2026 SJV Awards finalists announced

“The Baker’s Son’s Iced Buns” is a finalist in the “Best Novella or Novelette” category at this year’s Sir Julius Vogel Awards (New Zealand’s science fiction and fantasy awards)!

The Baker's Son's Iced Buns title. Sir Julius Vogel Award Finalist badge. Cabinet of baked goods in the background.

A huge thank you to everyone who nominated my story. I’m so pleased to see it making the shortlist alongside such wonderful and talented authors as Andi R. Christopher, A.J.S. Imms, and Melissa Gunn.

You can see the “Best Novella or Novelette” finalists in the screenshot below:

You can see the full list of finalists in all categories in the announcement on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand (SFFANZ) website:

2026 Sir Julius Vogel Award finalists announced

Next up will be judging and then the winners will be announced later in the year. I’ll be sure to keep on top of any updates, so subscribe to my newsletter if you want to hear what happens too.

What’s my story about?

“The Baker’s Son’s Iced Buns” by G. B. Ralph tells the tale of an unlikely pair as they fire up their bakery early one market day.

Focused on fulfilling the vast orders and serving the many visitors to his small coastal town, the stubborn baker’s efforts are complicated by a restless juvenile dragon, a well-meaning friend, and the arrival of a handsome stranger. It’ll take more than a touch of magic to get through this chaotic day.

“The Baker’s Son’s Iced Buns” is a tasty little tale with more baked treats than you can shake a wooden spoon at – come and take a bite!

The story is featured in The Law of Mischief anthology and when you grab yourself a copy, you’ll also be treated to a bunch of other fantastical tales from a brilliant group of authors!