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.
Lois McMaster Bujold
Well, character, setting, and plot are always interlocking, with feedback loops throughout, so that comes with the fundamental structure of fiction.
Tolkien's famous quote about the difference between allegory and applicability always struck me as cogent. To save y'all the task of looking it up, it goes, "But I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and have always done so ever since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author."
I should be pleased if people find my work applicable.
(I think this quote also nails the difference in readerly perception of a story between "human insight" and "preachiness".)
Good luck on your writing!
Ta, L.
Well, character, setting, and plot are always interlocking, with feedback loops throughout, so that comes with the fundamental structure of fiction.
Tolkien's famous quote about the difference between allegory and applicability always struck me as cogent. To save y'all the task of looking it up, it goes, "But I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and have always done so ever since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author."
I should be pleased if people find my work applicable.
(I think this quote also nails the difference in readerly perception of a story between "human insight" and "preachiness".)
Good luck on your writing!
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Hannah Gokie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Ms. McMaster Bujold, I wanted to write you a quick note here on Goodreads and tell you how much I have loved your books over the last two years. I read the Five Gods books first and just read both Shards of Honour and Barryar. Your books are so enthralling and I love them! Merry Christmas!?! Hannah, a reader from Omaha, NE
Mathieu Pommery
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Dear Ms McMaster Bujold, do you know when "Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen" will be translate in French ? If you can double check this information, it would be great please :) i received your last book during christmass, Captain Vorpatril's Alliance, and i just finish it . It was really good ! thank you ! Mathieu From France
Catherine Nemeth
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Are Kou and Drou’s four daughters the luck of the draw or a deliberate choice? Would knowing how dire the sex ratio had become outweigh the cultural pressure of wanting a son to carry on the family name? Or did they not want to subject a commoner son, no matter how close to the Regent, to having to compete with Vor sons for the available women, given pressure to marry “up”?
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