April 1, 1999

Welcome, Diana!!
DGabaldon: Hi, all! Since the first thing I see is someone mentioning Jamie, I suppose I must be in the right place. [g] Thank you, thank you! (That's what my chiropractor always says, when she twists my neck and my head doesn't fall off.)

Question: When is the next book due out?
DGabaldon: When is the next book due? Er... probably about six months after I finish writing it. [g] Which IS, (I hope) sometime late this year--Sept/Oct, around there. I think. That's when I think I'll _finish_ writing it, people. After that, it's up to the publisher when it hits the shelves.

Question: Well first Diana I want to say thank you for bringing much joy from your books and these online pals I have made...and what brings you joy (besides family) with the writing…the process or the finished product...and do you have a continuity log of some sort to keep track of everything?
DGabaldon: Not a log, just a sense of the shape of the book, and how much of what I _know_ happens is already on the page.

Question: So there isn't a page of sorts where you said I already did this or that?
DGabaldon: No, I don't _know_ where everything is, or everything that happens, but once I've written something, I don't forget it. You were asking what I have more joy in, the writing, or the final book? Gee, both. On the other hand, the final book sort of doesn't require any effort from me, and the writing definitely does. [g] I don't know...I love the writing, because it's full of discovery, but it IS hard work.

Question: Diana--Will you be going to the Costa Mesa Scottish Games?
DGabaldon: If that's the San Diego area one, yes, I will.

Comment: nope... Orange Co
DGabaldon: Oh, Orange CO. No, I don't think so. It's one busy year as it is and if I'm going to have ANY chance of finishing this book on time...[shrug] Can't go everywhere!

Question: Which Highland games?
DGabaldon: I think I'm doing San Diego in June, and Fergus, Ontario in August. I'll probably do Tucson in November since they're local. [g]

Question: When and Where in San Diego? I live in LA.
DGabaldon: I think its Vista...something Vista? Just up the coast a little way from SD, but it's called the San Diego Highland Games. They probably have a website, if you need details.

Question: Where for Highland details in San Diego?
DGabaldon: Don't know, though you could write to SCOTIMAGE@aol.com--I _think_ that's their address, but I'm not sure. They're the vendors for whom I sign.

Question: Do you know if you will be reading at the SD games or will you just be signing?
DGabaldon: They seem to think the readings are useful--i.e., attract more fans [g]-- so chances are good that I'll read. It does depend on whether they can get a good sound system, though. Sometimes they try and it just doesn't work.

Question: My question has to do with Voyager and Claire's decision to return to Jamie and leave Bree? While I would have down the very same thing, I didn't get a good sense that it was an agonizing decision for Claire. Was it?
DGabaldon: Sure. She went to the hillside, not knowing for sure whether she could bring herself to go or not--and didn't even _make_ the final decision until she found Bree and Roger there, and Bree _insisted_ that she must go.

Question: Hi Diana... After you started Outlander and realized you were going to publish it was 1800 Scotland always your ending point? Or did you think it would end before that?
DGabaldon: Well, to start with, there was only _one_ book. I just told my agent that I could see more stuff, and so there was more story--but I didn't know much definite about it. He told the publisher that there was "more" and they said, "Trilogies are popular right now, do you think she could write three?" [g] To which he gravely replied that he thought I could--and they gave me a three-book contract. I thought then that it would _end_ with three books---but it didn't. [g] So the short answer to your question is no.

Question: So you had no ending point in mind at all? LOL. We can hope they go on forever... Thanks Diana.
DGabaldon: No. I never _do_. 1800 is just a guess, you know. [g] Well, I'm glad to hear that! I'd hate for them to come in and talk about how revolting I was. [g] Oh, you should _see_ the sorts of things people ask me to write in their books, sometimes! Especially in Canada, for some reason. [g] Men tend to be much more...restrained...in the sort of thing they ask for, when they bring me a book to sign by themselves. [g]

Question: Tell us about your family growing up. Were your parents "storytellers" or is this just a gift that came to you naturally.
DGabaldon: My father was a great storyteller--he's where I got it, though the gift for English language came from my mother.

Comment: You obviously have a great sense of humor...
DGabaldon: Well, I can't take any credit for that--I was born with it. [g]

Comment: I was wondering if you have my first assignment ready? You know, where Sharon and can go impersonate you at book signings so you can stay home and write. I have been practicing your signature [g]
DGabaldon: Sounds like a _great_ idea to me! [g] I'm on this Tuesday, at the Sedona Public Library--you up for that?

