Are you wondering what to do, now that you’ve finished MOBY? (aka WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD)? Well, most people just go back to the beginning and start re-reading OUTLANDER. [g]
As an alternative/addition to this tried and true strategy, though, you might want to watch the brand-new (and looooooong-awaited) tv show of the series, which is about to debut on the STARZ premium-cable channel in the US. AUGUST 9th! 9PM! (It airs at 9 PM in each time zone, so it’s always on Saturdays at nine o’clock, at least in the US.*)
I think Ron D. Moore and Starz have done a wonderful job of adapting OUTLANDER into a 16-episode first season (they’ll be doing one season per book, assuming the first one is a success–and that’s up to you. I think it’s amazing, and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
*(It will be launching on Showcase in Canada, August 24th, on SoHo Foxtel in Australia on August 14th, and on various dates–not yet announced–in New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, China, Germany, and a number of other places that I can’t mention yet as their licensing contracts are still being negotiated with SONY. (SONY owns the international rights to the show; it’s _their_ business to arrange licensing deals world-wide, not mine.)
Caitriona Balfe brings Claire to life as I never thought possible. From the trailers and the free first episode all I could see was ‘Wow!’ So, again, ‘Wow!’
I am a little OCD. I have read the series twice. Listened to the books on tape. And traveled to Scotland just to see the real sites. I watched the first episode tonight and was amazed at how closely they followed the story line. I usually hate to watch movies made from stories because they take too many liberties with the story, but I loved it. However, I am still waiting to see how well they describe the smells. I think I fell in love with Jamie when Diana Gabaldon first described his scent.
WOW! I watched the first episode of Outlander on Starz last night, with 2 of my girl friends and my husband. We all loved it, loved it, loved it! The hour went by too fast. We didn’t want it to end, just like the books. You can’t wait to get to the end and then you are sad that you have finished the book! Looking forward to next week’s episode. We also went to Scotland and saw some of the places featured in the books. We were very pleased with the vesting of Claire and Jamie. They were just great. Can’t say enough about the series. So happy Starz made these beloved characters come to life! Thanks to Diana for 2 of the best characters I have ever read about. Colleen
Laura, I so want to go to Scotland and do what you were so wise to do already. I am looking at next year. Any advice or suggestions or perhaps your facebook page would be very much appreciated. So lovely to know we all share the same obsession for wonderful Dianna’s creations. my email is pincince@cox.net thank you very much
Laura:
Since you say you have been to Scotland, does the mountain (ambush) really exist?
Diana,
Fans have a real treat in store. I could not wait for tonight and watched the free preview. WONDERFUL! The casting is spot on as well as the acting. Congratulations! We will be watching tonight – Can;t wait!
I admit to being an “Outlander junkie” and loving it. The Starz series is going to be fantastic. I saw the first episode (about five times already) on the free preview and am looking forward to future episodes. If you are a fan and haven’t listened to the audio books narrated by Davinia Porter you are missing a great experience. She masters the art of giving each character an individual voice full of nuances that brings each one to life in a way you can’t imagine. Thank you Diana for creating this adventure and these wonderful characters for us to enjoy! I hope we are looking forward to a long ride “through the stones” with Starz that will encompass all the books, past and future.
I’m glad Davina Porter was mentioned. She is amazing! Many kudos to her for bringing the characters added dimension.
Congratulations on an absolutely stunning TV debut of Outlander ~ the casting is perfect, the cinematography took my breath away and you’ve brought the books to life in a way I didn’t think was possible. BRAVO! I can’t wait for the next episode~
Molly Quinn should play Brianna in season 2.
Sorry but Molly Quinn is a small person – Brianna is tall
ABSOLUTELY!
It is terrific to hear the Gaelic spoken! (Even though I don’t have a clue what they are saying!) And the costumes are fantastic. Finally, I can see what a real kilt and plaid looks like on someone!
I’ve read all the books three times (except MOBY which I will pick up tomorrow. Read the excerpts on Amazon this afternoon.) I watched the free first episode today…twice. Didn’t know about this site, the new book, or the show until today. I’m new to social media and never thought to look. Alas, I don’t have cable TV. Will the episodes be released on DVD? I’m unstable with desire to see the rest of this amazing show.
