He gave a brief explanation of Transrealism in his 1983 essay , The Transrealist Manifesto . It is science fiction based on the author 's own life and immediate perceptions , mixed with fantastic elements that symbolize psychological change . Transrealism , as outlined in his 1983 essay `` The Transrealist Manifesto , '' is science fiction based on the author 's own life and immediate perceptions , mixed with fantastic elements that symbolize psychological change .