OXFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Diana Gabaldon, author, on Day 2 of the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival on March 22, 2015 in Oxford, England. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images)

Author Diana Gabaldon Dishes on All Things Outlander

Posted by Angela Hickey

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Want to know the latest about Outlander? Author Diana Gabaldon dishes on Outlander Season 5, Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone and more.

Rarely in life do we sit down and converse with the person who continually inspires us — someone whose light shines brilliantly all around the world. While we interact a bit online, I had only met author Diana Gabaldon once, at a signing in Savannah. Imagine my joy when my favorite author (and mentor) graciously gave me the gift of her time on a busy day at New York Comic Con.

I received the news late Saturday night, literally hours before we would speak Sunday morning. So, with very little prep time, this is a bit less “organized interview” and a bit more a “stream of consciousness” conversation. However, we touched on many topics: Outlander Season 4, Outlander Season 5, the trailer, characters, her episode, her upcoming book and much more.

Trailer, Challenges and Roger Repair

On the previous day at Comic Con, fans enjoyed a lively fun panel as well as the premiere of the first teaser trailer for Season 5.

Angela: I enjoyed the panel. One of the tidbits that jumped out to me was that the writers pulled things from the sixth book into Season 5.

“Yes, a few things,” Diana confirmed.

There’s been a great stramash in the fandom, especially among the Roger fans. While Richard Rankin’s acting in the role was fantastic, many felt the show misrepresented him a bit in Season 4.

“Yes, the writing didn’t do him any favors,” she said with a laugh.

Exactly. Did they address this or even recognize it was an issue?

“Oh YES…” Diana said emphatically. “You’re going to like him A LOT better in Season 5.”

Big sigh of relief — the first of several. (The minister’s cat is a misunderstood cat!) Book fans who treasure Roger have spent the off-season trying to repair the damage. For example, a dedicated fan @ThanklessChild4 has been releasing a #RogerRetold thread series on Twitter each Friday. This series contextualizes Roger’s character as well as he and Bree’s relationship using book passages in Roger’s POV, artwork and commentary. Well worth a look…

So, did the “powers that be” pay attention to the fans and realize there was an issue?

“Well, they paid attention to me,” Diana said. “And to Rik…” she added with a laugh.

(Ahh… it seems Richard and Herself both went to bat for this beloved character. Thank you.)

This relieves my mind a bit because the trailer almost made it seem like there would be some inner debate with Roger about whether he was willing to stay. But, I know trailers and previews can be misleading.

“Yes they can, and no,” she said with a laugh, “no, it’s not that at all.”

(…WHEW!)

The Outlander gods have left us verra thirsty this Droughtlander, so we deeply drank every drop of the teaser, frame by frame. However, Diana suggested some good advice on her Facebook page regarding assumptions:

Writing miscues aside, Diana has a high opinion of Richard Rankin’s talent, understanding of the character and dedication to craft. In a comment on her Literary Forum, she wrote: “[He’s] intense, in a good way. Also, One Really Good Actor. As in, good enough to play a cuddly university professor, and then morph through time-traveler, seaman, captive, and into Something Really Else in Season Five.”

OOOOOH… are we getting excited yet? We’ve only just begun.

Sticking to the Source

How close to the source material did the writers and producers stay this season, compared to other seasons? We have certainly run the gamut there, and this season has some challenges.

“Well, in some places, extremely close, using the original dialog and scenes from the book. In others, you know, it’s only 12 episodes, so they have to cut and slice. But, they’ve done a good job preserving the flow of story line and only making up as much as they need to keep the story moving in parts where the original didn’t go smoothly from “part A” to “part B” because I’ve got something else going on — Or, when the characters are separated in time. If Jamie and Claire are not in the same place at the same time, I’ll follow both of them on separate storylines.”

Some of us were concerned because several elements combine this season to work against a faithful adaptation. (I began to enumerate as she smiled and nodded along.)

While not the most structurally complex, The Fiery Cross IS the biggest book of the series.
You have one less episode to work with than you did in previous seasons.
You have the added Murtagh story line and whatever gets nudged out to accommodate it.
And now we found out that they are pulling things in from book six…

Then, I half-jokingly said…

So, you have to think: Are we even going to SEE anything from The Fiery Cross this season?
(Thankfully, she recognized a fellow sarcastic sense of humor and laughed along with me.)

