Tell us your holiday story

Advertiser Staff

Last year, a story about a homeless child and the tale of an old-time rice farmer took the prizes. This year, we're eager to see what characters we'll meet among the entries in our annual Holiday Fiction Writing Contest.

We're looking for inspirational stories in two categories: fiction suitable for adults, and stories that can be read aloud by or to children. The winners will receive a cash prize, and their stories will be published in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day newspapers and placed on our Web site.

This year, we've moved up the deadline; entries will be accepted through October.

The rules:

• Word limit: 1,500 words for adult fiction, 1,000 words for children's stories.

• The adult fiction need not have a holiday theme but it should be inspiring or thought-provoking, in keeping with the seasonal spirit of looking for a deeper meaning and of good will. Poetry also is acceptable.

• Include name, address, daytime phone number; be sure each page is labeled. Authors' names will be published in the newspaper; no pseudonyms, please.

• Story must be original.

• Entrants must be Hawai'i residents, including Hawai'i-based military. Advertiser employees may not enter.

• Winning entrants will be asked to sign a fee-for-hire contract allowing publication of story in print and online.

• Judges' decisions are final.

• Deadline: Postmarked Oct. 31.

Stories should be sent to: Holiday Fiction, Island Life, Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. No faxed or e-mailed entries, please.