Meliors Simms
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
When I read my friend's blog about her newfound passion for all things Bujold, I was very surprised to learn that she doesn't love Cordelia (though her reason makes sense cf http://www.alicebulmer.com/me-and-lois-mcmaster-bujold/) Everyone else I've ever talked with about Cordelia adores her, but now I wonder whether you have come across anyone else not so keen on Cordelia?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Russell Hobart
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello Lois, You've brought me endless hours of joy. Thank you. How are you able to bring so many dark aspects (I'm thinking specifically Mirror Dance with Mark and Ryoval, etc.) but the story feels uplifting? I compare this to The Road which I still feel scarred by. Character trajectory is part of the answer but I feel I am missing something.
Stephen Masters
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I’ve reread the Vorkosigan Saga many times, and Captain Vorpatril's Alliance has recently become my favorite. I enjoy how Jackson’s Whole evolves across the books—from the cold Houses in Labyrinth, to the more familiar Cordonah. What is the relationship between House Cordonah and House Fell now that both are closer to Barrayar? Also, where did the idea for the game Rish and Tej play come from? Thank you!
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