MWT's Reddit AMA

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

All things considered, there weren't as many "Not tellings" as you might have expected. Lots of kind, gushing fans, which was fun to see, and some interesting conversation.

If you haven't read it yet, you can find it here. I wasn't able to be there while it was going on but here are some of my take-aways from reading it later.

Book recommendations: I added several titles to my TBR list. Here are some I found intriguing. Seventh Bride by Kingfisher, All Systems Red by Wells, and The City of Brass by Chakraborty. Have any of you read them?

Knowing her audience: Rather than asking the age of a reader, she wants to know what other books he or she likes. That tells her whether they'd be likely to enjoy her books. And this comment to someone who talks about not being a teen, but loving the books, "You ARE my intended audience. I'm writing the books for you."

The Buffed-Up Sophos in ACoK: "Sophos's story was originally supposed to take place off stage. Then I realized that the reader would have to see his evolution in order to believe in it. Sophos nature, his love of poetry and plays, really drives the way he tells his story to Eddis."

Inspiration for Attolia Irene: Elizabeth I of England. I'm going to have to go and educate myself about her.

What music were Gen and Irene dancing to in KoA: Lots of drums and a single flute.

What did you find interesting?

Comments

[ibmiller.livejournal.com]

I can't recall which of the Murderbot books by Wells I've read, but it wasn't the first. It was fun, though I'm not quite sure why they're all the rage right now.

Thanks for giving us your highlights!

[(Anonymous)]

Ive recently read Murderbot and second mwts recs. Theyre epic and have a first person lens with a sense of humor that i think this fandom will enjoy...

[freenarnian.livejournal.com]

"Lots of drums and a single flute."

In my imagination I'm hearing something similar to "Castle Dance" from the Mists of Avalon soundtrack. (Though that might be a tin whistle, not a flute, and... are those uilleann pipes? I can imagine Eddisians playing uilleann pipes, I think.)

Elizabeth I is a fascinating historical figure. Aside from the obvious parallels of both being queens, however, I wouldn't have connected her to Irene. Interesting.

[qwentoozla]

I just read All Systems Red and found it very enjoyable.

I hadn't thought to connect Irene to Elizabeth I, but it seems obvious to me now that I think about it: They're both queens who were never intended to rule, who were underestimated by men in their life, who had to be clever and more ruthless than they perhaps would have liked to hold on to their power. Elizabeth had to entertain the idea of various political marriages without actually intending to take the offers, just like Irene did with Nahuseresh. Of course, Irene received an offer she actually could (and wanted to) take.

[freenarnian.livejournal.com]

Before learning that Relius isn't as old as I first imagined him (do you think some of that older air is intentional, on his part?), I remember thinking of him as a kind of William Cecil figure.

Queens

[aged-crone.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. I really don't like Elizabeth I, and Attolia doesn't remind me of her at all.

[filkferengi]

Elizabeth I & Attolia both also had extensive secret police and spy networks.