Mitali

Mitali asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Does the Duchy of Orbas correspond to a specific real-world place? I have asssumed it to be vaguely based on the various Balkan countries, positioned as it is to the south of Cedonia, which appears to be based on Greece (in your inverted version of Europe). Do you have a more specific inspiration for Orbas? And ditto for the city of Vilnoc?

Lois McMaster Bujold This fantasy geography is inspired by but by no means identical to our-world, but I frequently use our world the way an artist uses reference photos, as a quick way of getting the proportions right. With that caution... Orbas would be in the western Balkans, on the Adriatic coast; Croatia roughly. (That "roughly" matters.)

Vilnoc follows more-or-less logically, drawn somewhat freehand and from what I've learned about assorted ancient and medieval Mediterranean cities.

Ta, L.

More Answered Questions

Robin Seina

Robin Seina asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

I always liked your characters word fencing, especially Mileses and Ivans. The battle of wits, that is a magic of its own and your books have it plenty. I really for more stories with Miles, Ivan and their wifes. So is there one in making either in Vorkosigan or Challion universe? Please, say yes, pretty please. Your books are addictive.

Sébastien Jameux

Sébastien Jameux asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Hello. I'm a huge fan from France, both for your SciFi and fantasy works, and I wondered if there is a particular reason for your "Penric & Desdemona" series to not being translated yet in french ? I asked your publisher here several times and never been answered. Even if I could, of course, read these stories in english, it makes me sad and a bit angered that your french readers can't access them. Many thanks.

Fatemeh

Fatemeh asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Hi Do you have any suggestion for those foreigners who are into classical literature but they are not good at english to read books like that? I would be honored if you name some simple works to start getting familiar with both Classical literature and english language,

All answers from Lois McMaster Bujold…

Lois McMaster Bujold

39,067 followers

To ask Lois McMaster Bujold a question, please sign up.

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