Kirshy
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Lois, I just wanted to reach out and tell you how much I've enjoyed your work thus far. I just got finished reading Memory and as I was nearing the middle of it, I was hit by just how great it was, not only as a novel, but also as the culmination of such a wonderful series so far. I've already started on Komarr. How much planning goes into your novels? Are you a seat of the pants writer?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Hm, some of these process questions are answered earlier in the Q&A column -- you might try scrolling back -- or in my interviews. I would say my series are pretty ad hoc, building one book at a time which always changes or channels the possibilities for what follows. Within a book, I will have only a vague idea where it's going; writing starts when the preliminary notes, averaging about 50 pages, and whatever research reading I've done, somehow make the opening scene/s rise up in my mind. I capture the thoughts in penciled notes, then type them, shifting the scene-block out of my mind to make room for the next wodge, and repeat the process. So my planning is diffuse, not done all-at-once.
But I am not seat-of-my-pants as it is usually understood; I need to have each scene I'm working on blocked out in notes, sequence of events mostly nailed, dialogue roughly scripted, and choreography roughly designed, before I sit at the keyboard. But only one scene at a time, with a glimmer of what's next. Details are filled in, sequences modified, items added or tossed, etc. editing as I type.
Lather, rinse, repeat till I reach the end.
Ta, L.
Hm, some of these process questions are answered earlier in the Q&A column -- you might try scrolling back -- or in my interviews. I would say my series are pretty ad hoc, building one book at a time which always changes or channels the possibilities for what follows. Within a book, I will have only a vague idea where it's going; writing starts when the preliminary notes, averaging about 50 pages, and whatever research reading I've done, somehow make the opening scene/s rise up in my mind. I capture the thoughts in penciled notes, then type them, shifting the scene-block out of my mind to make room for the next wodge, and repeat the process. So my planning is diffuse, not done all-at-once.
But I am not seat-of-my-pants as it is usually understood; I need to have each scene I'm working on blocked out in notes, sequence of events mostly nailed, dialogue roughly scripted, and choreography roughly designed, before I sit at the keyboard. But only one scene at a time, with a glimmer of what's next. Details are filled in, sequences modified, items added or tossed, etc. editing as I type.
Lather, rinse, repeat till I reach the end.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Chris
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Ask#2 ~ In short, please help me know that choosing to write could possibly create something for me to hold onto. I'm 49, I've done slayed my demons and am no longer running; however, as pleased as I am with my life's progress, my forward momentum is gone. I feel I am lost without a compass. I've always wanted to write but I have no audience. Should I invent one? ~ In advance, I thank you for any thoughts. Christine
ChrisMetzFrance
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Dear Misses McMaster Bujold, Years ago, I read with great pleasure the Vorkosigan series. I re-read them loud for my wife (she loves that). The pleasure has been the same. And then, I read the "Chalion" books and, again, although I never liked fantasy, I loved them. I sincerely want to thank you for all this good you've done to us. THANK YOU !! (And neglect this sentence, this web-site demands a question mark ?)
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