The Hungry Muse: A One of a Kind Literary Seminar in Key West

June 2010
Written by: Jane Staley Boaz

You may feel like pinching yourself after reading this announcement, but be assured, you are not dreaming. It is absolutely true that you can head to Key West next January and meet Ruth Reichl, Calvin Trillin, Judith Jones, Michael Ruhlman, Julia Reed, Molly O’Neill, Frank Bruni, Roy Blount Jr., John T. Edge and nearly twenty more of the country’s finest food writers. These luminaries will speak at the Key West Literary Seminar (KWLS) entitled “The Hungry Muse”.

KWLS has hosted a highly regarded, well attended annual literary seminar for nearly three decades, but never before has the focus been food writing and food writers. KWLS will serve a literary feast with plenty to chew on in 2011. An endless buffet of preeminent columnists, editors, authors, humorists, historians and food experts will share their unique experiences, life stories and advice.

An audience comprised of enthusiastic readers, aspiring and accomplished writers and others with an appetite for “food in literature” readings, panel discussions and conversation will meet in Key West in January 2011. Like the speakers, attendees will come from all over the U.S. and beyond.

Florida’s treasured and historic landmark, the San Carlos Institute, is the venue for the seminar. San Carlos was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles who established educational, civic and patriotic centers through the Institute. A restoration project completed in 1992 rejuvenated the Institute that had suffered extensive damage caused by fires, hurricanes and twenty years of neglect. Today the San Carlos Institute is home to a museum, library, art gallery, theater, school and the annual KWLS event.

Two sessions of the “Hungry Muse” are planned. The first is scheduled from January 6th through January 9th. The second will take place January 13th through January 16th. Each session will have a unique roster of renowned food writers, so you may want to consider attending both sessions. And why not take as much time as possible to enjoy Key West in January?

Those interested in sharpening their writing skills can take advantage of the Writers Workshops offered January 9th through the 13th. Workshop schedules include morning classes and optional activities such as manuscript consultations, informal talks and open readings. (Click here for information on workshop topics, instructors and pricing.)

The cost for attending each session of the seminar is $495 including all related events and receptions. Attendance at both sessions runs $950. To reserve your spot in this once in a lifetime gathering of illustrious food writers and editors, (click here). A $100 deposit secures your place at the table for what is sure to be a sold out event. KWLS offers scholarships and financial aid to a limited number of attendees. (Click here to learn more about those options.)

Connecting with the most acclaimed food writers of our time on a small sub-tropical island can be your reality, no pinching required. But you may kick yourself later if you delay and lose the opportunity to experience this utopian gathering of food writers in paradise.