For fans, a peek behind the curtains of how Diana Gabaldon comes up with the story of the Outlander universe is always exciting.
From how she created the characters of Jamie and Claire, to why she chose to base the story in Scotland fans can't get enough.
A fascinating character herself – did you know she holds a Master's degree in Marine Biology and a PHD in ecology? Diana has never been shy about letting those who are interested into her world, both on the page and in real life.
Recently, she revealed a little of her writing process; from how she deals with writer's block to what she drinks when she writes.
Publisher of the Outlander books in the US, Penguin Random House, asked her several questions for their website to give readers a glimpse into the working habits of the PRH authors.
Speaking about what she eats and drinks throughout the writing days, Diana revealed that Diet Coke and water usually get her through but joked that she "more or less mainlines Diet Coke" when she's in the "Final Frenzy of finishing a book".
When asked about writer's block she reminded fans that her life was so hectic in the early stages of the books, with two full-time jobs and three kids under the age of six that she had no time for not being able to write anything. She simply had to get it done if she wanted to get paid.
This has meant she has developed several coping mechanisms.
She wrote: "Consequently, I just learned to work on multiple projects at once. When one 'sticks' (and they all do, now and then), I just switch to another that seems easier at the moment, and work 'til that one sticks—then switch back, and—if the first piece was still stuck, start another scene."
She added that there is plenty of housekeeping such as interviews, workshops, commentary, book reviews, and social media posts to work on if that fails.
Most interestingly, she spoke about how she comes up with ideas for her novellas.
"I’m sure there will be more novellas," she said. "They’re a lot of fun, and let me explore side-stories and minor characters – but I don’t plan them out ahead of time; ideas just come along and when something starts bubbling up, I start writing it."
However, her advice to other writers dealing with a block is to not give up.
She added: "The most important thing—as always—is to keep putting words on the page. But they don’t always have to be the words you intended to write when you sat down."
Great advice and some we are definitely glad she listens to herself though we wonder how she finds the time.
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