Advertiser fiction contest seeks stories written for the holidays

It's time for 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, as well as placed on our Web site.

Entries will be accepted through November.

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 goodwill.
• Children's stories must be suitable for reading aloud. 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 and your own work.
• Entrants must be Hawai'i residents (Hawai'i-based military may enter). Advertiser employees may not enter.
• Winning entrants will be asked to sign a fee-for-hire contract allowing publication of the story in print and online.
• Deadline: Postmarked or received by Nov. 30.

Mail your stories to: Holiday Fiction, Island Life, Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Fax stories to (808) 525-5500, or e-mail stories to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com.