Visionary Fiction

For readers and writers interested in pushing beyond some genre boundaries, a new group has formed.  A much-needed one, I think.

If you've ever gone looking for a novel that extends the edges of currently visible reality — but isn't exactly sci-fi or fantasy or magical realism — you probably know that there's no particular place to look for it.  I write novels about mystical experience and there's no shelf in the bookstores for that.

A few writers chatting on GoodReads came up with the idea of advancing the cause of such fiction and creating a gathering place for those who are interested.  The Visionary Fiction Alliance is that place.  Though I'm officially a founding member, I was one of those deadbeat committee members who let others do all the work.  Even so, I'm much in favor of the idea: partly because of my own interests and because I like the idea of breaking barriers.  Also because I love it when people see that there's something missing and figure out how to create it. 

Here's how one member, novelist Margaret Duarte, describes Visionary Fiction: "Besides telling a good story, VF enlightens and encourages readers to expand their awareness of greater possibilities. It helps them see the world in a new light and recognize dimensions of reality they commonly ignore."  (Her website is titled "Enter the Between.")

I also very much like the site's intro:

"Visionary Fiction embraces spiritual and esoteric wisdom, often from ancient sources, and makes it relevant for our modern life. These gems of wisdom are brought forth in story form and in a way that readers can experience the wisdom from within themselves. It emphasizes the future and envisions humanity’s transition into evolved consciousness. While there is a strong theme, it in no way proselytizes or preaches.

Visionary is a tone as well as a genre. The ‘visionary’ element can technically be present in any genre and set in any time.

Characteristic Features of Visionary Fiction:

• Growth of consciousness is the central theme of the story and drives the protagonist, and/or other important characters.
• Oftentimes uses reincarnation, dreams, visions, paranormal, psychic abilities, and other metaphysical plot devices
• Is universal in its worldview and scope

So in short, the emphasis is on our limitless human potential, where transformation and evolution are entirely possible. "

 

I encourage you to drop by the Visionary Fiction Alliance and have a look.

 

 

 

Categories: enhancing creativity

Tags: boundaries, breaking barriers, esoteric, genre, magical realism, metaphysical fiction, spiritual, visionary fiction, visionary fiction alliance