Read the Winners of American Short Fiction’s 2026 Insider Prize
Writing is a challenge, at every level. There are constant pressures acting upon a writer: juggling between responsibilities and work; prioritizing health; making and somehow slowing down time; even, perhaps, the arresting, infinite possibilities of the page.
The 2026 Insider Prize, awarded by American Short Fiction, recognizes outstanding literary works written by incarcerated individuals. The prize highlights the resilience and creativity of writers facing significant challenges, including limited resources and restricted freedom. Five winners were selected by novelist Elizabeth McCracken, who praised their depictions of fortitude, honesty, and narrative power. The submissions, submitted via handwritten or typed letters mailed in envelopes, explored themes such as injustice, harsh living conditions, violence, and addiction. The prize underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and fostering connection through storytelling.
The first-place fiction winner is Charles Hill for the story Prisoner’s Home, which follows Chris, a man released after a 10-year prison sentence, as he struggles to adjust to life outside. The story explores his identity crisis, where he adopts the name Crazy in prison but faces difficulty reconnecting with his past self. Runner-up in fiction is Brian Stevens with A Hairy Tale, a suspenseful story about a character trying to remove his cellmate’s hair from their shared space. In nonfiction, Deanna Carney won first place for Sit. Stay., an essay reflecting on trauma and healing through pets. Runners-up in nonfiction are Matthew Mendoza with Zen and the Art of Civil Commitment and Steven Perez with Aunt Terry and Josiah King, both addressing themes of family and redemption.
The writers submitted their works from within the carceral system, meaning they are currently or were recently incarcerated in prisons or jails. Charles Hill, for example, was discharged after submitting his story, but his current whereabouts are unknown. Deanna Carney is set to be released on parole in late September 2026. The submissions highlight the harsh realities of prison life, such as oppressive heat in Texas facilities, violence against transgender women, and struggles with addiction. Writers often communicate at their own expense, sending handwritten or typed letters through the mail, which requires significant effort and time under restricted conditions.
The winning works tackle diverse and complex themes. Charles Hill’s Prisoner’s Home examines identity, freedom, and the lasting impact of incarceration through vivid prose and emotional depth. Brian Stevens’ A Hairy Tale uses suspense and detail to portray the mundane yet stressful challenges of prison life. Deanna Carney’s Sit. Stay. blends poetic prose with themes of trauma and healing, while Matthew Mendoza and Steven Perez’s nonfiction pieces explore systemic injustices and the longing for family connection. The stories reflect the writers’ unique perspectives and the raw honesty required to navigate their circumstances.
The Insider Prize serves as a platform for incarcerated writers to share their stories, fostering hope, forgiveness, and redemption. The prize is organized by *American Short Fiction* in partnership with *Lit Hub* and *Huston-Tillotson University*. The assistant editors and Sergio Muro, the Insider Prize Director, express gratitude for the opportunity to highlight these voices. The works remind readers of their own privileges and the responsibility to uplift marginalized communities. By reading these stories, audiences are encouraged to reflect on societal issues and the power of narrative to bridge gaps between different lived experiences.
