Gard Evyr
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Lois, I noticed in reading Chalion/Paladins that out of all modern fantasy 'greats', your writing in the medieval 'idiom' is the most authentic in terms of colloquialism / style of language / manner of speaking, syntax, turns of phrase. Many authors write very 'modern' medieval prose. How/where do you learn this authentic manner of accurate syntax/dialogue/prose? Reading a lot of historical fiction, or? Thanks!
Lois McMaster Bujold
General and historical reading, certainly. But Shakespeare, mainly, I think. I used to belong to a play-reading group back in the 90s, and we went through a lot of his plays. The cadences worm into your brain.
I also pay attention to what turns of phrase or metaphors don't belong, perhaps because that technology or theory does not exist in the world of my tale. Though the absence of some literary toe-stub tends not to be noticed. I can't be too strict about it, though, because so many words have become common coin. The 5GU or the world of the Sharing Knife never had the theory of the four humours, for example, but "sanguine" or "melancholy" are still useful words.
Ta, L.
I also pay attention to what turns of phrase or metaphors don't belong, perhaps because that technology or theory does not exist in the world of my tale. Though the absence of some literary toe-stub tends not to be noticed. I can't be too strict about it, though, because so many words have become common coin. The 5GU or the world of the Sharing Knife never had the theory of the four humours, for example, but "sanguine" or "melancholy" are still useful words.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Sarah Pacetti
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello! I've just started Shards of Honor and I'm absolutely entranced. Your writing is so visual and captivating. I'm hooked! For many many years you've been one of my sister's absolute favorite authors and I was wondering if you have any signings or appearances planned, so we might try to make a point to come out and see you some time and nerd out about science fiction? Thank you!
Gary
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I know SFWA ruled that Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen was eligible for last year's Nebula award because of the ARC sale in 2015. Has there been a ruling regarding Hugo eligibility for this coming year? The voting period will soon be upon us and I'd really like to know.
Jonathan S.
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Over the course of the last not-quite two years, I've often found myself wondering what the Imperial Auditors would do when their appointing emperor passed and a Nero, a Caligula, a Yuri, or a Serg succeeded to the camp stool. Have you ever written about this and I've just overlooked it?
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