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The rule for finding plots for character-centered novels, which is to ask: 'So what's the worst possible thing I can do to *this* guy?' And then do it.

Lois McMaster Bujold

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Lois McMaster Bujold
Age: 75
Born: 1949
Born: November 2
Author
Novelist
Science Fiction Writer
Writer
Columbus
Ohio
Rule
Novel
Worst
Plots
Possible
Centered
Asks
Novels
Guy
Plot
Character
Findings
Thing
Finding

More quotes by Lois McMaster Bujold

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But have you ever overheard two women discussing men? Men are crude liars, comparing their drabs, but women - I'd rather have [an] anatomist dissect me alive than to listen to the things the ladies say about us when they think they are alone.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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A tactical retreat is not a bad response to a surprise assault, you know. First you survive. Then you choose your own ground. Then you counterattack.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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There is no more hollow feeling than to stand with your honor shattered at your feet while soaring public reputation wraps you in rewards. That's soul-destroying. The other way around is merely very, very irritating.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Most people go through their whole lives without killing anybody. False argument.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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I've got forward momentum. There's no virtue in it. It's just a balancing act. I don't dare stop.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Mia Maz glanced aside in concern at his muffled snort. Are you all right? Yes. Sorry, he whispered. I'm just having an attack of limericks. Her eyes widened, and she bit her lip only her deepening dimple betrayed her. Shhh, she said, with feeling.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Do it for yourself. The universe will be around to collect its cut later.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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It was suicide, wasn't it? In an involuntary sort of way, said Vorob'yev. These Cetagandan political suicides can get awfully messy, when the principal won't cooperate. Thirty-two stab wounds in the back, worst case of suicide they ever saw? murmured Ivan, clearly fascinated by the gossip. Exactly, my lord.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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When you choose an action, you choose the consequences of that action. When you desire a consequence you had damned well better take the action that would create it.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Our children change us... whether they live or not.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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What you are is a question only you can answer.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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He's not too short. He's just... concentrated.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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From fried witchetty grubs to gold-plated turnips, when you're a writer you never know what's going to appear on your plate next. It keeps a woman alert, it does.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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It's an ancient and honorable term for the final step in any engineering project. Turn it on, see if it smokes.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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One step at a time, I can walk around the world. Watch me.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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A price is something you get. A cost is something you lose.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Reputation is what other people know about you. Honor is what you know about yourself.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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Since no one is perfect, it follows that all great deeds have been accomplished out of imperfection. Yet they were accomplished, somehow, all the same.
Lois McMaster Bujold
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I wanted to give you a victory. But by their essential nature triumphs can’t be given.
Lois McMaster Bujold