V. Hansmann, Innkeeper

Assistant Editor Blessing Christopher: V. Hansmann opened Prospect Street Writers House three years ago. The residency now occupies a spot that was once a derelict nursing home. In September, I traveled to North Bennington, Vermont, for my annual retreat at the center. Every night, while gathered around the dining table, I would talk to V about his interesting career trajectory and why he left Wall Street to venture into the hospitality business. Our nocturnal conversations eventually led to this feature (after I returned to Cincinnati and sent off a few questions to V).

BC: What did you do before your current job, and what inspired your decision to go in a different direction?

VH: Before I became an innkeeper, I was a retired person. In 2008 the investment office I worked for closed. Nine months later I was enrolled in graduate school to become the English major I always intended to be. My job as an innkeeper began when I opened Prospect Street Writers House in June 2022.

BC: How would you describe what you do for your day job?

VH: My day consists of many unrelated tasks vital to the operation of Prospect Street Writers House. They include organizing the kitchen for the upcoming day’s work, paying bills, dealing with staff and tradespeople, designing promotions, phoning donors, yard work, and accommodating guests to the best of my ability.

BC: What do you enjoy about that job, and what are some of its detractions?

VH: I most enjoy making new friends by providing them with a distraction-free week in which they can get their work done. Everything is a distraction. That’s why ADD works to my advantage. I get the job done in parallel rather than in series.

BC: How, if at all, does your day job inform—or relate to—your writing life?

VH: My writing life consists of daily journaling, laying the groundwork for a memoir

BC: If you’re inclined to share: What creative projects are you working on right now?

VH: Right now, the building’s being repainted, our revamped website goes live tomorrow, the annual appeal is signed and mailed, our new assistant director is being trained, fellowship promotions designed, and the garden put to bed for the winter.