One of the hundreds of writers and other artists who were caught up in the infamous Hollywood Blacklist of 1947-1960 was Nelson Algren. One of the best known literary writers in America in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Algren won three O. Henry Awards for his short stories but is most widely known for his 1949 novel The Man With the Golden Arm, winner of the National Book Award.

To honor the writer whose work was largely influenced by his growing up years in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune has run the Nelson Algren short story contest for 30 years. The contest has helped launch such noted authors as Stuart Dybek, Louise Erdrich and Joe Meno.

The deadline for entries to the 2016 Chicago Tribune Nelson Algren Short Story Award contest is January 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.