“Yes, yes,” Diana said with a smile. “Yeah, you will recognize large sections [from the book], as well as original dialogue.”

So, in spite of these obstacles to adaptation, would you say you’re satisfied with what you have seen so far?

“I’d say it’s a lot better than Season 4,” she said with a laugh.

(I didn’t actually embarrass myself by breaking into a happy dance, but on the inside?)

Missing Moments

Now don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoyed certain aspects of Outlander Season 4. However some things hit book fans really wrong. Take for example, the finale.

It just felt abrupt. Important pieces were left unfinished, disconnected or completely left out.

(She nodded sympathetically.)

Many book fans were sad to lose Jamie and Claire at the birth. We barely saw any resolution between Bree and Jamie. We never even saw Jamie and Claire realize that Roger came back or react to it. We never saw Roger see the baby or the beautiful book moments that surround it. They cut the best parts from the end of Drums of Autumn to give us the Murtagh story line. I know this is a hotly debated issue, but it disappointed me personally. Och weel … I dinna mean to digress, but I shared these feelings with Diana, and that led me to this next wee revelation:

Do they plan to just skip over these key beloved moments and open Outlander Season 5 with the Fraser family all back on the Ridge? Or, will they pick up at the moment they left, so we can see some of those elements?

Of course, she could not directly answer how and when they will open the show. However, she did give me this piece of very encouraging news…

“Hmmm…oh… well, they start it in a place where all that will be addressed. That will wrap up well.”

(MORE HAPPY DANCING!)

In the meantime… a reminder where we left off with Bree and Roger:

Diana’s Season 5 Favorite Episode

If you can answer this, what is your favorite episode in Outlander Season 5, based on what you’ve seen so far? And why?

“Oh, well I see the dailies that come in every day, and then I see the assembled episodes. On the basis of the dailies, 5.09 is going to be my favorite, but I have liked several of the others a lot as well,” she replied.

OK, 5.09, and can you tell us why, as much as you can? Was it close to the book version? Particularly emotive? Did anyone in particular shine?

“Yes it’s very close to the book and very dramatic. It covers one of my favorite book story lines, and sticks very close to the events, dialogue and sense of the original. Sam and Rik are particularly good; they have several intense scenes together.”

Book fans probably grasp what she refers to here. Like Diana, it’s one of my favorite sections of The Fiery Cross. I prayed they would get it right, and it sounds like they did!

However, the MOST encouraging news dropped the following day, igniting an eruption of excitement in the Outlanderverse!

Diana Wrote an Episode of Season 5?!?

When this colossal news released on Monday, the day after my interview, I stared at my phone in shock… for several reasons:

For one thing, I knew she limited projects this year to finish the ninth book in the Outlander series, Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone. I never dreamed she would write a script for Outlander Season 5. Second, why didn’t they announce this at NYCC?! Talk about burying the lead. JHRC! I don’t think the powers that be comprehend the immense joy this brings to the book fan base. Third, OMG! Diana is writing the penultimate episode of Season 5! This is EPIC NEWS! She previously wrote only one other episode for the series, back in Outlander Season 2.

Here is one of my favorite scenes from that episode, “Vengeance Is Mine.” It demonstrates her mastery of these characters. This is our Jamie and Claire:

I realized I had to address this monumental development. She verra graciously responded to a few follow-up questions:

How did you come to write this episode? You said you asked Matt [Roberts], and he gave you episode 5.11. Why did you want to write an episode for Outlander Season 5 (especially when you were in the “final frenzy” of writing BEES)?

“I like to stay involved with the show (without letting it devour my life…) and writing a script is a good way to do that. Also, it’s fun. I’d asked Matt if I could do one of the later scripts because I thought there was a good chance I’d be done with BEES by then…<cough>.”

Did you have to make a lot of changes to the source material of that section to fit the changes they’ve established, or were you able to basically stay true to your original story?

“There are always changes, naturally — for logistics (some things are too expensive, time-consuming or just plain impossible to film), plot (there’s not room for anything like as much plot as the book has), flow (it needs to be congruent with the other episodes of the season, which means adapting to the insertions and assumptions made in earlier eps), or inspiration (mine or theirs — sometimes I have a bright idea or hear a new line of dialogue).

