Diana Gabaldon ​

Diana J. Gabaldon is an American author, best known for her Outlander series of novels. Her books merge multiple genres including romance, fantasy, historical fiction, and science fiction. The Outlander series has been adapted into a successful television series.

Quick Facts ​

• Is a historian by training.
• She is the author of the award-winning Outlander series.
• Her books are published in 26 countries and 23 languages.
• Her books have sold more than 28 million copies worldwide.
• The Outlander series was also adapted into a successful television series.

Background ​

Gabaldon was born in 1952 in Arizona, United States, to a Mexican-American father and English mother. She earned a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Northern Arizona University, a master's in marine biology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in quantitative behavioral ecology. She also has a scientific teaching position at Arizona State University. However, writing fiction was never far from her mind, and so in 1988, she decided to write a novel for practice. Her first book, Outlander, was published in 1991 and became a bestseller. Since then, she has written several more books in the Outlander series, which have been published in 23 languages. In addition to the Outlander series, Gabaldon has also written the Lord John series, a set of historical mystery novels and short stories centered on a secondary character from the Outlander series.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Gabaldon’s writing style has often been praised for its rich historical details and well-researched plot lines. She manages to artfully blend different genres such as historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and adventure into her novels. Moreover, she has created strong and multi-dimensional characters which are said to resonate deeply with readers, helping them to connect with the narratives more effectively. Her work has had a significant impact on the genre of historical fiction and has inspired a popular TV series.

Notable Works ​

• Outlander series (1991-present)
• Lord John series (1998-present)
• The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel (2010)