You know, what with knee surgery, new stories, travel, new website developments, etc., etc., etc.—I really hadn’t paid all that much attention to the new Green Slime edition of AN ECHO IN THE BONE, other than to briefly admire the cover. [g]
I find that y’all have been busy, though! I opened my email this morning to hear that the new Green Slime edition has hit the New York Times list—I _think_ that’s the first time one of my trade paperback editions has done that! It’s also #4 on BookScan’s bestseller list, mentioned in USAToday (today), and has stunned the publisher (in a happy way [g]) by selling lots more copies in its first week than the trade paper edition of A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES did—and they thought _that_ was good!
So anyway—MANY thanks to all of you who’ve been buying and (I hope) enjoying the Green Slime version of ECHO. And the publisher bids me tell you that in response to all this great news, they’ve done a deal with Borders and Walden’s bookstores, whereby if you buy one of the Green ECHO’s, you can get another for half off. In case any of you belong to book clubs. [g]
Oh—and do remember that the Green Slime edition has the eight-page excerpt from THE EXILE (the new graphic novel telling Jamie’s side of the story) in the back! Have any of you read that excerpt yet? I’d be Most Interested to hear what you think of it.
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I made a special trip to the bookstore to read the excerpt in the back of Echo. I loved it. I cannot wait to read the whole thing. It is very cool to see pictures of Jamie, Claire!
ReplyDeleteYeah! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic news! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteKaren
I got my Green Slime Edition last week from Amazon and loved the excerpt of the GN - can't wait for it to come out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do to keep us entertained!
I'm headed to B&N today to read the excerpt. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the excerpt in the back of Echo! I'm reading Outlander for the third time, making notes as a go along with things I have questions about! I'm hoping that Jamie's and Murtagh's POV will be able to help answer those burning questions I have!! So excited for September!!
ReplyDeleteI had no interest in the graphic novel, even after reading about it and its "revelation" on the Ladies of Lallybroch book board. But I did want to get the Green Slime to finish out my collection. I read the excerpt because I had heard so much about it. Now, I plan to buy the graphic novel when it is released in September.
ReplyDeleteThe business decision to include the excerpt was a good one - it will lead to more sales (at least one more sale).
Fantastic news, Diana! I don't have any trade paper backs but I'll be sure to check it out at the book store. This news excites me to start a re-read!!!!!!!!!! All the best.
ReplyDeleteJudie
Congrats! Bought my Green Slime ECHO last week to add to the collection. Loved the excerpt! Had already been looking forward to the release of the GN in September, and this just added to the anticipation. I was wowed by the "revelation" and intrigued by the questions raised as a result. The artwork was stunning, too! Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe artwork is just great, and the dialogue really flows... but what's up with the constant translations of slang and Gaelic with the pesky and distracting asterisks? Everything makes good sense in context, even for folks who don't speak Gaelic and haven't read the books.
ReplyDeleteIt makes it seem like the publishers think a bit less of the intelligence of graphic novel readers than they do their "real" readers! If I were a graphic novel reader, I might be insulted! ;-)
In other news, I have recently opened a tiny book + gift shop and have sold 4 copies of Outlander, word of mouth, in the 2 months I've been open. Kind of impressive! Thanks, Diana!
Haven't gotten my green slime addition yet, as I am in Ireland right now. But I did buy the UK version of Echo, yeah! I have been looking for Cross Stitch but haven't found it yet. I leave Sunday so hopefully I will find it by then.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get back one of the first things I will do is run to the book store for some green slime. :)
Lisa
I'm waiting for the UK trade paperback to buy my copy, but I noticed the Green Slime in the bookstore today...it's definitely eye-catching! Maybe that's why it's sold so many copies. You should try Lemon Yellow for the next one! :)
ReplyDeleteI got my green slime edition this past weekend (and you signed it for me at the Poisoned Pen Conference! Thank you again!!) I love the excerpt in the back and I was so surprised to see what Murtagh saw!! (I won't spoil it, in case) Adds a whole dimension to what he thinks of Claire!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit this, but the reason I bought The Green Slime was for the excerpt. I am so excited for The Exile that my teeth hurt! Weird, I know.