Essentially, they give me a “beat sheet” — a semi-outline of the events and information that we need to happen in this episode (given what’s already happened and what information we need to have going into the finale) — and I write the script any way I want, so long as it incorporates most of that information…(and I achieve the necessary end).

So the majority of the episode is very true (original dialogue and all) to the book, but there are also minor scenes added to take care of previous inventions or to add what Somebody (it can be somebody at Sony or Starz, a show-runner or producer; I never know the source… though I can usually guess…) thinks we need in terms of explanation.

For example, Somebody decided (quite late in the process… there are usually 6-8 revisions on a script) that there needed to be a specific (brief) conversation between Brianna and Lizzie. OK, everybody’s already aware that Show Lizzie isn’t the same as Book Lizzie, and this conversation wouldn’t/didn’t occur in the book. It doesn’t do any damage to the stuff that is from the book, though, and it’s maybe 90 seconds on film, so fine. Since it was a late inclusion, I didn’t write it — normally the writer doesn’t mess with the script past the first revision, unless a major rewrite is needed; smaller stuff is put in by the show-runner. (Though I see all revisions, and can comment on them and suggest that this or that might work better — and usually they do it my way, on one of my scripts.)”

This is the penultimate episode. What do you see as any special considerations in the purpose or structure?

“For any episode, you need to know what you have coming in (in terms of information or character assumptions) and what you need to produce, coming out. Those considerations are usually spelled out in the beat sheet, but if I see something I think should be there, I’m at liberty to include it (and/or ask about it, if it’s going to be a major inclusion).”

Are there any non-spoiler tidbits you can share? Is it more of a character/emotional episode? Or, is it more adventurous and action-based?

“Actually, both. Probably more of a character/emotional one, but there’s definitely action.”

Are We Excited Now?

Diana’s enthusiasm and deeper connection to Outlander Season 5 boosted my own anticipation. As recently as Nov. 17, she left the following comment on TheLitForum about Season 5:

“I will say (cautiously) that I’m really pretty pleased with Season Five. I’ve seen five or six fully-assembled eps by now, and while there’s always going to be the occasional minor thing that makes me go, “on your heads be it” under my breath, by and large I think it’s a really good, sensitive adaptation, and has a much better grip on the characters. People show strength and resilience because of who they are and the circumstances in which they find themselves, not because someone decided they should be Strong…. I think you might like it. ”
– Diana Gabaldon, TheLitForum

Three more months—I canna wait! Maybe we will observe a wee bit less invention and a wee bit more adaptation. 🙂 Speaking of writing…

The Buzz on Bees and All Things “Gabaldonian”

We’ve all begun our countdown to Feb. 16, 2020, a mere three months until the premiere of Outlander Season 5. However, book fans eagerly await news announcing the end of their own five-year droughtlander — the release date for Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone (“BEES”), the ninth installment of the Outlander series. The buzz is getting much louder as Diana nears the end of her “final frenzy” writing stage.

I refused to ask the dreaded, “When will BEES be out?” question. I know the answer: “Sometime after I’ve finished writing it.” However, during a recent appearance at her home bookstore, The Poisoned Pen, she said she will finish within this year. Keep in mind, once finished, the publisher determines an actual release date based on their printing schedules.

But have no fear, the end is in sight!

I know you work on several things at once. With BEES in its “final frenzy,” what do you think might come next? Is another Lord John novel on the horizon before Outlander Book 10? Or maybe another novella in the works?

“Oh. I have a lot of things in the works.”

Well I know you have some things planned for after the last book like the Master Raymond story and the prequel novel [based on Jamie’s parents]…

“Oh well, it’s not planning, you know. It’s not saying, ‘Here I’m going to do this, and here I’m going to do that.’ It’s if something bubbles up in my head, and I write it down.”

I secretly hope it’s the next Lord John novel.
(Fans of the Lord John series know the next novel will explore a very mysterious, unknown and intriguing part of John’s past… We are verra curious, and I expect it will be the best yet of the series).

