Announcing the
Witold Krull Literary Award
In honor of the birthday of Witold Krull, Hotel Greene conducts an annual literary prize in his name— every Summer, entries accepted Memorial Day through mid-September and the winner announced in October.
Krull was a young writer of great promise who resided in Room 208. He was beloved by staff and other long-term residents and impressed everyone with his kindness and work ethic. His few writings were widely circulated among friends and, a month before his passing, Krull sold his first novel “Ashes” to the famed publishing house of Brodski and Lange. The editors labeled his ability to convey deep feeling with few words “Knappstil.” On September 1, 1939, in protest of the German invasion, Krull took the elevator to the roof of Hotel Greene and jumped to his death. He left a cigarette burning in Room 208 with a handsome tip for hotel staff and a note to the maid Zosia apologizing for leaving them behind and an instruction to destroy all of his manuscripts.
We at Hotel Greene hold the conviction that everyone has both a heartfelt apology to give and to demand. To that end, we make it easy by offering postcards at check out with highfalutin’ words of pain, regret and righteous anger written by famous writer Sandra Newman (author of “Julia,” “The Heavens,” “The Men,” “The Only Good Thing Anyone Has Ever Done” and much else). Just stamp and address it to the deserving one…
Now it is your turn. Write an apology or apology-demand in the spirit of Hotel Greene and Witold Krull. The rules are simple, but challenging— your entry must (i) fit on the back of a postcard, (ii) actually offer or demand an apology, and (iii) mention our fine hotel. May Knappstil live on! Fame and riches await.
the prize
Your very own Leslie Herman postcard for guests to be awestruck by and forward into the world. His art will ensure that your words live on for months, nay, years!, on dressing table mirrors and refrigerators.
A fun reception (with cake!) for the finalists
And, oh yea, 500 bucks…that’s right, 500 bucks!
THE 2024 CONTEST IS CLOSED.
The winner will be unveiled in October.
For 2025, get ready and get feeling. The contest will open Memorial Day 2025. Submit to: info@hotelgreene.com and please mention the prize in the subject line.
Good luck!
