Diana Gabaldon joined Marly on the podcast to share what it has been like writing the 8 books in the Outlander series (7 published and one to come in March 2014), along with the excitement regarding the tv series based on the first book that Starz is producing and is expected to hit the cable airways in 2014. 
The show began with the big SPOILER ALERT disclaimer so that all of the listeners knew Marly and Diana were going to talk about all things Outlander and nothing was going to be left out of the discussion. For me, that made the interview that much better because Marly was able to ask about specific scenes without having to tip toe around the topic.
Here is an excerpt from Diana’s bio on her wonderful website http://www.dianagabaldon.com/ :
“Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning, #1 NYT-bestselling OUTLANDER novels, described by Salon magazine as “the smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting “Scrooge McDuck” comics.”
The adventure began in 1991 with the classic OUTLANDER (“historical fiction with a Moebius twist”), has continued through six more New York Times-bestselling novels— DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, VOYAGER, DRUMS OF AUTUMN, THE FIERY CROSS, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, and AN ECHO IN THE BONE, with more than twenty million copies in print worldwide.”
So what’s in store if you give the podcast a listen? You will find out the answers to the following:
- Does Diana knit or crochet herself?
- What kind of writing process does she use when writing the pages of her books?
- Who was the inspiration for Highlander Jamie Fraser?
- How long did it take for Outlander to find a publisher?
- Will book 8 (My Own Heart’s Blood) be the final book in the series?
- How does Diana react to feedback regarding certain scenes in her book?
- How long has Diana be a presence on social media?
- How does Diana feel about the casting for the main roles for the Starz series?
Join Marly and Diana as they talk about why Jamie and Claire have entranced so many readers for the past 22 years, and why the idea of “What makes people stay married for 50 years” has had such an impact on the development of the series.
Besides Diana Gabaldon’s website, you can also follow her on Twitter @Writer_DG or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaGabaldon .
*Giveaway* – leave a comment here with Diana’s secret word, and you could win a booklet containing the first 7 chapters of My Own Heart’s Blood. Winner will be chosen the week of Oct. 14th!
Join Marly at STITCHES East in Hartford, Ct. Nov. 7-10th
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No podcast week of Oct. 6th as Marly is traveling to Detroit to film the next season of the Knit and Crochet Now TV show!
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I’m no a Sassenach (Clan Gunn) , but I love the books and Diana’s genius writing ability. Enjoyed the show.
Is this where we can leave the code word “sassanach?” Really enjoyed the interview time this morning, with my favorite author!
Great podcast with Diana Gabaldon! Really enjoyed it, lots of fun. “Sassenach”
Enjoyed the podcast with Diana Gabaldon today. Here’s the keyword for MOBY 1st 7 chapters giveaway: Sassenach.
Enjoyed the podcast. The interaction between you and Diana Gabaldon was great!! I am so looking forward to Written In my Own Heart’s Blood. Would help tide me over if I could win the 7 chapter give-away, hint-hint!!!! KEY WORD: Sassenach.
Diana Gabaldon is my favorite Sassenach of all! Todays podcast was fabulous!
What a terrific interview! And Sassenach is a great keyword. I publicized this podcast – and your great knitting site – on threeifbyspace.net, as part of my STARZ Outlander coverage.
Sassenach!! I enjoyed the podcast, thanks so much!
Sassenach
Sassenach
Thank you so much for the podcast today! Love Diana Gabaldon! You are my favorite author. I left a reply above with the Key Word “Sassenach”.
Wonderful interview!! Herself chose the Key word for MOBY’s give away to be : Sassenach
Thank You for a wonderful PodCast, Love the books have read the books multiple times and am looking forward to the Series. Thank You Diana for being so accessible Twitter and FB. Thank You Both!! Sassenach is the key to the whole series.
I’m clan Stewart of Appin — no Sassenach, here! But I love Jamie and Lord John — you’ve created two men so different and two of my favorite fictional characters ever. Thanks, Diana.
Sassenach, I loved the interview even though Diana made me cry when she choked up. Would love to win the 1st 7 chapters of MOBY.
Enjoyed the Podcast 🙂 Love the world of Outlander
So enjoyed the interview! “Sassenach!”
Thank you Diana, so nice to hear your voice. Great interview, from one Sassenach to another!
Loved this interview. Diana – gracious as always. Still on tenterhooks waiting for book eight (and I haven’t even had to wait as long as most of the people in this feed I am sure). Keyword: Sassenach 🙂
What an incredible day when my yarn world and Outlander world collide! Thank you Marly and Diana! Really enjoyed the show. You made me one very happy sassenach!
Sassenach! Wonderful interview. So great to hear Diana!
Such a wonderful podcast tonight! Thanks for interviewing Diana Gabaldon. I may not be a “sassesnach” but I love the Outlander series immensely. 🙂
My favorite author. I’ve read the entire series twice and also listened to the audio books while knitting and gardening. I love how Jamie uses Sassenach as a term of endearment for Claire. Wonderful podcast. Thanks.