“Oh there WILL be another Lord John novel, but I can’t say when. No idea [if it will be before Book 10]. I mean probably, just because it would be shorter, but I have no idea.”

Spoiler Alert: This next section discusses the structure and character of BEES. It’s not really spoilery. However, if you are a TV viewer only or avoiding Diana’s “Daily Lines” posts and all discussion of Bees, you may wish to skip to the end.

Regarding BEES, you’ve said it is shaped like a snake, and its theme is conscience. Do you see it more of a family and pastoral-type vibe? Political? Adventure? Battle-focused?

“All of the above.” (We both laugh)

Right, yes. Well they are ALL “all of the above” to some extent, but some shift into one area more than another, you know? If you had to compare it to a previous book, which would you say it most resembles?

“Hmmm, probably Voyager.”

Voyager? That’s adventurous!

“Yes it is, but it also has the domestic passages.”

Oh for sure, but I mean there’s a lot going on in Voyager.

“Well, they are actually in the middle of the American Revolution, so that’s happening. But on the Ridge, they’re in the back country. On the other hand, you have the Indians — with whom they are getting along at the moment. But, on the other hand, the British Crown was paying the Indians at this point to scalp settlers over the Treaty Line in hopes of discouraging them. They may not make a point to recognize that you are, or are not, an illegal settler.”

(Oh God…)

Why the comparison to Voyager?

“Well, both involve major story lines that work independently: In Voyager, we follow (at least for the first third of the story) Jamie’s life post-Culloden, Claire’s life post-Culloden in the ’50s and ’60s, and Roger and Bree’s evolving interest in each other, paired with the detective work of finding out what happened to Jamie.

In BEES, we’ll have four major story lines (some involving more than one person), and a few minor ones, but they overlap periodically and instead of just changing from one to another, they sort of swirl around what I can only call mob-scenes [scenes with more than two characters], which occur as a kind of sub rosa punctuation. That’s really all I can tell you.”

Genetics, Kids and “Writing Cute”

Our conversation concluded on a more personal note..

I shared how truly impressed I was by her son, fantasy author Sam Sykes, when I interviewed him a few days before. Art often reflects life. Diana’s science background frequently emerges in her work, in numerous ways. Genetics, for example, defines characters and even plays a role in the time travel lore itself. You can observe genetics at work in her own family. All three of her children write! Nature and nurture exemplified.

With talk of genetics, she pulled out her phone and began to show me recent pictures of her newest adorable grandson, Leo. He had just learned to smile, and it was on full display. It touched my heart to see this intimate side of her and the joy she felt over the newest wee member of her family. I wonder if Leo’s gummy grin and emerging personality will develop into the next generation’s great writer. (Those creative, literary genes in the Gabaldon clan are verra strong, ye ken?)

Thinking along the lines of art reflecting life, I asked…

Since you (and husband Doug) became new grandparents during the writing of BEES, do you find more inspiration when writing scenes with kids? Does having your own cute, adorable experiences with Santiago and Leo give you additional perspective for the Frasers’ “Grandma and Grandda” moments?

“I don’t write cute,” she replied with a wry sarcasm.

(Does she not think the scenes she writes with kids are heartwarming and adorable? Especially with Jamie … Good grief…)

However, she was referring to intention… She doesn’t write meaningless scenes for a saccharin or “cute” appeal.

“I like to think that I don’t write superficial scenes, even those involving children (who often have immense emotional depths — and share them). And I have truly NEVER come into a scene with the intent of committing cuteness,” she explains. “Quite often, the child/children is only there because they’re a natural part of the milieu, but — like most of the adult characters — they have minds of their own and will say or do things (appropriate to their age and unique personality) that make some readers think, ‘Oh, that’s adorable!’ If so, good, but that’s never my intent — it just emerges naturally from the situation and the people in it.”

This is patently true. All of her scenes, even those with children, reflect great emotional depth and are driven by well-defined characters. (Adorableness is a bonus.)

Her response exemplifies what I said in my last blog post—she embodies the soul of each character with everything they think, feel and believe based on their own culture, perspective, personal history, genetics, knowledge, fears and values. She doesn’t write FOR the audience and how they will react. These books are character driven, not plot driven or reader driven.

