London-based author Stephen Oram talks through the inspiration for his latest science-fiction novel, We Are Not Anonymous, set in a dystopian, near-future England that is fragmented and flooded.
Biography
STEPHEN ORAM writes social science fiction set in the near-future, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. Previously, he has two published novels, three collections of sci-fi shorts and is published in many anthologies, including the award-winning Best of British Science Fiction 2022 (Newcon Press). He also works with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research with the public through short stories and has co-edited four anthologies along these lines. Previously, he was the head of policy for post-16 skills strategic development and innovation at the Department for Education. Stephen is based in the heart of central London and, alongside his experience of living inside and outside of the establishment, he attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.
Tim Kindberg (champignon.net) is a Bristol-based writer and researcher, and a creator of digital technologies to support sustainable choices and new and inclusive forms of creativity (matter2media.com). His future-set novel Vampires of Avonmouth explores the intersections between software, the supernatural and consciousness through the struggles of a detective plagued by an inner demon. He is writing a hopeful but realistic novel set in a future Bristol against a backdrop of adaptation to climate change. He is a Personal to the Planetary Community Fellow, Brigstow & Cabot Institutes, and an Honorary Fellow, Bristol Digital Futures Institute.
Praise for Stephen Oram
“Now that we’ve lived into the future that cyberpunk projected, we urgently need to fight our way out. This book imagines and encourages that fight.” Ken MacLeod, multi-award winning author.
“A frighteningly credible near-future dystopia that is as convincing as it is disturbing, We Are Not Anonymous unfolds with cinematic scale and urgency.” Ewan Morrison, award winning author and essayist.
“An intellectually arresting, thought-provoking work of creative futurism that drives our current politics and technology to their magical — and logical — extremes.” Ana Sun, author.
