Complicated Farewells, Unspoken Goodbyes by Eleanor Lodewijks is shortlisted for the 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award, 11 & Under Category. 

Complicated Farewells, Unspoken Goodbyes: Young Mia journeys up Mount Cerro Torre, the very mountain that claimed her father's life. Alongside her loyal husky, Diesel, she braves the treacherous ascent. Can the mountain somehow heal her heart from all its grief?

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An interview with Eleanor: 

WNSF: What is your favourite book?

Eleanor: That is super hard! If I had to pick one it would probably be All the Beautiful Things by Katrina Nannestad.

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

Eleanor: An author that is truly inspiring for me is Jackie French. I read a lot of her historical fiction novels which are truly amazing! What I find extraordinary is that she still can create incredible books whilst battling dyslexia.

WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school?

Eleanor: I really love creative and performing arts, particularly drama, dance and public speaking!

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

Eleanor: To me, adventure writing means people that go on a complicated journey to find an important resolution. So often it is a voyage that asks people to overcome challenges and test their emotions.

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

Eleanor: What challenges have you overcome which are reflected in your stories, and what are some hidden messages within plots?

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

Eleanor: For me, Shamira Sterling-Humphrey, a netball defender, is one of my biggest heroes. This is because she overcame a lot of challenges as a child in Jamaica and migrated to Australia, and is now one of the best defenders in the world!

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

Eleanor: I would love to visit Japan because from what I have heard from my friends, it is really beautiful, there are many interesting innovations and there is so much yummy food!

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? 

Eleanor: Mostly it is about things that I learn in class, particularly Library class. I often find things interesting and then want to learn more about them, which I then turn into a story.

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

Eleanor: If I could time travel, I would go back to around 1915 so I could experience the amazing women’s suffrage movement in England.

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

Eleanor: I think three words to describe my story would be emotions, struggles and climbing.

WNSF: We know readers will enjoy it as much as we have! Congratulations once again, and good luck for the next stage of the competition.