The contest is open to anyone age 14 and up, and entries are due by May 25.

Submitted by West Hartford Library

The West Hartford Library is holding a new contest open to writers anywhere in the world. Based on the book, Hint Fiction, by Robert Swartwood, they want your best complete story — which hints at a larger, more complex narrative — written in 25 words or less.

“Hint Fiction entries should be entertaining, thought-provoking, and evoke an emotional response,” said librarian Joseph Cadieux, who conceived the contest. “Stories both light and dark are appreciated.”

Forty finalists will be selected by the staff of the West Hartford Libraries. From these, the top 10 will be selected by three library-sponsored writing groups: West Hartford Fiction Writers, Connecticut Screenwriters, and the Faxon Poets.

Each of the top 10 winners will receive a $25 cash award, provided by the library’s Thomas Kilfoil Bequest.

All 40 finalist and top 10 winners will be notified via email on June 25, 2015. Cash awards will follow by mail within three weeks. The return of any notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. No substitution or transfer of a prize is permitted.

To enter, email your Hint Fiction story (twenty-five words or fewer) to hintfiction@westhartfordlibrary.org with the subject line: HINT FICTION. You may also give your story a title of five words or fewer. Your title does not count against your 25 word limit.

Your entry must also include your full name, your full mailing address (so we can mail any winnings), your phone number, and age.

Entries will be accepted until May 25, 2015. No more than three entries may be submitted per person. Entries may be grouped together in one submission. All entries must be original, unpublished, and must not have been submitted elsewhere for any purpose. Participants must be at least 14 years old on the date of submission.

For more details, visit http://bit.ly/hintfiction, or contact Cadieux at 860-561-6998.