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Why Key West Is the Perfect Summer Vacation Destination for Writers

Updated on: Mar 4, 2021 8:08:34 PM

Imagine going to work by sitting on a chair with your laptop or notebook in front of you, breathing in the fresh air and overlooking the ocean for inspiration.

You've always said that you were going to write that book one day, but now that you've come back to the roots of Ernest Hemingway, you finally have the spark to write it.

Whether you're trying to hunker down to write a book or just looking for a summer vacation destination, there's no denying that Key West is your go-to spot.

Here are several amazing reasons why Key West is an amazing summer destination for aspiring authors.

1. Find the Inspiration of Hemingway's Routine

Many have heard about the infamous Ernest Hemingway, writer of books such as For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Sun Also Rises, and his obsession with Key West.

Although, not many people realize why Key West has an association with writers that it does. 

Ernest Hemingway's Key West routine is notorious and many writers today try to wake up and follow it step by step.

Ernest_Hemingway_Writing_at_Campsite_in_Kenya_-_NARA_-_192655

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons by NARA

His routine included waking up very early to start writing and enjoy the beauty and calm nature that was around him. Then in the afternoons, he would spend many hours fishing until it was time to hit up his friend's bar. 

You too can find this same daily routine that promotes your writing and creativity. More importantly, his routine shows that writing a book is a marathon, not a race.

He wouldn't just bunker himself down in a chair hour after hour until he had a rough draft completed. He'd dedicate a little time each day to writing, then go off and enjoy his passions.

Remember that your routine might be different. It could start from the moment you're taking the Key West Express to your end destination!

2. Practice Your Description Skills

A huge aspect of writing a masterpiece of a book is going to be how well you can describe the scene, characters, and situations to your readers.

That isn't a skill that comes too naturally to most people. In fact, even the great Ernest Hemingway himself probably had to refine that skill as he went along in his career.

Things to do in Key West

What better place to hone your skills at describing scenes and settings than in Key West, one of the most beautiful places in the world?

You can start by drawing inspiration from watching the sunrise and sunset and write down all that you see. Who knows? Maybe that murder mystery that you've always wanted to write can take place in Key West!

3. Visit During the Hemingway Days

Are you dead-set on writing the book but unconvinced of the power that a good book can have on people's lives? If so, you only need to visit Key West during the annual Hemingway Days to have your mind changed.

People from all over the world flock to Sloppy Joe's Bar (one of Hemingway's go-to spots while he lived there) and have a look-alike contest.

Hemingway 2018

Photo Credit: Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau

They then read poetry from Ernest's records, as well as having time for other writers to come up and recite their poems as well.

Are you still looking for more inspiration to try and get inside of Hemingway's head? If so, visit his Key West house, which is now a museum.

4. There's Always Something to Take Your Mind Off of It

As previously mentioned, writing that new book or that beautiful collection of poems certainly won't happen all in one day. 

It will happen over a certain amount of time, and some days are going to be better than others.

Some days you'll feel as if you can write the entire book, while others you'll feel like no ideas are coming to you at all. Either way, you'll need to find things to do in order to take your mind off of it for a little while, if only for a few hours.

You can take in the beauty of a local marina, grab a drink at a local bar, walk down the infamous Duval Street, or just go to the beach. If you like fishing, then you can rent a boat for yourself or hop on a deep-sea fishing boat to catch bigger game.

Either way, you'll find plenty of ways to escape your writing for a bit so that you can come back refreshed and ready to work the next morning.

5. It's Great with Family or By Yourself 

Because this is a vacation where you're hoping to write, you may or may not decide to bring your family along or just go by yourself.

No matter which avenue that you choose, you'll have an amazing time and will write more than you have in your entire life.

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Photo Credit: Piqsels

Taking a vacation, whether with other people or not, allows you to take your worries away from everyday life and focus on the project at hand.

You'll still be able to find that imagination and creativity regardless of whether you go to Key West alone or with your spouse and children!

Book Key West As Your Summer Vacation Destination!

Now that you've got several ideas of why Key West is an amazing summer vacation destination for writing that book you've always wanted, it's time to book your trip!

Interested in learning more about Ernest Hemingway's obsession with Key West? If so, be sure to read this article on why he loved Key West so much.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we'll be happy to assist you further!

Hero Image Photo Credit: Piqsels

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