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
Albert C
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Lois, this is Albert from Minneapolis, we have met at CONvergence many years ago. I would like to know if you have been approached either via agent or directly on adapting your Barrayar stories to screen. Miles and his family are very interesting characters and that universe has many intriguing facets so I was wondering if you have any thoughts on it on TV or big screen?
Christiane
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
What are some books/authors you enjoy? I'm still reading through past questions & answers here, but it deserves to be asked even if redundant, as I'd be pleased if you have different answers to this same question as time passes. Your GR profile page doesn't list who your influences have been. Please, could you recommend some things we might be satisfied with while we're waiting for more BY you?
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