Book Nine—aka GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE—is coming along nicely, and thank you for your kind inquiries! I think it’s gonna be good.
You may, however, have noticed that the main books of the OUTLANDER series are Rather Large, Somewhat Complex, and Lavishly Furnished with detail, context and other research-dependent appurtenances. All of which take time. So does running around the world talking to people and signing their books…
Now, I mean no moral reproach, but will never understand why people are so insistent on WHEN will this (or any) book be out? Mostly because I’m not like that myself, at all — I have a couple of dozen authors whose work I buy on sight and with joyous anticipation of reading, but never once has it occurred to me to even think about when a new book will be published, let alone go and pester the author about it.
I mean, It’s like standing over the site of a tulip bulb, shouting “When?” at the barren ground. What the heck difference does it make? A book and a flower each bloom in their proper time. That’s just how it works.
Still, I’m sure y’all have your reasons, and far be it from me to denigrate the operations of y’all’s separate and collective minds. People are just wired up differently.
HOWEVER, A) you’re not getting BEES in 2017 because it’s not done yet, but B) you are, in fact, getting a nice, solid book in the coming year.
On June 27th, 2017.
To wit:
SEVEN STONES TO STAND OR FALL
What this is, is a “Collection of Outlander Fiction,” as the cover states. SEVEN STONES TO STAND OR FALL contains seven novellas, all written by me, and all dealing with the interesting side-stories and lacunae of the Outlander universe.
Five of these novellas were originally published in various anthologies, and in the US/Canada, have then been published singly as ebooks. (Not, however, in the UK/Australia/NewZealand, Germany, etc.)
The final two novellas of SEVEN STONES, though, are brand-new, never published before. <g>
In order, these are the novellas included in this collection, with a brief description of each:
1. “The Custom of the Army”
All things considered, it was probably the fault of the electric eel.
In which, Lord John Grey’s encounter with said eel (to say nothing of a belligerent poet and Dr. John Hunter (a real surgeon, known for his great contributions to medicine, but known more colloquially in his own time as “the body-snatcher”) leads to him being sent to the wilds of Canada (pretty wild at the time), where he joins General James Wolfe, has sex on a sandbar (though not with General Wolfe), repels Indian attacks (though not necessarily all Indians…) and (among other things) climbs a sheer cliff at night with a number of Scottish Highlanders, in order to attack the Citadel of Quebec.
“The Custom of the Army” was first published in WARRIORS, an anthology edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, released in the U.S.A. on March 16, 2010.
2. “The Space Between”
He still didn’t know why the frog hadn’t killed him.
In which, the Comte St. Germain explores the mysteries of the universe. Meanwhile, a grief-stricken Michael Murray (middle son of Jenny and Ian Murray) returns to his wine business in Paris, following the death of his father (and the earlier death of his young wife). Given into his charge on the journey is Joan MacKimmie (younger sister of Marsali, younger daughter of Laoghaire), a young woman on her way to join a French convent, in hopes of shutting up the voices in her head. And then there’s Master Raymond…
“The Space Between” was first published on February 19, 2013 in the anthology titled THE MAD SCIENTIST’S GUIDE TO WORLD DOMINATION, edited by John Joseph Adams.
3. “A Plague of Zombies”
There was a snake on the drawing-room table. A small snake, but still. Lord John Grey wondered whether to say anything about it.
In which, Lord John is sent to Jamaica, charged with putting down a slave rebellion. Snakes and slaves are the least of it, and when the Governor of the island is found in his bedroom, dead and partially gnawed, Lord John finds himself the temporary military governor of Jamaica. He also finds himself in the midst of something much more frightening than a slave revolt—something to be faced alone, barefoot and weaponless, in a lightless cave where the dripping of water hides the sussurus of scales.
“A Plague of Zombies” was first released on October 4, 2011 in DOWN THESE STRANGE STREETS, an anthology of urban fantasy stories edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. This novella was nominated for an Edgar award by the Mystery Writers of America for “Best Short Mystery Story” in 2011.
4. “A Leaf On The Wind of All Hallows”
It was two weeks yet to Hallowe’en, but the gremlins were already at work.
In which, the gremlins in the engine of his Spitfire temporarily ground Captain Jerry MacKenzie, but mechanical difficulties and German machine guns are nothing to what awaits him in a circle of standing stones in Northumbria. This is the story of Roger MacKenzie’s parents, Jerry and Dolly; a story Roger never knew.
