Announcing the Winners of History Through Fiction’s 3rd Annual Short Story Contest!

Written By Colin Mustful

History Through Fiction is thrilled to reveal the results of our Third Annual Short Story Contest! This year, we received an incredible 110 submissions from historical fiction writers around the world. After careful review by our editors and the guidance of our dedicated volunteer judges, we’ve selected our grand prize winner and runner-up.

And the winners are…

🏆 Grand Prize Winner: The Blood of Englishmen by Cecil Beckett
Cecil Beckett’s story plunges readers into the skies of World War I, following the legendary Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, as he grapples with the thrill of aerial combat, the toll of severe injury, and the shadows of depression and doubt. With vivid descriptions of dogfights, the psychological strain of war, and moments of fleeting humanity, this story captivated our judges and earned the $250 grand prize. The Blood of Englishmen will lend its title to our forthcoming anthology and will be featured in an interview on History Through Fiction: The Podcast.

🥈 Runner-Up: The God of Sight by Morgan Want
Morgan Want’s story offers a profoundly human perspective on the biblical figure Hagar, recounting her perilous journey through the desert with her son Ishmael. Rich in historical and cultural detail, the story explores themes of survival, faith, and maternal devotion, bringing new depth to a timeless tale. Morgan receives a $150 cash prize and a written interview featured on our blog, alongside publication in our paperback anthology.

All ten stories from our shortlist will be published in the HTF Short Story Anthology, set for release on March 3, 2026. Each shortlisted author also receives a $75 cash prize and the opportunity to share their work with readers around the world.

Congratulations to all the authors who made the shortlist:

  • Lucky by Zena Ryder

  • The God of Sight by Morgan Want

  • The Presbyterian Settee by Rob Hardy

  • The Bright Leaf Legacy by Jacqueline Van Hoewyk

  • The Blood of Englishmen by Cecil Beckett

  • Diary of an Empire by Shay Galloway

  • Body #311 by Christopher DeWitt

  • San Francisco Is Buckled, San Francisco Is Burning by Rachel Henderson

  • No Shelter by Nicole M. Babb

  • The Violinist by Ezra Harker Shaw

Thank you to everyone who submitted their work this year. Your stories bring history to life and make this contest possible. We can’t wait to share this year’s anthology with readers next March!

Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

Next

Book & Author Spotlight: The Secrets They Wrote by Jill George