And the winner is: “Relentless” by Michael Maloof!

During an exciting convention and award ceremony at the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society Convention Adventure Writers Competition, finalists Kirk Rafferty, Keith Weber, and Michael Maloof awaited the announcement of the “Grandmaster Winner.” After book trailers were premiered, Best-selling author Dirk Cussler took the stage. “This year any of the finalists could have been chosen the winner,” he said. “Each is deserving of this award. Unfortunately, only one can bring home the Grandmaster Winner’s trophy. This year the award goes to Relentless, by Michael Maloof.”

“Making the finals with my debut novel was amazing—capturing the Clive Cussler Grandmaster title is beyond words,” Michael said, joining from soggy Ashville, North Carolina via Zoom. “My journey as an author, and The Kate Preacher Thrillers, are just beginning.”

Jeff Edwards, Publisher with Braveship Books, award-winning author, and inaugural winner of the Adventure Writers Competition reminded the finalists that “Making the top ten in this competition is amazing. To make the top three is a stunning achievement. You should each be proud and use this award to propel your career as others have. Good luck to you all.”

Keith Weber, a two-time finalist for Intentional (2023) and Night Rules (2024) said “While I’m thrilled to have had two of my books as finalists in the Adventure Writers Competition, the reality is the AWC is more of a community than a competition. I’ve met some wonderful people who also happen to be talented authors, all of whom are very willing to share their knowledge and expertise to advance the craft of adventure writing. I can’t wait for next year!”

“This is the only competition we know of that has a large panel of judges who read every entry,” said Peter Greene, AWC Director. “It is a tough competition, but the quality never ceases to amaze me. We are now beginning our 15th year, and thanks to the generosity of the Cussler Family, the Clive Cussler Collector’s Society, our great judges, and other sponsors of the competition, we hope to continue for many years to come!”

The Adventure Writers Competition accepts action/adventure novels for their yearly competition, which opens for 2025 submissions from January – April 2022.

Our 2024 Finalists:

“Cosmonaut and the Fisherman” by Kirk Rafferty
“Night Rules” by Keith Weber
“Relentless” by Michael Maloof

Thanks to all who entered and supported the competition. A big call out to the over a dozen judges! You guys are the best!

Get ready to enter the 2025 AWC January 1 through April 30, 2025.