I have, as you might suppose, been getting a certain amount of agitated mail following publication of ECHO, [g] all centering on one question: HOW long is it until the next book will be out?!? (This accompanied by various pleas of increasing age or senility on the part of some readers. It’s not that I’m not sympathetic, and I _am_ flattered–but the fact that you think you might not live long enough to read the next book really can’t make me write any faster. Look, just exercise and take your vitamins; you’ll be fine.) As to the question…
It wouldn’t do much good to speculate; I’m always wrong. The books are invariably longer and more complex than I think they’ll be, and _always_ take longer to finish than I think they will. Sufficiently so, that anyone who’s had the misfortune to work production on one of the OUTLANDER books emerges from the experience with several new white hairs and trembling visibly in every limb.
General observation is that in terms of actual research/writing/etc., it takes me _about_ two to two-and-a-half years to write one of the big novels of the main series. That’s baseline. However…
A) The books get increasingly popular. While this is, generally speaking, A Good Thing, it has side-effects. There’s a HUGE demand on my time, in terms both of physical travel and in-person appearances, and the smaller drag created by endless email, propositions, invitations, cover quote pleas, and now–with the upsurge of online venues available–the demand to create TONS more subsidiary material for blogs, online chats, interviews, phone apps (don’t even ask about that one; the publisher just suggested it and I have _no_ idea), enhanced e-books, viral animated videos, etc. I lose at least two/three months a year, if not more, to this kind of stuff (much more, in years when a new book is out and several different countries want me to come and tour. So far this year, I’ve done Scotland, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia–for a total of two and a half months _just on the road_–and will be doing the UK in January, Germany in March, and some miscellaneous Scottish stuff [g] in August. Three European trips in one year? It has its fun aspects, but man, it eats up your work time.
B) I don’t work on one project exclusively, for the most part. I never have. Being able to switch mental tracks keeps me from ever having writer’s block, and it’s good for the separate projects, insofar as pushing one off the front burner while I deal with something else lets the first one simmer peacefully on the subconscious’s lower heat–so the result has _lots_ more flavor and subtlety than it would if I cooked it at a furious boil and splashed it scalding into people’s bowls (cf. James Patterson, if you want to know what _that_ looks like).
So (for instance), while the pub date for ECHO was four years after that for ABOSA, it doesn’t mean that I spent four years tapping away on ECHO without cease or respite. I also wrote (and published) two other books in that time (LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE, which was a complete novel, and LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS, a collection of novellas), wrote the complete script for THE EXILE (the first “Outlandish” graphic novel), did work on a contemporary crime novel (about half-done at present), worked on THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume II (rudimentary stuff, but still work), consulted on a film script, and poked around in the research material, coming up with bits and pieces of other, future books (like the first Master Raymond) that I haven’t started working on in any focused way, but that are waiting on the sideboard for their turn.
So I have no idea when Book Eight’ll be up. Not for at least two and a half years (the publisher does need _some_ lead time to actually print the book), but that’s _all_ I could tell you for sure.
Now, I _can_ say what I plan to be working on during 2010 (putting aside all the roaming around the world stuff, promotion for the graphic novel, and Eldest Daughter’s upcoming wedding): I’ll be feeling my way into Book Eight, working in a serious way on LORD JOHN AND THE SCOTTISH PRISONER, ditto the OC II (because I’d like to have that one done before the end of the year), and seeing if I can pull together the contemporary crime novel (which is about half-done, and I think I know where the other half _is_, more or less).
You will get a couple of things in 2010, though: 1) THE EXILE. This is the much-talked-about graphic novel, due out September 28!, 2) a new Lord John novella, “The Custom of the Army” (due in March from Tor books, in an anthology titled WARRIORS), and (probably) 3) “A Leaf on the Wind,” a short story in a Penguin anthology titled STAR-CROSSED LOVERS. This one tells the story of what really happened to Roger’s father, for those with a particular interest either in MacKenzie family history and/or time-travel. [g]
So you will get something to read, and fairly soon. As for Jem…don’t worry about him; he’s a pretty resourceful little guy.
Speaking of that, though–which is the storyline _you_ most want to see addressed Right Up Front in Book Eight?
I've had so many thoughts going through my head since reading Echo(and then rereading the entire series) that it's hard to choose just one storyline!
I'm not concerned with the Jamie/Claire/John situation as Jamie's response to John's "carnal knowledge" comment put my mind at ease.
I would like to know more about Rob Cameron and his connection to Geillis…and the Brahan Seer's Prophecy regarding the Frasers that we learned of in Voyager.
William is also of great interest. Why can he hear the stones, Diana!!??
Oh, and I can't forget about Percy and the lost Beauchamp heir. I have a feeling that is going to be a very interesting storyline and I look forward to finding out if my twisted mind may be on to something with that one.
the story line that keeps me up at night is from the first book; was Jamie really there watching Clair through the window when Frank walked by? Can Jamie travel? Did Jamie seek Clair out first? I think about this often!
I really will need to see what happens with the Jamie/Claire/LJG situation…will just read ahead if it isn't first…that whole situation totally shock me..LOL.
I agree with other readers though..take you time and sock it to us as you always do.
Hilarious about others worrying about Diana's health…I in fact had the same worry!!, but superstitiously quickly buried it.
Couldn't help thinking about 'Gone with the Wind' and what Scarlet's life would have turned out according to Margaret Mitchell. Just couldn't get into someone else's idea in Scarlet.
Take Care Diana, you are the greatest!
First I want Jenny to get trampled by a run-away horse. I really can't stand her. She should've stayed in Scotland and minded her own business. Then I want Roger/Bree/Jemmy/Amanda all reunited, preferably in the past. Then I want the Jamie/Clair/John thing worked out, although I totally got Clair's reasons for marrying John and think that Jamie was absolutely understand them, even the sex, because he knows what it is to need comfort.
