Site Announcements 2007

This page archives the announcements that Diana sent in 2007, which were originally posted on the home page.

28 Nov 2007

TWO BOOKS IN ONE YEAR-WILL WONDERS NEVER CEASE?
Well, I don’t know as it’s precisely a Christmas book (particularly not with a title like that)...but fwiw, Lord John and the Hand of Devils is being released Tuesday, November 27th. A nice stocking-stuffer sized book [g], this is a collection of three novellas about Lord John Grey--something for the Outlander addict on your list. [cough]

No, I have not been spending all my time churning out Lord John books; Hand of Devils is, as I said, a collection of three novellas, written at intervals over the last several years. It’s just that the final novella in this collection, Lord John and the Haunted Soldier, follows the events that took place in Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (in re which, tremendous thanks to all of you who’ve bought and enjoyed that book! The US and Canadian publishers are also very pleased). That being so, I asked the English-language publishers not to release this book until after BOTB had come out, so as not to confuse the pants off the readers.

(Der Hand Des Teufels actually came out last year in Germany; we’ll hope the German readers have a firm grip on their pants.)

[new excerpt]

So anyway, here it is, and I hope you’ll all enjoy it, while waiting for the next Jamie and Claire book to come along. (Btw, my husband points out that while I gave you a detailed exegesis as to how I came up with the title of the seventh Outlander novel, I never did actually announce formally what the dang title was. It’s An Echo in the Bone. [small flourish of trumpets] I hope to finish it by the end of next year.)

Now, I am not (repeat, not) touring for this book. I have to stay home and write, if you’re ever to get the next Jamie and Claire book, or the graphic novel, or The Outlandish Companion, Volume II, or the contemporary mystery, or....well, anything. [g]

I’ll be doing a “literary lunch”/signing for the Changing Hands bookstore (not in the bookstore; it’ll be at a local restaurant called “the Farm at South Mountain”--go to www.changinghands.com and click on the “see all upcoming events” link for details) on Dec. 4th, and a regular talk/signing (no food, alas) on the evening of Dec. 4th at the Barnes and Noble on 90th St. in Scottsdale, at 7 PM. The lunch has limited space, but everyone’s welcome at the B&N signing.

And for those to the north, I’ll be doing a wine and cheese reception/signing at The Well Red Coyote bookstore in Sedona on the evening of Dec. 6th, 6-8 PM.

For those who just want a signed book, of course, the Poisoned Pen is always happy to provide (they’ll ship anywhere in the world--literally), and in honor of the holidays [g], they’ve provided a brand-new, Much Improved link: http://www.poisonedpen.com/books/diana-gabaldon.

So--Happy Chanuka, Merry Christmas, a Delightful Kwanzaa, a Blessed Imbolc, and a generalized Season’s Greetings! to the unaffiliated. Happy Holidays to all of you! [g]

1 Nov 2007

Book Seven Finds a Title!
Sometimes, I know the title of a book when I don’t know anything else (Lord John and the Scottish Prisoner, for instance, which I haven’t yet begun work on); more often, the title just shows up somewhere along the line—sometimes sooner, sometimes later.

Now, I’ve been working on Book Seven (among other things) for the last year, and not the smell of a title—just random words and scraps of association. Still, I figured the title would show up—they always do—and sure enough, it finally turned up, a week or two ago.

We (Doug and I) were on a plane to Alaska, and I was thinking about the shape of the book (of which I have a vague approximation, but not firm at all, yet), and generally considering it in abstract visual terms (i.e., not “visual,” as in thinking of incidents that occur in the plot, but rather the pattern that emerges from them). I kept seeing pebbles dropped into water, each with concentric ripples spreading out, and those ripples intersecting.

Now, “ripple” is not really a good title word, generally speaking. “Pebble” is better, but not suitable to the tone of this book. But looking at the ripples made me think of lakes and water, and waves, which led me to Loch Ness, and a consideration of standing waves--which is one suggestion as to the origin of the Loch Ness monster; i.e., that people saw a standing wave--which occur frequently in the loch--and assumed it to be the back of a sea monster. (Here, btw, is one of the simplest definitions of what a standing wave actually is:

“A type of wave in which the surface oscillates vertically between fixed nodes, without any forward progression; the crest at one moment becomes the trough at the next. Standing waves may be caused by the meeting of two similar wave groups that are travelling in opposing directions.” This link has a more detailed explanation, but might be more technical than most people care to be.)

Well, this image had some promise, in terms of what I think’s going on in this book, and at this point, I turned to Doug and said, “What do you think of Standing Wave as a title for Book Seven?” His response was to hold his nose, so I abandoned that one.

