AUSLYN: THE 22nd EPOSIL

Author

Andrew PrimousFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2025

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Benedict, Pinckney

Abstract

The series before you, Auslyn, all came from a strange, gnawing, particular image I had in my head at the age of 17. It was simply a man protecting his city from a blast of powerful energy. Now, an epic tale of curiousity, hope and oppression. From that grew a world that I am genuinely proud of, though this image did not even make this iteration of the series..I have tried since I was 17 to write it, and failed far more times than I succeeded. This is because it is my most creative universe and story by far. I really decided to test the limits of my imagination by trying my hardest to make a completely original universe and story (knowing that is technically impossible). The universe—one where everything comes from my imagination, from words, to creatures, to societal rules. Then the story, which is the story of creative suppression, with a power influx. Even more horrifyingly, the concept reiterated in the text: “Creation, for power’s sake.”My theory: that creatives are the true leaders of society, and paradoxically the least likely and motivated to take that role. My first year of grad school, I wrote the entire saga as a six-movie series. While it was fun and entertaining, I had not yet lived the true story I was trying to tell. Since then, I have. It was such an engaging and fun story, I in ways lost myself. Through self-reflection and great mentorship, I found myself again and realized what the core of my messaging was. That is, we as a society have replaced God and true religion with Machiavellian power structures. Those who are most hurt by it, in my eyes, are minorities, creatives—so of course, minority creators. However, our voices will not be silenced, and our pursuit for truth will remain strong. I hope this novel is a guide to those oppressed by the system that despises Truth, Hope, Creativity, and Love. Because, though they might be evil, they know that those are the biggest threats to their Power.