Margriet asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Have you ever thought Shards & Barrayar emphasized the relationship between person and environment that brought out different versions of each? I feel VSaga is artwork, allowing interpretations within a framework of open mindedness. Mile’s stories had a drum beat of excitement that didn’t let go even when I put down the book. You inspired me to write my own novel, and I can’t thank you enough.

Lois McMaster Bujold
Well, character, setting, and plot are always interlocking, with feedback loops throughout, so that comes with the fundamental structure of fiction.

Tolkien's famous quote about the difference between allegory and applicability always struck me as cogent. To save y'all the task of looking it up, it goes, "But I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and have always done so ever since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history, true or feigned, with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author."

I should be pleased if people find my work applicable.

(I think this quote also nails the difference in readerly perception of a story between "human insight" and "preachiness".)

Good luck on your writing!

Ta, L.

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