The Journal-World’s annual scary story contest is back, and it’s open to students in three categories: elementary school, middle school and high school.

In 500 or fewer words, finish this story: “I had never been afraid of the forest, but there was something about this one that sent chills down my spine.”

Send your story via email with your name, age, grade and school to scary@ljworld.com. The deadline for submissions is noon Oct. 23. Please write “Scary Story Contest” in the subject line.

Winning stories will be published on LJWorld.com on Oct. 31.

For more information, call the newsroom at 832-7154.