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.)
Guten Tag,
I am German, living in the United States for two years now and a big fan of the Outlander series, ever since the very first book came out. Living here, I started reading the books in English, which was a very interesting experience. Both languages give the books something different and unique. Of course I watched the premier of Outlander and I really loved it and I cant wait for Monday evenings now. Thank you for this story, it will always stay with me, no matter where I am
Christina
Diana,
I heard about the Outlander books for 20 years and I think because the romance factor was what was emphasized, I had other books prioritized. I found the first book while browsing at Costco and because I love historical mysteries, and some historical fiction I bought the book. I am now on book 4 and I guess all I can say is better late than never! I appreciate the work you did early on without the use of the internet in researching the historical richness of these times. The characters, the way you describe each scene and particularly how each character experiences their life situation. Many people of today, unless you are in disadvantaged or disenfranchised countries or societies cannot relate to the sheer barbaric ways your characters existed. That is what makes Claire’s and Jamie’s commitment to their integrity, values, purpose so compelling. I can finally say the romance is amazing and we’ll deserved for these beautiful people. These are not just a romance books, they are rich with sensory information to transport us all and the love between them is incredible. I can’t imagine you not describing their intimacy because each time the way they love each other is a representation of their current situation. Finally this is not pornography- sex was and is part of human nature and while I wouldn’t necessarily want to be a woman in those times, it represents what people did without TV, computers, education, food, and homes with full modernization. They had each other and survival.
I started reading your series 2 yrs ago,my girlfriend gave me my own set of books to read and absolutely LOVED it. i agree with Malone … your descriptions are wonderful !!!!I havent read the last book#8 yet but i am antisipating it with ohhh excitement .I did watch Outlander on TV.. and loved it as well.. i think the JHRC.. needs to be smoothed out a bit , but what a wonderful,colorful adaptation !!!they are all going to grow on us as the series progresses … THANKYOU ,, Diana for all you do. Please come to Canada ,,sometime,Victoria BC specifically… way north of Seattle . you would love the lush Green climate.
I enjoyed the premiere. Not to hurt anyone’s feelings, I am very disappointed in the choice of actress for Claire. She’s not at all like the book. Maybe she will grow on me.
I enjoyed the show! But I agree that Jamie is not big enough and Claire is too tall. Her hair is not curly enough either. The view of her trying to brush her hair at the mirror made no sense because her hair was not curly enough, it is not unruly.
Dear Susan,
I have a head of unruly, mad , and crazy curls ( much like the description of Claire’s curls in Outlander) . It is truly exasperating! In addition to the curls , I am the proud bearer of 5 cowlicks which( much to the delight of my hairstylist) means my hair grows in 5 different directions! Being a truly nerdy girl, I was determined to replicate the scene in Outlander ( when the Highland Ghost is observing Claire) in which Claire uses an eau de toilette ( hope I got that right) to smooth her curls. I sat in front of a mirror looking like a dandelion gone to seed. I took my Florida Water ( the only toilette water in the house) and smoothed it through my tangled hair. Using a natural bristle paddle brush ( the sort of brush Claire must have used) I proceeded to have a go at taming the curls. Voila! Hair tamed to a glamourous 1940′s style! Unfortunately, the next day my curls could not be restrained and reverted to their wanton ways…..sigh. To paraphrase that great philosopher of our time, Forrest Gump, Curly is as Curly does! Curly is an attitude and Catriona Balfe has it nailed!
Best, Pam
I just watched episode 1 of Outlander for the third time (the premier and second showing last night and the replay this afternoon). Love it, love it, love it!!!!! They did an excellent job with everything, the actors, depicting the story… all of it. I have been a fan of Diana’s books since someone put Outlander in my hands for the first time more than 10 years ago. Reading about Jamie and Claire is like visiting friends. I’m so excited to be able to relive their story on screen and I can’t wait until next week’s episode.
Hats off to you Diana for being such a wonderful writer!!!
I have waited for so many years for this to happen and was happy when I saw the advertisements and then subscribed to Starz. Episode 101 was fantastic and I love the characters. Can’t wait for next Saturday. All my Outlander friends are also enjoying this series.
I had never heard of the Outlander books and discovered
the Starz film version a couple of days ago when I was reading
the New York Times website. Up at the top of the site
was a Starz advertisement with a woman shown being pulled
in different directions by two men. It was so enticing that
I went straight to Amazon to see if there was a work of writing
that the film series was to be based on, and I ordered a copy of the
book. I soon saw on Amazon that there are huge numbers of people who
just love this story. I watched the first
episode as a download on my computer, Saturday night (August 9th),
in America. It was just wonderful.
Feel very privileged Elizabeth. Those of us who have been reading this wonderful story for 20+ years in the uk can’t even see it! Really pleased you are now on board with the story now. Enjoy
Just watched the first episode of Outlander. I am so happy to see Outlander come to life. The actors are PERFECT! It’s on again at 8:00 and I’m going to watch it again…and again…
I THOUGHT Claire was a doctor? Jamie a bit shorter than I thought and hair not as red, but Claire is everything I thought she would be !!!!!!
Dear Lisa–
Well…if you recall OUTLANDER, she was an ex-combat nurse from WWII. She became a doctor later in the series.
