If you saw #AskDiana mentioned a lot on Twitter on Monday, it’s because Outlander fans were getting burning answers from novel series author Diana Gabaldon.
Diana Gabaldon took to Twitter on Nov 20 to answer Outlander questions from the fans. For an hour, she looked through the #AskDiana hashtag to see all the queries fans have about the season so far, changes from the books, and what’s in store in the future.
One of the biggest question fans have had for a number of weeks is why Claire still wears her wedding ring from Frank. During the first two seasons this made sense. There was always part of Claire that was connected to Frank and a chance that she would end up back in her own time. When she did go back, she had to keep the pretense that she and Frank were still in love and together. After Frank died, many fans expected to see her remove the wedding band, but she didn’t. Even in the past, she continues to keep that reminder of her past love and some fans are confused and annoyed.
Gabaldon explained her reasoning for this and why she understands the show has kept the ring in.
She wears Frank's ring because she loved Frank, and honors her marriage to him. Jamie understands this. He says, "I'd take you from him, Sassenach—but I wouldna take him from you.” #AskDianahttps://t.co/ka1z35OyW4
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
Fans are understandably upset that some elements have been missed out of the series. There are characters added and changed in the TV series, while others haven’t been developed as much as some fans would have hoped. This does upset Gabaldon, but she also explained why she understands these changes have been made.
At the same time, some of the changes have been good for the series and she shared an adaptation that she loved in the TV series. She also shared her favorite moment of Outlander Season 3.
Adored the addition/expansion of Rupert and Angus! As for things they leave out that I wish they didn't, it's a long, long list. But they really have to; there's just not room for everything we wish we could see. #AskDianahttps://t.co/0T8OaWHLfP
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
Yes, it has. I loved every second of Jamie's part of 304 (loved the episode as a whole, of course, but especially the Helwater story). #AskDianahttps://t.co/r2PNP6UN7V
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
I love the show and I think they've done a spectacular job in adapting an IMMENSE (and immensely complex) story within the limits of a 13-hour season. Naturally I don't agree with every choice—but I usually see why they made those choices. #AskDianahttps://t.co/w6KKF8CkSL
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
For those who want to know if Gabaldon will ever pen another episode of the series, that is unlikely. The author has the ninth book of the series still in the works and she hopes to get that completed by the end of 2018. It means writing an episode for the series is out of the question for now. However, should Outlander get renewed for Season 5, she may consider it!
I'd love to—but there's no way I could possible do it until Season Five (assuming we were to get a Season Five, which naturally we hope we do). I HAVE to finish this book, and scriptwriting and overseeing takes an immense amount of time. #AskDiana https://t.co/UOY2uQQTs4
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
Starz hasn’t confirmed anything more after Outlander Season 4 just yet. That begs the question if there’s anything the fans can do to ensure that. Gabaldon shared all her thoughts about that in a tweet to the fans.
Just keep watching and being enthusiastic in public! My beloved first editor used to say, "These have to be word-of-mouth books, because they're too weird to describe to anybody." Which is dead right… the show is pretty much the same way. #AskDianahttps://t.co/5YBCxuFlE9
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
And finally, for those who like to debate over whether Claire or Jamie is more stubborn, Gabaldon definitely has an answer. If you know a Scotsman, you will likely agree with this statement right here.
Overall, Jamie. But Claire has certain set points from which she will not budge, come hell or high water. Aside from those few points, though, she's quite flexible. #AskDianahttps://t.co/Um63CZxLYs
— Sony (@Sony) November 20, 2017
Outlander Season 3 continues on Sundays at 8/7c on Starz. Tuesdays is the day for the writers to share their answers to the previous episode, which is usually an exciting time for fans.