Key West Literary Seminar welcomes readers and writers to this subtropical island city. From our headquarters at the historic Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden, we produce literary programs including the annual Seminar. Founded in 1983, our flagship event explores a unique literary theme each January, where readers from around the world enjoy presentations by some of the best writers of our time. In our Writers‘ Workshop Program, also in January, writers of all levels meet in small groups with esteemed faculty to share their work and explore the craft of writing. A Scholarship Program reduces seminar and workshop fees for teachers and librarians, and recognizes outstanding emerging writers through fellowships and awards.
Our Young Writers Studio provides local high school students with world-class educational experiences and writing instruction each summer, while our year-round Literary Walking Tour offers a ninety-minute stroll through literary Key West. Exclusive recordings from the Seminar over thirty years are available in the Audio Archive, and our online journal, Littoral, features news, essays, photographs, and other resources that document Key West’s rich literary history.
An island of less than five square miles, Key West has one of the most intriguing literary heritages of any place in America. We are proud to carry on the life of letters in this island city.