Alex Shrugged
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I am told that a good writer must be willing to put characters he/she loves in danger and even let them die for the sake of the story. You have killed off a number of likeable characters in the Vorkosigan series. How hard was that for you? I am being vague to avoid any spoilers, but in general, was it hard?
Lois McMaster Bujold
Heh. That's one of those many pernicious "writing rules" that aren't. Pat Wrede in her excellent writing blog has a number of tart things to say about dictums of that ilk. https://pcwrede.com/blog/ "In danger" is more of a moving target. The character needs a problem that strongly matters, but it need not be life-threatening to do so. (See "Knot of Shadows" ferex.)
That said, when such a death was integral the story, it was the story, and I don't argue with the story... well, I don't win, anyway. Two disparate examples (spoilers follow):
My generation of what became The Warrior's Apprentice actually began with a vision of the death of Bothari, under rather different circumstances than what finally evolved, but that was inherent from the get-go. I'm not sure to what extent he qualifies as "likeable", to be sure. The death of Teidez in The Curse of Chalion was likewise baked into the plot from the beginning.
The death of Aral was something I'd edged up to, and avoided, for years, and it finally took an entire book to get its thematic and emotional work done, both for me and for Miles. That one was likely the hardest.
I recall one review, years ago, where the reviewer complained that he "wasn't going to take my work seriously" unless I killed off Ivan. I decided that was his problem, not mine. Violence is not the only kind of action, and mortal stakes are not the only ones that matter. As always, in writing as in life "It Depends."
Ta, L.
That said, when such a death was integral the story, it was the story, and I don't argue with the story... well, I don't win, anyway. Two disparate examples (spoilers follow):
My generation of what became The Warrior's Apprentice actually began with a vision of the death of Bothari, under rather different circumstances than what finally evolved, but that was inherent from the get-go. I'm not sure to what extent he qualifies as "likeable", to be sure. The death of Teidez in The Curse of Chalion was likewise baked into the plot from the beginning.
The death of Aral was something I'd edged up to, and avoided, for years, and it finally took an entire book to get its thematic and emotional work done, both for me and for Miles. That one was likely the hardest.
I recall one review, years ago, where the reviewer complained that he "wasn't going to take my work seriously" unless I killed off Ivan. I decided that was his problem, not mine. Violence is not the only kind of action, and mortal stakes are not the only ones that matter. As always, in writing as in life "It Depends."
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Laura
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Somewhere I remember reading that you started your writing career when your children were young and at home with you. What was that like and do you have any advice to parents trying to both write and care for kids? I also want to join the chorus of your fans by saying "Thank you!" This new Q&A feature is a great supplement to your goodreads blog posts.
Sheryl Hill
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
"Ethan of Athos" is one of my favorites and, perhaps, one of the most socially significant stories you've written because it demonstrates the power of encounters with the "hated other" to transform bigotry into respect. It's lack of popularity grieves me. I have wondered if a story about a planet made up of women who are equally suspicious of men (but for non-religious reasons) might be better received. Thoughts?
Kate Davenport
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Wherever you take him, I'm sure I'll enjoy following. The beginning of Penric's Demon just reminded me so strongly of how hard it is for people who know you well to see that you have changed. The two stories also makes me wonder, "Is Desdemona still around during Cazaril's time?" and what would she be like by then?" and what will Foix's demon be like 200 years beyond him, with such an interesting start?"
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