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
New pattern available exclusively at www.KnitCrate.com
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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Denise Brunson @ugotDenise says
October 3, 2013 at 1:05 pmI’m no a Sassenach (Clan Gunn) , but I love the books and Diana’s genius writing ability. Enjoyed the show.
Cori Sherman North says
October 3, 2013 at 1:24 pmIs this where we can leave the code word “sassanach?” Really enjoyed the interview time this morning, with my favorite author!
Kathleen Ladislaus says
October 3, 2013 at 1:26 pmGreat podcast with Diana Gabaldon! Really enjoyed it, lots of fun. “Sassenach”
Wanda Steffanson says
October 3, 2013 at 1:27 pmEnjoyed the podcast with Diana Gabaldon today. Here’s the keyword for MOBY 1st 7 chapters giveaway: Sassenach.
cheryl says
October 3, 2013 at 1:46 pmEnjoyed 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.
Pam Rutter says
October 3, 2013 at 1:50 pmDiana Gabaldon is my favorite Sassenach of all! Todays podcast was fabulous!
Erin Conrad says
October 3, 2013 at 3:32 pmWhat 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.
Kim says
October 3, 2013 at 3:32 pmSassenach!! I enjoyed the podcast, thanks so much!
Jacqueline Roodnat says
October 3, 2013 at 3:59 pmSassenach
Beth Cain says
October 3, 2013 at 4:03 pmSassenach
Jacqueline Roodnat says
October 3, 2013 at 4:06 pmThank 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”.
Kathy Frye says
October 3, 2013 at 4:24 pmWonderful interview!! Herself chose the Key word for MOBY’s give away to be : Sassenach
Linda Schultz (@lsdragonfly1) says
October 3, 2013 at 4:27 pmThank 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.
Cait Donnelly says
October 3, 2013 at 4:46 pmI’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.
Stephanie Hauser says
October 3, 2013 at 6:29 pmSassenach, I loved the interview even though Diana made me cry when she choked up. Would love to win the 1st 7 chapters of MOBY.
Gina D says
October 3, 2013 at 6:39 pmEnjoyed the Podcast 🙂 Love the world of Outlander
Bethany Andrews says
October 3, 2013 at 6:41 pmSo enjoyed the interview! “Sassenach!”
Becky Rommeney Aul says
October 3, 2013 at 6:54 pmThank you Diana, so nice to hear your voice. Great interview, from one Sassenach to another!
Tammy Proux says
October 3, 2013 at 7:12 pmLoved 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 🙂
Laurie Clark says
October 3, 2013 at 7:48 pmWhat 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!
Tina Weston says
October 3, 2013 at 7:58 pmSassenach! Wonderful interview. So great to hear Diana!
Melisss Cruz says
October 3, 2013 at 8:02 pmSuch a wonderful podcast tonight! Thanks for interviewing Diana Gabaldon. I may not be a “sassesnach” but I love the Outlander series immensely. 🙂
Anita Dodds says
October 3, 2013 at 9:15 pmMy 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.
Jen Fodaski says
October 3, 2013 at 9:39 pmLove 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!
JENNIFER says
October 3, 2013 at 10:34 pmSASSENACH!
M McQue says
October 3, 2013 at 11:10 pmLoved 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!
MarlyBird135 says
October 24, 2013 at 11:06 amBe sure you listen to the podcast on Oct. 24th!
Jennifer Ulrich says
October 3, 2013 at 11:35 pmSassanch! Great interview.
Kimber says
October 3, 2013 at 11:53 pmThanks for an entertaining podcast. I’m more of a mutt, but I do love reading about everyone’s favorite Sassenach.
Tonia H says
October 4, 2013 at 2:26 amI 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!
Kara says
October 4, 2013 at 6:56 amGreat podcast, glad I heard about you Marly, I’ll be listening to your other podcasts now. Oh yeah: Sassenach.
April Dunnigan says
October 4, 2013 at 7:37 amWhat 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!
booklassy says
October 4, 2013 at 8:07 amI forgot all about Jamie’s knitting!!! Lol! Thanks for the reminder! “Sassenach”
Lisa Shadix says
October 4, 2013 at 8:26 amSassenach! Thanks for sharing with us. DG moved me once again to tears!
Heather says
October 4, 2013 at 8:29 amGreat interview! I’m sure I’m not the only Sassenach that enjoyed it! Thanks so much.
Liz Igrec says
October 4, 2013 at 11:58 amI named my dog Sassenach! Great podcast, am excited about meeting you in Hartford, CT.
Jessica Robbins says
October 4, 2013 at 3:14 pmI 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.