This novella was first published in November, 2010, in the anthology SONGS OF LOVE AND DEATH: ALL-ORIGINAL TALES OF STAR-CROSSED LOVE, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
5. “Virgins”
Ian Murray knew from the moment he saw his best friend’s face that something terrible had happened. The fact that he was seeing Jamie Fraser’s face at all was evidence enough of that, never mind the look of the man.
In which we follow the adventures of Jamie Fraser (aged 19) and his best friend Ian Murray (aged 20), as young mercenaries in France in 1740. Neither young man has yet killed a man nor bedded a woman, and they’re both rather worried about going to hell. The possibilities for all three rise abruptly when they’re hired to see a young Jewish bride and the priceless Torah that is her dowry from Bordeaux to Paris, and find much more along the road than they bargained for.
“Virgins” was first published on December 3, 2013, in DANGEROUS WOMEN, an anthology of original stories about dangerous women, heroines and villains alike, edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
6. “A Fugitive Green”
New! Minnie Rennie had secrets. Some were for sale and some were strictly her own. She touched the bosom of her dress and glanced toward the lattice-work door at the rear of the shop. Still closed, the blue curtains behind it drawn firmly shut.
In which, a 17-year-old apprentice dealer in rare books is sent from Paris to England by her father, to obtain incunabula and medieval books of devotion—and whatever secrets of political intrigue or finance may come to hand in the process. In the course of her business, though, Minnie meets Harold Grey (Lord John’s elder brother), the newly-widowed (and alarmingly deranged) Duke of Pardloe, and things Fall Out.
7. “Besieged”
New! Lord John Gray dipped a finger gingerly into the little stone pot, withdrew it, glistening, and sniffed cautiously.
“Jesus!”
“Yes, me lord. That’s what I said.” His valet, Tom Byrd, face carefully averted, put the lid back on the pot. “Was you to rub yourself with that stuff, you’d be drawing flies in their hundreds, same as if you were summat that was dead. Long dead,” he added, and muffled the pot in a napkin for additional protection.
“Well, in justice,” Grey said dubiously, “I suppose the whale is long dead.” He looked at the far wall of his office. There were a number of flies resting along the wainscoting, as usual, fat and black as currants against the white plaster. Sure enough, a couple of them had already risen into the air, circling lazily toward the pot of whale oil. “Where did you get that stuff?”
In which Lord John, anticipating a voyage home to England after his brief stint as military Governor of Jamaica, instead finds himself on his way to Cuba, where the British navy is preparing to lay siege to Havana-—and where the Dowager Duchess of Pardloe (aka John’s mother) is a guest (and potential hostage) of Governor Juan de Prado.
So, those of you with a calendar obsession can circle JUNE 27th, 2017. The rest of you can just enjoy it whenever you happen to find it. <g>
Click here to visit my webpage for SEVEN STONES, which lists news and current information about this collection of my short fiction.
-Diana
This information was initially posted by Diana on her official Facebook page on November 22, 2016.
Thanks for mentioning that people should just leave you alone about any upcoming book will be published. It’s just plain rude! I think in the time of instant gratification, people have forgotten how to be patient. I’ve taken a break after reading them all at least three times, and have enjoyed reading other books your recommend. (I’ve now fallen for Inspector Gamache!) I’ll look forward to reading anything you write when it’s published, and in the meantime, I’ll anticipate discovering new books to enjoy. Thank you for your work, however long it takes.
-Jen
I agree! I am a new resident of the Three Pines community! Having read the Outlander series 3 times I am now taking a break with Inspector Gamache!
Hi Diana & Jen: I had to reply to Jen’s comments because I have just finished this past hour the last book, A Great Reckoning (in fact, the entire series on the trot for the second time), featuring Inspector Gamache by Louise Penny. It is wonderful when one can read one book right after the other for memory continuity. I have already forgotten who the murderers were back at the beginning. I guess what I wish to add to the conversation is that I am one who loves to re-read my favourite books many times over. It may be a disease because some of my friends just don’t understand the need to read a book more than once. I open Outlander (having read it at least 3 times) and jump in anywhere and know what is coming. I have several authors to follow including Cassandra Clare, Alexanader McCaul Smith, Robert J. Sawyer’ Homid series. Diana, I will look at your ideas for other books. AND, THANKS FOR THE OUTLANDER SERIES’
Diana, if people bug you about when the next Outlander book is coming out, it’s only because we really love your books! So, please forgive us our impatience, as we would probably not love them as much if you didn’t do all the research! I am loving the Outlander series, by the way! The costumes, make-up, special effects, scenery and settings are awesome, but the cast is amazing! Canceled my house phone service so I can afford to have cable, just to watch this series! The next book will be snatched up and read within days of being published, then another longish wait till the next…sigh. It must be quite a burden, knowing people actually change their lives for your books! Be blessed and don’t let us rush you! Your books are worth waiting for, and typically the first I recommend to anyone looking for a new series to read!
