Fiction stories we read are fuel for our imaginations and enable us to dream because, unlike films and television, the fiction stories we read are interpreted by each of us differently.
Fiction stories allow us to import our own experiences, feelings, values and hopes to construct in our minds eye the unique story that is right for us. The fiction story is the catalyst or trigger for our imaginations that releases us and enables us to dream whereas film and television give us all the same view which is the interpretation of the producer.
In Highland Beginning, a global warming and climate change short fiction by Rob Hopcott, the worst has happened
Methane flares arced between clouds above the Isle of Skye. Last week, Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh had exploded into flames. Most English and Welsh cities had been lost to the food riots the previous month. News from further afield only came from word of mouth through short wave amateur radio. There was no world news.
But we were safe. Our single story log cabin merged securely into the tree lined hillside of the Western Scottish Highlands. We were armed. The rock strewn hillside below formed a perfect killing zone. Electricity from our well camouflaged windmill with it’s large array of batteries was instantly transferable to the lethal electric fences below.
With great foresight, Harry has provided all this for his loved ones. In the face of much family disbelief and criticism, he has built over many long months a secure place in the Scottish countryside where his family can live safely as the world falls apart around them.
It is the ultimate escapist story about a new beginning but Harry has forgotten one thing and that is ultimately what the story is about.
The reason I mention this fictional story is to illustrate the process whereby fiction stories take us away from our troubles. If climate change is destroying cities, our overdrafts probably don’t matter too much. If people are dying of lack of food everywhere, we probably don’t need to worry about getting that promotion at our work place anymore.
The fictional story we read takes us out of our normal routine and enables us for a short time to dream about how we would feel and behave in the story. We are released from our day to day woes and given freedom whilst being safely insulated from the actual dangers and threats confronting the characters in our stories. Methane flares arc above them not us as we read on.
So, if you really want to escape for a while, find some fiction stories to read rather than watch a film or television channel. Your imagination will be liberated far more and, hopefully, you will feel much better afterwards.
Am I wrong? Your comments are welcome 
Bye for now
Rob
Rob Hopcott – online author and inveterate dreamer
