Author of Tomorrow Finlay Blair

The Voyage of Fate by Finlay Blair (age 14) is shortlisted for the 2020 12-15 category

After vicious raiders attack her village, adventurous teenager Ingunna must flee her home while protecting her family. On this perilous journey, they are pursued by a power-hungry Viking warlord, who is relentless in his efforts to uncover an ancient mythical artefact. Faced with impossible decisions, Ingunna learns more about herself and the true nature of destiny.

An Interview with Finlay:

What is your favourite book?

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman. The descriptions of all the people and places make you feel so immersed in the world.

Who is your favourite author? 

Probably J.K. Rowling, because the Harry Potter books were some of the first longer books I read.

What is your favourite subject at school?

English – I love reading stories and finding ways they relate to real life.

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

To me, adventure writing is a story about a journey that reflects the characters’ own emotional journeys, with lots of interesting and vivid locations as well. I decided to write an adventure story because I like reading stories with action and excitement, and I wanted to tell a story with an emotional message as well as captivating settings. 

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

How do you plan a whole novel so that it remains consistent throughout? I would love to write a longer story but worry I would make it too complicated.

Who would you consider one of your heroes and why?

My mum, because she has always supported  and inspired me.

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

I would like to travel to countries all around the world, because I think there are so many beautiful places to see.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

I think of genres or time periods I would like to write about and then come up with settings and characters that would fit them.

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

I would go back in time to see ancient civilisations and find out what things were really like in the past. I definitely wouldn’t go into the future, because I think that should be a surprise.

What three words would you use to describe your story?

Exciting, emotional, uplifting