FutureScapes explores and imagines what life will be like in 2025. To paint a vivid picture of what the future may hold, we have asked an eclectic mix of authors from across Europe to bring their vision of 2025 to life. From sci-fi to chick-lit, we want all kinds of perspectives.

An author’s perspective - Lesley Lokko’s take on the past, present and future

Michael Marshall Smith

New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling thriller novelist, who also writes award-winning sci-fi and horror.

Lesley Lokko

Born in Scotland and raised in Ghana, she trained as an architect, and built her own home in West Africa out of mud. Soon after she gave up architecture to write "sex and shopping" novels (her words) full-time.

Kate Harrison

A former BBC journalist, now an author of women’s fiction and young adult fiction.

Marcus Sedgwick

Popular award-winning children’s author who writes gothic, literary fiction.

Markus Albers

A best-selling German journalist, entrepreneur, and author of non-fiction books.

Conor Ritchie

A civil servant by day, and a struggling writer in his spare time, Conor is delighted to have won the Guardian's short story competition – his first non-pub-based competition victory.