I’m with Bonnie. I don’t have cable and am hoping there will be DVD’s as the seasons end. I love, love, love these books. I’m now listening to them on tape and it is a whole new experience. Davina Porter is wonderfully talented. I will have to settle for her, with pleasure, until the DVD’s come out.
Please don’t keep us cableless fans waiting long for the DVD’s.
There is a site called http://www.findtv.net and the Outlander series is on there. No commercials! Wonderful and I have watched the first 5 episodes of season one. Can’t wait for the next one. Of course I have read all the books twice and I just started reading the last new book.
I, too, viewed the free episode on Starz.com and resigned myself to waiting for the DVD set to watch the rest. Thank you for the website info! I watched the next five episodes in one sitting. Still waiting for the DVDs because I know I will watch the series as often as I’ve read the novels. It is beautifully done – especially the cinematography and sound track. The added scenes & characters make up for those that were omitted.The twists and turns and surprises makes it a brand “new” story. This series would not be as fun if it simply followed the script from the novel…. We think we KNOW what will happen….but do we really????
I just finished MOBY and I need to comment on the French used in this book. It is SOOOO MUCH BETTER than in the previous bouquins……and Germain is the masculine to Germaine the feminine of the name. I can’t wait for the Outlander series to be available in Canada and I hope in Québec.
Hi I live in Canada and I am addicted I have read all 8 books 7 of them 3 times love the exciting stories with Jamie and Claire. I have just started watching the series on TV love it.. I have a challenge did anyone see the bloopers in episode one and this last in episode five I would love to hear if anyone one did, Congratulations Diana you in my opinion are the best author of all time I treasure your books thankyou…
I love the Outlander TV show. You couldn’t have cast Jamie and Claire any better.
I also love the song for the tv show great job
tracy
Count me in for rereading the series…for the second time this year.
While I keep some books that I really enjoyed reading the first time (this series included) until this year I had never reread a book…ever. While waiting for MOBY I realized I couldn’t remember much about where we’d left off in Echo (other than the significant emotional event of Jem in the tunnel) so I decided to reread the series and got to MOBY two weeks after it came out. Once I was done with MOBY I went on to read something else (Baldacci). But after a few pages I realized I was missing Jamie and Claire so started again.
And now I know it will be the same way with the show. I switched my programming package to be sure I had STARZ. I’ll watch and DVR every episode so I have them available to watch during the series gap.
I swear there needs to be a 12-step program for these books. Maybe the Betty Ford Clinic could set something up. Diana could come and do a book signing.
Oh, that last comment tickled me to death. Where do I sign up?
Spectacular job on the first episode! I, too, agree with the others in regards to most productions losing so much of the original story. BRAVO! You have done it and I am thrilled!
Looking forward to them all…and, rereading the entire series once again!
Regards,
Susan
I love, love, love, this series. I have read all of Diana’s books three times over. Jamie and Claire are fantastic. They picked the best actors, and a very yummy Jamie, for the series. I have recorded each episode and have watched them already three times. The clothes, accents, and scenery are amazing. Only 1 more episode to go for the med season finale. It’s going to kill me to wait for the remainder. Thank you Diana for the wonderful books. I have read the last book and am waiting impatiently for the next.
I watched the 1st episode on Starz yesterday on my computer. I could not stop thinking about the show, and fell asleep last night still thinking about it. My personal feelings are that it is tremendous, and the cast is just fine. I can’t fathom how you all made Frank seem like a nice gentleman, and Black Jack so mean, being the same actor., but you did, and did it well.
I love Clair, and have fallen in love with Jamie all ready.
I want to rewatch the episode on my large TV screen now. And I assume once the season is over, we’ll be able to buy that season’s series?????
I also finished MOBY oh about 3 weeks ago, had to pace myself reading it, so it would last a bit.
Thank you for your wonderful creative story.
Diana,
…watched the premiere on Starz.com with my husband…couldn’t get him interested before, even reading parts of the novels to him (though he loved your detailed description!). He thoroughly enjoyed the premier and now has begun asking questions about the story. Previously, he had decided that other members of the family and I were simply obsessed :-0)
Diana, thank you so much for your hard work…the research you have accomplished is phenomenal… and your creativity and writing ability are amazing! Thank you for following your heart and for sharing the results with all of us. You are an inspiration! Imagine how different the world might be if we all listened to our muses!
