• “The smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting 'Scrooge McDuck' comics.”—Salon.com
  • A time-hopping, continent-spanning salmagundi of genres.”
    —ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
  • “These books have to be word-of-mouth books because they're too weird to describe to anybody.”
    —Jackie Cantor, Diana's first editor

THANK YOU – THANK YOU — MORAN TAING!

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER Hits Da List!

And

Signed Books in Time for Christmas!

Thank you VERY much! Thanks to all of you who’ve bought and been enjoying THE SCOTTISH PRISONER—I’ve just been told that the book has hit the New York Times Bestseller List, after only one week on sale! We’ll be #8 on the list (not the Dec. 8th list, but the one that appears on Dec. 15th; they compile the lists a week ahead), and I couldn’t be more pleased. Moran Taing! means “Thank You!” in Gaelic, and so Moran Taing to all of you!

Speaking of Gaelic, one of the Author’s Notes in THE SCOTTISH PRISONER tells you that there are sound files of the Gaelic bits from the book on this website, so you can hear what it really sounds like, spoken by native speakers. Those Gaelic bits _will_ be up here very shortly, but the wonderful Cathy MacGregor, who did the recording and is doing the phonetic pronunciation guide to go along with them, discovered several more bits in the book that hadn’t been recorded yet. She’s doing those with the aid of Catherine-Ann MacPhee and Kevin Dooley (the native speakers who helped with all the translations), and the whole thing will be up within just a few days. Thanks for your patience, too!

Now—if I may—a few administrative details, for those of you who might want signed books (THE SCOTTISH PRISONER, the OUTLANDER 20th Anniversary Edition, THE EXILE, or any of the other books) for Christmas:

CHANGING HANDS Event – December 12th, 7 PM

For those of you in the Phoenix area–I’ll be doing the last “live” signing event of 2011 at The Changing Hands Bookstore, an independent bookseller in Tempe, AZ.

Here is their link to the event, with directions.

For Those of You NOT in the Area:

The Poisoned Pen is my local independent bookstore, who kindly handle autographed sales for me all year (I don’t have any financial stake in the bookstore; I just approve of independent bookstores {g}). They’ll ship any of my books, any format (hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback, audiobook CDs) anywhere in the world. It does, however, take some _time_ to ship books places, especially at this time of year.

So the people at the Pen would like me to tell you that December 16th is their cutoff date for ordering autographed books to be delivered in time for Christmas (in the US; the situation may be different for foreign shipments, but it depends where the shipment is going). If you order books after that, you’ll certainly still get them signed or inscribed (I go by the Pen every week to sign orders and stock), but they may not arrive by Dec. 25th.

Here is the link for autographed SCOTTISH PRISONER books,

And here is the link for the backlist,

And here is the link for the OUTLANDER 20th Anniversary Edition!

The Poisoned Pen wanted me also to include this request: “When placing the online order, please write your desired inscription in the Instructions field.” That will make it easier for them to track your book and make sure you get the right inscription.

Nollaig Chridheil! (That’s Gaelic for Merry Christmas!)

56 Responses »

  1. Loved the Scottish Prisoner. Noticed that it was longer than the other Lord John books. Do all of your books keep getting a little longer? I am not complaining, the more pages, the better. It came one day and I was finished reading it by the next. I did sleep, fix meals, do dishes, etc., but not too much else. I’m always a little disappointed when I finish one of your books that it didn’t last a little longer, but they are hard to put down. Thank you. It should be #1 on the list by next week with all of your fans rushing to buy their copies. Am looking forward to Book eight and the Michael and Joan story. Had thought there might be a romance between them , but the more teasers you give us, the less likely it seems.

  2. Just finished the Scottish Prisioner….fabulous! Really gives you insight into Jamie and Lord John Grey’s relationship and how it was mended and grew. I truly loved it. Can not wait for the next installment in the Outlander series. Thank you Diana for being so imaginative! You captured my attention from the very first book and keep me coming back for more every time! Happy Holidays.

