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Bears Quote by Octavia Butler

“It's interesting how many science fiction writers get going when they are very young. I was on a program with Greg Bear and he mentioned that he had gotten started writing when he was eight. And I began writing when I was 10. I think we're influenced by the stuff, we find it and we love it and…” quote by Octavia Butler
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“It's interesting how many science fiction writers get going when they are very young. I was on a program with Greg Bear and he mentioned that he had gotten started writing when he was eight. And I began writing when I was 10. I think we're influenced by the stuff, we find it and we love it and we're influenced by it…I know I collected my first rejection slip when I was 13, and I went on collecting them for a long time after that.”

Octavia Butler

About This Quote

Source Interview: Podcast with Octavia Butler, 1990s

Young writers often start early, inspired by their favorite stories and mentors, leading to early rejections that fuel perseverance.

In simple terms: Early inspiration sparks lifelong writing drive.

Key Takeaway

Embrace early passions and keep writing.

Themes

creativity inspiration perseverance

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

personal career

When to use this quote

  • school writing clubs
  • writing workshops
  • personal journaling
  • online writing platforms

Key Concepts

early development mentorship rejection handling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did early influences shape your voice?
  • What kept you writing after many rejections?
A Different Perspective

Early success is rare; many face repeated rejections before breakthrough.

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