P. R. Bunke
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi there! I wish I could rant on about how much I love your work, but space is limited, so you'll have to trust me on that. I find myself enjoying your romances more than those in most fiction I read--definitely in part for the high-quality witty banter, but also because you write characters who really seem to complement each other. Is this based on your experience of romance? Some idealized version of love? Both?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Idealized, I suppose. Most F&SF readers demand their main characters be smart, and I have a low tolerance for the "stupid misunderstanding" romance plot as a way to keep the principals apart for whatever the length of the story. (Certain comedies excepted.*) There are lots more interesting problems that can be evoked to keep people apart as needed.
Those who spurn romance stories because the outcome seems set are mistaking what the plots are about, I think. The question a romance plot must pose, and answer (showing one's work!) is not "Do these two people get together?" but rather "Can I trust you?" Which is most certainly not a trivial problem, in art or in life.
Ta, L.
* I am now thinking of Georgette Heyer's Friday's Child, where nearly all the main characters are young idiots, and the reader's hilarity and suspense comes from watching the ensuing train-wreck. But while the characters are over-the-top feckless, the book itself is very smart.
Those who spurn romance stories because the outcome seems set are mistaking what the plots are about, I think. The question a romance plot must pose, and answer (showing one's work!) is not "Do these two people get together?" but rather "Can I trust you?" Which is most certainly not a trivial problem, in art or in life.
Ta, L.
* I am now thinking of Georgette Heyer's Friday's Child, where nearly all the main characters are young idiots, and the reader's hilarity and suspense comes from watching the ensuing train-wreck. But while the characters are over-the-top feckless, the book itself is very smart.
More Answered Questions
Marie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Suggestion vs question: recently listened to Dunesteef's podcast of Scare Tactics, by Aeryn Rudel. Our world, woman has a demon entrapped in a giant Raggedy Ann doll, communicates with it while helping rid places of fake (or in one case real) spirits. Kept thinking of Penric and Des the whole time. I wonder if the author is also a Penric fan? Amusing listen, anyway.
A Goodreads user
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
In 2016 the 40th Wiscon is coming up. Do you think you might attend / Are you considering attending the convention? I would be delighted to meet you there if you go.
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