Jonathan Palfrey
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Rather belatedly, I find myself wondering whether “Penric’s Fox” was at all inspired by the use of foxes in the Rivers of London series. Of course, there may be no connection at all (and the fox has made no second appearance). Would you care to comment?
Lois McMaster Bujold
The foxes in "Penric's Fox" were directly observed and inspired by the family of foxes who took up residence under my garden shed for two wonderful springs, to the great benefit of all my garden plants suddenly not being chewed down to the roots by rabbits. Six or eight fuzzy fox cubs tumbling over one another playing out beside the shed were a dose of cuteness (I will not say overdose) that had even the neighbors stopping to watch. I wish the foxes would come back, and the rabbits be their lunches... Alas, only those two years.
Something else is under there this year but I haven't seen what. Suspect it's raccoons, but, despite also being fun to watch if you catch them in daylight, can carry distemper or rabies, and leave problematic droppings.
So, no connection to the Rivers of London, fun reading though that series is.
Ta, L.
The foxes in "Penric's Fox" were directly observed and inspired by the family of foxes who took up residence under my garden shed for two wonderful springs, to the great benefit of all my garden plants suddenly not being chewed down to the roots by rabbits. Six or eight fuzzy fox cubs tumbling over one another playing out beside the shed were a dose of cuteness (I will not say overdose) that had even the neighbors stopping to watch. I wish the foxes would come back, and the rabbits be their lunches... Alas, only those two years.
Something else is under there this year but I haven't seen what. Suspect it's raccoons, but, despite also being fun to watch if you catch them in daylight, can carry distemper or rabies, and leave problematic droppings.
So, no connection to the Rivers of London, fun reading though that series is.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Margarete
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
In your description of Miles' clothing, you often use the words jacket and tunic, like in A Civil Campaign when he shows Ekaterin the little admiral, His mercenary uniform has a jacket but his Auditor's grey suit has a tunic. You especially refer to Barrayaran uniforms as having tunic tops. I always read tunic and see sleeve-less and long to the mid-thigh, but that can't be right. How do you envision the tunic tops?
Heity Hyun
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I love love love your Vorkosigan series- every single one! I’ve re-read every one multiple times. Will you be releasing a new one by any chance? I’d love to see Miles in another adventure now that the stakes are higher with his kids. Or perhaps the Cetagandans try to make trouble again? Honestly, anything you come up with is amazing. Thank you!!
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Nov 09, 2025 09:25AM · flag