29th Key West Literary Seminar Boasts Country’s Top Food Writers

29th Key West Literary Seminar Boasts Country’s Top Food Writers

Each January, the Key West Literary Seminar explores a different literary theme, bringing acclaimed writers and readers from all over the world together in this historic island city. Four days of inspired readings, lectures, and panel discussions at the grand San Carlos Institute (a former Cuban Consulate), plus festive parties at historic sites throughout Key West’s Old Town, make this event one of the country’s smartest and most high-spirited literary gatherings.

This year, the Seminar explores food in literature. The Hungry Muse (January 6-9 & 13-16, 2011) will consist of two independent four-day events, featuring dozens of today’s most acclaimed writers– memoirists, novelists, poets, historians, journalists, and all manner of lettered gastronome, gourmand, and epicure. It promises to be a mouthwatering and fascinating investigation not simply of the stuff we eat, but of all the things food stands for in our thoughts, words, and stories.

Confirmed speakers at the 2011 Seminar include Frank Bruni, former chief restaurant critic for The New York Times and the author of Born Round; best-selling historian Mark Kurlansky, the author of Cod, Salt, and The Eastern Stars; Darra Goldstein, founding editor of Gastronomica and a leading expert on Russian cuisine;Judith Jones, Julia Child’s lifelong editor and the author of The Pleasures of Cooking for One; Calvin Trillin, famed journalist, humorist, and beloved author ofAlice, Let’s Eat; Jonathan Gold, the only food critic ever to have won a Pulitzer Prize; and bestselling memoirist Ruth Reichl.

In addition to the Seminar, seven writers’ workshops will be held January 9-13, led by distinguished faculty including Susan Shreve, founder of George Mason University’s MFA writing program, and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Workshops are open to writers of all levels, and are limited in size to ensure individual attention.

The Seminar and workshops typically sell out months in advance, and early registration is strongly recommended. Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships to teachers, librarians, students, and writers. For information about registration, scholarships, and discounted lodging opportunities, visit www.kwls.org. The website also includes the Seminar’s acclaimed audio archive, funded in part by the Florida State Department, and available as a free resource for readers worldwide.

More info @ www.kwls.org

or contact KWLS media director Arlo Haskell

arlo@kwls.org / 305-407-2985

The Hungry Muse: An Exploration of Food in Literature

The 29th annual Key West Literary Seminar

January 6-9 & 13-16, 2011

San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

$495 per session includes food & drink.

Writers’ Workshop Program

January 9-13, 2011

multiple locations

$400 – $450