But I still kept seeing ripples, and since I’d started thinking of them in terms of waves (“wave” being much more evocative than “ripple,” just as a word), I kept thinking--in a vague, half-conscious sort of way--of various wave-forms. And arrived at “echo.” Which is (courtesy of YourDictionary.com):

“echo (ek’o) noun

1 a. the repetition of a sound by reflection of sound waves from a surface b. a sound so produced

2. a. any repetition or imitation of the words, style, ideas, etc. of another b. a person who thus repeats or imitates

3. sympathetic response

4. Electronics a radar wave reflected from an object, appearing as a spot of light on a radarscope

5. Gr. Myth. a nymph who, because of her unreturned love for Narcissus, pines away until only her voice remains

6. Music a. a soft repetition of a phrase b. an organ stop for producing the effect of echo

7. Radio, TV the reception of two similar and almost simultaneous signals because one of them has been delayed slightly by reflection from the E layer in transmission

Etymology: ME ecco [ L echo [ Gr echo [ IE base * (s)wagh-, var. of *wag-, to cry out ] L vagire, OE swogan, to sound, roar”

“Well, all righty, then,” I thought. Echo is a much more evocative word than “ripple,” and has multiple related definitions, virtually all of which might apply to the metaphorical levels of this book. Cool. I like “echo.”

So--and mind you, this process took several days--I was tossing “echo” around in my head, letting it form what associations it wanted to, and I started picking up the echo [g] of a line from Brotherhood of the Blade:

“He spared a moment to look before touching off the next shot--so far, he had been firing with not the slightest thought for attitude or effect--and forced himself not to blink as the gun went off with a jump like a live thing and the thunder that made you feel as though the ground shook, though in fact it was your own flesh shaking.”

And I thought, “Yes! That’s it, it’s the echo of artillery fire, felt in the flesh.” Well, now I felt I had a grip on something, and began playing with that concept. “Echo in the Flesh” has a lot of impact [g], but as Doug noted, sounds butcherous, rather than substantial. “Echo in the Blood” is pretty evocative, but sounds too much like a crime novel. OK, there ain’t much to the body, in simple terms, beyond flesh, blood, and...bone. A bit of to and fro with the prepositional phrases, (of the flesh? through the blood?), singular vs. plural--bone or bones?--and articles for rhythm (Echo in the Bone is OK, but I like An Echo in the Bone better). And I liked the repeated “O” (it’s the same thing going on as with the “U” in Drums of Autumn“), and the balance of four letters--Echo/Bone.

Meanwhile, the more I played with it, the more I began to pick up the metaphorical echoes [g], and thus to be convinced I’d found it. I tried it out on my agents and editors, then on a couple of roomsful of people while touring, and finding the general response to be a collective “OOOOh!”, decided I probably had it.

For those interested in further discussion of the title and what it means (or might mean [g])—there’s a conversation regarding it in the Compuserve Books and Writers Community.

And for those who might have missed earlier news-bulletins regarding Book Seven…

1. I hope to finish this book by the end of next year—2008.

2. It’s up to the publisher—not me—as to when the book actually appears on the shelves, once finished.

3. Yes, this is the book that follows A Breath of Snow and Ashes, in the main Outlander series.

4. Yes, it is about Jamie and Claire (other people, too, to be sure, but it’s still their story).

5. Yes, Young Ian is in it. So are Ian the Elder and Jenny.

6. Yes, Roger, Brianna, Jemmy, and Amanda are all in it, too.

7. Yes, there is time-travel in it.

8. No, I’m not telling you who, when, or where. [g]

9. No, this isn’t the last book in the main series, either.

16 Oct 2007 - from Diana

Whew!
Temporarily home—for a few days—after a wild month spent book-touring in the US, Canada, and Alaska (which is part of the US, true enough, but far enough and different enough as to justify thinking of it as a unique place in its own right).

Thanks to Shawn O'Gallagher, the Random House publicist who's organized the last few US tours I've done. She's now moved on to new adventures, but before leaving, set me up with some of the most interesting hotels on this go-round…among which was the Hotel Vitale-Embarcadero in San Francisco. Somewhat more trendy than traditionally comfortable; it had a personal oxygen canister in the bathroom (about the size of a can of Raid; theoretically, meant to relieve tension, increase mental acuity, etc., etc., according to the label. If the exigencies of your life lead you to inhale the whole thing, you can exchange it for a new full one at the desk (I didn't inquire how much they charge for these things, but given that they charge $3.50 for a glass of skim milk...), but no ironing board. Excellent breakfast menu, though (I had the "scramble with wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and shaved parmesan"), and absolutely the most gourmet minibar assortment: triple chocolate toffee, swedish fish, salted almonds, cashews, garlic and pepper dipping pretzels, Deep River potato chips (regular and Mesquite BBQ), Dean and Deluca milk chocolate with caramel bar, two bars of emotional Belgian chocolate (one was called "Cocoon," and is chocolate with cinnamon; it's labeled "Comfort," in terms of effect. The other one involved bitter orange and crisped rice and was labeled Soothing/Apaisant"), Don Julio tequila, Knob Creek whiskey, Glenlivet, and Clos du Vin red wine. That was on top; the drinkables in the fridge included (besides the usual mixers) Voss water (still and sparkling), Skyy vodka, Laurent-Perrier champagne, and Gordon Biersch. (No, I didn't drink any of it. If you have to get up at 4:30 AM, you don't stay up swilling champagne the night before, believe me. An abstemious Diet Coke on the way out is about it.)

