It's been famously said there's no trick to writing: Just sit down and open up a vein.

Well, get the the sharp instrument of your mind ready because it's time again for The Advertiser Island Life section's Holiday Fiction Contest, in which local writers receive cash awards for their best stories in two categories: adult, and read-aloud for children. Winners also will see their work published and illustrated in The Advertiser: the adult winner on Christmas Eve and the children's division winner on Christmas Day. This year will also feature an audio version of the children's division winner online.

The contest will be judged by Frank Stewart, editor of Manoa: A Pacific Journal of International Writing, and Shelly Mecum, author of "The Watercolor Cat," with artist Peggy Chun and "God's Photo Album."

Though they are published at Christmas, contest entries need not be on overtly holiday themes and need not concern any holiday in particular. But they are meant to provoke thought and feeling, engender hope, convey the strength of the human spirit or give us all a smile.

The winners in each of the two categories will receive $200.

We've posted last year's winners here online so prospective entrants can see what's worked with judges in the past. You also can hear books editor Wanda Adams read Sue Cowing's winning story, "John Boy's Christmas Zoo," online. See the links at the top of the page.

CONTEST RULES

Word count limit: 1,500 words

Stories — fictional or fact-based — must be the author's own work. Winners will be required to sign a fee-for-service contract attesting that the work is original and that the author has the proper permissions and rights to the work, and granting The Honolulu Advertiser the right to publish the story and place it online. Authors must use their real name; no noms de plume. Authors will be asked to provide a short biography and to send in or sit for a photograph.

Entries in verse are acceptable. Illustrations will not be considered.

Judges' decision is final. Employees of The Honolulu Advertiser may not enter.

Manuscripts or e-mails must include name, address, daytime telephone and e-mail address. No pen names, please.

Manuscripts or e-mails must be labeled "adult" or "children's."

Deadline: Postmarked or e-mailed on or before Nov. 30.

Send stories to: Holiday Fiction, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Or e-mail to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com with "Holiday Fiction" in the subject line. We will confirm receipt of e-mailed entries.