I believe that digital books are to blame for your reader’s insistence. I remember when it was typical to have to wait a year or two for an author to release a book. It seems since digital books have become so popular that the instant gratification factor for the fans has grown as well. Think about it. No driving to the book store, waiting in line, or hoping that they won’t be sold out. Furthermore, there are MANY authors who are now producing a book every few months or so.
I am impatient for Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, but I truly appreciate the time and effort you are putting into it. The history that is heavily woven into your stories is intriguing and on point. I’d rather have your rich words than a quick, significantly less detailed tale on any given day.
Sounds so cool! Something to look forward to. But I am curious as to how your story about Mr. Raymond is coming along? Will it be novella or a stand alone novel??
From my FAQ about characters (http://www.dianagabaldon.com/resources/faq/faq-about-the-characters/):
Who/What is Master Raymond? What is his significance? (SPOILERS!)
Well, he’s a prehistoric time traveler. I think he came from somewhere about 400 B.C. or perhaps a bit earlier (not technically “prehistoric,” but they certainly weren’t using written records where he started out), and the 18th century is not his first stop.
He is—or was—a shaman, born with the ability to heal through empathy. He sees auras plainly; those with his power all have the blue light he has—born warriors, on the other hand, are red (so yes, “the red man” is iconic). He has a rather strong aversion to Vikings, owing to events that happened in his own time; hence his nervousness when he sees Jamie. He’s afraid of them, but he also realizes just what a strong life-force they have—that’s why he makes Claire invoke it (using the sexual and emotional link between her and Jamie) to heal her.
His descendants—a few of whom he meets now and then in his travels—have the blue light about them, too; in large degree or small, depending on their talents. So he knows Claire, when he sees her, as one of his great-great, etc. grand-daughters. And Gillian/Geillis is another—you notice she has Claire’s sense of plants, though she tends naturally to poison, rather than medicines.
We’ll see him again—though not in Jamie and Claire’s story, I don’t think. Master Raymond should get his own series of books, eventually. So in fact, we’ll see Claire, Jamie, and Geillis again, then—but as secondary characters in Master Raymond’s story (you recall, Geillis mentions having met “one other” (time-traveler) in VOYAGER, but doesn’t tell Claire who it is).
-Diana
AFTER you have finished the Outlander series, I look forward to Master Raymond’s story. His is interesting, and one I would love to read.
I am anxious to read about Master Raymond. He’s such a marvelous person (not “character” as all of your “characters” are truly people in their own right). Thank you for your generosity in sharing them with us.
I can wait for however long it takes. I am happy you are taking time to give us readers a story we can enjoy and remember. Thanks for being true to yourself and to us.
I happen to have one of your signed books and it is so amazing to have one as a fan and reader – so thank you. I can’t imagine signing so many books and it must certainly take a lot of time. I’m not a famous of enough fantasy writer for that yet, but I get hand cramps just thinking about it.
When I was only a reader, my main focus was just consuming the material and needing to find out what happened in my book of choice as quickly as possible. The characters felt like friends in many ways and I hated leaving them for years on end. Depending it could be several years in between books. I was impatient all due to fan love of course.
But once I decided to become an author. I gained some new insight. Like how long the process takes, and to really understand the phase, ” The book is done when its done”. It takes so much emotional energy to get a book out, dedication and time. I mean people who never want to write a book in their lifetime already know how time consuming it is in theory but until you craft it for yourself you just don’t realize what kind of journey you are undertaking.
Now I get really angry when some fans feel entitled to the books as soon as possible. Or even worse when they worry about an author dying before they can finish a series. Not for concern over the Author – the human being behind the book but so they get the story finished.
My favorite thing they do is say, “Why can’t you write as fast as (insert author here)? Why is your book taking so long?” Well for me personally, I have my lore down, but my stories and characters they just pop in my head. Many times I don’t even know where the story will go and sometimes it takes awhile for new stuff to come into my mind like a radio station. Or I will get several ideas and I have to think a long awhile which one I want to use.
