Records are often seen as the domain of seasoned professionals, the achievements reserved for those with decades of experience under their belts. But now and then, someone comes along and reminds the world that talent knows no age limit. Imagine being just 10 years old and already rewriting the history books. Meet Hephzibah Akinwale, the young literary prodigy who did just that.
At an age when most children are still perfecting their handwriting, she was crafting entire worlds with words. In 2023, she set a Guinness World Record for the longest fiction novel ever written by a child, a feat that stunned the literary community. Her debut novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, wasn’t just an ambitious project—it was a full-fledged 58,000-word masterpiece that surpassed the previous record of 44,000 words.
But Hephzibah’s story is about more than just numbers. It’s about creativity, determination, and the magic of storytelling. From the moment she picked up a pen, she wasn’t just writing—she was building worlds, crafting adventures, and proving that young voices deserve to be heard. Her journey isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s an inspiration for young dreamers everywhere, reminding them that no idea is too big and no dream is out of reach.
And the best part? She’s just getting started.
A Prodigy’s Early Beginnings: The Making of a Record-Breaker
Born on January 1, 2012, in Cambridge, England, Hephzibah Akinwale seemed destined to stand out. Even as a young child, her world was filled with stories—both the ones she read and the ones she imagined. But her love for storytelling wasn’t just a fleeting childhood hobby; it was a passion that took root early and grew with her.
By the time she turned eight, Hephzibah was already writing down her stories, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a vivid imagination. Her mother, Chika Akinwale, recognized this gift and encouraged her to develop it further. It didn’t take long before Hephzibah began crafting complex narratives, blending reality with fantasy in an effortless and compelling way.
Her home environment played a huge role in shaping her creative spirit. Growing up with two younger sisters, Beulah and Sovereign, Hephzibah was surrounded by endless adventures, playful banter, and shared stories. The lively dynamic of her household provided a rich backdrop for her storytelling, and soon, she was channeling these experiences into her writing.
What began as short stories soon turned into something much bigger. When Hephzibah sat down to write Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, she didn’t set out to break records—she simply wanted to tell a great story. But as the pages piled up, it became clear that she was creating something extraordinary.
With unwavering support from her family and an unshakeable belief in her talent, Hephzibah transformed her childhood passion into a world record. What started as an ordinary girl’s love for writing turned into a global inspiration.
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The Journey to a Guinness World Record
For most ten-year-olds, finishing a book report feels like an achievement. For Hephzibah Akinwale, finishing an entire novel wasn’t just a goal—it was a thrilling adventure. What started as an imaginative idea blossomed into Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, a 58,000-word novel that would later earn her a Guinness World Record as the youngest author to write the longest fiction novel.
Published on September 21, 2023, Hephzibah’s novel didn’t just surpass expectations—it shattered the previous record of 44,000 words, setting a new global benchmark. The book follows a fictionalized version of herself navigating an enchanting world where dreams and reality intertwine. With a mix of time travel, self-discovery, and adventure, her story resonates with readers of all ages, proving that a child’s imagination knows no limits.
Her writing is far from simplistic. Despite her age, Hephzibah weaves intricate narratives, builds compelling characters, and constructs fantastical settings that draw readers into her world. It’s a skill many seasoned authors have spent years perfecting—yet she has done it before reaching her teenage years.
Her accomplishment wasn’t just about numbers and records. It was about representation—about proving that young, Black, and minority voices in literature matter. Through her storytelling, Hephzibah has become an inspiring figure for young writers everywhere, showing them that there is no age limit to greatness.
With this groundbreaking achievement, Hephzibah didn’t just write a book—she rewrote the narrative of what’s possible for young authors.
Breaking Records with the Power of Imagination
At just 10 years old, Hephzibah Akinwale accomplished what many seasoned writers only dream of—she penned a 58,000-word novel, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest fiction novel written by a child. Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away wasn’t just an impressive display of creativity; it was a testament to the boundless potential of young minds when given the space to dream.
The novel, published on September 21, 2023, shattered the previous record of 44,000 words, making Hephzibah’s name one to remember in literary history. But beyond the numbers, what made this achievement truly remarkable was her ability to craft a world so immersive and vivid that readers of all ages found themselves transported into the adventure.
Chronicles of the Time Keepers follows a young girl—modeled after Hephzibah herself—who stumbles upon an ancient clock and is whisked away into a futuristic world filled with mysteries, friendships, and hidden powers. The novel seamlessly weaves science fiction, fantasy, and self-discovery elements, proving that Hephzibah’s storytelling skills go far beyond her years.
Her accomplishment was more than a personal victory; it became an inspiration for young writers worldwide, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. She showed that age is no barrier to success and that the voices of young storytellers deserve to be heard.
But Hephzibah’s journey didn’t stop at breaking records. She had a bigger mission—to use her platform to encourage diversity in literature, ensuring that children from ethnic minority backgrounds could see themselves represented in the stories they read.
Major media outlets picked up her story, and readers, educators, and literary critics alike praised her work. It wasn’t just about the length of her novel—it was about the depth of her imagination, the richness of her storytelling, and the fearless way she pursued her dreams.
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What’s Next for Hephzibah? A Future Filled with Stories and Possibilities
For most 11-year-olds, breaking a world record would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement—but for Hephzibah Akinwale, this is only the beginning. With her boundless creativity and an insatiable passion for storytelling, she is already thinking about what comes next.
Her debut novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, is just the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary literary journey. She has hinted at expanding the series, diving deeper into the world of timekeepers, and taking readers on even more thrilling adventures. The young author is determined to show that children can write complex, immersive stories just as well as adults—if not better.
Beyond fiction, Hephzibah is exploring new ways to inspire young minds. She hopes to encourage other children to embrace their creativity, whether through writing, art, or digital storytelling. Through her YouTube channel and upcoming projects, she wants to make literacy exciting and accessible, especially for kids who don’t often see themselves represented in literature.
Her influence continues to grow, and publishers, educators, and literary communities are taking notice. Schools and reading programs have started using her book to motivate young writers, proving that her work is already impacting beyond the record books.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly where Hephzibah’s talents will take her next, one thing is certain: her story is far from over. She has already rewritten the rules of what a young author can achieve—and this is just the beginning of her legacy.
The world is watching. The next chapter is hers to write.