The deadline of March 15 has been set for submitting entries in the Telling Our Stories contest at Austin College. Cash prizes totaling $225 will be awarded, as well as certificates of merit.

The contest theme for this year is "Dog Tales, Kitty Paws, and other animal stories." Many people have interesting memories of pets they had as children, and some grew up on farms or in other settings where animals were important. Others have personal stories about exotic animals.

Each writer may enter only one story, and the story should not have been entered in a previous year's TOS contest. Stories must be based on the personal experience or family history of the writer. Length should be approximately 750-1500 words. Entrants must be 18 years old or older and reside in Grayson or adjoining counties (in Texas or Oklahoma). Poetry is not accepted. The age categories are: super seniors - age 80 and older; senior citizens - age 60-79; and adults - age 18-59.

All entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2010. Mail to: Autobiography Festival, Austin College, Suite 61566, 900 N. Grand Ave., Sherman, TX, 75090-4440. Be sure to attach a cover sheet with your name, age, address, and telephone number. Your name should not appear elsewhere on the entry.

Winners will be announced on April 25, 2010. All stories will be rated by the judges as meriting Gold, Silver, or Bronze Star rankings, and each entrant will receive a certificate of merit as part of a recognition program at Austin College on May 2. Cash prizes will be awarded to one outstanding story in each of the three age-categories: $100 to the best story by a super senior; $75 for the best senior citizen story; and $50 in the adult category.

For additional information, contact Dr. Jerry Lincecum at 903-893-6041 or at jlincecum@austincollege.edu.