Diana Gabaldon, Herself, chatted with fans using the hashtag #WorldsBiggestBookClub, sponsored by IndigoChapters (@ChaptersIndigo) as Outlander was selected as their Book of the Month. Here are the questions asked and Diana’s answers:
Q (Indigo) Welcome to this month’s #WorldsBiggest BookClub with Outlander author @Writer_DG. Thanks for joining us!
A Yay!
Q What’s a random fact the Internet vultures haven’t dug up about yourself?
A I have a Celtic foot. Well, two of them, in fact. Pardon messy typing- in a car on way to hotel. Missed flight earlier.
Q Celtic foot? Googling now.
A Short and wide. Narrow heel, second toe longer than big (toe).
Q When writing Jamie and Claire, was there anybody that inspired those characters?
A Well, my husband is 6’4″ with red hair… #WeAreHereForYouDinahJane
Q Did you base your Jamie character on him? If so,lucky you!!!
A He claims I steal his jokes for Jamie.
Q Thanks for giving us such an epic story. It spans not only time in the books, but hooks to events in my life.
A Thank you!
Q How disorienting – or appealing – would it be for you to be transported back in time?
A Pretty disorienting – I get seasick.
Q The Outlander TV series has been so great what is your fave TV show that is based on a book?
A I don’t normally watch TV. Loved the original Poldark, though – want to see new version!
Q I’m not a fan of historical fiction but Outlander totally changed that.
A Glad to hear it!
Q How do you feel about Sam and Cait as Jamie and Claire?
A They’re wonderful!
Q Was Donas always Jamie’s, or did Jamie appropriate him from Leoch?
A He snitched him from Leoch.
Q What do you think about the stones scene with Jamie and Claire?
A Would have liked “fall on my knees” but can’t have everything.
Q We missed you at the #TartanAffair this month!
A Yeah, would have loved to be there, but was christening a ship in France.
Diana christens the Avalon Tapestry II.
Q Where do you get the ideas for the characters in Outlander?
A Mostly they just come and talk to me.
Q Which actor plays the character closest to the one you imagined as you were writing?
A Sam/Jamie. He’s very thorough – studied Jamie’s mannerisms.
Q What was your favorite part about Outlander in terms of having it made into a TV show?
A Jamie at witch trial – perfect!
Q What has been your favorite scene from the show so far?
A Well, Sam’s ass, to be honest…
Q You know, Diana, other things happened during that scene. Like a thing. And I think there was someone else there.
A Oh, I liked those a lot, too. But she did say my favorite…
Q Love the line about them not being above God.Perfect delivery!
A It was! It was exactly the Jamie did say it.
Q What do you think of all the people inspired to write, blogging or books, because of you and Outlander? (Editor’s note: This was me…)
A Amazing! So pleased!
Q Thanks for all the inspiration you provide. I started writing, never thought I would, finished Chapter 1.
A Congratulations!
Q I loved how Claire and Brianna embraced their morals when it came towards the prejudice/racism of the time!
A Hard for them to do otherwise – they’re both very hard-headed!
Q How are you enjoying the show? Also, your latest book just ROCKED!
A Love it – and thank you!
Q Do you have any writing projects you plan to pursue after (or during) Outlander?
A Sure – there’s always something going on the side.
Q Loved when Jamie resigned his commission. In blood. Smashing imagery!
A Actually didn’t realize it tied into title until later.
Q How far along have you been able to get with book 9? You have been jet-set a ton lately.
A It’s always slow to begin with, but I like what’s coming. Also just finishing the Outlandish Companion II.
Q What juicy content can we look forward to in the second Outlandish Companion?
A I’ll post a Table of Contents when it’s complete.
Q I love the show so far! Lallybroch was nothing like I imagined it, though.
A No, me neither – beautiful, though.
Q Outlander has crossed age groups. My coworker read it 20 years ago while I was in kindergarten. Love that.
A I love that too.
Q Do you know if they shot the Jamie/Hamish/Donas scene at all?
A No, it was scripted but not shot – no room, alas.
Q What response from fans has surprised you over the changes seen in the TV series versus the book?
A Endless nitpicking and griping over details, but that was no surprise.
Q It has to be disappointing though. I’m amazed at some of the ungrateful comments I’ve read.
A Oh, even the gripers love it. They just enjoy complaining.
Q Hey! LOL It’s called critique! (Editor’s note: This was me also …) #notanitpickerpromise
Q There’s tasteful critique and then there’s just rude, ugly, meritless fodder.
A Well, we don’t pay attention to those kinds of people, do we?
Q What made you choose Scotland? Love the choice!!
A A Doctor Who episode with a man in a kilt.
Q Have you considered a spin-off novel dealing with Ian the Younger’s life with the Mohawks?
A A novella, maybe -but it’s not talking to me now.
Q What inspires you to write these stories? They are so intricate and seem like they HAVE to be about real people.
A Well, they’re real to me…
Q I love Frank and hate BJR more in the show than in the book. Kudos to Tobias Menzies.
A Tobias is spectacular. He always goes there.
Q Who do you see playing Brianna?
A No idea, but I’m sure they’ll find someone good.
Q When do you find time to write? I heard there will be a book 10 – true or false?
A Maybe. If I live that long…
Q Have you traveled to all the places in these books?
A Most of them.
Q Love the character of Jenny’s son Ian. Great depth to him.
A Very fond of Young Ian!
Q Started Outlander 2 weeks ago. Loved the book so much I immediately got the other 7.
A Terrific!
Q Has there been anything in the TV series to inspire a scene or character choice for Book 9?
A No – but the show’s time-frame is 30? years before where I’m writing.
Q How’d Malva know about Jamie’s spider scar?
A Probably saw him in the creek, or working fields with shirt tied up.
Q Were there any characters that have not been included in the show that you miss from your story?
A Sure, but I think they got all the important ones.
Q Is there anything from the show not in the books that you enjoyed?
A Lots of things – especially Rupert and Angus.
Q Are you at all anxious to watch the upcoming Wentworth episodes even though you wrote the story? I am 🙂
A I’ve seen them. They’re great.
Q Did Joan become a nun or did she marry Michael?
A Wait and see…
Q Did Ishmael’s foot regrow from Zombie (Lord John and the Plague of Zombies) to Voyager?
A Nah, Claire just didn’t mention his limp.
Q Any major character introductions in the newest book?
A I don’t know yet.
Q What about the wolf and Claire? Really proves what she would do for Jamie.
A Not like she had a choice at that point.
Q Would you like to write an episode of the TV show all by yourself?
A I dunno. We’ll have to see what happens.
Q Any advice on balancing productive creative work and raising a family?
A Yes,? but it won’t fit in a tweet.
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