Luminary Prize Winning Author Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith
Bob was raised in Chicago and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1968. After four years of service as a Russian linguist in the Security Service Command—a branch of the NSA—he attended DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School on the G.I. Bill.
With more than thirty years of experience as a criminal defense attorney in Chicago, Bob brings a lifetime of insight and authenticity to his novels.
His Running with Cannibals (2022) earned the Grand Prize for the CIBA 2022 Hemingway Award for Best 20th-Century Wartime Fiction. A Long Way from Clare (2022) was the 2023 CIBA Goethe Award Winner (1st Place), a Finalist for the 2023 Clue Award for Best Mystery, a Finalist for the 2023 Eric Hoffer Award, and the Winner of the 2023 Pencraft Best Book Award (Fall). His earlier work, The Sakhalin Collection (2007), was named a 2025 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist in the Legacy category.
Bob’s seventh novel, A Gamble on Liberty, was released in June 2025. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife.
www.robertsmithbooks.com
Also by Robert W. Smith:
- A Long Way from Clare
- To Pledge Allegiance
Luminary Prize Winning Author Timeout Taumua
Timeout Taumua
During his challenging high school years, Timeout Taumua held on to one enduring dream — to become a published author. Life tested him early, and he eventually found himself in a difficult place that he could not escape for more than two decades. Yet, in retrospect, those struggles became the foundation that prepared him for the realization of his lifelong ambition.
As he reflected on humanity’s indifference and the growing threats to civilization and family safety, Timeout began searching for ways to inspire change and strengthen faith. His approach was unique: to move beyond belief based solely on faith and instead present ten pieces of scientific evidence demonstrating the existence of God — the Creator of heaven and earth.
Shortly after making this decision, Timeout experienced what he now describes as a spiritual encounter with God — perhaps even a form of what some might call a “law-of-attraction” experience. He believes that the scientific depth he later uncovered within biblical stories — such as references that align with the discovery of the atom — was God’s direct response to his search for truth.
Although he lacks formal higher education in science or theology, Timeout views this revelation as divine guidance rather than coincidence. He is currently working on his second book, which he says will unveil the remainder of this extraordinary “download.”
2025 LUMINARY PRIZE FINALISTS
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2026 AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
ONE ENTRY
A single book submission qualifies an author for consideration on the Longlist, as a Category Winner, and as an Author of the Year—along with eligibility for the grand prize: the 2025 Luminary Prize in Fiction or Nonfiction.
$19 per title
*AWARD TIMELINE*
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 12/1/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: 12/21/2026
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• Submit your entry fee online.
• Email a copy of your completed entry form, along with a PDF copy of your book (including the cover), to "admin@personsoftheyear.com."
• Attach an author bio and any previous press releases or marketing materials for each title (if available).
2026 AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
