Twice Upon A Time Bookshop is soliciting people's love stories.

“I'd like to hear the valley's best love stories,” said Margie Wilson who owns Twice Upon A Time along with her husband, Frank Cooley. “High romance on the Western Slope. It doesn't necessarily have to result in marriage.”

Topics could include where and how a couple met; courtships; long-distance relationships; or humorous anecdotes, Wilson said.

The stories will be judged by an independent three-member panel. The winner will be notified by Feb. 13. The person with the best love story will win a Valentine's package of goodies including a $50 gift certificate for Twice Upon A Time Bookshop.

Wilson plans to print out the stories so bookstore patrons can read them when they come into the shop.

“I thought it would be fun to have them available in the store on Valentine's Day,” Wilson said. The shop is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wilson plans to illustrate the stories which will be bound and available at the shop's counter.

The grand prize winner will also have the option of having his or her story published in the Grand Junction Free Press.

The tales will be judged not so much on the writing, as for its human interest, Wilson said.

Stories can be typed or handwritten, and be of any length. Entries must be received by 6 p.m. Feb. 10.

Names, addresses and phone numbers are required on all entries, although people may request anonymity on printed or published stories, Wilson said.

Stories may be dropped off at the store, 2885 North Ave., # 3, or mailed. E-mail submissions will not be accepted.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.