is inviting Bermuda?s writers to submit entries for the newspaper?s annual Christmas Short Story Contest.

The deadline is Friday, December 2 at 5 p.m. Stories may be fiction or non-fiction.

Cash prizes will be presented in each of two categories ? under 18s and adults.

The winner in each section will receive $400 (up from $300 last year) and the runner-up will receive $250 (up from $200 in 2003).

Two special awards of $125 will go to the authors of stories showing exceptional promise regardless of category.

Stories will be judged on the themes of Christmas and Bermuda traditions. Each year the judges look for vivid Christmas themes and local references, content, correct spelling, correct grammar and punctuation.

Entries must be typed and should not exceed 1,500 words.

Manuscripts must be submitted to clearly marked, ?Christmas Short Story Contest?, and indicating the category entered.

Whether it is an adult entry or an under 18 entry must also be indicated.

Manuscripts may be submitted by hand in the drop-off box in the lobby of The Royal Gazette, by mail to ?Christmas Short Story Contest?, , PO Box HM1025, Hamilton HMDX, or by e-mail to jmonizroyalgazette.bm

The full name, address and telephone number of the author must be given. Pen names will not be accepted. Stories received after the deadline will not be considered.

A panel of judges will decide the winning entries which will be published in Christmas Greetings Supplement on Christmas Eve. reserves the right to publish any or all of the stories submitted.