Lois McMaster Bujold
Well, Cordelia has had 40 more years of complicated living and observation by then. She is also at that moment about as emotionally exhausted as it is possible for a person to be. Cordelia's thoughts represent Cordelia, not a platform for the author.
I had planned to end the book upon the words, "Count Vorkosigan sir?" But the epilogue presented itself to my brain over about a two-day period during my revision stage, sluicing through at white heat from wherever such things come from. Confluence, compounding, confounding, all of those; but not planning in the sense this question posits.
That said, I have had since I wrote Shards a lot more experience, both directly and through watching friends and relatives up close, with those end-of-life issues that cluster around the body outliving the mind. (And I'd had considerable observation before then, as a hospital worker.) When I was 15 and first read the appendix to The Lord of the Rings that recounts the death of Aragorn, I did not understand it, and resisted it fiercely in a fanficcish sort of way, right along with Arwen. I don't argue with it now.
Ta, L.
Well, Cordelia has had 40 more years of complicated living and observation by then. She is also at that moment about as emotionally exhausted as it is possible for a person to be. Cordelia's thoughts represent Cordelia, not a platform for the author.
I had planned to end the book upon the words, "Count Vorkosigan sir?" But the epilogue presented itself to my brain over about a two-day period during my revision stage, sluicing through at white heat from wherever such things come from. Confluence, compounding, confounding, all of those; but not planning in the sense this question posits.
That said, I have had since I wrote Shards a lot more experience, both directly and through watching friends and relatives up close, with those end-of-life issues that cluster around the body outliving the mind. (And I'd had considerable observation before then, as a hospital worker.) When I was 15 and first read the appendix to The Lord of the Rings that recounts the death of Aragorn, I did not understand it, and resisted it fiercely in a fanficcish sort of way, right along with Arwen. I don't argue with it now.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Andrew Van Ness
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I've been listening to an excellent podcast about WWI and the diplomatic/military complexity of the situation is astounding. What historical influences/texts helped you to form the mindsets of Aral, Piotr, and Miles? I love the way they strategize and plan. They make me think of many different generals and tacticians, and I would love to read those auto/biographies. I wish to plumb the depths of your mind.
L.A. Willis
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Happy Birthday, Lois. Thank you for all your wonderful stories and characters that have become like friends and family to us. We all hope this day will be full of joy. I have to finish this with a question mark, lol. There doesn't seem to be a box to just comment on?
Alex Green
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi Lois, I first picked up your books when my dad introduced me to the series with Warrior's Apprentice. Since then I've devoured everything you've written, in both sci-fi and fantasy. I find General Piotr's back story incredibly fascinating. Were there ever plans for a prequel involving his fight against the Cetagandans?
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