What are your hopes for Outlander Season 5 and Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone?
Did anything in my interview with author Diana Gabaldon make you nervous? More relaxed?

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37 Comments

Leave your reply.

Lisa Margulies
· Reply

November 20, 2019 at 7:52 AM

Brilliant! Very insightful and enjoyable read. Thanks, Angela!
- Angela Hickey
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  November 21, 2019 at 2:59 AM
  
  Thanks Lisa! So glad you enjoyed it. Hope it heightened your excitement for all things Outlander coming soon!
Karen
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November 20, 2019 at 10:12 AM

Well i really liked season 4. In fact it might even be my 2nd favourite season…and truth be told i find that i disagree with Diana on a few things so i am kind of approaching s5 with some trepidition. Personally i hope to see the Claire of previous seasons because as much as I liked s4 i felt she was diminished. I also wonder how she feels about LordJohn being in S5 given that he is not in book 5. yes I admit that Claire and Lord John are my favourite characters books and show, i would have appreciated her opinions on them. I also wish that they would not have announced what episode she had a part in writing and I say part because we all know that she was not there for the filming so it would have gone through a few changes at that time. I wish that because i want people to judge the episode on its own merits and not love it just because she wrote it….anyways just my thoughts.
- Angela Hickey
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  November 21, 2019 at 4:01 AM
  
  Thanks for the feedback Karen. I also enjoyed many things about S4. FWIW, so did Diana. In some ways, it was my 2nd favorite as well because there was consistency of good moments and scenes throughout.
  Conversely S2 and S3 were both a tale of two halves, in my own opinion. The strong half shined brighter than S4, but the weak half paled next to S4. Season 4 gave a more solid consistency. Additionally, I love the books based in Fraser’s Ridge, so I anticipated S4 and beyond. That said, S4 definitely had it’s issues IMO. I will not enumerate them all here, but near the top of the list sits the writing of Roger’s character. This has great impact on how S5 will resonate for people because Fiery Cross is very Roger-centric. If people come into it with this false impression of his character, all of the emotional beats will have a hollow ring. That is why I addressed it up front.
  As far as Lord John, trust me, I am a huge fan. I advocate for his character all the time. You see the book I hope comes next, right? I can’t express how thrilled I am that we will have his physical presence in S5 rather than a presence in letters only. I just could not ask about everything, and I doubt she could have told me anything about his role in S5.
  As far as Diana herself, I am obviously a huge fan, and I usually find that we share similar opinions on things, especially when it comes to the show, so I personally put a lot of faith in her judgment.
  As far as her script goes, I am not quite sure what you mean. You can’t really keep the writer of an episode secret. However, as much I love Diana, I am certainly not some Gabaldon zombie lol. I can judge an episode objectively as I think most book fans can. For instance, “Vengeance Is Mine” isn’t my favorite episode of S2 …or even my second favorite. However, Diana knows the characters (she created them after all), and she writes them correctly. Character misrepresentation is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to the show, so I love that she wrote an episode.
  I hope you enjoy S5!
- Diane
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  November 21, 2019 at 7:49 AM
  
  I’m back Karen. I have to add my love for Lord John as well. In fact, I met Angela in a Lord John Grey book club (where we happily went through his dedicated series twice when some new members joined.) I thought his presence, through letters and the discussions when they are shared around, made him a strong character in Fiery Cross. Jamie’s replies also gave details of everything going on on the Ridge, and characters’ lives, that couldn’t really come out another way. I don’t know how he will be used as a live character but he always has enjoyable relationships with the Fraser’s individually, so maybe that will give more opportunity for exposition – and humor. Finally, he keeps Willie alive for the audience, there is no other way that we would get even a cursory peek into Willie’s life.
  As to Diana’s episode, I mostly don’t rewatch the show but the thing I do remember is the humor so characteristic in all the books. Which I really appreciated.
  - Angela Hickey
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    November 22, 2019 at 10:51 PM
    
    Dear Diane,
    Oh … the humor. I am sure we will get touches of that in her episode.
    As far as Lord John, I think we will get him in the group scenarios where we might see him engage in side conversations (battle gatherings, weddings etc). Situations where he would have a reason to be present (and there are a few of those in this season). So, I believe it will work out nicely.
Diane
· Reply