There has been some discussion on Facebook, among some of your followers, as to whether folks will put off buying "Exile" for fear that the images and interpretations of Claire's and Jamie's appearance will be too disparate from what's been imagined all these long years. That doesn't bother me in the least! The yearning to know more of the back story is so strong that the images (which are gloriously colorful and quite what I did imagine) could be stick figures for all I care.
Just one favor -- NO publication delays, please!
Regards,
Midge
Why would you think there'd be a publication delay? None of my books ever are. Once a pub date is set, that's when the book's come out. (I don't count silly people in bookstores _telling_ people the wrong date to start with.)
ReplyDeleteAs for the footnotes, that was part of my script, as written. No knock on graphic novel readers whatever--you have _no_ idea how many people write to me wanting glossaries and pronunciation guides for the Gaelic in the books. (Though fwiw, we do aim also to attract regular GN readers who might not normally be familiar with the novels.)
Diana!
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong! Those were words of complete desperation! The GN looks so exciting that I think any delays, for any reason, would equate to torture! Production delays, editing issues, whatever happens in the world of publishing that could cause trouble....
The only images I've had the opportunity to see are the ones you've released via your website or here on your blog. I know some folk who've been fortunate to see others up close and personal during conferences, or book signings, or gatherings, but you haven't been to Los Angeles since the book signing at Vroman's, in Pasadena, for The Fiery Cross. That's all, love. Just excited!
Midge
I am usually not a fan of graphic novels, but I am a huge fan of your writing, so I planned to buy The Exile in September. After purchasing my paperback copy of Echo and reading the 8 teaser pages, I am so excited for the book to come out.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Green Slime for the excerpt, and because I want to re-read Echo and my 'loaned' harcover copy has gone missing.
ReplyDeleteLove the excerpt! Jamie's face in the 'Luck that I'm here then' panel is just exactly how Jamie should look.
Looking forward to finding out more of what went on in Murtagh's mind, Mmmmphm... If Claire is the faery's mate.. then who is/was the faery I wonder? Has Murtagh seen this sort of thing before? The artwork is stunning and the frames flow easily one to the next.
Now rereading Outlander for about the 10th time with close attention to the details to be ready for Exile!
Hope all is well with the (partial)new knee!
Have you named it? Would a new knee be a he or a she I wonder?
I particularly enjoyed the Exile excerpt! Although, I will tell you, I think it will take some getting used to reading with pictures. Do I read the whole thing through and then gawk at the picture, or do I look at the picture then read the dialogue, or do I try to do both at the same time? I will have to sort that out! I am very impressed with the art, and pleasantly surprised at the added dimension of the images and even the content of the excerpt (I say, trying not to be too spoilerish!). Murtagh's perspective will add more than I thought. I think that it will be fun to read that and then go back and see how that changes Outlander for me. I generally read Outlander again in the fall, when it starts getting cool, so that should be right after I finish the Exile!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am constantly amazed that all of this came from inside your head. It is truly remarkable to me. Keep up the great work!
Imagine my surprise when my hubby hands me his EW and there's "green slime" on the best new paperbacks list. Even better, in the book section there's a q and a with you! Thanks for a nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteHi! Can someone please explain WHY it's called the "Green Slime" edition? I am confused. :)
ReplyDeleteSteveandAlina:
ReplyDeleteIf you scroll down Diana's blog, to the June 13 entry, Green Slime will be explained.
: D
Regards,
Midge
I literally danced around my kitchen when my green slime copy arrived from Amazon! So excited! I've already pre-ordered The Exile! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Diana! I am not surprised at the popularity of the green slime.
ReplyDeleteI went by my local small town bookstore not expecting them to have it out on the very first day and was so surprised and happy to see many copies of green slime on the shelves and on display for sale! I grabbed one and read the excerpt in the car-would not wait till I got home! My daughter laughed at me reading as she drove. She knows I am an OUTLANDER nut. I have the graphic novel on pre-order and can't wait to get my eyes on it! Love the artwork and the story from a different view--Murtaugh's and looking forward to more of Jamie's.