  3. I was determined NOT to like The Scottish Prisoner, as I am peeved it is taking so long for Book Eight to come out (I know….that sounds soooooo childish). Anyway, I read it last week, and as much as it pains me to say it…. I loved it !!!!! It was fascinating to learn a small bit of what Jamie had done during those twenty years apart from Claire.
    Diana …Congratulations on the best seller list!!! We all know that would be a no-brainer.

  4. Diana, two years ago I pull a fat book from the library shelf it was “dragonfly in amber.. and my addiction began. Since I read and re-read all you books and stories twice. My family cannot recognize me – from rational, pragmatic and very skeptical person I become addictive to everything written by you. Every day I start buy checking your notes online. That helps me with waiting for your next book, even I continue to read other books and a lot. Thank you very much for all you have done and continue to do: for your work, creativity and knowledge, your stories and heroes, your energy and enthusiasm. Please do not stop, do not quit. Whatever you are doing you are doing it right. My best wishes to you and your family. Please be healthy.

  5. Poor John Grey….the way he describes Jamie in several scenes of TSP — I would also have a hard time keeping my hands off of him. In fact, I think John represents all of us girls out here who know we’ll never have a wack at dear Jamie and can only imagine the possibilities from afar. Oh well.

    • Aha! Kimbre, I think you’ve put your finger on a major aspect of Lord John’s appeal. Never mind that he’s also gorgeously unattainable himself…

  6. Hi from Australia. Just finished reading The Scottish Prisoner. Like all of the other books, I couldn’t put it down. Will have to start the series again (for the 3rd time) while waiting for My Own Hearts Blood. I am originally from Glasgow in Scotland so I find the story very interesting. I think I have learned more about that period of Scottish history from the books than I ever did at school. (They didn’t teach much Scottish history in Australian schools.)

  7. Is the Poison Pen in Scottsdale or Phoenix…going to be in Scottsdale first 2 weeks of Feb…are you making any appearances during those weeks in that area?

    • Dear Darlene–

      Scottsdale, but it’s essentially the same thing. {g} I.e., Scottsdale is in the Phoenix Metro area. No, I’m not making any formal appearances until March–but I go by the Poisoned Pen every week or so to sign books, so if you want something, you can order it and they’ll let you know when it’s ready to pick up.

      –Diana

  8. You are very, very welcome. I have got my copy and devoured it and though it’s a huge call, it’s possible that it’s the best book you’ve written so far. I enjoyed it immensely and I hope you continue to get the recognition you deserve.

  9. Hi Diana, I’m a big fan from Toronto, Canada. My sister-in-law got me hooked on Jamie and Claire and now I’ve gotten one of my girlfriends hooked as well. Unfortunately, she’s a couple of books behind me so it’s hard to talk about my two favourite characters with her without giving something away. However, we both do agree that you certainly know how to make the love scenes in your books so real ~ it leaves us breathless! Whether it’s Jamie and Claire or Jamie and John, wow! I wasn’t so sure I would be happy about a book without Claire, but so far so good. Do you have a ballpark publishing date for My Own Hearts Blood? You know, the next good thing to look forward to…
    Congratulations on making the list, truly no surprise there!

    • Dear Donna–

      Well, let’s not leave folk who haven’t read THE SCOTTISH PRISONER with the notion that it involved Jamie having sex with Lord John! Nooooot happening. {g} Glad you’re enjoying the book(s), though, thank you!

      –Diana

  10. I enjoyed the book very much, specially chapter 32 which kept me biting my nails . Betty is interesting…
    Thank you again Diana for yet another wonderful book !!

  11. Enjoying my time with Scottish Prisoner…reading your books feels like coming home…thanks so much for another great read~

  12. I just finished reading The Scottish Prisoner and it was a most welcome addition to the Outlander series. I often wondered just what went on in all the time that Jamie spent as a prisoner until he went back to Lallybroch. I especially liked learning more about Minnie. She isn’t just a little House Frau at all is she? It was also very clever how you wound what we already knew about Wille and Isobel and Lord John with the storyline.

    I did think you portrayed the Irish in a less than admirable light. This may have been unavoidable since the characters that were Irish were involved in rebellion from the English. No small wonder since they have spent centuries trying to remove the English rule from Ireland as well. The wonderful qualities of honor and integrity that you have built into the Scottish characters are also in the Irish who settled the Scottish highlands centuries ago. It is a special fealty born in the clan way of governance and what drew me to your books since my background is both Scottish and Irish.