November 20, 2019 at 10:54 AM

Hi Karen,
There was so much to love in S4, some of my favorite scenes. Although I don’t have a favorite full season after the first, there are always episodes and scenes that are transcendent. For example, for me, there is absolutely nothing that can take away from the episodes in which Jamie and Bree met and bonded – even though I could have wished for a resolution to Bree and Jamie’s rift in the end, preferably one that matched the intensity of the breech itself, that might still be to come – the writing and acting were superb. And I could list more that were of similar quality. I’m very glad to hear that the Roger character will be redeemed, and that Roger and Bree’s relationship will make sense. One place in which the season suffered.
As to Claire, in general, over the last three seasons: I liked this quote of Diana’s, “People show strength and resilience because of who they are and the circumstances in which they find themselves, not because someone decided they should be Strong…” And I would add that the show’s definition of strength and courage has often been one dimensional. I am hoping for a more nuanced Claire, for viewer as well as Caitriona’s sake. She has the range, as an actress, to show a greater breadth of Claire’s strength and resilience. Along with the other characters with whom she shares the courage to face obstacles and – in this section of the story – forge a home on the frontier as war looms. Frontierwomen were indomitable. I understand that Claire is the the main character and that can be shown in more complex ways that actually expand the character. We’ve seen it, but the show falls back into tropes that they’ve proved they can surpass.
- Angela Hickey
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  November 21, 2019 at 4:06 AM
  
  Diane – Thanks for your very observant and prescient comment. I agree wholeheartedly! 🙂
Estelle Moorhouse
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November 20, 2019 at 12:05 PM

I have read all the Outlander books and am looking forward to “Bees” but especially book 10. I have also read most of the LJG books. I have all the DVDs. I am a member of many of the Outlander fan groups and it seems most of the Outlander fans are fans of Jamie/Sam. We all love the other characters as well but it is Jamie that captivates us and it’s not only Jamie/Sam’s sexiness, it is all that he is. I have rewatched so many of the episodes, so many times, but all because of Jamie/Sam. I’m not a big Cait fan. Claire is a wonderful character but there have been many strong women throughout history but not many men like Jamie, that’s why he’s the king. Cait is a good actress but I watch the show because of Sam/ Jamie, not Cait/Claire. If Sam were to leave the show, heaven forbid, I would probably not continue watching, but I would continue reading. Again it’s not the sexiness of Sam, it’s Jamie he’s portraying. Sam/Jamie is damn attractive, with or without his shirt on. Sam can deliver a line to perfection. One of my favorites is “fizzle out.” from Voyager. We all fell in love with Jamie and then we all fell in love with Sam; two men in one, extraordinary! Thank you for letting me share.
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 21, 2019 at 4:31 AM
  
  Estelle,
  We certainly understand the love. Have no fear, I don’t think the show would ever go on without Sam. He is irreplaceable 🙂
Estelle Moorhouse
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November 20, 2019 at 3:29 PM

P.S. I just have to add that I hope we see Outlander on the screen, whether it be the small screen or even big screen all the way through book 10!
Susan
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November 20, 2019 at 7:04 PM

Such an amazing , intelligent, well thought out, and entertaining piece Angela. So much information! Having been with you in Savannah, and meeting Diana with you, I am so happy that you had this opportunity for some one on one time with her. I cannot think of anyone who knows the content better than you. This was such a great interview. You could tell that Diana felt comfortable with you. I really enjoyed it and it made me even more excited for Season 5 and Bees!
- Angela Hickey
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  November 21, 2019 at 4:38 AM
  
  Dear Susan,
  So happy I shared my first Diana experience with you. A TREASURED memory. Thank you for the wonderful comment. I am so happy you enjoyed the piece, and it got you more excited for S5. I know you had some of the same concerns as I did. 🙂 …Feelin’ the positive vibe!
Carol Dulcamara
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November 20, 2019 at 7:27 PM

I just finished the last four books, after viewing the first four seasons. I was struck, in reading, how many scenes were described by a lengthy list of smells. For several pages I found this very weird. But I came to realize how it brought me into the story. This is a unique and clever skill. I’d love to read more about Claire and Jamie.
- Angela Hickey
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  November 21, 2019 at 4:44 AM
  
