The Smuggler's Apprentice by Eliana Abrams is shortlisted for the 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award, 16-21 Category. 

The Smuggler's Apprentice: After authorities burn Velmora's last library — an homage to Fahrenheit 451 — young Ari secretly joins an underground network smuggling banned books. Mentored by the mysterious Granger, Ari undertakes dangerous missions across sectors patrolled by ruthless guards, including his former friend Teren. Ari narrowly evades capture during tense smuggling drops, delivering hope to those who still seek knowledge. As danger mounts, Ari confronts unexpected allies and concealed truths until the true nature of his mission becomes clear.

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An interview with Eliana:

WNSF: What is your favourite book?

Eliana: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. There is something timeless and irresistibly clever about the way Christie crafts her mysteries, they are intricate, atmospheric and always one step ahead of the reader. This particular book had me hooked from the very first page. 

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

Eliana: Taylor Jenkins Reid is my favourite author. I admire her ability to craft emotionally rich, layered stories that feel both cinematic and intimate. What I find especially inspiring is how she sets her novels in specific time periods. This choice adds a unique texture and depth to her work. I also appreciate how her romantic plots defy clichés; they’re messy, real, and extremely entertaining. She’s inspired me to push the boundaries in my own writing and to never shy away from telling bold, unusual stories.

WNSF: What is your favourite subject at school?

Eliana: History. I’ve always been fascinated by how human nature shapes the course of events. The triumphs, the tragedies, and everything in between.

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

Eliana: Adventure writing is about suspense, exhilaration, and escape. It takes readers to places they have never been, and makes them feel like they're right there alongside the characters. I chose to try to write adventure stories because I love that feeling of being swept away. Through my characters, I get to live out wild, daring experiences I may never attempt in real life. I especially enjoy being able to control where the story goes, the ability to create tension, introduce obstacles, and craft unforgettable moments. 

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

Eliana: I would ask an author how they ensure that other readers will find their ideas interesting, and how they balance personal passion with broader appeal.

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

Eliana: Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his life to teaching about his experience in the Holocaust, is one of my heroes. Despite unimaginable trauma, he became a global moral voice and advocate for human rights. His courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth make him one of the most powerful moral voices of our time and a personal inspiration.

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

Eliana: I would like to go cliff jumping in the Philippines. Even though I'm terrified of heights, I would love to swim in the clear blue waters of the Philippines. I crave that stomach-churning feeling right before the jump, and the overwhelming relief and exhilaration that comes after. It would be a personal challenge and an unforgettable memory.

WNSF: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? 

Eliana: I draw inspiration from both books and life. Every story I read leaves a fingerprint on my writing, but it's my lived experiences that shape my stories the most. The people I meet, the emotions I feel, and the places I travel to change my perspective on the world, and my stories stem from those changes. 

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

Eliana: Ancient Greece. I’d love to immerse myself in a world so vastly different from my own. The philosophy, the art, and the myths all fascinates me. Plus, I would love to eat Greek food straight from the source!

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

Eliana: Forbidden. Luminous. Enduring.

WNSF: Wishing you the best of luck with the next stage of the competition, Eliana!