Outlander fans have plenty to be excited about. In addition to the super-sized 7th season of the television show, airing now on Starz, author Diana Gabaldon is working on her tenth—and likely final—book in the Outlander series. But she still has several other stories to tell, including a prequel about Jamie Fraser's parents.

A few years ago, a fan tweeted at Gabaldon asking: "Have you ever thought of writing a prequel to Outlander about Jamie’s parents? His mom Ellen sounds like quite a gal. Murtagh loved her (boar tusk bracelets) & MacRannoch also loved her (pearls) & his parents’ love sounds very intense like J&C." (J&C here refers to Jamie and Claire.)

Gabaldon simply replied: "Yes. It's in progress."

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She expanded on the idea during an interview with Outlander producer Maril Davis. "When stuff bubbles up, I write it down. I have little pieces for all kinds of books, including the prequel about Jamie’s parents, and Master Raymond’s book," Gabaldon said.

And in December 2022, shortly after the publication of her ninth Outlander novel, Gabaldon told T&C, "The other major thing that I'm working on right now is the prequel volume, which is the story of Jamie Fraser's parents, Brian and Ellen ... That one is actively talking to me. I've been carrying that one around in my head for quite a while, so I know quite a bit about it. And I've just started serious work on it, you might say. So I have actual scenes, things like that."

In February 2022, she shared a one line from the prequel book sharing that "it's possibly the first line of the book":

No release dates have been shared publicly for this new addition to the Outlander universe, but if you aren't caught up on the series, shop a few of Gabaldon's other books below:

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series
Outlander
Diana Gabaldon Outlander
Now 25% Off
$8 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Dragonfly in Amber
Diana Gabaldon Dragonfly in Amber
Now 25% Off
Voyager
Diana Gabaldon Voyager
Now 21% Off
The Drums of Autumn
Diana Gabaldon The Drums of Autumn
The Fiery Cross (Outlander)
Diana Gabaldon The Fiery Cross (Outlander)
Now 17% Off
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Diana Gabaldon A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Now 15% Off
An Echo in the Bone: A Novel
Diana Gabaldon An Echo in the Bone: A Novel
Written in My Own Heart's Blood: A Novel
Diana Gabaldon Written in My Own Heart's Blood: A Novel
Now 25% Off

Additionally, a TV version of a prequel story, titled Blood of my Blood is also in the works and a writers' room has already reportedly been assembled.

Outlander showrunner Matthew B. Roberts will return to write and executive produce the prequel series. Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis will also return as executive producers.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood is, at its heart, a love story. It will explore what lengths a person will go to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury, and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain,” Matthew B. Roberts, showrunner and executive producer, said in January 2023, when Starz officially confirmed the series. “The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognize. Jamie and Claire’s TV story may be coming to an end with season eight, but Diana is continuing on with their literary journey in her wonderful book series and is working diligently on book ten. With Jamie and Claire, and now Brian and Ellen, there is still so much more to come in the Outlander universe, and we cannot wait to continue sharing these stories with our dedicated fans.”

More details on the show, here.


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Caroline Hallemann
Digital Director

As the digital director for Town & Country, Caroline Hallemann covers culture, entertainment, and a range of other subjects