Panel 7 of the RV Book Fair 2024, Visions of Tomorrow: Exploring Dystopian Themes in Literature, offered an intriguing dive into the world of dystopian storytelling. Moderated by Sean Bridges and Lucia Matuonto, the session brought together celebrated authors Irene Viglia Atton, Janet Kravetz, and Gary Morgenstein to discuss their creative journeys, the art of crafting compelling dystopian narratives, and their unique perspectives on the writing process.
The panel explored the allure of dystopian fiction, revealing how these stories challenge readers to confront societal issues, reimagine futures, and reflect on humanity’s resilience. Authors shared insights into their inspirations, writing routines, and the intricate process of creating worlds that feel both eerily familiar and profoundly transformative. They also touched on the challenges of writing blurbs that effectively capture the essence of complex narratives.
Whether you’re a fan of dystopian novels, an aspiring writer, or someone curious about the intersection of imagination and societal critique, this panel offered a wealth of thought-provoking ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss this chance to journey into the minds of some of the most innovative voices in dystopian literature.
Irene Viglia Atton
Irene Viglia Atton is a teacher of imagination, public speaker & creator of Heart Leadership. Her background is in international business, teaching and transformational coaching. Over the course of her career, Irene has successfully assisted individuals transform & transition through a variety of challenges, including in relationships, health, jobs, organizations and spiritual growth. She has been facilitating imagery classes and workshops in different countries for over 10 years. Her work has brought guidance, clarity, empowerment and healing to those Irene has been in service to.
Irene has been closely collaborating with the HeartMath® Institute and the Global Coherence Initiative™. The essence of her work is the Power of the Heart. Her approach brings clients to access their wisdom and to lead from this space of inborn intuition as the Inner-Leader. You can reach through website: ireneviglia.com.
Janet Kravetz
Janet Kravetz (sometimes writing under the pen name Topaz Ruby) is #1 Amazon bestselling and multi-award winning author as well as a mental health advocate.
Janet was born in Ukraine and grew up in Israel, where she had a career in legal research and public policy, joining the Israel Bar in 2009. Soon thereafter she immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada and continued working in the field of legal research and public policy, while volunteering with various local committees for the promotion of diversity and inclusion. She speaks Russian, Hebrew and English.
In 2013 she launched a career as an award-winning poet and in 2014 as an award-winning author, when her self-published book of poetry and art “Reaching Beyond Ourselves – Leading a Spiritual, peaceful and Diverse World” won the international Beverly Hills Book Awards for both content and presentation (under the pen name Topaz Ruby). In the following years Janet turned to writing more poetry and also a few manuscripts about topics of spirituality, mental health, diversity and the environment. Her debut novel Sky Curse: The Chosen Five (Amazon, August 2022) won a November 2022 Literary Titan Silver Book Award and also two silver 2022 Global Book Awards.
Find out more at www.authorjanetkravetz.com
Gary Morgenstein
Author of the critically acclaimed dystopian political novels “A Mound Over Hell” and “A Fastball for Freedom,” published by BHC Press, bhcpress.com. The novels begin in 2098 after America has lost World War Three. Surrounded, America has established a society based on love, led by Grandma, head of The Family. All acts of patriotism are illegal. Social media has been banned under the Anti-Narcissism Laws. Religion is also outlawed, along with banks, the entertainment industry and robots with faces. As the novel opens, baseball, a sport now identified with terrorism and treason, begins its final season, playing in Amazon Stadium (formerly Yankee Stadium), the only remaining ballpark. Infused by the miraculous appearance of great players from the past, baseball regains its popularity only to become a pawn between those who want peace — Grandma is reaching out to dissident Muslims chafing under the tyranny of the Caliphate — and those who want another war. You can find out more on YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQWqvq_cha8
Sean Patrick Bridges
Sean Patrick Bridges is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and author based in the Texas Hill Country. He graduated from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany, and has produced and directed two documentary short subjects in the Caribbean. His literary works include novels such as “On The Bayou” and “Roll of the Die”.
As the founder of Audible Parade Productions, he focuses on adapting original screenplays, novels, and short stories into engaging audio productions. In addition to his writing and production work, Bridges has made appearances in various television episodes and films, often portraying law enforcement characters, showcasing his versatile talents in the entertainment industry. For more information, visit audibleparade.com.
Lucia Matuonto
Lucia Matuonto is the creator and host of The Relatable Voice Podcast and Catch The Story! Podcast, as well as the founder and CEO of Relatable Media LLC. She is also the producer and chief editor of The Relatable Voice Magazine and The RV Book Fair. An award-winning author and entrepreneur, Lucia has published five books, including the beloved Zoe the Crab series and Out of The Box, A New World. Her latest book, Homegrown Superheroes, is set to be released soon.
In addition to her podcasting ventures, she hosts UNCUT with Lucia, where she spotlights unique voices and stories. Lucia’s passion for storytelling and connecting creatives shines through her work, making her a cherished figure in the literary and podcasting communities. Find out more at www.relatable-media.com