A Goodreads user
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
The idea of "Outlander", was it an out-of-the-blue inspiration or was it in your mind for a very long time?
Diana Gabaldon
Neither one, really. I just wanted to write a novel for practice, in order to learn how--and picked 18th century Scotland on a whim, having seen a young man in a kilt on an early episode of "Dr. Who" (no, the time-travel really had nothing to do with "Dr. Who"--that was a separate occurrence). Things just kind of evolved from there, but there was never "an idea" for the book.
More Answered Questions
Heather
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
how long did the first book take you to write? (Working your regular job, raising your son, and writing without the intention of publishing it) I know you spend 2-4 years now on the big novels, but you are practiced and wonderful and everyone asks daily for the next book. I've been interested in how you pushed yourself to complete such a task when you had so much else going on and writing novels wasn't your job.
Esmeralda Rupp-Spangle
asked
Diana Gabaldon:
Hi Diana! I have a head scratcher that only you can answer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Mackenzie_%28explorer%29 Alexander Mackenzie, who lived in the 17-1800s, happened to travel with a Mr. Beauchamp, and who made camp at a Fraser river. A remarkable coincidence? or, more likely, you being a historian by trade, a reference to a noteworthy quest?
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!
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Jun 27, 2016 05:45AM · flag