---

We’re in something of a unique position this year with respect to the annual Best Microfiction contest. There’s a limit of 400 words on entries, and it turns out that we only published four pieces in 2025 that are eligible. Three of them are by a single writer.

I happen to think that all three deserve to be considered by the judges, as well as a fourth story that happens to be written by a very talented teenager.

So, here are this year’s nominees:

Three Micros ~ Jeff Hermann

When It Seems Like Nothing Is Happening a Lot Is Happening
We Died But Not Before We Fell In Love
Unimaginable Powers

Without a Checklist ~ Christopher Grady

Congratulations, gentlemen, and Dottie and I will use this opportunity to encourage the submission of more sub 4oo-word stories in 2026. To be honest, it’s not easy to make a piece of fiction that feels whole in itself at 400 words (though many writers have gotten pretty good at it and can make even shorter gems). Show us what you’ve got in ‘26!

Kevin Brennan
Editor
The Disappointed Housewife