    This is for you Diana although you may repeat it if you wish—–

    On another note I just love your description of a dachsund puppie. I have had both a red male (now deceased) and a black and tan female pup who have grown into the best pets I ever had. I understand your love for the breed after seeing pictures of Homer and JJ. They spoil you for life don’t they?

  13. Hello Diana ! That’s great to be able to contact you through your site. Thanks a lot for your wonderful books with such a unique story line ! My addiction began with “Cross Stitch”-UK title- about 12 years ago, afterwards I was caught up in the fever and “gobbled up” the 7 books of the Outlander series and of course I’m looking forward to the next one, nr 8… can’t wait ! I just bought The Scottish Prisoner to day, awaiting next year for WMOHB. Thanks once more. Merry Christmas to you, your family and loved ones. Take care from a fan from PARIS, France

  14. In two months time, last year, a friend and I raced through all of your Outlander and Lord John books, texting one another throughout them all. I’ve searched for another series that can compare to yours and I just cannot find one. Like giddy teenagers, we jumped for joy (literally) when The Scottish Prisoner was released. It was almost a year between the last time we left Jamie and The Scottish Prisoner. It was like reuniting with an old friend…no time was lost. The only thing that got lost was my imagination…running through London once again, caught up in the whirlwind of Jamie’s adventures. Thank you for the escape from the excitment of life into another lifetime. Peace.

  15. Dear Diana,

    First off, thank you for this wonderful addition to my Diana Gabaldon library.

    I really enjoyed The Scottish Prisoner. I just recently purchased “Songs of Love and Death” and can’t wait to get lost in this book, as well. Will you publish any more of the graphic novels? I really enjoyed the Outlander Graphic Novel, as well.

    Did you put up the link to the gaelic sound files yet? Did I miss anything? I have tried ot find them but maybe I am looking in the wrong place.

    Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us,

    NouNou

  16. February 3rd.
    Just love everything Outlander. Couldn’t believe I’d never heard of it before last fall.
    I’ve ready almost everything now and I’m drooling for more!!!
    Still no Phonetic Pronunciation?
    Moran Taing

    Nancy

  17. Dear Diana,

    I have recently come across your books through a blog called The Outlander Kitchen. The blog owner makes recipes from foods mentioned in your books. One of the recipes she made was Salt Rising Bread, because you wrote about some of your characters who ate “rising salt-bread.” I am a huge enthusiast of Salt Rising Bread and wondered if you could tell me if this is a bread you made up for the book or do you actually know that this “rising salt bread” was once eaten in Scotland? I would be most interested to know if you know anything more about the history of this bread

    Thank you so very much!
    Susan Brown

    (my website, that is all about Salt Rising Bread, is at this address, in case you are interested: http://home.comcast.net/~petsonk/ )

  18. Dear Diana,

    I have recently come across your books through a blog called The Outlander Kitchen. The blog owner makes recipes from foods mentioned in your books. One of the recipes she made was Salt Rising Bread, because you wrote about some of your characters who ate “rising salt-bread.” I am a huge enthusiast of Salt Rising Bread and wondered if you could tell me if this is a bread you made up for the book or do you actually know that this “rising salt bread” was once eaten in Scotland? I would be most interested to know if you know anything more about the history of this bread

    Thank you so very much!

    Susan Brown

    (my website, that is all about Salt Rising Bread, is at this address, in case you are interested: http://home.comcast.net/~petsonk/ )

    • Dear Susan–

      No, I didn’t make it up. I’ll have to find my collection of antique cookbooks, though, to look up the salt-rising bread. (It’s out in the garage at the moment…)

      –Diana

  19. please tell me where the sound file is, I can’t find it and just finished all your published books for outlander and lord john grey… think i’ll have to reread to wait until 2013.

    • Dear cg–

      Writing the pronunciation guide to go _with_ the sound files proved to be a much bigger challenge than my Gaelic translator thought to begin with–she apologizes for the delay. We _will_ get it up as soon as it’s done, though.

      –Diana

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