Butler, Octavia E. (1947–2006)

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Butler, Octavia E. (1947–2006)

African-American science-fiction writer. Born Octavia Estelle Butler, June 22, 1947, in Pasadena, California; died April 28, 2006, in Lake Forest Park, Washington; dau. of Laurice Butler (who died when she was an infant) and Octavia M. (Guy) Butler (domestic); Pasadena College, AA, 1968; attended California State University, 1969.

The 1st published African-American female science-fiction writer, was mentored by Harlan Ellison; attended the Clarion Science Fiction Writer's Workshop (1970); wrote the "Patternist" saga, which includes Patternmaster (1976), Mind of My Mind (1977), Survivor (1978), Wild Seed (1980) and Clay's Ark (1984); also wrote Kindred (1979), Adulthood Rites (1988), Parable of the Sower (1995) and Lilith's Brood (2000); major sci-fi writer, her works attack racism, sexism, the class system and hypocrisy. Received Hugo Award (1984) and Nebula Award (1985).

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