As William Shakespeare once wrote: “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

It would be a fitting motto for the Library Shop’s famous contest, challenging writers to show off both soul and wit in the shortest short story possible.

There is no word limit, but the story must fit on the inside of a matchbook. Under 50 words is a good guideline.

Entries are now being accepted for the seventh annual Matchbook Story Contest through Nov. 15. Each entry costs $5.

For inspiration, take last year’s winning entry by Cindy Chen: While we sat there, they came. They watched her with blank warm eyes and lifted her away. We still talk about her — the girl who was taken by a murder — and wonder if the crows will ever strike again.

And 2021’s winner by Sarah Hilliard: “Imagine yourself as a frog on a lily pad,” the soothing voice murmurs in my ear. Obediently, I picture it: Slimy and cold, I am adrift in a polluted pond. A heron’s lethal beak looms. My legs prepare to leap but it is too late. I delete the meditation app.”

This year’s winning short story, to be announced Dec. 7, will be printed on a limited-edition matchbook available for purchase at the Library Shop, located inside the San Diego Central Library. The winner will receive a $50 Library Shop gift card, 50 matchbooks with their story, and their winning matchbook installed as part of the Tiny Book Display in the Hervey Family Rare Book Room at the Central Library.

This year also includes a new Team Category, allowing groups, such as companies, book clubs or schools, to enter their members for $75, with no limit to the number of stories. Along with an overall single winner for the contest, judges will also declare a winner from each team.

“Libraries are a place where creativity and imagination are nurtured, and this annual contest provides an opportunity for everyone to show their creative side,” said Scott Ehrig-Burgess, manager of the Library Shop and public engagement manager for the Library Foundation SD. “This annual tradition for library patrons has become one of the most popular programs in the past few years.”

This year, Library Foundation SD Trustee Judith Wenker will quadruple match each entry with a $20 gift donation. The proceeds of the contest benefits programs at all 36 city library branches.

The contest is open to all ages. To enter, visit libraryshopsd.org/shortstory.