P. R. Bunke
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi there! I wish I could rant on about how much I love your work, but space is limited, so you'll have to trust me on that. I find myself enjoying your romances more than those in most fiction I read--definitely in part for the high-quality witty banter, but also because you write characters who really seem to complement each other. Is this based on your experience of romance? Some idealized version of love? Both?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Idealized, I suppose. Most F&SF readers demand their main characters be smart, and I have a low tolerance for the "stupid misunderstanding" romance plot as a way to keep the principals apart for whatever the length of the story. (Certain comedies excepted.*) There are lots more interesting problems that can be evoked to keep people apart as needed.
Those who spurn romance stories because the outcome seems set are mistaking what the plots are about, I think. The question a romance plot must pose, and answer (showing one's work!) is not "Do these two people get together?" but rather "Can I trust you?" Which is most certainly not a trivial problem, in art or in life.
Ta, L.
* I am now thinking of Georgette Heyer's Friday's Child, where nearly all the main characters are young idiots, and the reader's hilarity and suspense comes from watching the ensuing train-wreck. But while the characters are over-the-top feckless, the book itself is very smart.
Those who spurn romance stories because the outcome seems set are mistaking what the plots are about, I think. The question a romance plot must pose, and answer (showing one's work!) is not "Do these two people get together?" but rather "Can I trust you?" Which is most certainly not a trivial problem, in art or in life.
Ta, L.
* I am now thinking of Georgette Heyer's Friday's Child, where nearly all the main characters are young idiots, and the reader's hilarity and suspense comes from watching the ensuing train-wreck. But while the characters are over-the-top feckless, the book itself is very smart.
More Answered Questions
Nikoleta L.
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi! I've been told my whole life there is no such thing as a stupid question, so here I go. I was wondering if you have maybe seen the covers of the Croatian edition of the Vorkosigan saga by the amazig Esad Ribic? Your local fans are very proud of this edition (the translation is also amazing!) so I was wondering what do you think of the artwork? https://www.tumblr.com/fuckyeahesadribic/107642144987/vorkosigan-saga-c
leona
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi, do you write in chronological order or just write which ever idea speaks out to you the most?
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