Do you have a work of fiction lurking in a drawer, filed away on your PC or simply swirling through your mind? Now is the time to let your talent shine.

Entries for the Laura Bower Van Nuys short story contest will be accepted from March 18 through April 1. The contest is sponsored by the Black Hills Writers Group and Dahl Arts Center as part of the Mountain Culture Festival. Stories must be fewer than 5,000 words and include some aspect of "mountain culture."

Fee is $5 per entry. Categories include professional and amateur adult, with prizes of $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third in each category.

Critiques are available for $5 each, with a maximum of two per entry.

Entry forms available at several locations, including the Dahl and Everybody's Bookstore, or online at www.blackhillswritersgroup.org

Send entry fees and written work to Laura Bower Van Nuys Writing Contest, Dahl Arts Center, 713 Seventh St., Rapid City, SD 57701.