7 Intriguing Facts About Popular Sci-Fi Writer Octavia E. Butler

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The Early Days

At 10 years old, Octavia Butler (June 22, 1947-Feb. 24, 2006) was dead set on becoming an author. As a young child, she had dyslexia and an unwavering love for books.

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The Patternmaster

Butler started her career at Pasadena City College, where she earned an associate’s degree. She later moved on to UCLA, where she finished her education. In 1976, she wrote her first book “Patternmaster” which is part of her Patternist Series. The book focus on a group telepathic individuals in a sci-fi setting.

10 Amazing Afrofuturism Authors Every Blerd Should Know

Samuel R. DelanySamuel R. Delany

Delany is a successful sci-fi author and literary critic. He has taught at the University of Buffalo and at Temple University. Over his long career, he has earned four Nebula Awards and two Hugo Awards — one for “Babel-17” in 1966 and the second for “The Einstein Intersection” in 1967. His novels focus on issues of sexuality, mythology and language. Some of his sci-fi works include: “The Bridge of Lost Desire,” “Distant Stars,” “Driftglass: Ten Tales of Speculative Fiction,” “The Einstein Intersection,” “Empire: A Visual Novel,” “Empire Star,” “Equinox,” “The Fall of the Towers,” “Flight from Neveryon (Return to Neveryon),” “Hogg,” “The Jewels of Aptor,” “Mad Man,” “They Fly at Ciron,” “Times Square Red, Times Square Blue,” “Trouble on Triton: An Ambiguous Heterotopia.”

hamilton1Virginia Hamilton

Hamilton is a children’s author who has written 40-plus books in her career. Her most popular work is “M.C Higgins, the Great.” That book earned her the Newbery Award in 1975 and the National Book Award in 1974. Her books include: “The All Jahdu Storybook,” “The Dark Way: Stories from the Spirit World,” “Dustland (Odyssey 2),” “Justice and Her Brothers (Odyssey 1),” “The Gathering (Odyssey 3),” “The House of Dies Drear,” “The Mystery of Drear House: The Conclusion of the Dies Drear Chronicle,” “Sweet Whispers,” “Brother Rush.”

7 Black Women Science Fiction Writers Everyone Should Know

Sci-fi and fantasy are two genres dominated by white, male voices. It can be extremely exhausting to see the same themes written by people with the same or similar perspectives. Here are seven prominent African-American women working in these two genres who have made a name for themselves by telling unique stories.

4442842661_c664401545_zN. K. Jemisin

Jemisin found acclaim after the release of her first novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. She has been short-listed for major awards in such a young career and was awarded the Locus Award for Best First Novel.

 

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Nnedi Okorafor

Okorafor writes African-based science fiction stories and children’s books. Her novel Who Fears Death won the World Fantasy Award for best novel. Her works include Akata Witch, Zahrah the Windseeker, The Shadow Speaker and a children’s book Long Juju Man. She is a professor of creative writing and literature at the University of Buffalo.