I wanted to say a bit about a category of fiction sometimes called “visionary fiction” and sometimes “spiritual fiction.” There are also other variations such as “inspirational fiction” and “metaphysical fiction.” My novella, The Way of the Eagle: An Early California Journey of Awakening, takes place in a historical Native American setting in Southern California and could be described as a “spiritual adventure.”

I used to think of spiritual or visionary fiction as being just one type of book – a rather esoteric, philosophical, book fairly short on action. Examples would be Jonathan Livingston Seagull or The Alchemist. But I’ve been enlightened through the discussions in the Visionary Fiction group on Goodreads.com and some recent reading.  The brief description at the top of our Goodreads Visionary Fiction group page describes it this way:

“It differs from Science Fiction and Fantasy in that it explores human potential through philosophy and metaphysics. It lies within the broad boundaries of Speculative Fiction.”

But here’s the big revelation: visionary fiction can actually consist of or fall into almost any genre, as well as mainstream fiction, as its themes and subjects can be made part of virtually every type of story.  These stories can be thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, futuristic, historical fiction, mythical, and on and on. They can be great page-turners.

I just finished an amazing visionary fiction novel called The Angel and the Brown-Eyed Boy, by Sandy Nathan. I would call it a supernatural dystopian thriller. What a great story and page-turner! Its themes are universal and deep and very satisfyingly realized. I normally hate dystopian novels because they are often so very down and dismal. This book is just the opposite, it transmits a theme of hope and beauty in a very real and down to earth manner, while including ethereal beings not from Earth. The story is expertly paced and written.

Another novel I loved is a thoroughly researched historical Native American saga about great spiritual powers, human greed, ultimate hope – and yes, aliens from outer space. It is A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, by Phoenix, recently released. Fantastic, great story.

You can learn more about this genre and communicate with visionary fiction authors in the Visionary Fiction group on Goodreads.com.

Good reading and remember to share this post on your favorite social media pages if you like it!

D.E. Lamont