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
Kalen Delaney
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Lois! I know you're a Star Trek fan from WAY BACK! I am too. I watched the first episode as it originally aired, with my big brother. So have you watched Star Trek Discovery? I just watched the first episode of Season 3 last night and Michael's reaction to the truth drug sure reminded me of Miles's reaction to the fast-penta given by Galen. I was wondering what you thought of it. Thanks
David Wooddell
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I'm 66 and have been diagnosed with macula degeneration. I've begun listening to audiobooks to allow my eyes to rest. I'm not sure what I'll do as a writer, however, if my eyesight fails. You've mentioned some eyesight problems, too, Lois, and I wonder if you've tried any software to help writing that is not so taxing on your eyes? Have you tried dictation software, or other helps?
Sean
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Loved your works ever since picking up Shards of Honour in a humble bundle. When Ivan's place in the Imperial line of succession was discussed in Captain Vorpatril's Alliance, it got me thinking about the issue. Did Gregor ever establish a line of succession in the event of his death? Would Miles or Ivan be at the top of the list or perhaps would Aral be called back onto the Imperial camp stool?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more
Sep 14, 2019 09:50AM · flag