And MANY thanks to all of you who've been buying and enjoying Brotherhood of the Blade, thus putting it on the New York Times list—his lordship and I are much obliged to you for your kind consideration!

Canada was also delightful—and many thanks to Lesley Horlick, the Random House Canada publicist, who organized that trip—but still ongoing. I.e., I'm going back to Canada in two days, to do the Surrey International Writers Conference (in Surrey, BC, not Surrey, England), followed by a last round of book-touring for Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (which hit #1 on the Globe and Mail bestseller list the day after I arrived in Toronto—thank you, Canada!) in Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary.

Here is the list of new Canadian appearances—I'll hope to see all you West-Coasters there, eh?

Sunday, October 21st - Signing
4:00 PM Black Bond Books
1381 Guildford Town Centre
Phone: (604) 589-3680
Contact: Lynne Lockheart

Monday, October 22nd - Brief talk, Q&A and signing to follow
7:00 PM Chapters, Langley
20015 Langley By-Pass, Unit 115
Langley, BC
Phone: (604) 514-8663
This event is open to the public and is free.

Tuesday, October 23rd
7:30 PM Bolen Books Event
Alix Goolden Performance Hall
907 Pandora Avenue
Vancouver, BC

Tickets are $10.00 and are available at Bolen Books.

Wednesday, October 24th
Media and drop-in signings in Vancouver; travel to Calgary.

Thursday, October 25th - 7:30 PM Calgary Wordfest special event
(not part of the festival)
Vertigo Theatre Centre
161-115 9th Avenue SE
Calgary

OTIS STOUT (aka "Hercules")
While Mr. Stout graciously admires the personal attributes and general popularity of his friend Gustav, he modestly wishes to offer his own greetings to those kind readers who have expressed interest in him.

17 Sep 2007 - from Diana

Thank You!!!
I'm thrilled to report that Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade opened in its first week on sale at #8 on the New York Times list! and...I arrived in Toronto last night to begin the Canadian tour, and discovered when I opened this morning's Globe and Mail, that the book is #1 (!!!) on that list!

So a HUGE thanks to all of you! His Lordship (and myself) are much obliged. [g]

Podcasts
Thanks also to those of you who were kind enough to say you'd enjoyed the podcasts I did last year. I've done another five for Random House, which will start being released shortly--and we'll provide links here, of course. In the meantime, though, I did a half-hour podcast interview on writing, books, etc., which is now available at http://godboxcafe.com, for those of you who might be interested. Hope you'll enjoy it!

1 Sep 2007 - from Diana
(all photos of Gustav courtesy of Jennifer Watkins)

It's Out
Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, that is. The book was officially released today, with a launch party at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale (including a festive, tartan-clad table of oatcakes, shortbread, cookies, and chocolate meringues, washed down with lemonade). A good time was had by all, and I signed something like 700 books (not all for the attendees; a lot of those were pre-orders for people who couldn't come in person) this evening, all told.

So in celebration, here's another brief excerpt from the book--accompanied by pictures of Gustav himself, who generously allowed me to use his persona in the book. Up with Badgerhounds!

And I'll see a lot of y'all on the road!

Fergus Highland Games
Our thanks to the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games! Doug went with me (kilt and all-no, I can't show you; he's a private sort of person [g], but he does look extremely good in a kilt), and we had a wonderful time. I spent most of my time at the Games a) talking (I gave two "lectures" a day), b) signing books (Random House Canada kindly released 150 copies of Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade two weeks early, as a special treat for the Festival-they were gone in two hours), and c) being driven hither and yon at high speed in a golf cart (first time in my life I have ever been ceremoniously driven up to and decanted in front of a "VIP" Porta-Pottie (they don't let just anyone use it [g])).
(Pictures courtesy of Donna Smith (who appears here with me and her sister Maria) and Leslie Town.)

Doug was asked to help with aerial photos of the Festival, so spent much of his time up in an airplane, hanging out the window with a camera (photos to estimate attendance and traffic-flow patterns, for assistance in planning future games).

One reason Doug wears his kilt in Fergus is that everybody else does, too. Men in kilts, as far as the eye can see! I took part in the opening ceremonies on Saturday, sitting on the stage with all the local dignitaries, Festival officials, honored guests, and the Games Chieftain (Stewart Cameron, who opened the games-grouse feather in his cap-by banging his sword on his targe and shouting, "To the North!" [bang!] To the East! [bang] To the South! [bang] To the West! [bang!]…I now declare the 62nd Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games…OPEN!!" <huge cheer from the massed pipebands, Highland dancers, and multitudes of fans (there were about 42,000 people in attendance this year, they said)).

