See your own holiday story in The Advertiser

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 cash prizes, and their stories will be published in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day newspapers, as well as on our Web site.

Entries will be accepted through November. Judges will include members of The Advertiser staff for the first cut and writers and editors in the community for the final decision.

The rules:

• Length: 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. 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; no pseudonyms, please.
• Story must be original and your own work.
• Entrants must be Hawai'i residents (including Hawai'i-based military people). Advertiser employees may not enter.
• Winning entrants will be asked to sign a contract allowing publication of the story in print and online.
• Judges' decisions are final.
• Deadline: Postmarked or received by Nov. 30.

Stories should be mailed to: Holiday Fiction, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, faxed to 525-5500, or e-mailed to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com.