AUGUSTA – The Maine Community College System is accepting submissions by high school juniors for a writing contest being judged by authors Stephen and Tabitha King and Richard Russo.

“A Journey Into Writing” was announced last spring by Gov. John Baldacci and the three authors as a way to encourage creativity and inspire young writers to develop their craft.

All writing entries must be submitted electronically via the college Web site. The contest rules and entry form are available online at www.mccs.me.edu (click on “A Journey Into Writing”). Entries will be accepted until Dec. 1.

More than 16,000 Maine high school juniors are eligible to submit an original poem, short story or essay, up to 1,500 words in length. Up to 25 semi-finalists will be selected by the college system for final review by the three authors. Each of the authors will select a winner.

The three winners will be announced next May and be honored as the governor’s “Young Writer of the Year.” The winners will each receive a check for $2,500; the semi-finalists will receive $100.