One of the honored guests seated next to me was Lord James ("call me Jamie," he said upon being introduced) Sempill. Just before the speeches began, the gentleman on Lord Sempill's other side leaned in and whispered something to him. "I've just been told," he whispered to me, "'you're sitting in the front row-cross your legs!'" So if you should see photos of the opening ceremony, you'll notice all the kilted gentlemen in the front row sitting with their ankles neatly crossed.

Beyond that [g], the high point of the opening ceremonies for me personally was the unexpected presentation of a lovely award from the Festival. I can't show you a picture of it, because it's a chunk of glass, and I can tell you from experience that that stuff doesn't photograph worth a darn, but it says: "Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games - Presented to DIANA GABALDON - for Significant Contribution to the Fergus Scottish Festival and the Understanding of Scottish History - "Taing" - August - 2007." Very nice of them! ("Taing," btw, means "Thanks!" in Gaelic.)

On Saturday evening, Doug and I hosted a Fan Appreciation Cocktail Party, for all the nice online people (Ladies of Lallybroch and Outlandish Voices) who'd come to the games specifically to see me. We all had a great time, and were then hosted in turn by the Ladies of Lallybroch at dinner-where Doug encountered HP sauce for the first time.

"This stuff is good," he said, applying it lavishly to his steak. Result being that next day the Festival director, Lynn Boland Richardson (who was also a guest at the dinner), presented him with six bottles of the stuff to take home. And when we got home, we were followed by an additional three bottles, as a memento of the occasion from the Ladies (and Lairds) of Lallybroch. Thanks, guys-but we don't need anymore. (I mean it. Do NOT bring me HP sauce on tour. [G] I can't fit it in my luggage and will have to give it to the bookstore people or the hapless publicist accompanying me, and I don't even know whether they like the stuff.)

Besides the constant drone of bagpipes (the pipe-bands practice in the woods, all day and most of the night), and the piping from the Highland dance area (Doug watched a number of the girls jigging up and down, dominatrix buns popping up through the crowd like kernels of popcorn, and said, "That's the most vertical form of self-expression I've ever seen."), the air rang with grunts of effort from the "heavies"-the Heavy Eventers, that is, and the name is very expressive. If it weighs a lot, but can still be picked up, they'll throw it. Hammers, cabers, sheaves of hay, rocks…you name it, and the occasional clash of swords from the Scottish swordsmen.

These being Hugh Slaven Robertson and his friend (and foil) Adam (whose last name I unfortunately forgot). Hugh and Adam are re-enactors, who do a wonderful show/demonstration of kilt-wearing (showing exactly how one gets into a belted plaid, and what you do with it next) and fighting with sword and targe.

"People keep askin' me, am I your husband," Hugh told me (and Doug), meeting us on the grounds on the way to lunch. "I tell 'em noo…[leaning close to whisper]…Ah'm her secret lover! But since her husband and ma wife [who was standing beside him] are both here, we've got tae keep it quiet, like." (There's a picture of Hugh and a brief rundown of the Games at http://www.fergusscottishfestival.com/.)

Anyway, a great time was had by all-sweat and mosquito bites notwithstanding (I nearly dissolved, doing the lectures in a tent with three hundred hot bodies)--and thanks to all of you who came to see me! I hope those of you who got early copies of Brotherhood of the Blade have been enjoying it!

21 August 2007

Countdown 10, 9...
Nine days and counting, 'til the release of Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade! The publisher just sent me a copy, hot off the presses, and Very Nice it is, too; a good, sturdy novel of 140,000 words or so, but not big enough to break your nose if you fall asleep while reading it in bed (a common complaint, evidently, with the larger books).

The Canadian publisher has also very obligingly sent me a schedule of the public events for the first leg of the Canadian tour (I'll be doing Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary later, in October, following the Surrey writers conference), so these are listed on the Tours page. The Random House US publicist is just firming up flights, and will be sending along the US tour dates/schedule this week; we'll have it up as soon as it arrives.

I'm sorry that I can't be everywhere--but as I'm sure I've noted before, there are several million of you (thank you all!) and only one of me. [g] Still, if I'm not coming to a place near you, but you'd still like a signed or personalized book--that's do-able. My local bookshop, The Poisoned Pen, carries all of my titles, in ALL available formats (in case you've been wanting a hardcover Outlander or Dragonfly to complete your collection), and they're happy to send books anywhere in the world (literally). Just call them (480-947-2974) or email them (patrick@poisonedpen.com), and tell them which book(s) you'd like, how you want them signed and/or inscribed, and...Bob's your uncle! (Oddly enough, I actually do have an Uncle Bob, though I haven't seen him in twenty years or so. The expression, in case you aren't familiar, is an old English one, referring to a Sir Robert Somebody, was was high in government, and apparently given to nepotism. If Bob's your uncle, everything's peachy, is what it means.)

