Animal of the Year. Holiday Greetings

 I am happy to announce that Nathan was chosen as animal of the year by Time magazine for his heroism surviving Hurricane Irma. Cheers to a brave dog. 

We both wish you all a very happy and joyous Christmas and New Year.

Hurricane Irma

Sorry for the delay in posts but as you all know, hurricane Irma interfered with everyone's life in the Keys.  Key West was spared the worst but the middle keys were hit badly. It will take months for them to recover if not longer.

Luckily, I wasn't here to experience it. Most people I know evacuated but the few that stayed said it was one of the worst we've had. The community has been incredible in helping and donating clothes, food, and shelter. I am thankful my place survived marred only by landscape damage.

Happy 4th of July

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, EVERYONE, FROM NICK AND NORM

ONLY IN KEY WEST

BOOK LAUNCH  (3 HOURS AND COUNTING)

The launch of my new book, Only in Key West, will be taking place tonight between 5-7 pm.  I'm really excited.  Yesterday, I had two radio interviews and we've really been spreading the word.

Tonight, Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval, Launch of Only in Key West by Kenneth D. Michaels, 5-7 pn,

 If you can make it, please drop by.  We're sharing space with the Pride Bartenders Contest sponsored by Stoli.

Promises to be a fun night. 

ONLY IN KEY WEST

Key West AIDS Memorial

Often, Nick, Norm, and their colleague, Dr. Jojo would meet at the pier.  They knew they could speak in private about the information they had gathered on a case, for those whose names were etched on Zimbabwe granite stones, would keep their secrets. They had been snatched by another killer, often too early and too weak to fight the deadly disease of AIDS. Key West often served as a safe haven for those who knew they would be accepted and free from a hostile home environment.

The Memorial is located at the end of White Street near Higgs Beach and is in a beautiful setting. Often one can catch a beautiful sunset or spend a quiet evening taking a stroll along the pier.

ONLY IN KEY WEST

THE REACH

 Nick and Norm often stopped by at the hotel to look at the sculptures, have dinner or a few drinks.

ONLY IN KEY WEST

Marilyn can’t get enough of Nick and Norm, and Marilyn’s rarely wrong when it comes to things like that. 

                                              Only in Key West.

ONLY IN KEY WEST (CUBAN BREAD)

Loaves of Cuban bread make great sandwiches. But I recently learned Cuban bread is also an important tool at town hall meetings. The topic was: Building a parking garage on the remaining waterfront vs. improving public transportation.

As attendees entered, each grabbed a loaf of bread from a nearby table. Why? I wondered. But it soon became clear. When a commissioner or businessman said something they disapproved of, attendees picked up their loaves and waved them vehemently.

Luckily for the waterfront, the Cuban loaves won. 

Could the drive for power lead to murder?

ONLY IN KEY WEST

The Southernmost Point is not actually the southernmost point.  Like so many things in Key West, things aren't what they seem.

The southernmost point is actually on an island west of Key West but no one is allowed to go there. Others say it is located in Truman Annex, a different area of Key West.

Regardless, many people go there and wait in a line to get a picture. It is colorful and is an interesting shape.

I do think Nick and Norm may have met with an important informant there. For those of you unfamiliar with Nick and Norm, they are the likable odd couple detectives who star in Only in Key West. 

Memorial Day

In memory of all those who have served and those who continue to serve in order to keep us free. God bless you all.

Only in Key West

Sandy's Cafe In Key West

Sandy's Cafe. A constant stream of customers visit Sandy's at all hours of the day and night. Whether tourists, locals, Cuban expats, or Key West's finest--police, firemen, and EMTs stop by before, during or after their shift for a break, a meal, or a deal.

Only in Key West

Only in Key West (Actually Sugarloaf Key)


The bat tower, also know as the Perky Bat Tower, was built in l929 on Sugarloaf Key by Clyde Richter Perky.  It was supposed to control the mosquito problem in the lower keys.  The plan was to fill the tower with bats, who would eat the mosquitoes.  Unfortunately, once they were put in the tower, the bats flew away.  Guess it isn't the Perky Bat Tower anymore. It would be a great place to hide a body if you were writing a mystery though.

