Read the Winners of American Short Fiction’s 2026 Insider Prize

The 2026 Insider Prize winners for American Short Fiction feature five remarkable stories and essays, all penned under challenging conditions within the carceral system. These poignant works showcase the indomitable spirit, raw honesty, and narrative prowess of the incarcerated authors.

Charles Hill's winning tale, "Prisoner's Home," delves into the struggle of a young man returning home after a lengthy prison sentence. Hill masterfully captures the protagonist's fear of societal judgment and his attempts to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. The story paints a vivid picture of the protagonist's internal turmoil, his attempts to reinvent himself, and the lingering scars of his past.

Brian Steven's runner-up, "A Hairy Tale," offers a suspenseful exploration of the dynamics within a prison cell. The story follows a character's desperate attempt to rid his cellmate's hair, highlighting the lengths to which inmates may go to assert control and maintain order. Steven's meticulous attention to detail and engaging narrative style bring the story's tension to life.

Deanna Carney's winning essay, "Sit. Stay.," provides a deeply personal and emotional account of the author's journey from childhood to parenthood, marked by the unconditional love and support of pets. Through lyrical prose, Carney weaves together the threads of trauma, healing, and resilience, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Her essay serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the human capacity for growth.

In a first for the Insider Prize, two nonfiction works have been honored with runner-up titles. Matthew Mendoza's "Zen and the Art of Civil Commitment" takes readers on a profound journey of self-reflection and redemption, as the author grapples with the complexities of civil commitment and the quest for inner peace. Steven Perez's "Aunt Terry and Josiah King" offers a unique perspective, as the protagonist struggles to connect with his dying aunt through a bunker phone call, exploring themes of loss, connection, and the lengths we go to preserve cherished relationships.

Each of these submissions, whether fiction or nonfiction, offers a unique window into the human condition, examining themes of justice, oppression, violence, addiction, and the yearning to reunite with family. Through their powerful storytelling, these authors shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of incarcerated individuals, reminding us of the power of narrative to inspire hope, forgiveness, and redemption.