Hemingway Days Continues Key West's Rich Literary Tradition
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Ernest Hemingway's decade of residence in Key West ended late in 1939, but his literary legacy lives on — both in the island city and in the annual Hemingway Days festival. Scheduled Tuesday through Sunday, July 16-21, Hemingway Days 2013 offers several events that celebrate Key West's rich literary tradition and the talents of writers both past and present.
The primary literary event is the announcement of the winners of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, July 19. Now in its 33rd year, the competition awards $2,500 annually to emerging writers of short fiction.
Its director, Lorian Hemingway, is Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter and the author of critically acclaimed books including "Walk on Water."
The awards presentation traditionally is held at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St., an architectural showplace that was Ernest Hemingway's first Key West address. Highlights include a reading of the winning story and a presentation by Casa Antigua owner Tom Oosterhoudt on the property's cultural heritage. Admission is free.
Literary aficionados can learn about Key West's two most famous resident writers in unique museum exhibitions. "Hemingway in Key West" is on display at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St. An exhibit exploring Tennessee Williams' years on the island can be viewed at 513 Truman Ave. behind the Key West Business Guild Visitor Center. A festival museum day is scheduled Tuesday, July 16, but both exhibits are open daily.
Contemporary Key West writers are to be spotlighted at readings and presentations set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Wyland Galleries, 623 Duval St.
Participants in "Voices, Places, Inspirations" include bestselling author and pirate expert Pat Croce, who wrote "The Pirate Handbook"; David Sloan, author of "The Key West Bucket List" and "The Ultimate Key Lime Pie Cookbook" among others; historian/writer Alex Vega, who spearheaded the creation of the Key West Firehouse Museum, and adventurer/author Sue Cooper, whose "Millionaire in Flip Flops" encourages readers to abandon outworn beliefs and follow their passion.
Also planned is the reading of a compelling piece penned by Lorian Hemingway, a reception and a showing by Wyland Galleries artists Stephen Muldoon and Steven Quartly. Admission is free.
Best known for his novels and short stories, Ernest Hemingway wrote poetry as well. At 5 p.m. Thursday, July 18, the Key West Poetry Guild is to stage a reading and celebration of his poems at the Blue Heaven restaurant, 729 Thomas St. The landmark restaurant stands on the site of a boxing ring where Hemingway once refereed neighborhood matches. Admission is free.
Event information: shortstorycompetition, hemingwaydays.net
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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Bestselling author and pirate expert Pat Croce wrote "The Pirate Handbook," and will be reading from the guide during "Voices, Places, Inspirations."
Contemporary Key West writers are to be spotlighted at readings and presentations, including David Sloan, author of "The Key West Bucket List" and "The Ultimate Key Lime Pie Cookbook" among others.
Dr. Rob Merritt, author of the poetry collection, The Language of Longing, is the newest members of the judging panel for the long-running Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.