Writers, Rum, and Stories: The Literary Legacy of the Florida Keys ✍️🌴

Dear Road Trippers,

There’s something about the Florida Keys that makes stories come alive. Maybe it’s the way the sun melts into the sea at sunset, painting the sky in colors too wild to believe. Maybe it’s the sound of the palms swaying in the breeze, whispering secrets only the wind knows. Or maybe it’s the laid-back lifestyle, where every barstool comes with a stranger’s tale and every quiet dockside moment holds the promise of inspiration.

It’s no surprise that some of the greatest writers in history found their muse right here. Hemingway drank and wrote his way through Key West, Tennessee Williams called these islands home, and today, authors like Judy Blume and Meg Cabot are still penning stories under the sway of the palms.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to put words to paper, you’re not alone. The Keys don’t just attract writers—they create them. And today, we’re diving deep into the literary history of this magical place, the stories that have been written here, and how, if you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, there’s a way to do it faster than you ever thought possible.

The Florida Keys: A Literary Playground

The Florida Keys aren’t just a destination—they’re a muse. For centuries, writers have escaped here, drawn by the salty air, the slow pace, and the endless well of characters and history. Let’s take a trip through the most famous literary names who have walked these shores.

Ernest Hemingway: The Original Key West Storyteller

It’s impossible to talk about writing in the Keys without starting with the legend himself—Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway arrived in Key West in 1928, expecting only to pass through. Instead, he stayed for nearly a decade, settling into the now-famous Hemingway House on Whitehead Street. It was here that he wrote some of his most famous works, including:

📖 "To Have and Have Not" – Hemingway’s only novel set in Key West, telling the story of smuggling, survival, and morality in the Depression-era Keys.
📖 "A Farewell to Arms" – Though set in Europe, much of this novel was written in the Keys, where Hemingway found solitude and inspiration.

The Hemingway House, now a museum, still holds his original typewriter, and his famous six-toed cats (descendants of his own pets) roam the grounds like literary guardians.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit the Hemingway House during July’s Hemingway Days Festival, where lookalikes, writers, and fans gather to celebrate the legend.

Tennessee Williams: A Playwright’s Refuge

Hemingway wasn’t the only literary giant who found solace in the Keys. Tennessee Williams, the man behind "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", made Key West his permanent home in the 1940s.

Unlike Hemingway, who loved the rowdy bar scene, Williams lived a quieter life here, focusing on his writing and painting. His home on Duncan Street remains a piece of literary history, and his legacy is honored at the Tennessee Williams Museum in Key West.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration every March, featuring film screenings, poetry readings, and writing contests.

Modern Voices: Judy Blume & Meg Cabot

The Florida Keys aren’t just for literary ghosts—today, they continue to inspire some of the best contemporary writers.

📖 Judy Blume, beloved for her young adult novels like "Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret," has called Key West home for decades. She even co-founded Books & Books Key West, an independent bookstore that’s a must-visit for book lovers.

📖 Meg Cabot, author of "The Princess Diaries," also calls Key West home, proving that these islands still hold magic for storytellers of all kinds.

QUICK BREAK FROM THE KEYS CONTENT… 🌴✍️

Ever notice how so many writers find their inspiration down here in the Keys?

Makes sense... between Hemingway’s legacy in Key West and these story-worthy sunsets, the islands just have a way of pulling the words right out of you.

Speaking of writing…

Something interesting just crossed my desk that I had to share:

📚 Perry Belcher (a $900M+ marketing genius) is running a fascinating 3-day bootcamp...
📚 Where he’s GUARANTEEING you’ll write your book.

Not in months.
Not in weeks.
In 72 hours.

And get this… it’s only $47.

I know what you’re thinking…
"Writing a WHOLE book in 3 days? Yeah right..."

But here’s what caught my attention:

✔️ He’s developed a unique "Flashcards System" that helps capture YOUR authentic voice, YOUR stories, YOUR expertise…
✔️ Then, he combines it with cutting-edge AI assistance to handle the heavy lifting.
✔️ So your book actually sounds like... well, YOU.

Perfect for:

✅ Local business owners wanting to stand out
✅ Tour guides ready to share their Keys knowledge
✅ Anyone with expertise worth sharing
✅ Writers looking to finally finish that book

And here’s the kicker—I’m taking this course too as I work on launching my first book right here in the Florida Keys. I figured, what better place to bring a story to life than the very islands that have inspired so many legendary writers before me?

The bootcamp covers everything:

📌 Crafting titles that pull readers in
📌 Designing professional covers
📌 Writing that flows naturally
📌 Landing that coveted "bestseller" status

Look... I know you’re probably dreaming about your next Keys adventure right now.

But if you’ve been sitting on a book idea…
Or if you’ve got knowledge worth sharing…
This might be worth checking out.

Because let’s be honest…
In a place where everyone’s got a story to tell…
Having your own published book?
That’s a pretty powerful way to tell yours.

👉 Check it out here: https://bookwrite.com/?fpr=brian14

Now, back to our regularly scheduled Keys content...

Write Your Own Story in the Keys

If the Florida Keys have taught us anything, it’s that every person here has a story to tell. Whether it’s the local bartender who used to sail the world, the fishing guide who’s seen it all, or the artists and dreamers who come here to create—this place breeds stories.

So why not write yours?

Next time you visit, grab a notebook. Sit on a quiet dock. Watch the tide roll in. And let the Keys do what they do best—inspire.

Have a favorite book set in the Keys? Reply to this email and let me know—I’d love to feature your picks in an upcoming edition!

Until next time—keep exploring, keep dreaming, and maybe, just maybe… start writing.

📖✍️ Wishing you island inspiration,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team