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The Best Small Fictions anthology threw us a curve this year by combining the 2025-year nominations with another five eligible from January through July of 2026. The anthology will be coming out in 2027, published by Black Lawrence Press.

I feel lucky that I picked up on the change before September 30, the new deadline for this new round of nominations. Almost dropped that ball!

In any case, we have five terrific small fictions to throw into the mix. Once again, they all represent the spirit of The Disappointed Housewife to a tee, and Dottie and I are proud to be able shine a little extra light on them. Do yourself the favor of reading or re-reading each one.

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Vanya, Vanity, and Betrayal on the Bay ~ Jeff Bond and S. M. Strand

Stendhal’s The Red and the Black Meets Raymond Queneau’s Exercises in Style ~ Ági Bori

Emergency Alert ~ Emily Hall

Carnian Pluvial Episode ~ Maia Gerlinger

Said and Done ~ Jonathan Daniel Gardner

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These stories join our prior five nominees (below). Good luck to all ten, and, as always, thank you for reading and supporting The Disappointed Housewife.

Kevin Brennan
Editor
The Disappointed Housewife