  Dear Carol,
  Very observant of you! That is actually a technique Diana employs for immersive writing. For every scene, she appeals to at least three senses. Smell is often the third one she uses, and sometimes she utilizes four senses.
Rose
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November 21, 2019 at 5:56 AM

Thank you for the great interview. I was kind of iffy about S5, yes the book is a long one and I feared that S5 would be more of Bree & Roger. I’m hooked with the books and the series mainly because of Jamie and Claire. It captivated me due to the fact of Jamie’s love for Claire and how he encourages her, how he believes and allows her to fulfill her need to be someone of use and the need to help others. Jamie for the time period they live in, is ahead of his time and culture. His love for her is so deep, bigger then life that he will do anything for her. Thank you Diana for giving us Outlander
Diane
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November 21, 2019 at 7:55 AM

I had to stop back in because I didn’t add my agreement with your love of Lord Lord John, Karen. In fact, I met Angela in a Lord John Grey book club (where we happily went through his dedicated series twice when new members joined.) I thought his presence, through letters and the discussions about them when they are shared around, made him a strong character in Fiery Cross. Jamie’s replies also gave details of everything going on on the Ridge, and characters’ lives, that couldn’t really come out another way. I don’t know how he will be used as a live character but he always has enjoyable relationships with the Fraser’s individually, so maybe that will give more opportunity for exposition – and humor. Finally, he keeps Willie alive for the audience, there is no other way that we would get even a cursory peek into Willie’s life.
As to Diana’s episode, I mostly don’t rewatch the show but the thing I do remember shit hey last one is the humor so characteristic in all the books. Which I really appreciated.
Robin
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November 21, 2019 at 10:03 AM

Wow, Angela!! What a fantastic interview. I think my nerves about the new season have been quelled a bit thanks to the questions you thought to ask. I’m still hoping we will see more humor in Season 5 i.e. Those wiggly things that Jamie thinks are germs. I also wonder if Sam’s and Caitriona’s roles as producers helped Season 5 refocus on adaptation rather than invention as you so cleverly put it. Fingers crossed! Thanks again for a well written article!!
- Angela Hickey
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  November 22, 2019 at 11:06 PM
  
  Dear Robin,
  Thank you, and YES we must have that scene. They would be completely foolish not to incorporate it into an episode (but I believe they will). I think that surgery picture they released with the microscope in front of Claire is a very good sign!
  I think Sam and Cait being producers is a wonderful asset because they know their characters better than the revolving writers do. 🙂
Jackie Campbell
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November 21, 2019 at 12:45 PM

Thanks for this excellent interview. You reflected her way of speaking very well and got to the meat of the issues rather than rehashing old stuff. A great read.
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 22, 2019 at 11:09 PM
  
  Jackie,
  Thanks for checking it out and the wonderful feedback. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Cheryl LaMaster
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November 21, 2019 at 1:22 PM

I really appreciate your ability to ask questions that are what we are expecting but in a way that makes them fresh and new. You bring things up that I personally wouldn’t have realized I wanted to know. My feelings are that we all enjoy each character differently. Changes in her story lines are not always what we like, but never so off that we can’t keep following them. Her insights are welcome and reassuring to me. Thank you for including us!
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 22, 2019 at 11:11 PM
  
  Dear Cheryl,
  Thanks for reading the piece and the great feedback.
Cheryl
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November 21, 2019 at 1:23 PM

I really appreciate your ability to ask questions that are what we are expecting but in a way that makes them fresh and new. You bring things up that I personally wouldn’t have realized I wanted to know. My feelings are that we all enjoy each character differently. Changes in her story lines are not always what we like, but never so off that we can’t keep following them. Her insights are welcome and reassuring to me. Thank you for including us!
Hortensia Gomez-Tirella
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November 21, 2019 at 4:38 PM

“I don’t write cute.” I love it! 🙂
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 22, 2019 at 11:13 PM
  
  She is one of a kind!
Beth Ely
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November 22, 2019 at 12:23 AM

DG is brilliant but she always says it’s going to be a good season. But I love that she acknowledged that S4 was eeh, I m glad she realizes how we feel about the cuts and leave outs. But she lets us know that TPTB don’t listen to anyone. You did a fabulous job and I agree that she unaware how poignant her writing is When it comes to the children and Jamie.
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 22, 2019 at 11:30 PM
  
