Word count limit: 1,500 words.

Stories — fictional or fact-based — must be the author's 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 will be asked to provide a short biography and to send in or sit for a photograph.

Judges' decision is final.

Honolulu Advertiser employees may not enter. Manuscripts or e-mails must include name, address, daytime telephone and e-mail address, and 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.