Nicholas Blas
Nicholas Blas asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Was there a particular catalyst for turning Ivan from something of a joke (though always a likable/endearing one. Maybe sidekick is a better term) into a hero? I feel that he becomes an aspiration character at the limo fight scene in A Civil Campaign, possibly specifically with the "Vorpatril House" at the end of chapter 17.

Lois McMaster Bujold "Aspiration character" is a new term for me -- thanks! Is it common coin?

No special catalyst, except that his time had come, and Miles was overdue for a rest. I'd had a notion for a story for him before (give him a Cetagandan princess!), which failed to jell. Lots of fan requests for more Ivan fell on the usual politely deaf ears till I had a new idea (give him a Jacksonian mafia princess!), which even recycled a little of the old idea as a bonus, and we were off and running. Or strolling, in Ivan's case.

The most important part of the practice for him was giving him a viewpoint in A Civil Campaign, I think, which he'd never had before, allowing us to explore his hidden shallows.

Ta, L.

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