The Fisherman by Heather Chapman is the winner of the 2021 Author of Tomorrow, 12-15 years.

The Fisherman: After hearing tales of heroes and sea monsters in childhood stories, a young fisherman defies the odds and his father’s will by chasing his own legend - a huge fish, rumoured to feast on the best of all fishermen, swallowing those who have a chance of defeating it. But the journey is a long and treacherous one, and the fisherman risks losing his life, his future and even his own mind along the way.

An Interview with Heather: 

WNSF: What is your favourite book? 

I really love The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, as the writing style is beautiful, and the characters are vivid and compelling.

WNSF: Who is your favourite author? Or one who has inspired you and why?

I’m inspired by the work of Alice Oseman, as her work is so moving, and the voices of her characters are always distinct and real. 

WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school? 

I enjoy studying history, as I find it interesting to reflect on how past events have shaped the present, and how they will continue to shape the future.

WNSF: What does ‘adventure writing’ mean to you? Why did you choose to try your hand at an adventure story?

I think adventure writing is about the disruption of the ordinary, about creating change, and about the journeys this change inspires.

WNSF: If you could ask an author anything, what would you want to know?

I would ask where Shakespeare got the inspiration for his stories, as it would be interesting to discover how he’s able to write in the voices of so many different characters so expressively, in a way that has allowed his stories to stand the test of time.

WNSF: Who would you consider one of your heroes and why?

My hero is Alan Turing, as he was a forgotten hero of the past who worked to save thousands of lives through his code-breaking work, despite suffering extreme prejudice.

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

I always find it interesting to base stories on pieces of music, as I think songs give lots of opportunities for adventures.

WNSF: What is the most adventurous thing you would like to do, or place you would like to visit and why?

I would love to visit Venice during the carnival season, as I think it’s an incredible place, and would be a wonderful experience.

WNSF: If you could time travel, where would you go and why? 

I would definitely go into the past, and would love to see the first performances of Shakespeare’s plays in London.

WNSF: What three words would you use to describe your story?

Unnerving, dramatic, mysterious