Our 46th Annual 3-Day novel competition was fierce—so-much-so that we needed time for some additional consideration and debate! But now we are absolutely delighted to be announcing our top three finalists—and winner!
Anvil Press and the 3-Day Novel Contest are delighted to announce the winner of the 46th annual 3-Day Novel Contest: So We Blush Less When The Phone Rings by Mark Wagstaff.
When love feels real does it matter if it’s programmed? Might reliable, algorithmic love work better? What is ‘being human’? So We Blush Less When The Phone Rings presents a world where difference is hinged on being organic or customised, being physical or a controlled visualisation. Power dynamics are hazy. The old uncertainties of romance are nothing to reliable engineering.
But in this society, not all can be winners — including those with analogue brains. The purpose of this society is to hold a bright blanket around chronic scarcity. It’s gotten too hot to do anything more. And even a respectable happy married couple, once they step outside the game, find themselves talking to bullets.
Mark Wagstaff’s work has appeared in Rockvale Review, Ginosko Literary Journal, Solstice and Does It Have Pockets? He also won the 39th Annual 3-Day Novel Contest with the off-kilter romcom, Attack of the Lonely Hearts. Mark’s latest novel, raucous teen thriller On the Level was published in 2022 through Leaf by Leaf, an imprint of Cinnamon Press. His new novel, Mascara, will be published by Cinnamon Press in June 2025.
Runner-up: Tania Luna! Growing up as an immigrant sparked Tania’s fascination with human behavior. She went on to research psychology, write three leadership books, and produce a mockumentary, The Last Rodriguez, streaming on Amazon. Her TED talk about her personal story has nearly 2 million views. Tania has also founded multiple companies, including two animal protection nonprofits: Scarlet Spark and Scarlet Heart Sanctuary. After spending most of her life in NYC, she now lives in the woods with 30+ animals and the love of her life.
In third place, we have Alison McBain!
Alison McBain’s novels are the recipients of 13+ awards, including the Foreword INDIES. In her current project “Author Versus AI” she’s writing a book a week for a year, using NO AI at all (52 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids.
We are so pleased to be publishing Mark’s novel in Fall 2025! Congratulations to all the finalists, and to everyone who completed a novel in 2023.
Judging is now commencing on the 2024 contest, and we will be endeavouring to be announcing the winners ahead of the 2025 contest—the 2025 International 3-Day Novel Contest will happen Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1. Early Bird Registration opens March 15, 2025!