And in Book Seven News...
I still don't have a working title, but I do have a first line! (Well, quite a bit more than that, to be sure, buSt the fact that I now know where The Beginning is, is important.) Said first line being:

"The pirate's head had disappeared."

And if that tells you anything...more power to you!

New Podcasts!
At Random House's request, I'll be recording a new series of podcasts, probably within the next couple of weeks. If there are any topics that you'd specially like to see (or rather, hear) covered--please let me know! (dgabaldon@aol.com)

9 August 2007

Travels with Diana: From Lady of the Garrison to Late-Night Sex Fiend
I can’t imagine why, but many people assume that “book-touring” is a glamorous occupation. Well…it’s better than digging ditches, or nailing up roof-trusses in 114-degree heat, I’ll say that for it. [g] I do get to stay in Very Nice hotels (even if I generally don’t get to actually occupy a room for more than six hours or so), I do-by the generosity of the publishers-usually get to fly Business Class (being trapped in a 24” space for several hours is indeed better than being trapped in an 18” space, and you do get to stand in shorter lines in order to be degraded at airports, and yes, they do come round and baste you liberally with alcohol, in hopes that you will forget you’re on an airplane), and I do enjoy meeting all the nice people who are kind enough to come out and see me (and I am always pleased-if occasionally somewhat taken aback--to admire interesting body art based on my book covers-thinking here of the sweet lady who had the running-stag brooch from the cover of The Fiery Cross tattooed on her foot, of all painful things…).

...continue

25 July 2007

Hope you all had a Happy Fourth of July!
And as for news here--

Well, Yes, there is another book!

Quite a few of them, actually…and yes, yes, yes, there will be another Jamie and Claire book (possibly two; I have to get all the way through the American Revolution, and it was rather a long, complex kind of war) to follow A Breath of Snow and Ashes. It does, however, take me about three years to write one of these, what with the size, the amount of research, and the fact that people keep wanting me to go places (see next week's exciting installment of Diana's Adventures, which is a brief account of my travels during the last eight months or so-entitled "FROM LADY OF THE GARRISON TO LATE-NIGHT SEX FIEND"), so you won't get Book Seven (and I really must find a working title for it, one of these days) just yet. Soon, though. Well, soon-ish.

However, I do normally work on more than one project at a time (it keeps me from having writer's block or going insane), and I have--mirabile dictu--actually finished (no, really! As my husband is fond of saying, "'Finished' is a relative term to a novelist," and he's right-but this time I've got through all the iterations of "Finished" and the things are actually In Press-meaning that at least I don't have to do anything else to them) not one, but TWO novels, both to be released THIS YEAR!! (Just in case you were wondering what I was doing, whilst shamefully ignoring my website.)

Anyway, the first of these is Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade, which looks like this...

At least, it looks more or less like that if you're an American. If you're British (or buying your books in Australia or New Zealand), it'll look more or less like this: (allowing for squishage (try saying that one ten times, fast) of the image, and the fact that it will have a different shout-line (as the Brits call it). Jamie Fraser is certainly an important character in the book-but "the Brotherhood" has no meaning here; a "brother of the blade" is just 18th century slang for a soldier).

Anyway, Brotherhood of the Blade will be released August 28th-and here is an excerpt from the book, which I hope you'll enjoy in the meantime.

Brotherhood is being released in July in Germany-and may actually be out, even as we speak, which is exciting [g]. The German title is DIE SÜNDE DER BRÜDER ("The Sins of the Brothers"), and I don't have a file with that cover art, but here is the link to the amazon.de page where it is:

And Brotherhood will be followed in short order by Lord John and the Hand of the Devils, to be released November 27th of this year! Hand of Devils looks like this: (So far as I know, the UK publisher haven't yet come up with a cover design for this one.)

Now, Hand of Devils, as I've noted before, is a collection of three novellas: "Lord John and the Hellfire Club," "Lord John and the Succubus," and "Lord John and the Haunted Soldier." And here is an excerpt from "Lord John and the Haunted Soldier."

I really like all of the covers for Brotherhood-but I'm particularly fond of the US covers for the Lord John books. They've re-covered Lord John and the Private Matter, too, which looks like this:
So we'll have a very striking set!

And What Do I Read in the Meantime?!?
Excellent question! And-being that I read Absolutely All the Time myself-I have an update to The Methadone List here, with a number of good books to see you through (according to taste; personally, I'll read anything good) until August 28th. [g] Forthwith:

Mistress of the Art of Death, by Arianna Franklin. Great book! One of the best I've read in months. It's a 12th-century forensic thriller, and manages to mix history, crime, forensic medicine, sex, and humor (it's extremely funny-though occasionally in a macabre way) with absolutely wonderful characters. Definitely gruesome in spots, but not really gory.

