Award-Winning Author Shares His Journey and Insights
Mark Sabbas discusses The Monarchs, blending philosophy and science fiction, his mentorship work, and the future of visionary fiction. He shares insights on consciousness, metaphysics, and the power of storytelling in expanding minds.
Mark Sabbas is not just an author; he is a thinker, a philosopher, and a storyteller who dares to explore the profound intersections of science, spirituality, and human potential. With a background in philosophy from Bucknell University, he brings an intellectual depth to his narratives, crafting stories that challenge perceptions and expand the boundaries of imagination. His debut novel, The Monarchs, is a testament to his ability to weave action-packed storytelling with deeply introspective themes, offering readers an odyssey that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
The Monarchs has already made waves in the literary world, earning the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, the NYC Big Book Award, and the 2024 American Fiction Award. This recognition is well deserved, as the novel pushes the limits of conventional science fiction, delving into metaphysical inquiries, the nature of consciousness, and the essence of free will. Through the journey of Samuel Helen, a gifted young protagonist navigating a world that fears his abilities, Sabbas crafts a narrative that is both an adventure and a philosophical exploration—one that leaves readers questioning their own place in the universe.
Beyond his work as an author, Sabbas is also a mentor, guiding students through philosophical and mythological explorations at the Aramis Creative Learning Center. His passion for understanding the mysteries of existence extends beyond the pages of his novel, reflected in his blog, Nothing to Doubt, where he tackles topics ranging from quantum physics to consciousness expansion. His writing is not merely about telling stories; it is about inspiring curiosity, challenging beliefs, and opening minds to new possibilities.
In this exclusive Reader’s House interview, Mark Sabbas discusses the inspiration behind The Monarchs, the balance of science and spirituality in storytelling, and his hopes for the future of visionary fiction. His insights offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer whose work is poised to leave a lasting impact on the genre.
Mark Sabbas is a masterful storyteller who seamlessly fuses philosophy and science fiction, offering readers profound insights wrapped in thrilling narratives.
How did your philosophical background from Bucknell University influence the themes and character development in “The Monarchs”?
Centered upon seventeen-year-old Samuel Helen who is among the first in a wave of “new youth” children born with large eyes and extraordinary psychic abilities, The Monarchs is an action-packed odyssey that can be enjoyed by a wide audience. But its philosophical and spiritual themes set this book apart from your standard “kids with powers” story. Bolstered by Samuel’s conversations with his wise tutor, Walter, the novel explores metaphysical concepts such as the existence of God, free will versus predeterminism, the nature of consciousness and the soul’s true purpose.
Moreover, several philosophers that I studied back at university, including Plato, Spinoza, Descartes, and Avicenna, are mentioned by name in the novel. Open-minded readers will relate to Samuel as he gradually questions his reality and the military base he was raised in, before awakening to his true potential and tapping into his abilities. Yet in order to do so, he must abandon his old self and limiting beliefs; in a Socratic sense, he lets go of all he thought he knew.
In “The Monarchs,” you explore the intersection of science and spirituality. How do you balance these elements to create a cohesive narrative?
As a debut novelist, it indeed took quite a bit of practice to balance the many metaphysical and musical themes with an engaging, cohesive narrative. However, I trusted what came to me and had faith in the completed novel that waited on the other side of my writing journey. My goal was to create an action-packed story infused with uplifting spiritual wisdom.
I also wanted to establish a scientific basis for the new youth’s incredible psychic abilities. For instance, Walter proposes a link between quantum entanglement and their telekinetic powers, while Luna, Samuel’s powerful partner along his journey, teaches Samuel to meditate and become one with all he perceives. I hope that I have succeeded in this regard, and that readers will be positively affected by the therapeutic words contained in these pages.
As a mentor at the Aramis Creative Learning Center, how do you incorporate your philosophical and metaphysical insights into your teaching methods?
Apart from my writing and full-time job, I’ve been blessed to be a mentor for the Aramis Creative Learning Center these past few years, where I teach virtual classes to children and adults about a variety of philosophical and mythological subjects. Whether I’m teaching Philosophy of Consciousness, Lost Civilizations, or Greek Mythology, I urge my students to begin with that Socratic foundation of “not-knowing”, hence opening their minds and questioning everything.
At the Aramis Center, we prioritize the spiritual and emotional well-being of students through modalities such as meditation and animal therapy. We also cater to their individual talents and inner excitement. It has been a very rewarding experience teaching these classes and getting to know some amazing souls.
“The Monarchs” has received multiple awards, including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. How has this recognition impacted your writing journey?
Although I strive to not let my sense of peace or happiness rest on any external accomplishments, the rewards have been quite validating as a debut author. Along with garnering largely positive marks from professional reviewers, The Monarchs has received several independent awards in multiple categories, which has certainly boosted my confidence as a writer.
As authors, our books become our babies, and it makes us proud to see them go out into the world and do well for themselves. The recognition is nice, and yet I find it best to take a step back and not allow these accolades to become attached to my identity.
Your blog, “Nothing to Doubt,” delves into philosophy, creativity, and metaphysics. How do these topics inform the stories you tell in your novels?
I started the Nothing to Doubt Blog (now doubling as my author website) back in 2016, posting about a variety of mind-bending topics from quantum physics to extraterrestrial encounters to the holographic universe theory. I love to explore anything paranormal and consciousness-expanding, and this is evident in my writing.
Several previously investigated topics, including the nature of consciousness and evidence for psi abilities, have made it into The Monarchs. In a way, my blog prepared me for this novel. Although the extraterrestrial component is only hinted at in The Monarchs, this theme will be more deeply explored in Books 2 and 3 of the planned trilogy!
Co-authoring short stories in the “Divinely Guided Children” series led to animated adaptations. How does this multimedia approach enhance your storytelling?
In conjunction with my work at the Aramis Center, I’ve co-written short stories that have been made into children’s books and cartoon animations that you can watch on YouTube. The topics for these stories range from Greek Mythology to Lucid Dreaming, and it is so cool to see them come to life! I must admit that when writing The Monarchs, I did imagine it becoming a movie.
Hence, I aimed to make it cinematic and action-packed, and I’ve had readers tell me it would be great on screen. A debut author can dream.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors seeking to blend philosophical themes with engaging narratives?
Be open to what comes, have confidence in your writing, and delve into the magnificent journey of creating your story without becoming attached to outcomes or expectations. Trust the process, and have fun while you’re at it.
I believe that as our society becomes more and more interested in metaphysical concepts, stories that contain these themes will only get more popular. If you feel excited to share something with the world—follow that excitement. It just might lead you to places you can’t imagine.
