See the note below—this post is from July 6, 2014 and is a bit outdated…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").
Please one more to bring William back!
I’m 82, my husband is 85. I read, he listens to the audio books. We have no cable. Yet.A tv series sounds wonderful but how can anything compete with the pictures we already have in our heads?
LOVED MOBY!!!! I patiently, but anxiously await each of your books!! Looking forward to the series on Starz.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful storytelling talents !!!
Diana–thank you so much for creating these vivid characters. As a medical student, I especially appreciate all of the medicine Claire performs! Reading about 18th century cures and treatments makes me thankful for all the medical accomplishments mankind has made since then. I look forward to reading about the Fraser clan and all of their adventures in Book 9. I go to school in Iowa City which is home to a very famous bookstore called Prairie Lights–I hope that someday you might have a book signing there. Thank you for creating this series!
I am so glad to hear that you plan another book. Truly enjoyed Book 8 but not only did some serious loose ends get left but you created a few new ones. I realize it is hard work and that it will be a while but I will look forward. This is such a great story.
Thankyou for your wonderful stories.I read everyone twic and some chapters more than that.
I have been thru the gamut of emotions.so I hope you write the next one soon as I am 65 now.
Will there be an audio version of ‘Written In My Own Heart’s Blood’. On my knees begging that there will be one…
Dear Lynette–
There already is one; it came out the same day as the hardcover. I don’t mind answering you at all [smile]–but just out of curiosity–wouldn’t it have been easier to look at audible.com or Amazon, rather than come ask me and wait for me to get round to answering?
–Diana
And the audio versions are wonderful!! Davina Porter is such a special narrator, she weaves your story with such perfection for me I’m almost afraid to watch the tv show!
Thanks for the stories, I like everyone else await the next installment, no matter what it is.
Trish
Diana,
I’m re-reading MOBY and so am catching a few things this time around that I didn’t during my first read-through. Question…how did the letter from Frank get in the desk at Lallybroch? Same thing with Roger’s letter. How did nobody find them before now? I’m so confused!
PS: That baby’s head on your bookshelf is a bit creepy (in the picture above)!
Please ignore my question on your Facebook page re OC2. Should have read the blog first. And it’s good to see you’re such a busy, inspired, gifted writer. I’ll be patient now, and will try to remain healthy enough to see 9, OC2, and other offerings.
Thank you lady! Have loved all the books but more so your writing technique. Such a blessing to wield such a gift to your unrestricted will. Keep it up please.
My problem is after reading all of the
Outlander books and Novella’s . I cannot find anything else that holds my interest.
AMEN!
Diana,
I LOVE the series! Thank you for all your hard work and sleepless nights.
I started the first book about 4 years ago and went through them all. So excited that “Moby” is out now and I am re-reading all the books before it, so I can once again become immersed in the lives of Claire and Jamie before reading this next “chapter” in their saga.
I am excited that the Outlander series is coming alive on screen, but saddened that we do not have STARZ. I am hoping there will be some other way for me to watch; perhaps streaming? And did I read there will only be 16 episodes????? I can only hope more will be added as the story of Claire & Jamie and their timeless love story captures the minds and hearts of so many people!
I loved this book and liked the point it left us at the end, but PLEASE don’t wait five more years to write the next one.
Dear Diana,
THANK YOU for the 8 Outlander books! I’ve just read all 8 back to back (1-7 for the 2nd time), slowly and savoured each one and am amazed at how action-packed one book is, let alone the entire series. This has been the most satisfying and fulfilling series of books I’ve read and I know I can read them again with enjoyment. Your characters come alive in your books and I enjoy meeting the new characters in each book. Claire and Jamie are awesome people. I always know I’m in for a “great read” when I crack open a new Diana Gabaldon Outlander book! Sometimes it is difficult leaving the 18th century for the 21st as your stories and characters are so real. Look forward to more about Briana and her family as well as William.
I’ve learned more history from your books than I ever did in school. Outlander was a great book and you keep improving with each new title. I’m going to read all the in-betweeners now as well as Outlandish Companion.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU so much for the ending of Written In My Own Heart’s Blood and the great title.
Can’t wait for the Outlander TV series. When will a DVD of it be for sale?
Again, thanks for all your hard work!
Years ago, when I first saw the first 3 or 4 Outlander books in a bookstore display and skimmed through them, I knew this was a unique series I would have to read non-stop when I had time to savor each book. Just a quick scan of each of the volumes told me this was no ordinary story and the time had to be right. At that moment, I had a time-consuming job, so I put the books on my bucket list for retirement reading. I have been a voacious reader my entire life, but had not tackled a series like this. Indeed, I had never encountered anything like it. My previous beloved books had been Gone With The Wind and all of Isaac Asimov’s Robots/Foundation series (but they are not 800 pages). However, can you detect the interest in history and science-fiction (i.e., time travel) that would attract me to the Outlander books?
