Journey of the Ark by Elise Sankey is the winner of the 2024 Author of Tomorrow, 12-15 Category. 

Journey of the Ark: Many years after the oceans have dried up and the cities have fallen down, nine clans fight the odds to survive in a parched, withering wilderness. But the wolves who roam the land are not their only enemies – no, their greatest threat is the Fire. A reckless inferno, it tears up the land, unstoppable in its might, swallowing what is left of the once-powerful human race. 

The boys of the Arker Clan have finally found a way to save their families – an old steam train, to carry them away from the Fire. But as envy and pride threaten to tear them apart, the clan must face the truth: the rails won’t go on forever...

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An Interview with Elise:

WNSF: What is your favourite book?

Elise: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is my favourite book/series. I love the way it is written and it has inspired me a lot!

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

Elise: My favourite authors are Keiran Larwood and Stephenie Meyer. Their books are fun, interesting and have given me a different way of looking at things in life.

WNSF: What is/was your favourite subject at school?

Elise: My favourite subject is definitely English. I have always loved writing, and I really enjoy the chance to improve.

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

Elise: To me, adventure writing is about characters going on a journey through interesting places, while having a transformative journey within their own minds or friendships. I like adventure writing and was excited to have a good chance to try it out.

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

Elise: My question is: how do I force myself to get outside and be sociable when all I want to do is write!?

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

Elise: My family for helping me become who I am, my Year 6 teacher Miss Murphy for her friendship and encouragement, and Abbie Emmons for her amazing writing YouTube channel.

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

Elise: I really want to visit Canada because I love being out in the wilderness, exploring new places.

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? 

Elise: I find inspiration in ordinary conversations, school lessons, things I see, and other books I read. I have a list of about thirty or forty ideas for stories and can never keep up!

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

Elise: If I could time travel I would go to Medieval times, because I find those cultures really interesting.

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

Elise: Gripping, suspenseful, dystopian.