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.)
All of the credibility, integrity and authenticity of this truly gifted and talented writer and all of the cast and crew are being totally misrepresented with what is now Day 2 on the streets of Toronto. I have contact infield promotions and they believe that half naked boys in green skirts depicts what viewers can look forward to with the new Outlander television series. unfortunately I cannot insert the pic.
I am thrilled to be able to watch the series. My ancestor fought in that battle and was shipped over to America as a rebel, hence here I am. I did my genealogy and traced the steps from Tenn to Texas. Now to see and hear it on the screen (after reading the book), I am in heaven. Thank you so much for accidentally writing this story, which I read for the history, not a big romance fan, but hey Jamie isn’t bad to look at!
E
And I meant, from Scotland to Texas. I will be following the show til the end…
Diana,
I have been reading and re-reading your Outlander series since you first published it – and I have given your books as gifts to friends (hooking them as well). The characters are wonderful and well developed, the story is interesting and fun, the writing very nicely done. I wondered when Outlander would be put on the screen and was thrilled when it finally happened. I have seen you speak in person both in Trenton, NJ when Outlander was first published and again in Denver, Co – both times you were upset and a little angry that your books were being labeled as romance rather than historical fiction (I agreed with you wholeheartedly), but now this television series has come along and played the romantic spin full out. I’m no prude, but I think the soft porn will distract from and give the wrong impression of the story – a concern I believe you had about your books. Since I have read your books several times, I am aware of how much more sex to expect. Sex is certainly a different thing on the written page than it is on screen, and in your books it was a integral part of the story that was left to the reader’s imagination. It isn’t only the sex scenes – as an example there is the scene where Claire goes through the stones and lands prettily on her back with her shawl spread like wings beneath her… I guess I am simply curious as to how you feel about that and wonder how much input you had in the making of the series? Believe me an admiring fan who is only concerned that people who have not read your books will come away with the wrong impression. Thank you for creating a story that has entertained me again and again.
Dear Diana–
Actually, I think the sex is handled very tastefully on the show, and certainly isn’t present to a higher degree than it is in the books–and it’s used to the same purpose, to illustrate commitment and communication between people.
Best,
–Diana
Diana,
While I was re-reading Outlander in preparation for the new series, I discovered that the visuals in my head had changed to Sam and Catriona. It was a little disconcerting! I know that the story was the same, but it was somehow different. I was just wondering if now that they have a cast if your visuals have changed at all in your head? Or have they remained the same?
This times a million.
I am SO afraid to watch the Starz series. I have listened to Davina Porter and read all the books at least five times through the whole series.
No one can ever replicate my Jamie and my Claire.
So even if the show is spectacular, I am very reluctant to watch. I am so afraid the actors will push out my personal images. Ånd that is just not acceptable. :-}
With all the media blitz surrounding the series, the visuals of Sam and Catriona are everywhere, so it’s hard NOT to picture them as I read Outlander. I have found reading past Outlander to the other books, my own Jamie and Claire are still in my head. Weird. The Starz series had been outstanding so far! I do try and remember it’s an adaptation though and parts are different. I think the casting is brilliant and the music is awesome. Don’t be scared to watch it! Like you said no one can replace your Jamie and Claire.
Diana,
I think you need to pass this on to the Outlander cast. I think we need an Outlander calendar. They could provided the pictures and you could provided little tid bits for each month. Also Jamie, Clair and all the other’s birthday’s and fun little things like that.
Love all the books so much and thanks for writing them and sharing them with us.
Lynette
I really love the books (I`ve read them more than once)… and I really going to love the series as well… I was hooked from the first scene…
I first read Outlander in1994 .I bought at a paperback exchange store. Loved it forgot about it until my boss who knew I liked to read askd if I had read it and said it was a series. I reread it and went on to buy the other books from Amazon until my nook gave me a chance to have the whole series on hand to reread.
Diana, you are by far the best writer I have ever read barring Anya Seton and her book Katherine. Until I read Outlander she was myy favorite you have replaced her with your very descriptive writing.I have finished the last book and am viewing the series onStarz. The actors portraying Claire and Jamie are them to a tea.
A dear friend encouraged me to read this series of books because of my love of history, adventure, and that romantic spark! Your storytelling came along at a time in my life when I so needed an escape from my 20th century life. They have been such a joy! The television series is fantastic! I can certainly tell those involved have given careful thought to bringing your story to life, Dr, Gabaldon. Several times I have sqeezed my husband’s arm exclaiming “That’s just how I imagined it!” He’s enjoying it too. Please thank all those involved in creating the show. We’re devoted fans!
Diana,
After watching Episode 3 last night twice, all I have to say is AWESOME!!!! It just gets better with each episode. I have thought the casting was good from the beginning and with each episode, they become more and more real in their portrayal of the characters in the books. I have read these books for 20+ years and even though there are changes, it is still truly recognizable Outlander.
I suggest that we all take this show as a blessed addition to the books and not as a replacement. I am going to stop reading all the negative comments on FB, Twitter, CompuServe where every line, every look, is nitpicked to death and just enjoy the show for what it is: a wonderful adaptation of the story and one that I predict will be up for multiple Emmy awards next year!!
I appreciate your interaction with all the fans (no other author I know of does that) and am amazed at your stamina and dedication in trying to keep this show as true to the books as possible.
Thank you.
Linda
Please, Diana, if you have any input whatsoever in merchandising, would LOVE LOVE LOVE a calendar of twelve months of Jamie in all stages of dress (or undress…preferably) but to gaze on Sam/Jamie each month would be Heaven. I’d probably forget what day it was, but who cares!