Not everyone has a long in depth outline and plot crafted in advance and all the remains is writing the stuff down. I just wish the people always asking about when a certain book is done that they were more grateful and patient. I just can’t grasp the concept some of those fans have that authors of the books they love, owe it to them to get it done as quick as possible.
I understand Diana. Thank you for your amazing universe and characters. Most of all thanks for your passion and hard work.
I think for some people asking when the next book is going to be out is meant to be a compliment. As in, your work, your very life is essential to my happiness. They think they are bragging on your wonderfulness, they have no idea that it is coming across as nagging and pushy.
I met a famous singer, and I asked when more music was going to come out. She rolled her eyes to the back of her head and did all the body language movements like I was draining her dry and nagging her life out. Here I thought I was complimenting her saying how her voice was so beautiful there needed to be more of it in the world.
Now I don’t enjoy her work as much, and have no desire to go to her concerts. I’ll just throw in a cd a few times a year, now that I know I’m the most annoying person on earth and all.
Diana,
I continue to enjoy each and every one of your fabulous books! You have motivated me to write and now that I am semi retired I have begun! I love the immense detail you include in each book and can be patient while you work through that process. Your attention to detail is inspiring. I can’t fathom how you maintain that writing stamina without burning out! Thank you for your literary passion and I look forward to many more enjoyable hours reading your work!
Woohoo! More novellas! I feel I jive more with your way of thinking Diana. The anticipation is so much more fun. I’m also a bit old school. I still enjoy going to bookstores and the library and picking up physical copies of books (I like the smell of the print; they should make candles of that stuff). I understand the appeal of a device that can carry your books though, so I just obtain hard cover copies and ebooks of everything you’ve written. My husband teases me that I “geek out” over you. I happily admit it.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Liz
Thanks for updates:
Will there be a way to access A Fugitive Green and Beseiged
Other than through new book?
I have already read the others as I patiently wait for the new large
book(s).
Thanks for wonderful writing!
Dear Al–
Yes, but not immediately. The earlier stories are already (in the US) available as single ebooks, and I’m sure FUGITIVE GREEN and BESIEGED will also be released in that form eventually–but probably not for 6-12 months after release of the hardcover. Hope you enjoy them when you get them, in whatever form!
Best wishes,
–Diana
Ok, so I get it. Your books are huge (and great) and take a while to reach perfection. But jeez, to say we’re going to “get” a book in June that is a re-publication of previous novellas is just …… well, lame. So since I’ve already purchased the previous novellas do I “get” to purchase them again in order to read the 2 new stories? Sounds like a marketing scam to me. I’m done.
Love, Love, Love all of the outlander books! Especially because they are so full of interesting descriptions of everything! They paint a fascinating picture in the mind’s eye. You feel almost like you are there and that you really personally know the characters. Thank you so much for your wonderful work and keep them coming however long they may take!
People love your stories Diana and are very excited to read the next instalment. Would you rather they weren’t and had no interest when the next Book was due to be published? Or even be interested enough to buy it?
If you don’t want to be asked for a date don’t have the facility to do so. Also remember when you’re flying round the world signing books for your fans. It was them buying your books that enable you to have the money to do so.
Maybe be grateful to your fans
Dear Louise–
Putting aside the intriguing question as to whether flitting about the world to sign people’s books and pose for photos with them is actually Really High on my list of desirable activities…
What I owe my readers/fans is the best book I can write–not the book they think they should get on demand. Now, as far as folk asking when the next book will be out, I don’t really _mind_ them doing that–I just wonder why they do. On the very rare occasions when I find myself curious about whether a favorite writer has a new book out or coming soon–and I don’t happen to run into them on Twitter [g]–I go to Amazon.com and look. But that’s just me. [shrug]
Best wishes,
–Diana
I will wait with great anticipation. I enjoy all your historic research. I live in upstate NY, near Saratoga and Ft Ticonderoga. Love the characters. Just started reading them this year. Recovering from car accident and taking care of aging parents. Helps to escape into good book. My life problems pale in comparison to Claire and Jaime’s.
Thanks for the great escape into to the stories!
Pam
Love your books. Sooo disappointed that Go Tell the Bees that I am Gone will not be out anytime soon but do understand just how long it takes to write these wonderful books.
Re: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall
Just a bit annoyed that I have to buy a book that includes four stories previously published (The Custom of the Army, The Space Between, Lord John and the Plague of Zombies, A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows – published in A Trail of Fire) plus one that I had already read (Virgins) in order to get the two new stories.
