Picture a spirited novelist who turned a sleepy island into a literary haven—meet David A. Kaufelt! Born in 1939, this American author spun captivating tales, from sultry mysteries to historical sagas, while founding the Key West Literary Seminar, a beacon for writers and readers. His love for Key West’s quirky charm and vibrant literary scene made him a cultural icon, blending storytelling with a passion for community.
Kaufelt’s journey from New York’s bustling ad world to Key West’s sun-soaked streets is a tale of reinvention. His novels, especially the Wyn Lewis mystery series, and his tireless promotion of the island’s literary heritage, left an indelible mark. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of David A. Kaufelt
Born on September 8, 1939, David A. Kaufelt started as a New York City ad man, crafting catchy slogans like “Choosy mothers choose Jif.” But the call of storytelling was stronger. In 1974, fresh off the success of his debut novel, Six Months with an Older Woman, he and his wife, Lynn, traded Manhattan’s chaos for Key West’s laid-back vibe. There, he found a community of literary giants—James Merrill, Tennessee Williams, and John Hersey—who fueled his creative spark.
Kaufelt’s early career wasn’t just about writing. His advertising savvy and knack for spotting cultural trends helped him see Key West’s potential as a literary hub. Disappointed by New York publishers who dismissed Florida’s literary appetite, he took matters into his own hands, founding the Key West Literary Seminar in 1983 to prove them wrong.
David A. Kaufelt’s Unforgettable Stories
Kaufelt’s novels are a vibrant mix of wit, intrigue, and local flavor. His breakout, Six Months with an Older Woman (1973), a romantic comedy, became a TV movie starring John Ritter. He followed with standalone novels like American Tropic (1986), a historical fiction weaving Florida’s development with lush storytelling, showcasing his knack for blending fact and imagination.
His most enduring creation is the Wyn Lewis mystery series, starting with The Fat Boy Murders (1993). Set in the fictional Waggs Neck Harbor, these novels follow lawyer-realtor Wyn Lewis as she untangles murders with sharp humor and small-town charm. Books like The Winter Women Murders (1994) and The Ruthless Realtor Murders (1997) blend cozy mystery vibes with social commentary, reflecting Kaufelt’s love for character-driven plots. His style—playful, accessible, and steeped in local culture—made his stories perfect beach reads with depth.
Beyond novels, Kaufelt’s literary walking tours brought Key West’s writerly past to life. With infectious enthusiasm, he guided tourists through the homes of Hemingway and Williams, sharing his “Peter Pan theory”—that Key West’s childlike freedom, with its bikes, shorts, and ocean breeze, sparked creativity. This theory, rooted in Freud’s ideas about early youth, defined his own approach to writing.
Why David A. Kaufelt Matters
David A. Kaufelt didn’t just write books; he built a literary legacy. The Key West Literary Seminar, now in its fifth decade, has hosted luminaries like Margaret Atwood and Judy Blume, cementing the island’s status as a literary destination. His efforts earned him a national literary landmark dedication in 2016, a testament to his impact. Kaufelt’s novels, while not blockbuster bestsellers, captured the spirit of Key West and Long Island, offering readers escapist yet insightful tales.
His legacy lives on through the seminar, his books, and the stories shared on his walking tours. By celebrating Key West’s past and present writers, Kaufelt ensured the island’s literary flame would burn bright. His son, Jackson, and wife, Lynn, continue to honor his vision, keeping his playful, creative spirit alive.
- Born: September 8, 1939
- Key Works: Six Months with an Older Woman, American Tropic, Wyn Lewis series
- Founded: Key West Literary Seminar (1983)
- Died: May 9, 2014
Snag The Fat Boy Murders or stroll through Key West’s literary haunts to discover David A. Kaufelt’s vibrant world of mystery and charm!