Our holiday fiction contest needs you

Advertiser Staff

It's time to sharpen your pencils (or fire up your computer) and write us a story to be entered in The Advertiser's annual Holiday Fiction Writing Contest.

Each year, we're honored with a strong batch of entries in this fiction 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 stories should have a seasonal theme, but need not be about Christmas.

Winners will receive a cash prize, and their stories will be published in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day newspapers. They also will be placed on our Web site.

Entries will be accepted through Nov. 14.

Judges are Advertiser staff members for the first cut and community writers and editors 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 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 is acceptable.
• Include name, address, day phone number; label each page. No pseudonyms, please.
• Story must be original.
• Entrants must be Hawai'i residents (including Hawai'i-based military). Advertiser employees are barred.
• Winners will be asked to allow publication in print and online.
• Judges' decisions are final.
• Deadline: Postmarked or received by Nov. 14.

Mail stories to: Holiday Fiction, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, fax to (808) 525-8055, or e-mail to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com.