Gard Evyr
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Lois what is it about the midwest region like Minnesota, Wisconsin, etc. that produces so many of the top writers (serious, non quipy question)? From you, to Rothfuss(Wisconsin), Scott Lynch(Minnesota), Brent Weeks(Montana), NK Jemison(Iowa), Brandon Sanderson (Nebraska), etc. But in particular Minnesota/Wisconsin often seems like some sort of hotspot. Is there some particularly strong writing culture there or what?
Lois McMaster Bujold
No idea. But if you add in all the ones who originated in the (broader) Midwest and moved elsewhere -- Poul Anderson, Heinlein, and Harlan Ellison, to name 3 off the top of my head -- it's been going on for a while. Not to mention Gordy Dickson or Clifford Simak, who stayed.
Someone (not me) would have to do an actual regional count of SF writers, calibrate for population density, and compare, to discover if this is an actual thing, or just an effect of expectations of a low density being surprised by an average one.
That said, there were and are a synergistic groups of writers in the Twin Cities in several genres who stimulate each other, but, again, you'd have to compare us with other cities of similar size to see what's really going on.
(I'm actually from Ohio, moved here in '95, but still certainly from the Midwest.)
Ta, L.
Someone (not me) would have to do an actual regional count of SF writers, calibrate for population density, and compare, to discover if this is an actual thing, or just an effect of expectations of a low density being surprised by an average one.
That said, there were and are a synergistic groups of writers in the Twin Cities in several genres who stimulate each other, but, again, you'd have to compare us with other cities of similar size to see what's really going on.
(I'm actually from Ohio, moved here in '95, but still certainly from the Midwest.)
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
D
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hi! I am a huge fan. I have been re-listening to the Vorkosigan books recently, and I was wondering… have you considered writing a book about one or more of Elli Quinn’s sons leaving Athos and coming to find her? I think it would be really fun to see how they interact during an adventure together. Thanks so much for your wonderful books!
Alealea
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
So rereading Penric and the Fox, the first scene kinda of made me think about Memory and Miles ans Simon fishing scene... and it made me wonder about it. Fishing for these two set of characters seemed to be the perfect excuse to drink cold alcoholic beverage under the sun. I've never fished in my life so I have no clue, but I wondered where it comes from ? Personnal experience, inside joke, writer's licence?
Alanajames
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Thank you for all the laughs and tears from your many books. I see from this thread that nothing new will be added to the Vorkosigan universe, so I look forward to your new directions. Can you tell us about your systems as an author - what is your work life like and how do you create your new contexts? One of the aspects I love to you as a writer is your variety and depth - any secrets to share as a writer?
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