Calling all aspiring novelists, would-be writers and prepubescent Poes, the Journal-World is encouraging youths to enter its annual Scary Story Contest.

Finish this story in 500 words or less: “My eyes opened to a harsh, white light and I realized I wasn’t in my room where I had fallen asleep.”

Send your story with your name, age, grade and school to go@ljworld.com. The deadline for submissions is noon Oct. 17, and entries must be submitted via email. Winners in the high school, junior high and elementary school divisions will be announced Oct. 31 in the Pulse section.

For more information, call Trevan McGee at 832-7178 or email tmcgee@ljworld.com with the subject line “Scary Story Contest.”