A few artists on how the authors work has inspired them.
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Despite the heaviness of her narratives, they never read that way.
Butler doesnt leave any of this for the reader to infer.
The Oankali cannot understand that some people would rather dieor killthan give up their traditional gender roles.
Back when I first read this book, Id never seen anything like that in science fiction.
Jemisin, author of The Broken Earth Trilogy
OctaviaButler,asunderstoodby…
Her spectacular life.
Her most misunderstood work.
.Her writing style.
Her famous journal entry.
As I reread Butlers work, Im comforted by her bits of sly humor.
In response, Lilith channels her motherand pretty much every Black motherand becomes cross with him.
The man had never heard a Black mother before, and he apologizes and draws away.
But she also doesnt look away from the rest of the human experience.
What I love about Butler is that she contextualizes her fantasy with fact.
Honest, undiluted science that is unfettered by white supremacy is a gold mine for fantasy.
Melanin serves as an additional protector from the sun for Black people.
Why not tap into this as a superpower for daywalking Black vampires?
Shes the voice in my head saying, Sure, but how?
My novelGrieversis fundamentally about harnessing life even when the odds feel impossible.
Every single thing on her list ended up coming true.
I think this is a special kind of magic.
