Lara Miller
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Good afternoon! (I hope this question hasn't been asked; there's no way to search "Ask the Author" and you already have 1008 answered questions!) I've been wondering about the origin of the phrase "No artificial shortages!" that Uncle/Professor/Lord Auditor Vorthys likes. Online I found a brief modern use of the phrase on Twitter (someone talking about socialism), and not much else. Is it a quote, perhaps? Thank you!
Lois McMaster Bujold
Yes, it's a quote -- but from my father, complaining about my mother's overly frugal grocery buying habits. (Not the only element of Vorthys inspired by my Dad; engineering failure analyst, professor, and baggy suits being some others.)
If my Dad picked it up from anywhere, I would not know, but it would certainly have been long pre-internet.
Ta, L.
Yes, it's a quote -- but from my father, complaining about my mother's overly frugal grocery buying habits. (Not the only element of Vorthys inspired by my Dad; engineering failure analyst, professor, and baggy suits being some others.)
If my Dad picked it up from anywhere, I would not know, but it would certainly have been long pre-internet.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Tim Peter
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
No question, really, just a quick comment. I first read "The Weatherman" in Analog magazine some thirty-odd years ago and just finished GJ&RQ last week. In between, you've provided me countless hours of reading pleasure. While I hope to read many, many, (is a third "many" too many?) more of your writings for years to come, I also want to say "thank you" for all the great work you've done. Ta!
Seantheaussie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
While reading "The Lies of Locke Lamora" I came across a section with the upper class in danger. I was instantly reminded of a passage that I loved where the upper class reacted bravely and magnificently to danger. I am 90% sure you wrote it. Are you able to tell me approximately what section, of which of my Vorkosigan books I may find it? Thanks.
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