Diana J. Gabaldon, born January 11, 1952, is an American author renowned for her Outlander series of novels. Her works elegantly blend multiple genres, including historical fiction, romance, mystery, adventure, and science fiction/fantasy. The Outlander series has not only captivated readers worldwide but also inspired a successful television adaptation that premiered on Starz in 2014.
Gabaldon's rich heritage is a tapestry of Hispanic, English, Native American, and Sephardic Jew descent. She was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, and boasts an impressive academic background with degrees in Zoology, Marine Biology, and a Ph.D. in Ecology, along with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow for her contributions to Scottish Literature.
Currently residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, Gabaldon lives with her husband, two big, fat dachshunds, 2.5 cats, a varying number of parakeets, and a multitude of uninvited wildlife. The couple has three adult children. Despite her global fame, Gabaldon remains deeply rooted in her Arizona origins, frequently retreating to the family house in Flagstaff to immerse herself in her writing, surrounded by the serene beauty of snow-covered pines and icy landscapes.
With a career that spans marine biology, academic teaching, and becoming a pioneer in scientific computation, Gabaldon's journey into writing fiction began with a leap of faith into the unknown. Her storytelling prowess, combined with a rich, multifaceted background, has allowed her to create a world in the Outlander series that is as enriched with detail as it is with imagination.
Gabaldon's work has left an indelible mark on literature and television, bringing the past to life with a vibrancy and depth that continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.