Lois McMaster Bujold
I use real places much the way working artists use reference photos when arranging their compositions; not because I am trying to draw a portrait, but as a quick way to get proportions and perspectives right for a coming overlay pursuing quite another purpose.
Readers who try to read the result as portraiture -- either as historical fiction with the serial numbers filed off, or as historical critique -- are using inappropriate viewing protocols for this style of composition. The ones who attempt to draw mistakenly exact one-to-one correspondences between such fiction and history, and then try to tell the writer they got it wrong, are... unstoppable, apparently.
Not accusing you of this, btw. But it does come up, if one makes the mistake of revealing how sausages are made.
Ta, L.
I use real places much the way working artists use reference photos when arranging their compositions; not because I am trying to draw a portrait, but as a quick way to get proportions and perspectives right for a coming overlay pursuing quite another purpose.
Readers who try to read the result as portraiture -- either as historical fiction with the serial numbers filed off, or as historical critique -- are using inappropriate viewing protocols for this style of composition. The ones who attempt to draw mistakenly exact one-to-one correspondences between such fiction and history, and then try to tell the writer they got it wrong, are... unstoppable, apparently.
Not accusing you of this, btw. But it does come up, if one makes the mistake of revealing how sausages are made.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Kathie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi, Lois. I am a decades-long fan. Thanks for your books! I’ve always enjoyed the Heyer-Sayers callbacks in your books and am delighted to find out you are also a Jennifer Crusie fan. Bujold, Heyer, Sayers, and Crusie are my favorite re-reads. Some of your writing reminds me of Elizabeth Goudge. Did you read her, especially the lovely children’s book The Valley of Song? There is a lot there that feels Penric-ish.
Margriet
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Have you ever thought Shards & Barrayar emphasized the relationship between person and environment that brought out different versions of each? I feel VSaga is artwork, allowing interpretations within a framework of open mindedness. Mile’s stories had a drum beat of excitement that didn’t let go even when I put down the book. You inspired me to write my own novel, and I can’t thank you enough.
Ita
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
With the virus closing almost everything down, do you still plan to attend the SFWA Nebula Conference in May?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more