“There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it’s like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.”
- Ernest Hemingway

Would you ever expect to have wild and wacky in the same sentence, or place, as writers? Okay, maybe some would – and here’s one of the reasons why.

July 21 marks Ernest Hemingway’s 110^th birthday – a big deal to his fanatical following. In order to celebrate the author’s birthday, Key West will be hosting their 29^th annual Hemingway Days.

The series of events will span 5 days, from July 21, 2009 – July 26, 2009. The legend in American writers lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s and the hosted competitions and features vary as greatly as the writer’s works.

For a detailed list of dates and events click here.

To be brief, I’ll enlighten you on a few of the things stirring up in South Florida during this extended Hemingway holiday. The serious will be in attendance, too, however.

Aspiring writers, fans, and even Ernest look-alikes will flock to be part of the literary lord’s extravaganza. That’s right, over 100 stocky, short, white-bearded author buffs will descend on Key West to take their shot at the title of “Papa” during the Sloppy Joe Hemingway Look-Alike Contest lasting three nights.

Also held will be a wacky, staged spoof of “Running of the Bulls”, book signings and a single man stage play about Hemingway’s life and inspirations. Besides the bearded man competition, other competitions will include a three-day marlin tournament in honor of Hemingway’s “deep-sea”ted love for the sport fish. Anglers will compete and fish for marlin, tuna, dolphin fish and $250,000 worth of cash prizes. After three days of fishing for success, the competition will close with an awards ceremony and an island-style pig roast.

The two highlights of the touted celebration will be the museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, and the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. This internationally recognized competition offers a $2,000 grand prize to participating and on-the-rise short fiction writers. Lorian Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter, will announce the winner at an awards gala to be held at Casa Antigua where Hemingway first visited Key West.

While you’re away, or here to stay, check out the timeless tribute to a gifted writer all while strolling the beach and basking in literary genius, and a setting sun.

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
- Ernest Hemingway