Fast-forward (or time-travel!) ahead to 2010 – the economy finally caught up with me, I got laid-off from work (unbeknownst to me at the time, never to go back again), it was winter, and I collected all of the books that were out at that time and spend a cozy season under the quilts with delightful cups of tea living in Scotland, France, the Carribean and Colonial America with Claire and Jamie and their family, direct and extended. A reader my entire life, I have NEVER enjoyed any story more, nor have I found a more magnificently humorous, well-constructed, incredibly-well thought-out and eminently readable tale with the most wonderful characters, brilliant dialog and turn of speech and astonishing knowledge of a multitude of topics.
I just finished MOBY; I literally read it almost non-stop – except for a few breaks – in 4 days. i simply could not put it down. I didn’t want to leave these characters for an instant. I will tell you it was AGONY waiting for this book to come out, as I had read the rest of them all of a piece. And I only hope I can survive until Book 9 *grin*
But there are your wonderful Lord Jon books and other tidbits that keep us going, and yes, I have read every one of your auxilliary books as well.
An additional interesting sidelight – I live in Philadelphia, the locale of most of MOBY, and I KNOW where ever place referenced is!!! I actually grew up in the Kingsessing area and went to an early pre-school set up for the children of working mothers at John Bartram High School, named after the same John Bartram in whose gardens Claire and Jaime “reunited!” And yes, Bartram’s Gardens are still there.
I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING ‘WRITTEN IN MY HEART’S BLOOD’. I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA SO IT HAS BEEN A WHILE COMING. CAN’T BEING TO TELL YOU HOW PLEASED/SAD I AM THAT IS IS FINISHED,. I AM LOOKING AT A READ BOOK AND SIGHING. YOUR BOOKS ENTHRAL ME, AND YES I HAVE READ THEM ALL, EVEN THE NOVELLA’S. YOU ARE SO TALENTED, I CAN SIT AND READ AND BE TOTALLY ABSORBED IN THE WILDS OF SCOTLAND OR THE NEW AMERICA, SMELL THE HEATH, MUD, LUST, SWEAT AND TEARS. I HAVE JUST LOOKED AT YOUR WEBSITE AND DISCOVERED THERE WILL BE A BOOK 9 ON JAMIE AND CLAIRE. MY FRIENDS AND I, DEVOTED READERS AND ADMIRERS OF YOUR WORK ARE TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH JAMIE. (I AM 79 – 80 NEXT JANUARY.)
IN OUR BOOKSHOPS I HAVE NOT DISCOVERED ‘MOBY’ BUT WILL KEEP ASKING FOR IT.ALSO THE TV SERIES, IF AND WHEN THEY REACH OUR SHORES.
DIANA, I AM AMAZED AT YOUR WRITING, AND YOUR CHARACTERS WHO ENTRENCH THEMSELVES INTO MY PSYCHE. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS IS LORD JOHN GREY, APART FROM THE CHARISMATIC JAMIE OF COURSE.; YOUR BOOKS ARE TIMELESS AND WILL ENDURE THROUGH THE YEARS. THANK YOU AGAIN .
Diana, I am such a big fan of your books and so excited for the show to start on Starz. I have watched a lot of the videos done at Comic Con and ones Starz has done of interviews. I enjoyed watching them and laughed so hard at the Starz Q&A video. I am behind everyone else in reading MOBY, but only because I got a late start in rereading the series before the release of MOBY, so haven’t started MOBY yet. I have been listening to each of your books on audio and love hearing Davina Porter reading them. She is awesome and I am happy she is the one to do all of them. I hope you come to Oklahoma City sometime for a book signing. I would love to meet you. I am glad to hear there will be another book, but knowing how busy you are with everything I can wait for it. Like they say all good things come to those who wait.
Thank you for all your hard work in bringing these books to life for us. Keep up the great work you do. Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest when you can. God bless you.
I just finished the book last night at 130AM and OMG as I was reading I kept thinking, they are coming back to the ridge, they are coming back. I loved every bit of it, of course I read it too fast and impatiently because I just wanted know what happened. I can’t wait for the next one, for now I’ll wait for the series to start and reread book 8 because i know i missed some details.
Facebook is public again! Thank you!
I truly enjoyed MOBY and especially found the ending very uplifting and satisfying! At age 78, I may not be around for the Book 9, so I’m glad the ending wasn’t another ECHO cliffhanger! For me (student of history), the cliffhanger is that as far as the American Revolution is concerned, our characters have gone from the frying pan to the fire. Obviously there is plenty of action coming in Book 9 even though we fortunately won’t have to spend 5 years stuck with Jem in that tunnel!
I hate to nitpick an excellent book, but I started rereading the series (just started VOYAGER) and wondered how Cranesmuir moved from its location just outside Leoch in OUTLANDER to close to Lallybroch in MOBY? Your novel writer’s license, of course, justifies the elastic geography! And I’m probably only the 999,999th reader who noticed the migration!
Loved the book! You made me cry twice. Once when Claire was greeted (and gifted ) by Adso upon her return to the ridge, and when Roger and Breanna and the children came home. So glad there’ll be a ninth book! I’ll wait-patiently- but I’m 68 , so I hope it won’t be too long. I want to thank you, too, for acknowledging in your books that old people have sex! Yes, we do, if we’re lucky, and we like it, too!