Dear Rene–
Well, you can wait for another year or so. [g] Once SEVEN STONES has been out for awhile, the new stories will probably be available as single e-books, just as the older ones are (in the US).
Best wishes,
–Diana
My husband died 10 years ago from Cancer. We both discovered your books and really loved them a lot! He died before your last several books were written but I know how much he would have enjoyed all of them and would have looked forward to the rest of the books in your series! I am keeping him with me through your stories. Thank you so much for this!
Dear Carolyn–
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. I’m glad, though, that you can feel him with you when you read the books; that’s a lovely thing to hear.
Thanks, and all the best,
–Diana
Catrionation fan page on Facebook just posted excerpt from a Leaf on the Wind recounting Roger sending Jerry back through the stones. Roger says he never makes it back. This is a confusing time travel conundrum. As a kid, Roger knows his father didn’t return, but that is because Jerry doesn’t get back to stones until adult Roger shows him the way, thus possibly altering the future timeline. If Jerry did make it back, at what point would Roger’s memory and timeline be altered? But, since you wrote the comment, perhaps it implies that history (past, present or future) cannot be altered (in your personal theory). This would also imply that Claire and Jamie never could have altered Culloden. Aaaaargh! So confusing! Can you please comment on the Catrionation Facebook discussion on this? Inquiring fans want to know! Thanks
Dear Kat–
Roger “knows” his father didn’t make it back, because he was two years old at the time and hadn’t seen his father since he was born; he had no idea that Jerry a) came back and b) died in the Tube station collapse.
As to whether the future can be changed or not, that’s a conundrum that occupies the minds of our time-travelers quite a bit. My own theory is that yes, things quite possibly can be changed–but only small, personal-level things that don’t involve a lot of people. As Jamie points out, Claire’s changed the future dozens of times, by having saved people who would otherwise have died (and perhaps killing one or two who might have lived, if not for her–like the Comte St. Germain (if, of course, he’s really dead….)). But I think they _can’t_ affect the outcome of an event that’s the result of a lot of people pushing in assorted directions–more than likely, Culloden would have happened even if they could have brought themselves to kill Charles Stuart, because so many other people and forces were working toward that end. Whereas, if Jamie had taken Murtagh’s advice and slit Charles throat two years before, in Paris…. But the bottom line is that the time-travelers _don’t know_ what the effect of their presence may be…but they have to act, anyway. And the same exact thing is true of all of us, whether we’re time-travelers or not.
Hope that helps!
–Diana
Love, love, love your books. I feel like I know the characters personally. I gave just read all the excerts from book 9 and the only mention of young Ian is when Jenny and Jamie are doing the rosary and Jenny says “for Ian Og and Ian Mor” Please tell me young Ian is not dead! I was devastated when he had to join the Indians and had to leave J & C, I’m not sure how I’ll. Cope if he dies……
Dear Sami–
No, of course Young Ian isn’t dead, the very idea…! I know there are a couple of excerpts posted (on Facebook, at least) featuring Young Ian and Rachel.
Best,
–Dian
Miss Diana: Master Raymond is one of your most intriguing characters. A master time traveler! I wonder if his body still ages at the usual rate? Is he related to the other time travelers?
I am also intrigued by what Claire’s early life with her uncle might have have been like before she met Frank.
I so appreciate the wealth of historical detail you use. Otherwise I would not have gotten past book one.
Yours truly, Paul Stowe
Thanks, Paul!
Glad you’ve been enjoying the books! As for Master Raymond, I’m pretty sure his body ages at the same rate as anyone else’s; that seems to be true for the time-travelers we know more intimately. And yes, he is indeed related to some of the time-travelers we know; we’ll likely find out a bit more about that as the story evolves.
Claire’s life with her Uncle Lamb was that of a world-roaming academic adventurer; hence her non-squeamish attitude toward things, and her essential self-confidence and sense of competence in unusual situations.
(You’ll meet Master Raymond in “The Space Between” (if you haven’t already)–one of the novellas to be published next month (June 27th) in the collection SEVEN STONES TO STAND OR FALL. Hope you enjoy that one, too!)
Best wishes,
–Diana
Oh, Diana…
I would never have pressured you but I do check to see how it is coming along! I so enjoy the Outlander series (along with my 87 year old mother who is the one who got me started years ago!) that I do understand why readers become anxious. Your writing is amazing and exciting and totally satisfying to read. I look forward to the novellas and will purchase for my mother also. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The pressure from readers is just an accolade to your talent!