Hello Diana,
14 years after my first read of Outlander, it is so lovely to get to see a visual adaptation of your captivating series. In Montreal, the premiere was tonite on Showcase. Currently, im on my fourth read (second read this summer alone of Outlander) hence I can appreciate how much the first episode followed your work and often quoted quite literally word for word. What a delight! A huge thank you to you Diana foremost for all your work’s addictive entertainment and also, thank you to the script writers, director(s) and producers of this wonderful series for respecting the original novel. We fans are indebted and terribly hooked. Continued much success to you all.
Thank you,
Sylvia
Montreal, Canada
Hi Diana,
I have read all your books, savouring each one like a luscious treat. Each word is fine chocolate, melting into my brain. And I am adrift in a world of another place and time, so well written and researched and with a protagonist so real that I feel I know her.
Claire’s story resonates with me on so many levels. I have British heritage, am a retired nurse, love history and married my third husband ( of Scottish heritage)
who is the love of my life. My road to find him wasn’t as convoluted as Claire’s but there were many twists and turns along the way, including divorcing an abusive first husband and losing my second loving husband to cancer.
I have just started watching Outlander and was afraid I would be disappointed.
But I’m not!
I didn’t want to go back to re-read the series until I had finished the last book ……but thankfully the story is not over yet. And the show has made me want to start my re-reads sooner.
I think you have the most brilliant and amazing mind to create such a masterpiece. Thank you for enriching my life.
I hope the series continues to be true to the books.
Gayle
So disappointed in the first episode especially by Claire so wooden and cold I could not feel any empathy for her at all. Think this may have been badly miss cast . Jamie is not the imposing presence I thought he would be either. Maybe I will watch a couple more episodes just to see if the characters grow on me and if I am still not feeling it will just go back to my fantasy world in the books.where people look and act in the way I imagine them
Pffft!!!!
How very rude
I am sorry to say that I agree. I do not feel any chemistry between the two. I cannot understand what Jamie is saying half the time. I spend too much time listening, rather than enjoying the scenery & nuances that should be there. I love the books, absolutely, but am disappointed in the series. It is bland, not exciting. I feel no urgency in anything that goes on onscreen.
Dear Heather–
Well, you’re not obliged to watch it, you know. As I say to the occasional person who doesn’t like something I’ve written–”Not all books are for all people. I hope you enjoy the next thing you read.” Same goes for TV shows.
Best,
–Diana
Congratulations Diana. Outlander was #5, and Dragonfly was #16 in the book lists this weekend!! Are ye swinging on a cloud?
Wonderful, and deserved.
Diana I know you posted you were an extra for one of the episodes. Can you tell us now where to look for you?
Dear misarom–
I had a cameo in Episode 4.
Best,
–Diana
At 81 years of age, and having read over 500 novels since 2010, and having read the Outlander series up until the last book in the series published, I consider this the best of best in series I have ever read and enjoyed every word. The First TV showing was exactly as I had imagined in my mind while i was reading it. Now I would love to see Dr.Gabaldon continue it on and do a series on William and the rest of the characters. They have been so wonderfully described that they have taken on life I am sure in most peoples imaginations. It would be a shame not to enjoy more of the same from such an author. Dr. Gabaldon, You are a rare genius Please continue to write more sertes
Dear Diana,
I watched the first episode of The Outlander yesterday and it took my breath away! Beautiful. Stunning.
Every scene, every single character is captivating and tells a story that I want to know more about. I just HAD to watch the second and the third episodes on-line right away! And will watch them again when they show them on TV (we are in Canada).
Thank you!
There is no way to get Outlander in book format from the library now, the waiting line for it is huge. So I am beginning to read your Lord John trilogy first. … And then the entire Outlander series will arrive from Amazon, for my family to read and to donate to our city library.
You are amazing, Diana. I am so grateful you decided to try writing one day, not so long ago… and then to write more …and more. Thank you!
Liudmila
I’ve read the series 3 times and have enjoyed the TV shows. No complaints, except that the close captioning on the original (Saturday night) show is horrible! My husband has a hearing problem and this is very helpful on some shows. The CC On Demand shows are perfect; why can’t they do a better job on the original show?
Outlander on Showtime…ok the casting is pretty good. Claire and Jamie are just as one might have imagined. Really enjoying the series EXCEPT for all the interruptions by the unbelievable number of commercials. DG’s great writing moves at a pace that is so engaging…losing that pace because of commercials is truly disappointing. Too bad DG didn’t make her deal with a cable group like Netflix where you could binge watch. Only alternative is to tape and then fast forward thru the commercials.
Dear Gardener–
I have to suppose that you’re watching from Australia or someplace where the show is available on (haha) “Free” TV. Because as originally filmed and as presented in the US by STARZ (a premium-cable channel)….NO COMMERCIALS! (The lack of commercials is one of the things you get for the price of premium-cable. Lack of censorship and a broader range of subject matter is another.) Ever hear the saying, ‘You get what you pay for’? It’s true. [g]
As for my making deals…I don’t. The international television rights belong to the Sony corporation, and it’s their business to reach licensing agreements with distributors in various countries. As for binge-watching…there are (or will be) always DVDs!
Best,
–Diana
Have been fascinated by your work since I picked up Outlander as a 3.99 bargain book early on.
Have bought and read multiple soft and hard copies , and every audiobook
LOVING THE NEW SERIES AND CASTING!!
question when do you expect to put out an unabridged audiobook of MOBY ?
Thank You!
Dear Patricia–
None of the books are abridged anymore, since I got the rights back. [hahahahaha!!!] As for MOBY, it’s been out as an audiobook since the day it was published in hardcover–all the books ideally are released in all formats (print, audio, ebook) on the same day. Hope you enjoy it!
Best,
–Diana