The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times will invite entries for the third annual Bernard Heeney Contest For Creative Writing. The contest celebrates reading and writing as exemplified by the late Mr. Heeney, who relished publications, particularly newspapers. The contest is open to anyone and there is no entry fee. There is one essential criteria – have fun.

All entries are to be original, unpublished work; winning authors will receive prizes and their entries will be published this spring in the 36th Annual This Is Westfield.

Entries are to be 700 to 1200 words. A photograph or illustration is welcomed. In the spirit of creative writing, contestants are encouraged to consider past, present or future; history, commentary, sports, art, humor, science fiction, essay, mystery and illustration -- in some fashion, with a tie to Westfield or surrounding communities.

An author may submit up to three entries, which may be tendered early to receive editorial feedback with an opportunity for resubmission.

Former Westfield Town Clerk Bernard Heeney, Jr., who died in 2005 at the age of 56, was a pivotal presence in the town’s government for more than a quarter century. He had a friendly, chipper nature and an ability to get things done. Among many things, he was innovative while making sure everything was done “according to Hoyle.” Mr. Heeney read several newspapers each day and was proud that many of his letters were published, including one in The New York Times.