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 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.”
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.
Embrace early passions and keep writing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- school writing clubs
- writing workshops
- personal journaling
- online writing platforms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How did early influences shape your voice?
- What kept you writing after many rejections?
Early success is rare; many face repeated rejections before breakthrough.