David Smallman

Originally from Northamptonshire and now living in Cumbria, I've spent most of my life exploring other people's imagined futures through science fiction, particularly the kind of big, chunky books that venture into space and ask what humanity might become. As an engineer, I've always been interested in how things work, how technology develops and what makes complex systems tick. Combine that with a fascination for history and politics, and you have plenty of ingredients for imagining where humanity might go next.

Outside of books and technology, I enjoy LEGO, Warhammer and spending time outdoors. I'm also involved in the Scouting movement, where I enjoy supporting young people as they develop skills, confidence and independence.

Life has given me a different perspective on what matters, too. A serious, life-threatening illness and the need for open-heart surgery changed the way I look at the time and opportunities we have. It's encouraged me to explore creative outlets, try things for my own enjoyment and spend more time pursuing ideas that might otherwise have remained just that — ideas.

The Second Age of Man saga is one of those ideas.

I wouldn't necessarily describe myself as naturally creative, and this is very much a work in progress. But I've accumulated plenty of thoughts about worlds, humanity, history, technology and the paths our future might take. Writing gives me a way to bring those ideas together and share them with others.

I don't have to rush the process or have everything figured out from the start. I'm enjoying discovering what I can create, one idea at a time.

Welcome to my corner of the Second Age of Man.