The Remains of An Altar, by Phil Rickman. Actually, all Rickman's books are very high on my favorites list; this is the latest in his series about Merrily Watkins-a Church of England vicar, who's a widow with an obnoxious teenaged daughter. She's also the official Exorcist for the diocese of Hereford. [g] Rickman's earlier books (which are also excellent) were horror (and genuinely scary), and he handles the supernatural and the atmospheric (his books are all set on the border between England and Wales) with a very fine touch, as well as having terrific characters.

The Bloomsday Dead, by Adrian McKinty. This is the third in a Very Violent trilogy about a young Irish gangster. I'm not kidding about the violence, but McKinty does it in the most poetic way-really a lovely, lovely writer (and he does sex well, too), but seriously not for the weak of stomach. (The first two books in the trilogy are Dead I Well May Be, and The Dead Yard.)

Natural Born Charmer, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Phillips is one of my very favorite romance writers; I've loved all her books, and this is one of her best. She has the knack of creating bigger-than-life characters who are still totally human and very engaging-and is one of the best plotters around.

Nefertiti, by Michelle Moran. I'm hoping this is out, now; I read it when the publisher sent it to me with a request for a cover blurb. Terrific, classic historical fiction, with wonderfully-drawn characters (not that you can go wrong with a character like Nefertiti), wonderful details of early Egyptian history and culture, and a great plot. My younger daughter, who also read it, describes it as "Sincerely awesome!"

The Blooding of Jack Absolute, by C.C. Humphreys. This is absolutely [g] classic historical adventure, by someone who really knows the 18th century. Battles, duels, love-affairs, rivalries…and "To be or not to be" in Mohawk. Can't beat that! (It's a prequel to Jack Absolute, by the same author, which is also wonderful.)

Smuggler's Bride, by Darlene Marshall. All Marshall's books (there are three at the moment, including Pirate's Price Price and Captain Sinister's Lady) are hilarious pirate romances; nonstop humor and 3-D characters with great sex.

Death Comes for the Fat Man, by Reginald Hill. Hill's one of my longtime favorites; wonderful writer, with one of the best series going-a long-running series of contemporary English police procedurals featuring detectives Peter Pascoe and his boss, the fat, irascible, and always-right Superintendent Andy Dalziel. The characters are marvelous, but Hill also is a master at twisty plots, a very insightful writer with a great compassion for humanity (and a great sense of humor), and an artist with language. This is the latest in the series, and one of the best-though if you have a choice, I'd start with one of the earlier books (there are at least twenty of them), so you can appreciate the development of the characters through the series.

So-with luck, that will keep you going for the next month or two. [g] Enjoy your summer reading!

Book Tours! (and autographed copies)
Both the US and Canada have kindly asked me to go run around their respective countries to promote Brotherhood of the Blade, and-this being a necessary occupational hazard-I've said I would. [g]

Now, just to be clear about this:

1. I don't pick the places I go on book-tours. The publisher(s) do-which seems only fair, as they're paying for it.

2. Said publishers use various criteria for deciding exactly where to send an author on tour. These criteria include (but are not limited to):

a. cities where the author's books are known to sell best or are likely to sell best, geographically (an author who writes Christian inspirational books, for instance, is a lot more likely to be sent to Bible Belt cities than to Sodom and Gomorrah---er, San Francisco and New York, I mean. Whereas a writer who specializes in gay and lesbian lit…well, they're probably not going to Birmingham or Savannah).

b. Specific stores that

i. have a track-record of holding good events (that means "doing enough publicity to attract large hordes of book-buying people"), and

ii. report their sales to the New York Times. (This is how the NYT does its bestseller list-using a weighted formula on reported sales from a sample of selected bookstores. For awhile, publishers made a pretense of not knowing which stores reported to the Times list, but I think they've largely given that up.) Since a publisher's chief reason for sending an author on tour is to try to get the book on Da List (or boost it a trifle higher on said list), they won't-as a general rule-be inclined to send authors to stores who don't report to the NYT, though of course they have no objection to my racing into any handy store to sign books, as long as I'm in the neighborhood.

Doing a book-tour therefore does not mean-as some people seem to assume-that I just "tour" randomally all the time and will go absolutely anywhere (I do have to stay home and write sometimes). I do go a lot of places, though, and for this September, the rough lineup so far is as follows:

LAUNCH PARTY! -- August 28th, 2007, Scottsdale, AZ - The Poisoned Pen bookstore*

August 29th - Barnes and Noble, Tucson, AZ

September 1 and 2 - Atlanta/Decatur Book Festival - no details on location and events yet, but I'll post them as I get them

September 4 - Asheville, NC (why Asheville? I hear you asking. Well, I did say those criteria above were "not limited to," you recall. I'm going to Asheville, because they were conveniently located between Atlanta and Chicago, and because they were willing to do a signing on the day after Labor Day, which most other stores aren't.)