Carol says
October 4, 2013 at 4:31 pmWonderful interview with Diana. I can’t wait to hear Jamie call Claire Sassenach on the cable series!
Kim says
October 4, 2013 at 6:06 pmSASSENACH!
Tanya says
October 4, 2013 at 6:34 pmFun listening to this podcast. This sass enact learned a thing or two!
Tanya says
October 4, 2013 at 6:35 pmOops. Spell check no like the word “sassenach” Trying again 🙂
Doreen McAllister says
October 4, 2013 at 7:00 pmThank 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.
Paula McCredie says
October 4, 2013 at 7:01 pmGreat interview! Love reading and listening to all the Outlander books. Can’t wait to hear Jamie (Sam) call Claire Sassenach for the first time.
Tan Summers says
October 5, 2013 at 12:30 amSassenach! Sassenach! Pick me! Pick me!
Sallyfromidaho on ravelry says
October 5, 2013 at 6:29 amSassenach
Cheryl says
October 5, 2013 at 8:46 amSassenach! Great podcast Marly & Diana. I am so looking forward to the new book & STARZ series!
Donna Dutton says
October 5, 2013 at 5:33 pmI really enjoyed the interview. Sassenach!
Rita Noetzel says
October 5, 2013 at 5:45 pmGreat interview with Herself. Excellent questions. Sassenach!
hotknitter says
October 5, 2013 at 8:19 pmWonderful podcast. Now I know how to pronounce Sassenach correctly. Thanks for this opportunity.
Sue Strickler says
October 5, 2013 at 9:51 pmHi there! Sassenac! Loved the podcast and thank you!!!
Sue Strickler says
October 5, 2013 at 9:52 pmSorry … Sasenach …
Sue Strickler says
October 5, 2013 at 9:54 pmWow! Can’t get that right to save my life … Sassenach … Stupid spell check!
Colleen Reft says
October 6, 2013 at 9:44 pmGreat interview! Diana always gives a wonderful interview and Marly did a great job in keeping things interesting and fun. Sassenach.
Emma (kesal) says
October 7, 2013 at 12:21 amI’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)
Sande Brewton says
October 7, 2013 at 9:26 amI’ve been in acute distress since Echo ended, temporarily buoyed by the daily lines. Here’s hoping I win! #sassenach
Jen Minnie says
October 7, 2013 at 1:29 pmReally enjoyed the podcast……Sassenach…..Can’t wait for the next book.
Evangeline Gelech says
October 7, 2013 at 1:29 pmSassenach!!!!! 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!
bafieldBetty-Anne Field says
October 7, 2013 at 11:44 pmSassenach is the word, making Claire an English woman.
nancy says
October 8, 2013 at 12:20 pmGreat show, Marly!! Sassenach is the word.
Amy says
October 8, 2013 at 1:59 pmFirst 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
Cheryl clemons says
October 9, 2013 at 6:40 amI 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.
Julie Farmer says
October 9, 2013 at 11:03 amHoly sassenach! That was great! Thanks Marly!
Sandi says
October 9, 2013 at 7:16 pmI have loved this series for many years and am really looking forward to next issue. Jamie and his Sassenach always make for great reading.
eannehope12 says
October 10, 2013 at 9:04 amSassenach is a great name. You learn something new every day. Thanks Diana!
tiffany says
October 10, 2013 at 7:29 pmSassenach! Oct14th is my birthday so fingers are crossed!
Laurence says
October 11, 2013 at 9:45 amSassenach! I so need to know what happens next!
Sally Bowman says
October 12, 2013 at 9:36 amAwesome interview with the brilliant sassenach Diana Gabaldon! Thank you
Peg Wood says
October 13, 2013 at 5:39 pmSassenach…I can hear it just like Davina Porter pronounces it. Love the Outlander series…it is my absolute favorite. Great interview.
Vitalia Daza says
October 13, 2013 at 8:22 pmOh 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 😉
Kate says
October 15, 2013 at 8:26 amThanks Marly, for a different interview with DG than I’ve heard before. (Sassanach)
Kate
Connie Freiburger says
October 15, 2013 at 1:55 pmI really enjoyed the interview and listening to Diana. Really looking forward to the next book! I’m such a Sassenach!
Ginny Peyton says
October 16, 2013 at 9:59 amI enjoyed hearing Diana’s interview. Thank you for advertising it on Twitter. Sassenach.
Kim says
October 22, 2013 at 6:13 pmDid you pick a winner?
cheryl says
November 3, 2013 at 5:50 pmI was wondering too if you picked a winner. Thanks!