Historical Fiction and the Search for Truth: Part 1

January 13, 2009





Historical Fiction and the Search for Truth: Part 1

Doug, Emily, Bob, Michael & Margaret

The Key West Literary Seminar is one of the preeminent literary events in the United States and I have been fortunate enough to be an attendee for the past 14 consecutive seminars, each of which has been a remarkable assemblage of many of the finest writers in the world. This year is slightly different, for me at least as I have had the honor of being selected to work in an official capacity for the seminar replacing long-time friend and Volunteer Coordinator extraordinaire, Bob Muens who sadly has relocated to Washington DC.





Bob returned this year for one final go round and graciously offered to train me during the first of two seminar sessions this year, Kathy & I are once again signed up for the second session. Seeing the workings of the seminar from the inside has been an interesting experience. It is an incredible undertaking, handled with seemingly flawless aplomb by Executive Director Miles Frieden, the staff, Board of Directors and many wonderful volunteers.



Snow & Christopher

Allan Gurganus, John Wray & Arlo Haskell

This year the first session brought a wonderful collection of writers and historians to Key West that included, Geraldine Brooks, Barry Unsworth, Ursala Hegi, John Wray, Allan Gurganus, Peter Ho Davies, Jane Kamensky, Alan Cheuse, Megan Marshall, David Levering Lewis, Sena Jeter Naslund, Jill Lepore, Eric Foner, Patricia O’Toole, Michael Meeropol, Ivy Meeropol & Peter Matthiesssen. There was also a special appearance by the legendary writer Gore Vidal in conversation with Jay Parini.

Doug & Emily with Robert Richardson

Eric Foner

Alex, Doug, Emily, Bob & Margaret

The long weekend of the seminar is filled with wonderful readings and lecture, panel discussions and lavish parties, dinners and receptions for both the participants and the authors. One advantage of being a seminar insider is getting invited to the many behind the scenes parties for the writers and board members that are not open to the public. Of course the disadvantage is that it is a lot of work and surprisingly very exhaustive.

Melody Cooper on the soundboard.

Geraldine Brooks & Hilma Wolitzer

Bob, Kathy, Bill, Ashley & Emily

The seminar is so in depth and involved that I have enough photos for two blog postings so I am going to stretch this out. Of course, it is not really possible to capture the excitement; though Arlo Haskell comes very close in his Seminar blog, Littoral- where you can also listen to some of the sessions.

Nick, Arlo & Mark

Michael Shields & David Wolkowsky

Monica Haskell, Eric Holowacz & Curt Richter

One of the highlights for me was scoring an invite to a party hosted by a Key West legend, David Wolkowsky. The party was held at his rooftop apartment atop of Fast Buck Freddie’s under a beautiful full moon. There was a plethora of the Key West glitterati present as well as many of the seminar writers including the feisty presence of Gore Vidal. Even Carrie Newcomer, who we had seen perform at The Studios of Key West earlier in the week was there. It was tremendous fun and would have been even if no one had been there as the apartment is like a quirky museum full of interesting treasures.

David's bird display

Kathy & Ashley

Kathy, John & Jenny

KWLS Blog