September 5 - Chicago (I think this is probably actually Naperville, but won't swear to it)

September 6 - Washington, DC (or to be exact, the Border's store at Bailey's Crossroads, VA)

September 7 - Denver (this'll be The Tattered Cover, but I don't know which location)

September 8 - Seattle-this is Third Place Books.

September 9 and 10 - San Francisco area - I'm sure Book Passages is one of the stores I'll be at.

September 11 - Los Angeles

Brief stop to wash underwear and see husband, after which we go to Canada!

September 14-21 - various Canadian cities, mostly in Ontario on this go-round, they tell me. On previous trips, this has included Toronto, London, Ottawa, and a few others, but I don't have an itinerary for this part yet, so wouldn't swear to anything other than Toronto-I'm sure I'm going there, all right.

Another repacking break, then:

September 25-30 - I'm honored to be the Guest of Honor at this year's Bouchercon, which is being held in Anchorage, Alaska. (I don't care where it is, frankly, as long as I get to spend several nights in the same hotel.)

Then in October:

(not yet confirmed) October 4, Changing Hands bookstore, Mesa, AZ

October 18-21 -Surrey International Writers Conference, Surrey, BC-followed by

October 22-25 - book-tour events in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary.

Obviously, a lot of blank spots [g], but it's beginning to shape up. Further details as we have them!

That's the list right this minute. Book-tour itineraries do always shift a bit, though, and I will post specific times, places, and other details as I get them. See you there!

* (And for those whom I unfortunately won't see personally-if you'd like Brotherhood (or any other book, for that matter) autographed and sent to you, you can order it/them from The Poisoned Pen, here in Scottsdale. This is my local bookstore (no, I haven't got any financial stake in them [g]; they're just close by, and I like them), and I normally drop by once a week or so to sign books, which they're happy to ship anywhere in the world. I'm always happy to personalize a book, or to write a brief inscription (like "Happy Groundhog Day!" or "Congratulations on your successful hemorrhoid surgery" in Gaelic-no, really, I only know three bits of Gaelic suitable for putting in people's books: you can have "Le meas" (Best Wishes), "Slainte!" (To Your Health), or "Alba gu brath!" (Scotland Forever), if you'd like. Other bits available in English).

25 June 2007

Saturday, June 30, 2007
IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
"Bloomsday" event - LECTURE and BOOK-SIGNING
Phoenix, AZ

Contact: Michelle Campbell, Facilitator
Telephone: 623-561-2721
Email address: mcampbell@azcelts.org

Phoenix Arizona. Attention Outlander fans! The Arizona Celtic Cultural Association is proud to bring Diana Gabaldon to the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix Arizona. June is literary month at the Irish Cultural Center with the celebration of Bloomsday and the welcoming of best selling novelist, Diana Gabaldon. The presentation is scheduled for June 30 at 7:30 PM at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix Arizona. Admission is free; donations are being accepted to help fill the Library building fund. The Irish Cultural Center library will be Arizona's only comprehensive learning annex of Celtic studies and Celtic literature.

Ms. Gabaldon will be speaking about her favored Outlander and Lord John series and the inspirations for which these best sellers have come. The Outlander and Lord John series, popular with the Celtic crowd, tells the story of Jamie Fraser, a Scottish Highlander from the 18th century, and his time-traveling wife, Claire. The latest book in the series is A Breath of Snow and Ashes. The Poisoned Pen will be on hand providing those missing editions for your collection.

For additional information, please contact the Irish Cultural Center at 602-258-0109 or the ACCA at 623-561-2721.

The Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation is a not for profit 501 (c) 3. The Irish Cultural Center enjoys a private-public partnership with the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department and Phoenix Sisters Cities.

28 Nov 2007
The video of Diana's appearance in Second Life is now available. Thanks to Lisa for providing me with the link. You'll need to scroll down a bit to actually see the video.

19 Nov 2007
The last of Diana’s podcasts is now available. Enjoy

Episode Nineteen, New Projects and Publications
Listen as Diana reads excerpts from some of her upcoming novels, including a snippet from her untitled seventh novel in the Outlander Series and her thoughts and plans for book eight.

3 Nov 2007
The two latest podcasts are now available. The final session will be published on Monday, Nov. 5.

Episode Seventeen, Male Readers and My Novels
In this session, Diana explores how her male and female readers interpret her books differently and the audience her stories have found amaong U.S. troops abroad.

Episode Eighteen,Writing and Clarity
With her hardcovers reaching nearly 1,000 pages per book, Diana emphasizes the importance of euphony and offers aspiring writers steps on how to maintain clarity for their own work.

18 Sep 2007
The last two podcasts are now up.

30 Sep 2007
AZLOL - Arizona Ladies of Lallybroch

Every February, the Arizona Ladies of Lallybroch and Diana partake of a meal when she get away from her official event activities at the Mesa Highland Games. In 2006, Diana joined the AZLOL for breakfast.

