Lois McMaster Bujold
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lois McMaster Bujold, often referred to simply as Lois Bujold, is a celebrated author known for her significant contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres. Her name is synonymous with intricate storytelling and richly developed characters, making her a beloved figure among readers and critics alike.
Birth and Death Dates
Lois McMaster Bujold was born on November 2, 1949. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to influence the literary world with her work.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lois McMaster Bujold is an American author, primarily recognized for her work as a science fiction and fantasy novelist. Her writing career has spanned several decades, during which she has garnered numerous awards and accolades.
Early Life and Background
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lois McMaster Bujold was the daughter of Robert Charles McMaster, an engineering professor, and attributes much of her early interest in science fiction to her father’s influence. Her father’s collection of science fiction magazines and books provided a fertile ground for her imagination. Bujold attended Ohio State University, where she studied English, but she left before completing her degree. Her early life was marked by a voracious appetite for reading, which laid the foundation for her future career as a writer.
Major Accomplishments
Lois McMaster Bujold's career is distinguished by numerous awards, including multiple Hugo Awards, which are among the most prestigious in the science fiction and fantasy community. She has won the Hugo Award for Best Novel four times, a testament to her exceptional storytelling abilities. Additionally, she has received the Nebula Award and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award, further cementing her status as a leading figure in speculative fiction.
Notable Works or Actions
Bujold is best known for her Vorkosigan Saga, a series of science fiction novels centered around the character Miles Vorkosigan. The series is acclaimed for its complex characters, intricate plots, and exploration of themes such as identity, politics, and the human condition. Another significant work is the Chalion series, which delves into the fantasy genre with its rich world-building and compelling narratives. Her ability to blend humor, drama, and philosophical inquiry in her stories has earned her a dedicated readership.
Impact and Legacy
Lois McMaster Bujold's impact on the science fiction and fantasy genres is profound. Her works have not only entertained but also challenged readers to think deeply about societal norms and personal identity. Her characters, often flawed yet deeply human, resonate with readers, offering insights into the complexities of life and relationships. Bujold's legacy is one of innovation and excellence, inspiring a new generation of writers to push the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lois McMaster Bujold is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to craft narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Her quotes often reflect her keen understanding of human nature and the intricacies of life, making them resonate with a broad audience. Her work is celebrated for its wit, wisdom, and the way it captures the essence of the human experience. Bujold's influence extends beyond her written words, as she continues to inspire readers and writers with her profound insights and storytelling prowess.
Quotes by Lois McMaster Bujold
Lois McMaster Bujold's insights on:
Aim high. You may still miss the target, but at least you won't shoot your foot off.
Aim high. You may still miss the target but at least you won't shoot your foot off.
It's a bizarre but wonderful feeling, to arrive dead center of a target you didn't even know you were aiming for.
Good soldiers never pass up a chance to eat or sleep. They never know how much they'll be called on to do before the next chance
You go on. You just go on. There's nothing more to it, and there's no trick to make it easier. You just go on.
War is not its own end, except in some catastrophic slide into absolute damnation.
When you can't do something truly useful, you tend to vent the pent up energy in something useless but available, like snappy dressing.
Achievement is devastating, or at least disorienting, and they don’t warn you in advance. It’s the sudden change of momentum and direction, I think.
You will,” said Vorkosigan wearily, “sit in that fortified palace that half the engineers are going to be tied up constructing, and party in it, and let your men do your dying for you, until you’ve bought your ground by the sheer weight of the corpses piled on it, because that’s the kind of soldiering your mentor has taught you. And then send bulletins home about your great victory. Maybe you can have the casualty lists declared top secret.” “Aral, careful,” warned Vorhalas, shocked.