Key West Literary Seminar — 2027/ Beth Nguyen
Overview
The Key West Literary Seminar has long been a fixture in the American literary landscape, convening writers and readers in an intimate setting that prioritizes craft and conversation. This workshop, led by Beth Nguyen, continues that tradition, offering participants a focused environment to develop their work under the guidance of a distinguished instructor. The seminar's commitment to fostering literary excellence is evident in its curated programming, which balances rigorous critique with the collegiality that defines the Key West experience. This workshop is open to writers of all levels, with no advance writing submission required. Instead, applicants are asked to submit a cover letter of 500 words or fewer that outlines their interest in the workshop and provides an overview of their writing background and prior workshop experience, if any. The absence of a writing sample underscores the seminar's emphasis on the applicant's intentions and readiness to engage with the material and the community. The cost of the workshop is $675, with a $300 deposit due within seven days of acceptance. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and applicants seeking aid must submit their materials through a separate process, as indicated on the seminar's website. The rolling admissions process means that applications are reviewed as they are received, and the class will remain open until it is full. Even after capacity is reached, applications will continue to be accepted in the event of cancellations. This approach reflects the seminar's desire to accommodate as many serious writers as possible while maintaining the integrity of the workshop group. The refund policy is available on the website for those who need to consider contingencies.