Hemingway Days Literary Events Celebrate Talent and Tradition

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The flourishing Key West literary community that dates back to Ernest Hemingway’s 10-year residence is to be celebrated July 19-24 during Hemingway Days 2011. Literary highlights include the culmination of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway, and other events honoring Ernest’s creative legacy and the talents of contemporary writers.

The literary schedule begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, with the U.S. book debut party for “The Key West Bucket List” at The Porch, 429 Caroline St. Penned by David Sloan, the volume offers entertaining suggestions for “must-do” activities in Key West and the Keys. Sloan’s other writing credits include co-authoring “Quit Your Job and Move to Key West.”

At 8 p.m. Wednesday Lorian Hemingway, whose critically acclaimed books include the powerful “A World Turned Over” and “Walk on Water,” is to lead other renowned writers in an evening of readings. Hosted by Wyland Galleries of Key West, “Voices, Places, Inspirations” takes place at 623 Duval St.

Scheduled participants are Mark Childress, author of the bestselling novel “Crazy in Alabama” and recent sensation “Georgia Bottoms,” among others; Tom Corcoran, noted for his Key West–based Alex Rutledge mysteries and compelling photography book “Key West in Black and White,” and Michael Haskins, whose Mad Mick Murphy mysteries include “Chasin’ the Wind” and “Free Range Institution.”

Hemingway Days’ literary highlight is Lorian Hemingway’s announcement of the winners of her internationally recognized contest for emerging writers of short fiction. The awards reception is set for 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St., Ernest Hemingway’s first Key West address.

A reading of the winning story and a Casa Antigua history presentation by owner Tom Oosterhoudt round out the evening.

Event information: www.shortstorycompetition and www.hemingwaydays.net

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • www.twitter.com/thefloridakeys • www.YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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