diana
I have greatly enjoyed the Outlander series. I am a nurse and a mother along with the many other hats we all wear. I am reading Witten In My Own Hearts Blood and have closed the book before finishing it. I am not sure I will pick it up again. I just read the disturbing ending to chapter 120. I understand they are your characters to do what you wish with, however, these books are an escape for many. An escape from the constant worry and stress over our little ones (or big ones), our work, whatever it may be. I have so precious few moments of the day to steal for myself and luxuriate in getting lost in a great story. I don’t care to read about horrifying young tragedy. It’s not what I want to occupy my mind with. It was so unnecessary for the story and turned me away from finishing it.
Dear Jenny–
It may not have been what you personally wanted to read, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t necessary. There are a lot of books that are expressly designed for light, non-disturbing, distraction-from-life reading; I’d be happy to recommend a few. I don’t, however, write that kind of book. (I am rather surprised that you’ve read everything _up_ to that point without being horrified or disturbed, though…)
Best wishes,
–Diana
I am so glad there is a 9 coming. Please don’t take too long.