  Dear Beth,
  Oh I don’t find that she always says that. She usually dishes praise in a very qualified way with cautions in certain situations. For instance, in S2 she said that the first half had to do a lot of adaptation) which it did. She also said an episode in the early second half really jumped the shark (which it did)
  In S3, she praised the first half more than the back half and said episode 4 was a favorite. I found that to be true.
  In s4, she said she liked it, especially some of the early middle episodes, but you would have to look past a lot of logistical things that don’t make sense. That was true. She also really praised episodes six and nine, and they were also my very favorites. Great adaptation on those episodes. So, I find her to be very honest and credible.
  Thank you for checking out the piece, and giving the feedback. I am really glad you enjoyed it and feel more optimistic about S5. Enjoy the season!
Colleen Malone-Engel
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November 22, 2019 at 11:53 AM

Great article and such a fun read! The only thing I’m nervous about – and this speaks for both book and show – is that either one will be the last. The difference between the two don’t bother me; I just consider us all lucky we have show to watch after so many years of wishing. I’ma huge fan of the books, and trust Diana to take me on a ride that I’ll miss when it’s over and wish I could experience again as if I’d never read it in the first place. Thanks for such a fabulous interview!
- Angela Hickey
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  Author
  
  November 22, 2019 at 11:33 PM
  
  Dear Colleen,
  Neither will be the last! They are contracted through S6, and Diana said there will be 10 books in the series. So have no fear!
  - Elena Latici
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    November 23, 2019 at 10:35 AM
    
    Great interview. I have high Hope’s for S5. And reading TFC for the third time. Am reading it Slowly This time so I don’t miss anything. I love the show, which I discovered 2 years ago before knowing there were biooks. I’m grateful for that because if I’d had to wait 4 or 5 years between books it would have driven me crazy. I devoured them all in less than a month. DOA was one of my favourites and apart from JGS,’s magnificent Mohawk village and Terry Dresbach ‘s extraordinary costumes I was disappointed in the season and when I binge watch which I do often I often leave S4 out. The “germs” had better well be in S5. I can’t imagine them being left out, but then they didn’t have Jamie and Claire at Bree’s side when giving birth, so who knows.
    Thank you for your interview and original questions.
Karen Fontaine
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November 22, 2019 at 12:56 PM

Thankyou for the interesting conversations and the update. I look forward to viewing an reading Diana’s future books and interviews.
I appreciate her works and her personality.
MCatherine
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November 22, 2019 at 1:46 PM

I didn’t notice in the interview a reason for only 12 episodes….Gosh, we endure a nearly interminable Droughtlander, and then learn they cut down 1 episode? Phooey!
Jane
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November 22, 2019 at 8:40 PM

Thankyou for a well written and informative article, it has raised my hopes for Season 5 up a notch. Sadly I have still not watched the final of Season 4 I was so upset with the assassination of the book characters, the missing (to my mind) of pivotal scenes and the adding of the over the top bogus storylines. I now completely hate Murtagh and he was one of my favourites, largely due to the hash, IMO, they made of including him in Season 4. I now begrudge every second that is spent on him. I can appreciate that the actors like working with Duncan but I really am over his character and the made up storylines and grieve for the way he could have been used to fold seamlessly to the support the developed storylines from the book. While there were moments of greatness that I enjoyed I have found that most of Season 4 was a sore disappointment. I love Diana’s books and really enjoy her ability to bring you into the moment. I am waiting patiently with anticipation for my next visit to my family on ridge and become immersed again in their lives.
Michelle Redmond
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November 23, 2019 at 7:35 PM

Really fantastic interview. Insightful. Different. Funny and knowledgeable! Angela I am your fan for life! You are so good at getting nuggets no one else has or will. I want more of YOU in every Outlander interview opportunity!
Great work!
Susan Thornton
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November 24, 2019 at 10:54 AM

Very interesting interview and you answered all my concerns for Season 5 after a disappointing Season 4 for me.
Looking forward to February 16th. Thank you.
Alan Lee
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June 15, 2022 at 12:02 PM

Good post guys!