I am so happy about all of the employment opportunities for the Scots, because of your work.
A delighted and grateful reader,
Shirley
Watched the sneak peak last weekend and loved it. Have talked my husband into watching with me on Saturday. He never could understand how I could read all of those BIG books; maybe now he’ll understand.
Sumptuous costumes, delicious scenery I’m hooked on the whole world that Diana has created. I am creating Scottish Highlander costumes for my whole family. We are learning the highland fling, how to play the bodhran and how to toss a caber. Its brilliant fun! Thanks so much Diana!
WOW! Absolutely EXCELLENT first show, now pre-viewing on Starz. I am totally HOOKED! Have read all the books in multiple forms (we have hardbacks, paperbacks, and Audio books) and never EVER thought this would be a reality in my lifetime. My husband even had instructions to dig me up, if it became a movie after I’d gone to take my dirt nap! Lead on Diana, we will follow!
Also watched it 4 times. Loved it. Thank you so much for this great gift you have given us called Outlander. Can you tell me where the poster for the movie can be purchased?
Dear Anne–
Delighted that you like it! I don’t know for sure about posters, but Starz has just set up an online store for merchandise related to the TV show. It’s at http://www.outlanderstore.com. [Note that I don’t have anything to do with this store, but they did tell me about it. [g]]
Best,
–Diana
Thank you Ms. Gabaldon. I have 20 people I have hooked on your books so I now know what they are getting for Christmas.
The first episode was just like the book, you don’t want it to end! And what’s nice about cable, you can watch it over and over again! I’m sure my husband and I will know each episode by heart by the time the next episode airs! : )
I keep the cd in the car to listen to whenever I’m driving somewhere. When I reach the end of what’s available I just start over at the beginning. I must be listening for about the fourth time and haven’t gotten tired of it yet! Part of that is Davina’s voice. Love the story, love her voice… what a great combination!
I will add all of my admiration to the above comments Diana! I have watched the STARZ offering 6 times now. I have a suggestion – the music! It is beautiful. It would be a nice offering from the store as well as the posters. I love listening to a Scott talk. Thank you again.
Sandra, You can get the theme song on iTunes right now.
This picture of you, is by far, my favorite all the promotional posters I’ve seen. I smiled at the sight of the other pictures, too, naturally, but this one! Seeing you, the author, against a background themed of your creation, just had me grinning from ear to ear.
I’m so eager to see more of my favorite works of Language Art realized in flesh and bone (and blood). It was so satisfying to feel your voice as the author shine through a new medium.
Thank you for sharing your intoxicating stories. Your works, in all forms, will forever be my second-favorite drug of choice. (The first choice being my husband.)
I know you understand.
Ready to watch Episode 101 on big screen TV. Getting to watch the freebie of it was great, but it lacked something on the small computer screen. I’m a new Starz subscriber due solely to Outlander. Bet there are more than a few of us out there!
I also subscribed to STARZ solely for Outlander!!
This is my only fandom, and I can’t tell you how happy these books and this story make me. Every time I read them (working on the 8th time now, I think), I laugh, cry, and feel for the characters. Diana, you should be proud of your efforts, as you have honestly created something that will last.
I look forward to the future of the Outlander series, and am holding my breath to see what awaits Jamie, Claire and their family in the next book!
Diana,
Watched the first episode yesterday. It was just wonderful, and I can’t wait to see more of Jamie. I loved Caitriona Balfe, she made the perfect Claire. Your books have brought me so much pleasure and I was relieved the series included so much of the important parts. I also really liked the scenes of Claire as WWII nurse and with Uncle Lamb. They were wonderful additions to scenes actually in the books. My only disappointment was that we didn’t see the young Roger when Claire and Frank were visiting the Manse. Oh well, can’t have everything. Thank you so much for all your stories.
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention the fact about Roger not appearing. I was also disappointed, but I certainly don’t want to be one of those people who start to pick apart this story. I truly did love the first episode, and am looking forward to the next one. It was wonderful. If they continue with making the rest of the books into a series, I’m sure Ron Moore will have a clever way to introduce Roger. He’ll have to. Roger is an extremely important character in all of the remaining books. Almost as important as Claire and Jamie. After those two, he is my favorite character.