Best,
–Diana
I have a blog & put out a little blurb on one of my posts, asking if anyone was watching the Outlander premier. You can’t believe the number of folks who have responded, some who know of the books, but can’t get the movie just yet. Some who aren’t familiar with Outlander, and when I send some info, then email me back for more data. I think the movie is going to be as big a hit as the books are, and I’m so thrilled to be able to share this series with newbies! Thanks Ms. G. You must be on Cloud 9 to know how your work is so enjoyed by so very many people all over the world.
I’m more a reader than a TV watcher. However, I ordered STARZ only so I could watch Outlander. I watched the first episode 3 times (on-demand a week prior to preview, and twice Sat 8-9). Also have the DVD schedule to tape the entire series.
I’ve already watched premiere twice! I love how much it follows your story but it’s fun to watch for little differences too.
Dear Diana,
What is really refreshing are the interviews I’ve seen with the cast. After watching countless actors behave very foolishly while promoting their upcoming show, it was a joy to watch Outlander’s cast. They were poised, humbled to get the part and ever so gracious! Especially Sam and Cait.
Your books are just perfection, and my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying Mr. Moore’s adaptation.
Thank you for giving us this beautiful story.
ps – just started your recommendation of The Wine of Angels and liking it!
Melinda
Hope the following seasons will be longer than 16 episodes to scale with each volume, even if it means a little more than a year between seasons. Just saying because each of the first five volumes are longer than its predecessor.
My only complaint is that Caitriona looks very little like I imagined Claire but her acting thus far is dead on.
Looking forward to the next episode and will be reading Dragonfly in Amber–which is waiting on my bookshelf–very soon.
Doubt you will get your wish on number of episodes. I was astonished that they had 16! You can look at all the other series on cable. Most are 10 or less.
I know. I watch three other cable shows: 2 of them 10, the other 13. But if there are two more books and ten years–and then the Lord Grey novels filling in the gaps of Voyager, &c–this seems like wasted potential. Though I have not read DiA YET, I did notice that there are twenty years between.
But I know. I desire the impossible. Maybe. I mean instead of a single 16 episode season, book 2 could be two 10 episode seasons. Gives the actors more of a break, at least in the short term, and then there would be no concern that if the series did go to 10 that the final season would debute before the final book was released . . . Like another book/TV series I’m reading/watching. But then it might just mean . . . 20 years of Outlander on television. I know. That’s not going to happen. Regrettably.
I watched the first episode 3 times this weekend, and it got better each time! Ron Moore and Starz nailed it, down to every detail. The casting is perfect, the dialogue is believable, and the acting is tremendous. I’m going to watch it at least once more before episode 2 this weekend. Also finished MOBY last night, and would be in a funk if it weren’t for the miniseries.
p.s. why does Jamie have short hair in the series?
Forgot to mention that the L.A. Times TV critic started out by saying this wasn’t his favorite genre (even got the name of MOBY wrong), but in the end gave it an excellent all-around review. Everything he said was positive. I agree!
If you go back and read the book again, Jamie’s hair is short because they cut it all off to tend to the head wound (that Dougal supposedly gave him) …[ before he met Claire] … at the Abbey.
OK thank you for clarifying that. Guess that means I need to start the series over again!
I love, Love, LOVE the “Outlander” Series. I have the books, audiobooks, Kindle versions and was ecstatic to know STARZ would feature the series. Fortunately, I do receive this channel and couldn’t wait for the premiere this past Saturday. It was beautiful and did not disappoint. The few minor changes were simply that, minor. I am happy to know this first season has 16 episodes, I hope they continue the trend. The cinematography was breathtaking and music beautiful. If I had one complaint it would be Dougal McKenzie. The acting was great but he didn’t fit my physical description. Oh well, I have a feeling he’ll do a good job playing the wily, bad-ass uncle he is!
Hello Diana,
First of all, thank you so much for sharing your brilliance, imagination, and magic with the world. Your books truly are the most enjoyable ever!
I absolutely LOVED the first episode in the series. So happy we all got to view it for free. I’m sure you have been asked this many times already, but do you know of another option of viewing the additional episodes? I checked Amazon and itunes but have not seen any information on the possibility of purchasing them. I just can’t wait until after the season is over to buy them.
Thank you again Diana.
Omg! Just watched the show. It was good. They did a good job following the books. I cant wait to see the next episode. Loved the books and I now love the show. Thanks Diana for allowing them to make this a show.
I think everyone should re read Outlander before watching more and then it would stop these silly questions like ‘but I though Claire was a Dr?’ ‘ Why is Jamies hair short?’ etc Re Read the books people!
AMEN!!! It gets a little old and monotonous hearing the same questions asked over and over and over.
I didn’t think it was a silly question. I’ve read the series twice. How many times does Claire plait or club Jamie’s hair throughout the series? This is one detail that could be easily fixed.
“How many times does Claire plait or club Jamie’s hair throughout the series?” That is true throughout the series just NOT in the first book Outlander!
SAW THE SHOW SATURDAY NIGHT WITH MY MOM . AND LOVED IT . GET WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPNESS NEXT.
OH WERE DO YOU FIND THE SITE FOR THE SCOTTLAND TRIP GIVE AWAY. LISA
http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander/extras/outlanderwatchandwin
You need to go in and enter right after the show, as far as I can tell. Subsequent rerun viewings did NOT have the “secret phrase” or the information to enter the contest. Of course, if you didn’t enter, it would be better for my odds. =)