Science fiction writer discusses her writing, life experiences

Students and faculty packed Lauder-Fischer Hall Wednesday night to hear science fiction author Octavia Butler speak about writing, life and her experiences as the preeminent African American science fiction writer of her time. Butler focused her presentation on her motivation to continue writing despite the failures she encountered early in her career. "Things that stimulate me to write are often negative," Butler said, noting that writers should "go back to old feelings and use them in [their] writing." Butler also emphasized the importance of writers having a comprehensive plan for approaching a story. "Often, I find I need to know where I'm going before I can start the journey," Butler said. Her latest book, Blood Child, is a compilation of short stories and essays she composed while developing her writing skills early in her career. Included in the compilation is a story known as "Speech Sounds," which features a theme common in Butler's writing -- interrelations between individuals. "[The story] focuses on a breakdown of communication between characters," she said. "We all have a communications deficit -- we're all locked within ourselves. Humans are supposedly the most advanced communications species in the world. "It's curious how we blow it," Butler told the crowd, which grew as the presentation continued. For most of her speech, the audience sat mesmerized by Butler's remarks. When she was finished speaking, she offered the audience a chance to ask questions. Reaction to Butler's speech was largely positive. College freshman Neil Harrison was asked to read Butler's work for a writing course. "She was even better in person," Harrison said. "It's as if she has a vision of what the world will be like. She's as much a social critic as a science fiction author." Rhonda Williams, a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D in history, traveled from Baltimore to see Butler speak. "People need to look honestly at what goes on in our society today," Williams said. "Butler's work speaks to issues on both a political and social level." Butler's presentation was the fourth event in the Mosaic of Black Writing series, sponsored by the Afro-American Studies Program.