Quotes by Octavia E. Butler on Human Nature & Writing

Even if you're not a sci-fi fan, this trailblazer is worth knowing about

Today’s Literary Ladies Lite Sunday edition might not be as “lite” as usual, because in paying homage to the brilliant Octavia E. Butler, there’s no way to sugarcoat her dim view of humanity. On the other hand, she was a believer in the power of writing to make the world a better place.

Octavia Estelle Butler (1947 – 2006) broke ground in the white male-dominated genre of science fiction. As a Black woman writing in this field, she was a truly singular voice in 20th century American literature. Insightful social commentary woven into fantastic tales was this esteemed author’s hallmark.

The New York Times described Octavia as a writer “whose evocative, often troubling novels explore far-reaching issues of race, sex, power, and ultimately, what it meant to be human.”

Growing up feeling shy and socially awkward, and struggling through her studies with dyslexia, Octavia took solace in books and stories, starting to write at age ten. As a disciplined and determined young adult, she worked mindless jobs that wouldn’t drain her mental energies, and wrote at odd hours. She had her first breakthroughs with short stories, and her first first published novel was Patternmaster (1976)

Photo by Anna Fiore, a former Literary Ladies Guide intern

It was Kindred (1979), more of a speculative novel than sci-fi, that put Octavia on the literary map. Dana, the protagonist, is a contemporary Black woman thrust into loops of time travel to save an ancestor who happens to be a white slavemaster. It’s brilliant, and one of my favorite novels of all time.

Two of Octavia’s best known novels, Parable of Sower and Parable of the Talents were recently re-released. Together, they shade from the dystopian genre to the kind of richly imagined science fiction she was known for.

Parable of Sower (1993) is set in a dystopian California of 2025, which has become nearly uninhabitable due to climate change. The charismatic leader in charge of the country’s ruin uses the very same catchphrase as the one of our current “president.” It’s a tough read at this moment, but worthwhile if you have the fortitude.

The following selection of quotes by Octavia E. Butler reflects her insight on human nature and the hope that springs from an individual’s expression. Plus, you’ll find Octavia’s “Rules for Writers” at the end — 9 in all, that can apply to any stage of one’s writing journey.