Question: Hi, Diana... thank you for these books. I've read that when you wrote Outlander you hadn't planned on having it published, but after it was, did you expect the 'cult' following that there is now?
DGabaldon: No, I had no idea _how_ it would be received--or whether anyone at all would buy it. I'm kind of impressed, actually. [g] Someone did write to tell me that her pastor had read my books and thought I was "a Satanic child." Evidently it didn't stop anybody at her church from reading the books, but they did quit talking about them in front of the pastor! [g]

Question: THANK YOU! You have added color and memories to my life that are wonderful. Would you ever write a children's book? You know you could!
DGabaldon: A children's book? You know people ask me that all the time, and I never have figured out why. The answer is no, though.

Question: Thanks so much for your books, Diana. Is Jamie inspired from a real life man?
DGabaldon: Well, as I said in the COMPANION, my husband _is_ Jamie's body-model--from the neck down. [cough] And he has red hair because my husband does, and that's what I like. I figured since it was my book, why shouldn't I have a man who was _my_ idea of sexually attractive? [g]

Question: Will Brianna find out that she has a brother, and will we learn more about Ottertooth?
DGabaldon: Oh, good, I _do_ happen to know the answers to those questions. [g] Yes, and yes.

Question: Do you want to elaborate more? Don't just tease us?
DGabaldon: I don't think I have _room_ to elaborate here. That's why I write 400,000 words books. [g] Re: Ottertooth-- He's the Indian whom Claire hears about from the old lady in the Mohawk village--the one who was killed and beheaded by men from the village, who then buried his head under a red cedar tree--thus strongly implying that that's whose head Claire _found_ under an uprooted tree, and thus--by extension--that that's whose ghost she met while stranded on the mountain.

Question: I apologize if this question has been asked before. Sometimes when reading the stories it seems as if the characters are almost real. So the question is do they ever say or do anything that _you_ don't expect?
DGabaldon: Yes, characters _always_ do things I don't expect. Just like real people--because they are. [g]

Question: Well, I know this has been mentioned numerous times, but I felt like I'd mention it again. I loved how realistic the story is that you write, but I just wish that it wouldn't be considered a romance. I've got lots of men to read it though [g]
DGabaldon: Yeah, me too! The funny thing is that in the countries where it isn't _marketed_ as a romance, the books sell even better--as in, more weeks on the Bestseller list, etc. [g]--than they do in the US. My royalties from Germany are about _four times_ what they are in the US, in spite of the fact that Germany is about the size of the state of California. I'm hoping to convince the new publisher (we haven't changed companies; just that the company "reorganized", and now a new publisher is in charge) that they should make a big point of "repositioning" the books--beyond just putting "FICTION" on the spine instead of "HIS ROM".

Comment: I found them once under political science, really
DGabaldon: LOL! Actually, I've found them under "History" (nonfiction)--in Foyle's bookshop, in London. [g]

Comment: While I adore Bree and Roger, I much prefer J&C. Will "The Fiery Cross" concentrate more on J&C or on both?
DGabaldon: Yes, FIERY CROSS is more J&C's story--but there's no denying that Roger and Bree have a big part in it. [g]

Comment: Oh, and just thought you were nice to me and my boyfriend in Moultrie when I had PB's and HB's galore :)
DGabaldon: Oh, that was you? [g] Actually, _lots_ of people had PB's and HB's galore in Moultrie! Were you the one whose husband is a Scottish truck driver named Alistair? Well... far be it from me to _start_ something [cough]... but if you feel the urge to write in and state your opinion on the romance-ness or otherwise of the books, the publisher's name is Irwyn Applebaum, and his address is 1540 Broadway, NY, New York, 10036. [g] Bantam Dell Publishing Group.

Question: How is the mystery coming along?
DGabaldon: Oh, the mystery. Well, it's coming really well, but I've sort of put it officially aside for the moment, so I can concentrate on FIERY CROSS, which has reached critical mass, and is really cooking. I want to finish FC, and then my plan is to turn right around and work completely on the mystery while FC is going through production. It's in good enough shape--and production takes long enough-that I hope I can finish the mystery before the galleys come shooting back at me.

Question: Does Claire, or Bree for that matter, ever miss their underwear?
DGabaldon: Bree occasionally feels a breeze. [g] Claire seems to consider it fairly convenient, most of the time. Claire's been busy brainwashing people about toothbrushes--and I expect may do better than a frayed twig by the next book. I have _seen_ early 19th century toothbrushes, made of pig-bristles. So they did exist.

