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
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?
Brzk
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello, Lois! Tried to the best of my ability to search through the 724 questions which you have answered already, but.. got bored. So here are my thanks for your work (I am hard pressed to add an adjective here, "extraordinary", "life-changing" or "life-saving" all not quite what I mean) and my question: did you choose Grover Gardner for the audiobooks, or was it some sort of coincidence?Or did he choose you?Thank you
Jan
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I've just been re-reading the Cordelia-centric books and realized that Kamala Harris walks exactly the way I've always pictured Cordelia's stride - except pants instead of skirts. Hoping you find this to be the compliment that I mean it to be? I know it's not likely but I sure wish we could see more of her. Thanks for all your writing!!
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