Description
Three of British science fiction and fantasy’s (SFF) future stars, Mahmud El Sayed, Marve Michael Anson and M. H. Ayinde, join Sarah Shaffi to discuss their work, what excites them about SFF and what we can expect from the genre in the future.
British-Egyptian El Sayed explores Arabic and Islamic-inspired themes in a genre he calls ‘Arabfuturism’. He won the Future Worlds Prize in 2023.
Anson, who was also a finalist for the prize in 2023, talks about her debut fantasy novel, Firstborn of the Sun, to be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in October 2025.
Ayinde, the 2021 winner of the Future Worlds Prize, introduces A Song of Legends Lost, the first in her epic fantasy trilogy to be published by Orbit Books in spring 2025.
Join us for what promises to be a unique and lively exploration of the next generation of British SFF writers. Tickets include a Future Worlds Prize goody bag.
Please note, this venue has changed from the printed programme.
About the Chair
Sarah Shaffi
Sarah Shaffi is a journalist, editor and interviewer. Her work can be found in The Guardian, The A.V. Club, Vogue Australia, The New Arab and more, and she writes on publishing, politics, pop culture and more. She is co-director of Future Worlds Prize.
About the Authors
Mahmud El Sayed
Mahmud El Sayed is a British-Egyptian SFF writer and translator who lives in East London. His stories explore Arabic and Islamic-inspired themes in a genre he is calling Arabfuturism. He won Future Worlds Prize 2023.
Marve Michael Anson
Marve Michael Anson has been writing for over a decade and has self-published a thriller, His Dark Reflection, to critical acclaim. Her debut fantasy novel, Firstborn of the Sun, is the first in a trilogy being published by Penguin Michael Joseph in October 2025. This novel also placed her as a finalist in many competitions, including the 2023 Future Worlds Prize.
M H Ayinde
Modupe H. Ayinde, studied English Literature and has worked as a video games reviewer, magazine sub editor, and television researcher. Her debut novel, A Song of Legends Lost, the first in an epic fantasy trilogy, will be published by Orbit Books in Spring 2025. Her award-winning short fiction has appeared in FIYAH Literary Magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and more. Modupe lives in North London with her family and their Studio Ghibli obsession.
Join Our Mailing List
By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy Policy and to receive marketing emails, including e-newsletters and event updates from Bradford Literature Festival.