Joann and Cassandra,
I’ve heard that young Roger, asleep in the chair will be showing up in one of the supsequent episodes. I love the way the show is sticking so closely to the book and look forward to each next episode with great anticipation.
Diana created the story of a fully developed and developing family of characters for us to enjoy. Ron Moore and his crew have brought together the perfect cast to make the series outstanding. Even more, Ron’s own love of the books is so very clear as well.
My only disappointment (if it truly can be called that) is that the episode is over so very fast. I don’t believe I’ve ever experienced an hour flying by so fast.
Dear Dianna (et al)–
You’ll see wee Roger a bit later. While this is a _very_ good and faithful adaptation–it _is_ an adaptation. For one thing, since it’s television, each episode is an hour long, and each one needs to be crafted so as to have its own satisfying dramatic arc, achievable within that hour. This means that some scenes will be shifted slightly from their original chronology in the book, or occasionally elements from separate scenes will be combined or slightly flexed in some way so as to make a good arc. Therefore, you’ll certainly recognize the story, but some things may not be where you originally encountered them in the book. Don’t worry; it’s all good. [g]
Best,
–Diana
I am so impressed with the show. I think the adaptation has been wonderful. They have taken the important scenes, feelings, and interactions and made them into well-acted TV.
It is also a test for those of us who have *only* read Outlander twice. I find myself wondering, “is that how it happened in the book?” and then I re-read the scene in the book to find out. That’s been fun!
I only wish Catrionna had put more “oomph” into her swearing (JHRC). I always read that in my mind as more of a sailor than the soft way she says it!
I was surprised and delighted of the production quality of Ep1. I absolutely loved Episode 1, and wish I could see more. I am extremely disappointed that Starz has chosen to only cater to those viewers that choose to pay a cable provider each month. No on-line subscription is available. I would happily pay to view each episode. I know there must be others out there in a similar situation. Such a shame.
I’ve been waiting for nigh onto 20 years. And I’m duly impressed. They have done a fabulous job. It’s beautiful (despite the computer buffering). I can wait to watch it again.
Saw previews of Outlander at the movie theater and they just took my breath away! The actors cast as Claire and Jamie are absolutely perfect. Wish we had Starz so I could follow the entire thing! You’ve outdone yourself, Diana! Thank you so much for all your hard work. It’s given me many hours of entertaining reading.
I agree – Jaime is perfect. At first I focused on the color of Claire’s eyes. They weren’t right. But by the second time I watched episode 1, I realized she truly is a perfect Claire.
I really enjoyed the Outlander Starz episode. I thought they did a wonderful job bringing the book to life. I do have one question about the color of Claire’s eyes. Are they blue and should they be a golden brown? The actress did an amazing job and I loved her performance. Thanks for a wonderful story.
Diana: In the almost sixty years I have been on this planet, I have never before written to or about any author’s works. Having just finished the latest offering in the Outlander series (Moby) I feel compelled to write and say that I hate it…along with all of the other books in the series. Why? Because, as usual, the book had to end and I must now sit and languish until another one is released. I have cherished the time I have spent reading each one that adorns my shelf. I hope someday you do a reading in the Pacific Northwest so that I might get a signed copy of one of your books. Having noticed that most of your posts are from female readers I feel it important to note that I am not only a huge fan, I am a male reader who finds your stories captivating and easy to get lost in. Keep writing. I will now go back and go through all of the Lord John series to “fill in” some of the blanks. It has been a pleasure.
Thank you, KJ!
Actually, I’ve been in the Northwest to do signings many times; was in Seattle _and_ Portland for MOBY’s book tour in June. Maybe I’ll catch you next time. [g]
Best,
–Diana
Agree with KJ Willers — I finished MOBY last night, and am in an official funk! This is my second time through the series, and was as entertained as the first time through. But was VERY unhappy with how MOBY ended, because it raised more questions than it answered, and now I’m counting down the days until the release of your next book. PLEASE hurry up with your writing and put us out of our misery!
I am 72 and in good health. However, I hope that Diana can get the next two novels done before I get toooo much older and still have my eyesight. I really want to be able to read everything that she will write before she gets tired of doing it. I have been an avid reader all of my life, but I have never gotten so involved with characters in the way I have with this series.
Just saw a preview of the series – THANK YOU – so true to the novel!! I’m going to have to order Starz! Casting of Jamie n Clare couldn’t have been better!!!