Key West Literary Seminar to Explore Literature of Sports Jan. 9-12

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — More than 20 acclaimed contemporary writers are to explore the literature of sports during the 38th annual Key West Literary Seminar. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 9-12, the seminar is themed “Reading Between the Lines: Sports and Literature.”

The novelists, journalists, poets, essayists and others scheduled to speak include Buzz Bissinger, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the classic “Friday Night Lights”; New York Times bestselling writer Jane Leavy, known for her biographies of baseball greats including Babe Ruth; former elite swimmer Leanne Shapton, who penned the memoir “Swimming Studies”; Joyce Carol Oates, whose book “On Boxing” investigates the controversial sport; and Geoff Dyer, renowned humorist who has applied his offbeat humor and insights to the worlds to tennis and soccer.

According to seminar director Arlo Haskell, presentations and panels will analyze the pivotal role sports can play in shaping social issues, effecting cultural change and inspiring personal growth and transformation.

All presentations are to take place at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St.

Following a Thursday evening keynote address by Dyer, the schedule features readings, lectures, informal talks, panel discussions, book signings, receptions and social gatherings for seminar attendees and presenters including a dinner at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St.

In conjunction with the seminar, a series of writers’ workshops is planned Monday through Friday, Jan. 13-17.

Although the 2020 seminar is sold out, each year’s program includes Sunday afternoon presentations at the San Carlos that are open to the public. These include readings and commentary by several of the featured writers including Bissinger, Shapton and two-term U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins. Admission is free with first-come, first-served seating.

Additional free public events are planned Monday through Wednesday evenings, Jan. 13-15. Monday’s offering is a lecture by poet, essayist and sportswriter Rowan Ricardo Phillips at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St., while Tuesday and Wednesday evenings feature “Writers on Writing” presentations by the seminar workshops’ faculty members at The Studios of Key West, 533 Eaton St.

Seminar information and schedule: kwls.org