Visionary Fiction – Light Carrier Of This Dark Age – Eleni Papanou

Eleni Papanou

I see visionary fiction as a timely genre and one of the light carriers of this dark age.  It’s the ideal counterbalance to western pop culture that seems to favor violent themes and images that permeate the whole media landscape. The present cycle will continue until a contrasting alternative presents itself. I see the birth of a counterforce happening right now. There are many people who are weary of what’s happening in this world as well as what’s being promoted as news and entertainment by the mainstream. They want something that has more substance and meaning.  Visionary fiction is one of the outlets available to them as well as to  those of us who find personal fulfillment as writers of this  genre.

I don’t state any of the above lightly. Art has the power to move and effect change. We need that now as much as we needed it during the middle ages. The world is more polarized than it has ever been, and the news successfully obfuscates what’s really happening. Some of you may feel like you’re the only ones that can see through the madness of this age, or maybe you may at times think you’re mad for suggesting anything is wrong. Sometimes I feel a little like both, and it’s my writing and spiritual practice that keeps me tethered to the light within me.

The Pareto effect states that 20% cause yields 80% results. I see that as a positive in that it means the few of us can affect the many. We certainly see that as being true today. What if we could tip the scale towards a period of enlightenment as it happened during the Renaissance? It was an era filled with wonderful art and music. Visionary Fiction can be one component of that same expression today. This is where we as authors of the genre can play our small roles in this dark period of history. That’s one of my personal motivations for writing visionary fiction.  Little by little, we can make a positive difference. It more than likely won’t happen in our lifetimes, but the same sun that shines on us will one day shine over a favorable future.

I may sound like I’m pipe dreaming—or smoking one—but the truth is I consider myself a stone-cold realist. History has shown that after every collective fall, we came back even stronger. Enlightened members of society gained wisdom from observing historical trends. Their foresight led them to new philosophies and art that helped elevate whole cultures. Perhaps one day we’ll break the construction/deconstruction cycle and retain lessons learned from the past, but for now, we must continue to aim for progress in order to move ahead.

Strength In Numbers

Because of its universal theme and spiritual perspective, visionary fiction can attract readers from all parts of the world. The power of words cannot be underestimated, and visionary fiction can show people they’re not alone in their desire for an evolved world. Beyond all the fighting, greed and thievery, there is a light, that although dim, shines and offers a propitious message for the reader who is receptive to it. I know I favor books with a positive theme, and I’m certain I’m not alone in this. An uplifting book reminds me I’m not an island, and that there are others who want a world that’s counter to what we have now. Through imaginative storytelling, visionary fiction can uplift the reader who resonates with the wisdom contained within its pages. It  can also be a candle that lights the path towards an evolved world and inspire readers by showing them that such a future is possible. Love and light onto all, Eleni

Eleni Papanou is the author of Unison,Book One of  the science fiction epic, The Spheral. Visit the Philophrosyne Publishing  website for updates and information. Philophrosyne Publishing aims to produce dogma-free books that expand the mind, while entertaining and uplifting the spirit.