Question: Is it possible that Jamie will discover he has another child? I can think of at least one other "relation" he had. Sheesh... can't think of her name... before he went off to the prison
DGabaldon: One other? [thunderstruck] Who? Oh, one other true relation. [g] Yes, Mary MacNab. No, I don't think he gave her a child. I mean, really, the man may be Virile with a capital "V", but he really can't go around impregnating every woman on the first try. [g] Laoghaire? Nah, we would have known about that by now; she would certainly have thrown that up to him during the confrontation with either Claire and/or Bree, if she'd had a child by him.

Comment: I just want to say thank you on behalf of my sister whose hubby has been ill, your books have been a great getaway for her
DGabaldon: Thank you! My sympathies to your sister--hope her husband gets better soon.

Comment: It will be interesting to see how Bree and Willie react to the news.
DGabaldon: Oh, it is. [g] Interesting, I mean. Though I don't believe Willie will find out the truth in this particular book. In fact, I know he doesn't.

Question: Will Bonnet come looking for "his" child? Is this where Jamie Kills him?
DGabaldon: Oh, yes. [g] Why do you think Roger buys a sword? [g] Hmmm... nope.

Question: Does Bonnet know?
DGabaldon: Does Bonnet know what? That Brianna's baby is his? He certainly _thinks_ so, because she told him so, when _she_ visited him in the dungeon under the warehouse, I mean.

Question: Will Bree and Roger get to go home, and will everyone live happily ever after?
DGabaldon: Goodness, you think _I_ know?!? Yeah, but I haven't written that yet, so I don't know. [g]

Question: Your stories are filled with strong and independent women. Do you think Claire would have been well accepted or thought of as a freak?
DGabaldon: Depends on who she was talking to and their particular prejudices or opinions. [shrug] There have always been strong, independent-minded women, in all periods of history.

Comment: I must agree and Jamie is a much stronger man for being able to appreciate her strength.
DGabaldon: Well, by and large, people who are "whole" within themselves have a much easier time accepting independence in their mates. It's insecurity, as much as anything else, that makes people want to force dependence.

Comment: Her time with Frank must have been horrible.
DGabaldon: Well... Frank accepts her independence, too, though--reluctantly [g], but he does both accept and support it

Comment: Why no? When she knew he was unfaithful!
DGabaldon: Er... like he didn't know _she'd_ been unfaithful?

Comment: Well she had sort of an excuse?
DGabaldon: Gotta have some fairness about these things, you know. [g] Yeah? Like what? Her heart was elsewhere? If my husband came home and told me he'd had an affair because his heart was elsewhere, I'd cave his head in.

Comment: so still it must have been like prison
DGabaldon: But she _knew_ (or thought she knew) that Jamie was dead. So she may have had difficulties in her relation with Frank, but it wasn't all grim, by any means. You know what the first line of FIERY CROSS is? "I woke in the dark predawn, with the feel of my first husband's kiss on my lips."

Comment: But Claire's amorous adventures were out of her control.
DGabaldon: To some extent, sure. But she did _have_ the choice to go back to the husband she'd sworn to love and honor- and she didn't. She remembers that. There was guilt on both sides, between her and Frank. But there was, eventually, forgiveness, too.

Comment: I agree! Not really about the forgiveness though
DGabaldon: Well--as both Jamie and Brianna could tell you [g]--forgiveness is an ongoing process, not a finish-line.

Comment: I guess it was good hearted of Frank to accept Bree.
DGabaldon: A bit more than that--loving Bree as his daughter was his form of redemption.

Comment: this is true. A hard concept though
DGabaldon: If these people had easy lives, they wouldn't be so interesting to read about. [wry g]

Question: Will Jenny and her family immigrate to America?
DGabaldon: Yes and no. [g] Stuff for the sixth book, though, not FC.

Question: I have read your posts on your CompuServe writers group and I want to also say thank you for your help in an area in which you don't realize you are helping. I am using some of your ideas of technique, like papier mache to help my daughter who struggles with her writing improve what she can do. So thank you for that too.
DGabaldon: Oh, good--glad you're enjoying it! I like to hang out there and just talk about writing. It's my substitute for a social life. [g]

Question: How exactly do you begin a book? I have such a hard time writing the first sentence, What do you do? Also, do you keep a journal?
DGabaldon: Well...I just write something. Anything. See, I don't plan them out ahead of time (I do know some things that will happen, but not when or how), and so I don't _know_ where the beginning is. Usually, I don't know the beginning until after I've written a scene, when I look at it and say, "Aha! That's IT!" [g] I keep a journal, but it's nothing to do with the writing. It's just a plain of what work I did during the day. I started keeping it when we moved to Philadelphia after I finished my PH.D. coursework, but before I wrote my thesis. Only time in my life I've ever had block [wry g]. Keeping the journal broke it, because I'd _do_ something during the day, just so I could record it at night in my journal.

