MadAliceMe
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
HI- I was wondering about your writing style or specifically your techniques. I've heard you describe how you write from scenes you see in your head, so you don't write in chronological kind of way. Do you keep notes or develop a type of timeline as you go? How in the world do you keep it all straight? Thanks!
Diana Gabaldon
I think in shapes, is the short answer. The long answer(s) are in THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION books (the revised edition of Volume 1 came out in April--Volume 2 will be at the end of October).
But no, I don't keep notes; if I write anything down, it's gone. I do the research concurrently with the writing, so the overall timeline of historical events kind of takes shape in my head as I work; then the fictional "chunks" can eventually be sort of put in place along that rough backbone of events.
But no, I don't keep notes; if I write anything down, it's gone. I do the research concurrently with the writing, so the overall timeline of historical events kind of takes shape in my head as I work; then the fictional "chunks" can eventually be sort of put in place along that rough backbone of events.
More Answered Questions
Linda
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
Firstly, I must thank you for creating a grand world with the Outlander series. I have stretched out my reading (and rereading) of the novels, with MOBY still to go. I've come to the realization that I find it difficult to let the characters go. In having creating the phenomenon of Jamie and Claire Fraser, will it be painful to complete their story or are you ready to lay it to rest?
Fran
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
You've said that you don't plan out your books before hand, but I recently read an interview with you where you mentioned that the books would have a (happy) ending in the year 1800. Do you have a general idea of what you want to cover but not know the specifics? Or do you just have a last scene in mind? Thanks so much for your books by the way. I love them!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more