I want William to be accepting of Jamie as his birth father – if Bree were there she could help him with this as she's already been through it.
I want Ian to have happiness and get to raise his son – not with the Indians.
Wow.
I can't believe so many people hate Jenny!
Can't you folks cut the woman some slack?
She isn't THAT bad.
I was left flat by the end of Echo with too many unresolved issues. Claire and Jamie are the core, put them together at the beginning and leave them together to deal with the rest of the issues from now on. I enjoy Ian, Bree, Roger and Jem, but you can send John and Jenny to oblivion as I find both of them selfish and devious. Their "good deeds" are are only their manipulative way of reaching their self-serving desires—no matter how much gloss you put on them. Thanks for the input opportunity–Jul
First off let me say your books are captivating, I've enjoyed them so much, that by the time I bought Echo, and knowing how long between books I only read it during my work break. Unfortunately, I've now finished it. I am amazed at how you can have so many storylines going and they don't get confusing. I am also impressed by your writing and skill in storytelling. I can pick up one of your books and within a few pages I remember what happens from the last one. I will be waiting on pins and needles for the next one and anywhere you want to start will be just fine with me.
Diana, please take care of Jamie and Claire first as I need things put right with them before I can move on to the rest. Also, would it be too much to ask for a quick annulment of the marriage between Lord John and Claire? I can't wait to see Jamie's reaction to what Lord John is about to tell him!! I am loving the relationship I see forming between Ian and Rachel. Looking forward to what the future hold for them, but William may end up with a broken heart over that. William….I didn't want to like him but you made me! I was so upset about the Geneva situation and that Jamie had a child with someone other than Claire that I had a really hard time accepting William, but after Echo I love him. I'm really looking forward to the relationship forming for him, Jamie and Claire. William seems to trust and respect Claire already. Oh, if you could get rid of that Laoghaire it would make me quite happy!! Please never stop writing the Outlander series!!
Jamie, Claire, and Lord John ofcourse!
Also hoping that if the "Mackenzie's" are coming back that Brianna gets to truly bond with William. Love interest for William???????
In love with the series….i won't even admit how many times I have read all 7 books and the Lord John Series too.
Diana…these books are such a fabulous escape. Your imaginiation has become one of my favorite places to be!
Diana…your imagination is one of my favorite places to be!
Do whatever but don't kill Jamie and Claire off or let them die. I would never be able to read the stories again and they answer something in my soul. You would think after 10 readings I would have enough but each time they get better to read. Now I'm Depressed,but Thanks for the great books .
For me, it's always about Jamie & Claire…
I agree @jane
Anyone who has read any of your books know that it sure doesn't SEEM as if you need any suggestions for your books. Good grief! (what a run-on sentence that was!) I think you only ask these questions to keep us busy reading each others ideas. If YOU read all of them, it would take alot longer to get each new book out! Fun for us though.
Oh well don't take two long "remember the problem that 2012 is to have". We need time to read all the books again to enjoy #8 and it would be a shame to miss them because we're not here.LOL
I would love for you to begin with Roger & William Buccleigh Mackenzie….whenever they may be
HI Dianna, I have to say I am absolutly in love w/ your novels.
These books are by far the most incredible books I have ever read.
I am worried about Roger, so I think I would like to see how he fares first, I am fond of wee Roger,lol .
I think the biggest thing I most want to see resolved is what happens to Bree, Mandy and Jem.
Jem's an incredible kid, so i think he will be Okay, but I am curious about what Bree will do to Rob Cameron, I hope she messes him up!..lol
I saw red when I read the part where Rob Cameron was pushing Jemmy into the stones,(poor kid.
I really miss Bree and Roger living in the past w/Claire and Jaimie.
I LOVE Roger's relationship with Jaimie, and was heartbroken when Roger,Bree and the kids left.
I miss Bree and Roger's relationships w/ Claire and Jamie, and I especially greive for Jem and Mandy that they are seperated from their Grandparents, so I am anxious to find out if the family will ever see Jaimie,Claire, Ian and lord John again.
I would also love to see Bree and William meet again,**Spoiler!!**
especially now that William knows about his parentage, I would love to see Bree to have a relationship w/ her brother.
Actually, to be honest I have complete faith that whatever you put in the novel will be incredible, you have yet to disapoint me, and I truly can't see it ever happening, even if Bree and the kids don't go back in time,lol.
These books are so incredible, I Have been an avid reader since I was tiny, and few books have made me love the charactors as much as these books do.
I think I was 14 when I first read Voyager, ( I did not know it was a series at the time,lol) I read Outlander after Voyager.
These books have been an important part of my life since then, and though I am anxious to see what happens in the next book, I can always re-read the novels over and over again until the new book is out, besides, I like the suspense,lol.
Dear DG, Well, since you DID ask, the thing I would love to see the most is several more novels. You know, Patrick O'Brian wrote 21 in his Aubrey-Maturin series. With characters as incredibly rich as Jamie and Claire, can't you see your way to keeping them around for a bit longer than one more book? And I've love to see more continuity – there were some areas of Echo that contradicted previous books, and the pace at the end was almost rushing through plot points, instead of taking its time. You are such a gifted writer, I'd just love more of your amazing writing!!! In Echo, every page at the end was a knockout punch.
That said, I'd love to see the William-Jamie story addressed, then Jamie-Lord John-Claire (for some reason that one doesn't worry me too much, since we all know nothing can stand in Claire and Jamie's way. Um, or I hope). Then, of course, Roger-horrible William Buck-Bree-Jem. And then, Ian. Thanks for the opportunity to chime in. I canna wait for the next book(s!!) in your series – definitely the best series ever written.