The Royal Gazette is inviting Bermuda's writers to submit entries for the newspaper's annual Christmas Short Story Contest. The deadline is Monday, December 8 at 5 p.m. Stories may be fiction or non-fiction. Cash prizes will be presented in each of three categories – under-13s, under-18s and adults.

The winner in each section will receive $400 and the runner-up will receive $250. A special award of $125 in each category 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. The judges look for vivid Christmas themes and local references, content, correct spelling, correct grammar and punctuation.

Judges prefer entries from students to be upbeat and free of violence. Christmas is a time of peace. Entries must be typed and should not exceed 1,500 words. Manuscripts must be submitted to The Royal Gazette clearly marked, 'Christmas Short Story Contest', and indicating the category entered.

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', The Royal Gazette, PO Box HM1025, Hamilton HMDX. Entries can also be e-mailed to jmoniz@royalgazette.bm, marked 'Christmas Short Story Entry'.

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 that will be published in The Royal Gazette's Christmas Greetings Supplement on Christmas Eve.

Due to the high volume of submissions, The Royal Gazette staff cannot respond to telephone or e-mail inquiries once an entry is submitted. The Royal Gazette reserves the right to publish any or all of the stories submitted.