Shamrock
Well... I went to the bookstore to check out the excerpt of the graphic novel (own the hardcover edition) and as much as I would love to know Jamie's side of the story I have to be honest with you, it was a bit of a let down. I have never read a graphic novel before, but I read your novels before, and I thought that your outstanding writing was lost in between the graphics (hence graphic novel duh!) which dehumanized the characters and portrayed them in a way I've never pictured before, “unreal”. But, I love your work, and as a writer myself and a judge on screenwriting competitions, I know that the verdict should be reached when the words THE END show up at the bottom of the page. .I’m looking forward to the release of the GN and to a lot more of your writing.
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Echo trade paperback and boy, is it green! I turned off the light to see if it glows in the dark. I like the GN exerpt in the back. I have never done more than browse through a GN before, but I will definitely buy this one.
ReplyDeleteHi! I am very new to story of Claire and Jamie...and quite frankly, I am completely hooked!! Wouldn't a movie be grand? :o)
ReplyDeleteWent to Wal-Mart to the book section and that green book really jumped out at me. Checked out the back and "OH" what a tease. So far I think the artist really captured the likenesses to a T. I have read the first 6 books five times and "Echoe..." twice. I am now listening to the audio CDs. These pictures help me to picture the characters as they talk on the CDs. I have gotten several family members hooked on the books. It is so much fun to get into discussions about various happenings and how they fit together from one book to the next. What I really find so fascinating is the section in Sara Danoti's "Into The Wilderness" novel published in 1998, Clair, Jamie, and Ian are talked about when they were with Dr. Hunter in New York. Now this info about them doesn't show up until 2010 in "Echoe..." Figure that one out !! Diana really does write her stories in pieces and then puts them together to fit the story line. She is the most talented writer in the world. May she keep Clair and Jamie alive forever!!!!
ReplyDeleteBought it last week too and LOVE it. Even the Green Slime I've become fond of. And the GN excerpt! Ahhhhh! SO good! I can't wait to see it come fall. I'm not a graphic novel reader by any means but you can bet I'll be in line to buy this to go with my "collection" of Outlander stuff. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteOh and I would NOT want to see this as a movie. So much would be lost (in response to the anon. commenter above). Mini-series perhaps. LOL It's just such a rich story you'd never be able to encompass all that is important to it.
Can't wait to read it (and the Borders news is very good news for me, I am there FAR too much!) Do you know if the Green Slime will be released in the mass market paperback edition at all? I have all the other Outlander books in that size and believe I have a touch of OCD about my books ...
ReplyDeleteDear disgruntled [g]--
ReplyDeleteYes, there'll be a mass-market paperback edition; that usually comes out about a year after the trade paperback edition.
Re: the comic book stuff. I - an over-60 male - learned to read on those things and I don't mean to disparage the genre here but Sandra G has it right. The art is terrific - as is all Nguyen's stuff (easily matching NC Wyeth at his best) - but the whole concept reduces to the lowest level the magnificent color (in the descriptive sense) your writing and research has added to the written novels. Once someone has seen a artist's depiction, they lose the ability to imagine the characters themselves. And, at least in the snippet you've provided, I find the rendition not even close to my own imagination and the words without any kind of magic. I am reminded of the old Classic Comics only without the substance of great literature supporting them. Perhaps you'll pick up some readers but sometimes the grasping for the dollar isn't worth what you have to give up for it.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous--
ReplyDelete[ahem] "grasping for the dollar" has nothing whatever to do with it.
fantastic news! it is great. i can not wait for the GN. i have seen the 'green slime' at many outlets which is great too.
ReplyDeleteoorjanie
(not really anon but it doesn't like to let me post here lately it seems). i will try to figure it oot
Dear Daina,
ReplyDeleteLately a lot of historical fiction literature, or events, are translated into movies (or TV series); I'm thinking here The Tudors, The Pillars of the Earth and The Borgias. Whats happening with Outlander movie?
