Perhaps I should call you Papa, since that’s the persona you created down here in Key West, but I admire your work so much that it seems too presumptuous.

"I've spotted you in Key West once or twice ..." (Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau)

You may think it odd that I’m writing you this letter, since you’re presumably now typing on that great battered Royal in the sky (I can’t, somehow, believe you’ve graduated to a laptop or become embroiled in the “Mac versus PC” debate that obsesses your literary legatees).

The fact is, though, I’ve spotted you in Key West once or twice since you departed this life for pleasanter Islands in the Stream — outside Sloppy Joe’s, and on Whitehead Street near your house (you were staring bemusedly at the camera-draped visitors clamoring to get in).

So I know that, on occasion, you escape the celestial realm and return to the place where you loved to raise (excuse the reference) a little hell. And I thought I should alert you about something you might want to slip away for.

Lorian Hemingway and Casa Antigua grand dame Mary Ann Worth share a quiet moment in the historic property's atrium garden. (Photo by Tom Oosterhoudt, Conch Color)

You’re probably aware that Key West has changed since your day, but you might not be aware that you’re regarded as its literary patron saint. In fact, almost 30 years ago, a fellow named Michael Whalton created a festival here honoring your work and lifestyle. Hemingway Days, it’s called. Your brother Leicester had great fun participating in it until he took your path home. 

Anyway, one of the most popular Hemingway Days events is Lorian Hemingway’s announcement of the winners of her short story competition. If you actually do use a laptop, check it out at www.shortstorycompetition.com.

Your granddaughter Lorian has become highly acclaimed for authoring three fine books (look for her memoir “Walk on Water” in that big bookstore in the sky) — though her style is lyrical whereas yours was spare to the bone. 

Critically acclaimed as an author and journalist, Lorian spends hundreds of hours each year encouraging writers who haven't yet achieved success. (Photo by Tom Corcoran)

Lorian shares your love of Key West, and for the past 29 years she’s helped other writers who haven’t yet gotten the recognition they deserve.

Her short story contest offers cash awards — useful whether you have or have not — as well as recognition. And it’s so popular that this year it got 1,000-plus entries from all over the world.

Some of the past winning stories have been downright dazzling, and some of the winning writers have gone on to earn world-class literary fellowships and major publishing deals.

Anyway, Lorian will announce this year’s contest winners at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Casa Antigua (it’s at 314 Simonton St.). You’ll remember the place, though not by that name — it’s the renovated Trevor and Morris Apartments where you stayed when you discovered Key West in 1928.

These days, most of the interior is a huge atrium garden open to the sky, with palm trees and a pool surrounded by beautiful old brick walls. It’s the home of a local publisher named Tom Oosterhoudt and his mother, Mary Ann Worth, and they generously open it up every year for Lorian’s awards event.

"Most attendees, Mr. Hemingway, will believe you're there in spirit anyway ..." (Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau)

After the winners are announced, the audience hears the first public reading of the top story and Tom talks about your history with Casa Antigua. He even gives tours of the place — and I’ll bet you’d really enjoy seeing what a showplace those old apartments have become.

But honestly, Mr. Hemingway, if you can’t get your head out of the clouds, don’t fret about missing the awards (or even Hemingway Days itself). I’ll tell you a secret: most attendees will believe you’re there in spirit anyway.

With admiration,

A Fan