Question: Who do we contact to get you to come do signings? Or is that the job of the bookstore? Is it the job of the individual bookstore to request you to do signings?
DGabaldon: Sort of. What happens when I do a book-tour is that the publicist will talk to all of the sales reps and ask them where they think I'd be particularly well received, and/or which stores they'd get major brownie-points from for producing me. [g] Then they set up the itinerary, and start booking media interviews in whatever cities they have planned. So if you want me to come to your city, the thing to do is talk to the manager of the biggest bookstore (or of several bookstores!) in the place and have them talk to the BD sales reps.

Question: I'm sure you've been asked this before, but given similar circumstances, would you leave your daughter (despite the fact that she's deserting you to go to college ;) and follow your hubby to another time...
DGabaldon: IF my daughter were already launched on her own life, then yes, I could probably bring myself to leave her to go to my husband. If she were still a young child, though, no, no way. Bear in mind that I only do tours when I have a new book out. [g] Other than that, I do come to do conferences, Highland Games, or other special events in various places, and if I'm going to be in a place _anyway_, the publicist will usually schedule some bookstore appearances, too, though.

Question: Did you like Sara Donati's newest book? I thought it was great.
DGabaldon: I haven't had a chance to read the whole book yet, but I certainly liked the pieces Rosina sent me while she was writing it. I'm sure it's great!

Question: You know, we tend to obsess a bit, and I am no exception. Does Ottertooth end up being related to Ian in anyway? Just wondering
DGabaldon: Not so far as I know. [g]

Question: When you describe Jamie and Jenny, and I see the picture of you, is Jamie a combination of your features and your husbands coloring. I bet he looks like one of your kids!
DGabaldon: Well, I did give Jenny my face. [g] Bar eye-color, of course. But no, Jamie doesn't look anything like my kids. [g]

Question: You are incredibly loyal to Frank despite the fact that Jamie is Claire's true soul mate. Even thinking Jamie dead wouldn't their marriage just be a ghost of the relationship she had with Jamie? Why do you stay so loyal to Frank?
DGabaldon: Why do _I_ stay so loyal to Frank? [g] Because I know the man. I expect Claire's relationship with Frank was much different than that with Jamie, and not nearly such a meeting of souls and bodies [g]...but not without value either.

Comment: I think it would be so hard to accept the alternative when you have experienced Jamie.
DGabaldon: But she thought Jamie was dead. If she'd known he was still alive, that would have been a whole 'nother kettle of fish.

Question: How did women back then take care of "their time of the month"?
DGabaldon: They used "menstrual cloths," which were folded thicknesses of absorbent cloth--just the closest thing to a sanitary napkin (and in fact, those were called "sanitary towels" in the UK during the 20's and 30's--may still be, for all I know.)

Question: But the women didn't wear underwear back then. How did the pad stay in place?
DGabaldon: I don't know for sure how they fastened the cloths in place; my guess would be that they tied a strip of cloth around their waists and pinned the sanitary towels to them.

Question: I'm sure this has been asked before but can I be 1 of your proofreaders?
DGabaldon: Thanks for the offer. [g] I do my own proofreading, though; I don't trust anybody else. [g]

Question: We meet every week in an "Oprah" chat room, what do we have to do to get series featured as part of book club?
DGabaldon: You got me. Write zillions of letters to Oprah? [shrug]

Question: Will Rogers Great-Great-Great Grandmother immigrate back to Scotland?
DGabaldon: Boy, I don't know. _Somebody_ in his family tree evidently did, but I don't know who it was.

Question: Is Jamie as real to you as you so brilliantly portray him to be in the books? Do you "see" him or do you have to work at making him up?
DGabaldon: I can see him. Which is lucky, all things considered. [g]

Question: Will Roger recover from his "hanging"?
DGabaldon: Wait and see. [g]

Question: What college is your daughter going to attend?
DGabaldon: She's been accepted by all the ones she applied to--now we have to go and look at Univ. Chicago and Stanford, to see which one she wants to go to.

And on that note, thank you all for coming tonight!
DGabaldon: Well, thanks a lot, guys! I'm glad you feel that way about it. [g] My pleasure, entirely. Just think...by _next_ April 1, you'll probably have a copy of FIERY CROSS in your mitts, and can ask even _more_ questions!! [g] [smooch!] [throwing kisses as she exits] [smooch!] Good night!

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