Meliors Simms
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
When I read my friend's blog about her newfound passion for all things Bujold, I was very surprised to learn that she doesn't love Cordelia (though her reason makes sense cf http://www.alicebulmer.com/me-and-lois-mcmaster-bujold/) Everyone else I've ever talked with about Cordelia adores her, but now I wonder whether you have come across anyone else not so keen on Cordelia?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
Oh, yes, in any large enough group there is a sprinkling of anything. Some readers quite dislike Miles, too, or Barrayar in general. (Why they keep reading the books in that case puzzles me, but, oh well, readers.) Although I must say your friend sounds as though she likes Cordelia quite well enough for going on with.
One thing some people seem to miss is that in her first two books, we see Cordelia from the inside, all her doubts on display, and in all but the last of the later books, we see her from the outside, in brief fragments. That changed angle of view, and the information it does/does not take in, makes a huge difference in perception. (I play with this a bit in GJ&RQ.) Information bias and viewpoint control are a valuable tools in the writer's toolkit, especially for characterization but also for plot and worldbuilding.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Alli
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I love your work and my all time favorite series (not just of yours) is The Sharing Knife. I'm in a intercultural marriage so this series really hit home for me. One thing I admire about characters you write is that you show their intelligence. I always feel like I learn from your them. Could share any insight or tidbits on how you developed Dag and Fawn?
Shane Castle
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
The first of your stories set in the world of the five gods that your public has seen is The Curse of Chalion. Was that the first one written? And, can you (briefly) outline your thoughts behind this world? I know that a lot of energy can go into backstories that the public never sees, but I would love to hear about some of them.
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
Learn more