"No... a novel is a long business. I'm a slow writer, even when I'm doing very well I write slowly"

Octavia Butler reflects on the intricate and demanding process of novel writing, drawing attention to the investment of time, patience, and effort required to create a substantial work of fiction. She acknowledges that crafting a novel is not simply a matter of setting down words on paper, but a complex, evolving endeavor that unfolds across many months or even years. The phrase "a long business" suggests an ongoing commitment, comparable to undertaking a large project that will demand continual attention and resilience.

By describing herself as a "slow writer", Butler implies a deep respect for the deliberate pace necessitated by her craft. Writing slowly becomes less a weakness and more a testament to care and intentionality. Speed is not her measure of progress or success; rather, it is the quality, coherence, and depth that emerge through sustained, thoughtful revision. Even when she feels her creativity flowing or believes she is operating at her best, the writing process remains methodical. The story, the characters, and the constructed world develop not in rushed bursts but through painstaking, careful labor.

Butler’s reflection gives insight into the creative experience of many writers who may struggle with societal or internal pressures to produce content quickly. Her words provide reassurance that a slow, steady approach is a valuable and legitimate way to work, countering the perception that prolific output is synonymous with excellence. Furthermore, her patience illustrates the immersive relationship between an author and her story; the narrative itself may have its own rhythm, resisting forceful acceleration and instead blossoming at its own organic pace.

Ultimately, Butler’s views celebrate the discipline of perseverance. They honor the unique process each writer brings to their work, affirming that stories worth telling may demand, and deserve, their own time to mature. Writing, after all, is not a race but a journey, and each word written is a small, meaningful step toward completion.