Short and Crisp
There's a reason why literature and sci-fi fans both love Octavia Butler. It's because she can convey great images and ideas in straightforward and easily readable language. In the opening scene of this book, for example, Dana says, "But before [Kevin] could come to me, I had to convince the police that he did not belong in jail. That took time" (Prologue.3). There's no unnecessary ornament here. Dana (or Octavia) is always quick to get to the point. She uses few adjectives and even fewer adverbs.