KW Literary Seminar 'Writers On Writers'

Perhaps it is the tropical weather, the coconut palms and the cold margaritas.  Or perhaps it is the laid back lifestyle and the chickens, or the fact that Key West is isolated from the 'real world', closer to Cuba than to Miami.  Whatever the reason, it is fact that Key West has long been a haven for writers.  The island has a charm that lures writers to its rocky beaches and soon becomes their home.  It is fitting then, that Key West should host an annual Literary Seminar, heralding writers not only from Key West, but from the country.  This year is the 31st year of the Key West Literary Seminar and throngs of writers and enthusiasts gather to honor and learn.  The mission of the Seminar is to promote the understanding of important literary works and their authors and to support new American voices meanwhile preserving Keys West literary heritage.  This years focus is 'Writers on Writers'; leading contemporary writers are to offer insights into the lives and work of literary icons including Jack Kerouac, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Gore Vidal, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Whitman and many more.  For the Seminar registrants there are dinners, cocktail hours, luncheons amid the the 4 day seminar.  Sunday afternoon January 13 at 2:00pm, and Sunday January 20 at 2pm there is a free session open to the public.  Poet Billy Collins and numerous visiting authors will read from works and open discussions.  For more information or to register for the Literary Seminar visit http://www.kwls.org.