Diana featured on Bantam Dells's virtual world - Second Life
Thursday, October 11 @ 6 PM PDT at The Bantam Dell Book Shop & Cafe

On October 11, Diana will read from her new novel, Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade—and take questions from readers throughout Second Life at the Amphitheatre on Bantam Dell Island. So drop by if you have a question for Diana. You can also find out more about her visit at Random House.

Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by more than 6 million people from around the globe. Bantam Dell Island is our new virtual home in Second Life where you can sample books in our book shop and cafe, hang out with other book lovers on our beautiful island, and join our group.

Diana Gabaldon Podcasts
There are six new podcast episodes, the first of which has just been posted, Episode 14 - The Character Lord John Grey. The others will be released over the next five Mondays until November 5th, the episodes provide insight into the character of Lord John, a day in the life of Diana Gabaldon, what military men think of her novels, and much more.

Subscribe today at iTunes. If you don't already have iTunes on your computer, please visit the Apple website. You may also access the new podcasts by RSS feed at Random House. You'll also find all thirteen previously posted episodes at these locations. Of course, I will also make them available here.

22 Sep 2007
I have added several new podcasts, and some great links to videos of Diana, also, some guidelines on requesting inscribed bookplates.

17 Sep 2007
For those of you subscribed to the Outlander Yahoo! Group, I just wanted to let you all know that the group has moved to a new group (OutlanderGathering - Crossing the Centuries), which will be moderated by Joanne Carvalho. Please resubscribe to continue the dynamic conversations.

In addition, I'm glad that so many of you have enjoyed the videos that I recently put on the site. Here's a link to a webcast of Diana gave at the 2005 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Mary Jo Cully for passing on this link.

8 Sep 2007
I have added the last of the tour video. This is from a stop she made in October 2005, in Albuquerque, NM, when she was touring for A Breath of Snow and Ashes.

1 Sep 2007
I just wanted to let you all know that I've rearranged and added a couple of things that I think you will find a lot of fun. Knowing that many of have not had the chance to actually see Diana on one of her tour stops, Mark (my wonderful husband) suggested that he just edit some of the old video we had from 2006 in Pasadena, CA and 2005 in Albuquerque, NM (which will be editied and put up soon). This will give everyone the opportunity to visit with Diana. Enjoy!

In anticipation of the new podcasts, I've created a podcast page. If you've already got the older podcasts bookmarked that link will still work.

I updated the tour schedule with a link to Capitola Books, which is in San Francisco on Sep 9

25 Aug 2007

Flagstaff event - Aug 26
Sorry for the late notice. I just got this from Diana.

Tuesday, August 26th, 2007 - Pre-Release Signing, Noon - 2 PM
Flagstaff - NAU Bookstore!

I'll be in Flagstaff, AZ this Sunday (August 26th) doing a signing for the Northern Arizona University Bookstore, from noon to 2 PM. They'd invited me as part of a special multi-author signing weekend, even though I told them the new book--Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade--wouldn't be out until the 28th. They emailed me earlier this week, though, to say that the new books are in!

So if any of you are in the neighborhood, and want to come admire NAU's new buildings [g] or meet me and other authors--the bookstore is on the North Campus, and the easiest way to find it is to Google "Northern Arizona University map," which will give you an interactive map of the place. See you there!

Claire's Ring
If any of you have wanted to see a physical representation of the Claire's wedding ring, now's your chance. "In 2006 Janice Millford (JaniceM) and Michelle Moore (M&M), of various Diana Gabaldon book discussion groups wanted a Claire's ring. We asked and received permission from Diana Gabaldon and took upon the task of having Claire's ring from the novel Outlander brought to life."

Tours Update
Come by the tours page to get more details on Diana's tour for Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.

4 Aug 2007
Diana has provided an excerpt, which she titled Wheat, from the Untitled Book Seven of the Outlander series.

5 Mar 2007

A group of Maryland and Pennsylvania “Outlandish Voices”
back row: Meg in MD, Sue of the Archives: Sarah in PA, Cin the Lurker
front row: Amy K, Judy in Gettysburg, Kathy in PA

In March of 2006, many members of Outlandish Voices, a Yahoo! group of over 1800, decided they needed to advertise their Obsession with Things Outlandish. Janice, list owner, asked for slogans and opened a poll in which list members could choose their favorite. After much deliberation and due consideration of the poll results, she selected this quotation from Diana, submitted by Susan H.E.

Sue of the Archives, with help from her husband Duke, handled the orders, had them made by a local silkscreening company, and mailed them all over the globe! 86 shirts were purchased on the first order, and almost as many on the second!

The outing, at which Amy K took this shot, was planned; the seven internet friends met for lunch in Pine Grove, PA. Not only do the proud owners use the shirts to “evangelize” Diana's books, they hope they will encounter others wearing the same shirts!