The Writers’ Workshop Program comprises eight to ten individual workshops, each led by a different instructor, and with its own focus and eligibility requirements. Class size is limited to twelve participants per workshop, with a total of approximately 100 participants in the program. Classes are typically held indoors.

We offer two types of workshops: “All Levels” and “Advanced.” Advanced workshops require a writing sample as part of the application; “All Levels” workshops are open to writers at any level and require only a cover letter.

All workshops are priced at $675. Upon being accepted into a workshop, you will be asked to pay a deposit of $300 within seven days in order to secure your spot. The balance of $375 is due September 30.

Our Cancellation/Refund Policy can be found here.

For the daily workshop sessions, you will be in a classroom with your instructor and eleven fellow students. Many workshops require some advance reading and/or a manuscript submission, which will be due in the fall.

We accept applications on a rolling basis until the class is full. To increase your chances of acceptance, it is best to apply for two workshops simultaneously. Separate applications are required for each workshop, and you will be asked to indicate a first and second choice.

Early applicants will generally receive an answer within six weeks. A waitlist will be established for each workshop once it is full. Please note: While we often see some movement on the waitlists in the late fall, you will likely not receive updates unless there is a change in your status.

Where to Stay

Finding winter accommodations in sunny Key West can be a challenge, but we’ve made it easy by securing special rates at recommended hotels—available exclusively for attendees of the 2027 Seminar and Workshop Program.

Only a limited number of rooms are available and cutoff dates apply.

Tentative Schedule
January 3 – 7, 2027

  • Sunday
    • 4-5 pm Check-in at the Elizabeth Bishop House & Gardens (optional)
    • 4 pm Tour of Bishop House by KWLS Executive Director Arlo Haskell (optional, open to the public)
  • Monday
    • 9:30 am-12:30 pm Workshops begin
    • 4:30-6:30 pm Writers on Writing at the Helmerich Theater: Faculty readings and literary conversation (free for workshop participants and open to the public)
    • 6:30-8:30 pm Workshop welcome reception at Hugh’s View: Cocktails and appetizers under the stars (faculty & workshop participants only)
  • Tuesday
    • 9:30 am-12:30 pm Workshops in session
    • 4-6 pm Sunset sail (optional, must purchase tickets in advance)
    • 7 pm Faculty reading & conversation (TBD)
  • Wednesday
    • 9:30 am-12:30 pm Workshops in session
    • 3-4:30 pm The Art of Adaptation: On Screenwriting and Fiction – a talk by Dean Bakopoulos (optional & ticketed)
  • Thursday
    • 9:30 am-12:30 pm Final workshops in session
    • 12:30-2 pm Workshop farewell luncheon

Location: Workshops will be in Old Town or Casa Marina area. If you stay in downtown Key West, you will be able to walk (25 mins), bike (15 mins) or Lyft/Uber (15 mins) to any of the workshop locations. We do not allocate locations to a particular workshop until a month prior as we first need to assess accessibility and/or other requirements.