I know that there were talks about it two years ago, but right now the whole thing seems dead, which is a pitty.
I can see how Outlander movie/ TV series would require a substantial production budget, but I cannot say that i've lost any hopes on seeing these books made into movies.
Could you let us know if there are any news in this department?
Many thanks, and once again I love your work!
I am looking forward to your future works and especially to Outlander 8th book.
All the best to you!
Hi Diana ,
ReplyDeleteNo Need to Talk about all your work. I think everybody knows that it's the best, I Hope you're Feeling well!
Is the GN going to be published in German ?
Wish you the Best!
Waiting for book 8,9,10.... :-) Please!!!!!!!!
Myrna
Dear Anonymous--
ReplyDeleteWell, all I can say is that when there _is_ news on the movie front, I'll certainly tell you. [g]
I bought the green slime yesterday from Amazon.com... I am really excited, but the book will only get here in Brazil in 2 months, I belive :/
ReplyDeleteI am dying to read the excerpt of The Exile. I am a lover of design, comics and Outlander, obviously... So I'm really anxious!
please how can we as fans try and get some type of movie going! Everyone who reads the series thinks This must be a movie, maybe a facebook page just tryng to get a movie, it worked for betty white getting on SNL>
ReplyDelete***Well, all I can say is that when there _is_ news on the movie front, I'll certainly tell you. [g] ***
ReplyDeleteOuch! I hope I didnt sound too annoying.
I didnt want to imply anything. It might be just frustration over not having movies made on some of my favorites books...LOL.
Sorry for that Diana!
I'll keep waiting, haha.
What else can i do in this matter?
I know a lot of fans that are looking forward to Outlander movie, or a TV series, and they are doing just the same, waiting.
Sorry, I'm posting under anonymous. I am tired of having an account and a password for every single thing that i like to do on internet.
Also apologies for my English, this will be my lifelong work, mastering a proper second language.
Marcela
Dear Marcela--
ReplyDeleteOh, no! You're not annoying at all. And _everybody_ asks that. [g]
But I mean, really--if I _had_ news, why would I not share it?
The excerpt in the back is cool, however, I am waiting for the pocketbook version. I like it smaller than this because it is easier to carry around. This paperback is just the paperback version of the hardcover with the extra.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for my gratuitous comment re: "grasping for . . ." Unfair of me. Perhaps I should have said that there might be limits on where things should be taken - something like the Peter principle. I still read the daily comics - not just Doonesbury but Judge Parker (gave up on Mary Worth though) and still love Prince Valiant but. My impression is that your graphics version reduces your great work to the level of the soap opera comics strips. The art may be terrific (as with both of the above strips until recent stylistic changes) but the complexity of your story lines and the underlying prose of your novels seems lost. I posit that you will not be pleased with the results after the initial flurry of attention.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous--
ReplyDeleteWell, no, I kind of think I (and most readers) will be very pleased. After all, I have _seen_ the book. [g] And I did write it, too.
I regard the graphic novel in the same light as the audiobooks; it's something that doesn't detract from the original, but provides an extra dimension to it. (I know a number of people initially think they won't like the audiobooks, but then try one and DO. Very, very few people try them and decide they _don't_ like them.)
Now, granted, NO book is going to appeal to all people universally. Mine certainly don't. [g] Ergo, there will surely be folk who don't like the graphic novel, either, for whatever reason. But I'm pretty sure it isn't going to ruin either my reputation or the enjoyment people get from the books.
On a layover in Chicago I was surprised to see your book at one of the sundry shops at the airport. I figured it must be selling well since it was included in a small grouping of hardbacks. I was not a fan of the GN concept for your books, but after seeing the exerpt I will be buying it in Sept.
ReplyDeleteI am such a fan of your work, can't wait for GN I have started 4 of my co-workers on the series and I go over each book with them so that we gush over adventures of Jaime and Claire. we are all listening to audiobook Davina Poter does an awesome job on the series, love,love, love it.
ReplyDelete