Octavia E. Butler

1947–2006 · Speculative-fiction writer

Octavia E. Butler brought questions about hierarchy, survival and interdependence into speculative fiction. Her books include Kindred and the Parable novels, and she received a MacArthur fellowship in 1995; her essays also address the practical work of becoming a writer.

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3 quotes we’ve traced to Octavia E. Butler

“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable”

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“Forget talent. If you have it, fine. Use it”

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“I lost an arm on my last trip home. My left arm”

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