Meliors Simms
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
When I read my friend's blog about her newfound passion for all things Bujold, I was very surprised to learn that she doesn't love Cordelia (though her reason makes sense cf http://www.alicebulmer.com/me-and-lois-mcmaster-bujold/) Everyone else I've ever talked with about Cordelia adores her, but now I wonder whether you have come across anyone else not so keen on Cordelia?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Lucy
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I tried to post a comment about Penric, but it was rejected because I'm not a friend of yours. I'd really like to be one of your book friends. I've been reading your books since Shards of Honor first came out. I was working in a bookstore at the time and devoured it and all those since. Except Penric. Problem there locally here in Lafayette, Louisiana. May I please be your friend?
Mickey
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Heading to Dublin for WorldCon 2019 tomorrow with questions all planned for your kaffeeklatsch, only to discover you won't be there! So glad to see there's an alternative that you're active on, so I can ask my questions here instead. Since I'm character-limited, I'll split them into multiples. First question: do you have a page where you publish your con schedule, or does one have to dig through your blog?
Bob
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
You have a lot of practical knowledge about horses (Fat Ninny is my favorite, followed by the one that threw Caz), I rode one once when I was 11. I was wondering if it would be practical or even possible to tie, say spears (for transport, not accessibility), underneath stirrups. My research searches gave me the fact that tie-downs are not places to tie things down, but no answer. Aim high, can't shoot my foot. Help?
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