Traditions sustain us in difficult times. So this year, we're particularly looking forward to your uplifting entries in The Advertiser's annual Holiday Fiction Contest.

We are seeking inspirational (but not syrupy) stories, to appear in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Island Life sections. And we're cooking up some prizes.

The categories are:

• Fiction suitable for adults, 1,500 words.

• Fiction suitable for reading aloud by or to children: 1,000 words.

Neither need to have a strictly holiday or Christian theme, but the stories should be thought-provoking and in keeping with the spirit of seeking a deeper meaning in life and promoting good will among all.

Poetry is acceptable. The Advertiser will develop illustrations for the stories; entries should not be illustrated.

RULES

• Place story name, writer's name, address, daytime phone number on each page of the story (this information will be removed before the story goes to judges).

• Story must be your own work and may be based on a real-life experience.

• Entrants must be Hawai'i-based. Advertiser employees are not eligible to enter.

• Winning entrants will sign a contract allowing publication in The Advertiser print and online editions.

• Judges' decisions are final.

• Deadline: Postmarked on or received by Nov. 30.

• Mail to: Holiday fiction, Island Life, The Honolulu Advertiser, PO Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax to 525-8055; or e-mail to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com.