Love the Outlander series of books and have all 7 awaiting number 8. After todays’ podcast I think I will restart the series via audiobooks. I wold love the chance of winnning the firt 7 chapters of the newest book!!
Sassanech!
SASSENACH!
Loved the interview with Diana. Sassenach is a great key word! One of the best parts is hearing Teresa’s voice and having Diana know William B. Yeah!
Be sure you listen to the podcast on Oct. 24th!
Sassanch! Great interview.
Thanks for an entertaining podcast. I’m more of a mutt, but I do love reading about everyone’s favorite Sassenach.
I greatly enjoyed the podcast, Diana is so very good with words, both written and spoken! I would love to read the first 7 chapters of MOBY (code word Sassenach), thank you both for this opportunity to win them. I had fun looking around your delightful website Marly, I’ll be back!
Great podcast, glad I heard about you Marly, I’ll be listening to your other podcasts now. Oh yeah: Sassenach.
What a wonderful interview! I’ve been a fan of Diana Gabaldon’s books for years. I love to knit or crochet while listening to the audio versions of the books as well, Davina Porter does an amazing job with them. I am looking forward to exploring your blog as well. 🙂 “Sassenach” Thank you!
I forgot all about Jamie’s knitting!!! Lol! Thanks for the reminder! “Sassenach”
Sassenach! Thanks for sharing with us. DG moved me once again to tears!
Great interview! I’m sure I’m not the only Sassenach that enjoyed it! Thanks so much.
I named my dog Sassenach! Great podcast, am excited about meeting you in Hartford, CT.
I would love to win! I follow Diana on Facebook and every morning, even before my coffee I look for my DL. Key word for the mini-book is Sassenach.
Wonderful interview with Diana. I can’t wait to hear Jamie call Claire Sassenach on the cable series!
SASSENACH!
Fun listening to this podcast. This sass enact learned a thing or two!
Oops. Spell check no like the word “sassenach” Trying again 🙂
Thank you for giving us the right way to pronounce “Sassenach”! I have pronounced it so many different ways over the years/books. Great interview! Thanks Marly and Diana for sharing with all of us.
Great interview! Love reading and listening to all the Outlander books. Can’t wait to hear Jamie (Sam) call Claire Sassenach for the first time.
Sassenach! Sassenach! Pick me! Pick me!
Sassenach
Sassenach! Great podcast Marly & Diana. I am so looking forward to the new book & STARZ series!
I really enjoyed the interview. Sassenach!
Great interview with Herself. Excellent questions. Sassenach!
Wonderful podcast. Now I know how to pronounce Sassenach correctly. Thanks for this opportunity.
Hi there! Sassenac! Loved the podcast and thank you!!!
Sorry … Sasenach …
Wow! Can’t get that right to save my life … Sassenach … Stupid spell check!
Great interview! Diana always gives a wonderful interview and Marly did a great job in keeping things interesting and fun. Sassenach.
I’ve liked the word Sassenach since I first came across it. Before I knew I was allergic to cats I planned to name my next on Sassenach (it was going to be a British Blue)
I’ve been in acute distress since Echo ended, temporarily buoyed by the daily lines. Here’s hoping I win! #sassenach
Really enjoyed the podcast……Sassenach…..Can’t wait for the next book.
Sassenach!!!!! I have been an avid fan of the Outlander series for years, and was SO UPSET when the book release was pushed back! 🙂 Fingers crossed!
Sassenach is the word, making Claire an English woman.
Great show, Marly!! Sassenach is the word.
First time I’ve listened to Marly’s podcasts but I loved it. And of course I loved listening to Diana Gabaldon. What a treat!
Sassenach
I am new to Outlander and found the interview very interesting. I am anxious to read the book. Sassenach is a great word for the giveaway.
Holy sassenach! That was great! Thanks Marly!
I have loved this series for many years and am really looking forward to next issue. Jamie and his Sassenach always make for great reading.
Sassenach is a great name. You learn something new every day. Thanks Diana!
Sassenach! Oct14th is my birthday so fingers are crossed!
Sassenach! I so need to know what happens next!
Awesome interview with the brilliant sassenach Diana Gabaldon! Thank you
Sassenach…I can hear it just like Davina Porter pronounces it. Love the Outlander series…it is my absolute favorite. Great interview.
Oh my. What a lovely interview with our beloved Diana. I study herbs and loved her answer about how she researches the herbs and their historical uses. it’s one of the details I really enjoy with the books. Wish she could mail me a signed box of pomegranates since they’re my favourite. haha I’d love to be entered into the contest.
Love,
Sassenach 😉
Thanks Marly, for a different interview with DG than I’ve heard before. (Sassanach)
Kate
I really enjoyed the interview and listening to Diana. Really looking forward to the next book! I’m such a Sassenach!
I enjoyed hearing Diana’s interview. Thank you for advertising it on Twitter. Sassenach.
Did you pick a winner?
I was wondering too if you picked a winner. Thanks!