Only in Key West

Captain Tony’s Saloon is one of the famous saloons in Key West.  It was constructed in l852 and was an ice house that doubled as the first morgue. It also served as a telegraph office, a bordello, and a speakeasy. In the l930’s it was purchased and named Sloppy Joe’s and became known as the location where Hemingway wrote between l933-l937. Captain Tarracino bought the bar and it became Captain Tony’s Saloon.

 It has become known as one of the top five bars of Key West and one where the patrons have a good time. It has been visited by Shel Silverstein, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, along with Jimmy Buffet, who got his start there.

 It has a reputation for patrons having a good time. If you don't believe me, take a look at the collection of abandoned women's bras.  

ONLY IN KEY WEST

                  ATTACK OF THE SPONGEMAN

                             He asked if I'd like a total body loofah.

ONLY IN KEY WEST

Only in Key West, will be published soon.  I am highlighting characters who appear in my book and
could be key in solving the crime.

Each night, hundreds of people march toward Mallory Square to watch the sunset. Just follow the crowd. The celebration hosts visitors and performers, including jugglers, clowns, psychics, and local musicians.

But one of the most popular is the Catman, who has trained several of his cats to jump through fiery hoops.

If you're in Key West, be sure to come to Mallory Square and watch the Catman. 

Only in Key West

Wilhelmina Harvey was the first female commissioner of Monroe County and the first  woman  to be elected Mayor Emeritus.  She was a philanthropist and a "grand dame of Keys politics." In l982 when Key West  citizens of Key West formed the Conch Republic, a satirical micronation, in response to a Border Patrol checkpoint that disrupted travel and tourist activity. Harvey became Admiral and First Sea Lord of the Conch Republic's navy, whose actions included attacking a Coast Guard cutter with loaves of stale Cuban bread.^[8][4] The Conch Republic became a Key West mainstay as a tourist attraction and a humorous method for the city to negotiate with state and federal governments. During the 1995 "invasion", she stopped and accepted surrender from Army Reserve troops.^[9] She often served as the Republic's ambassador and met several presidents and foreign leaders in that capacity.^[3] In 1991, she hosted Queen Elizabeth at Dry Tortugas National Park, acting as both Monroe County mayor and Conch Republic ambassador.^[3][2]

Rick Worth, a local artist immortalized her on a mural on the side wall of Bobby's Monkey Bar as she crossed the 7 mile bridge with a diverse crew,

which served as the model for One Human Family––Unity in Diversity

Only in Key West

                       This is considered a GOOD HAIR DAY in Key West.

ONLY IN KEY WEST

A benefit for the Bahama Music Program in Key West.  Jazz, Waffles, Chicken and great people.
Wonderful way to spend Sunday afternoon.

Editing

I've used more editors on my new book, Only In Key West, than I did on The Gay Detective.

I found that there is a difference.  Using one gave me a clear direction and less stress, whereas, using three pointed out more
specifics and gave me migraines. 

I should point out each of the recent editors had important points and helped me develop deeper characterizations. 

I also learned that using a proofreader for the final version, who had no knowledge of the book was critical. Her fresh eyes pointed out POV problems and incorrect assumptions that we had all missed. I strongly recommend this.  

Nathan Bransford has some suggestions on editors. Check out his March 22, 2017 post, blog.Nathanbransford.com How to know if you have a good editor.

Whether you use an editor or not be sure to have beta readers or another writer who can be objective and is not afraid of being completely honest with you. 

An Evening with Deborah Crombie

Last night, I attended an evening with Deborah Crombie promoting her new book, Garden of Lamentations, a psychological mystery. She was interviewed by Lucy Burdette, known for her Key West food critic series, her new book Killer Takeout.

It was a fascinating evening and one I enjoyed thoroughly. To learn more about these authors go to
http://www.jungleredwriters.com

Incredible

The book fair was incredible. There was a chamber orchestra playing on the front porch and tables were set up in the large back yard for the authors. Some people specifically came to meet the authors, while others strolled in off the street.

Many of us read a chapter or a poem and the audience was receptive and respectful.

My thanks to Nancy Boylan and Sheri Lohr, owner of SeaStory Press for putting together this wonderful event and featuring me as their author.

Rosalind Brackenbury, Sheri Lohr, Edgardo Alvarado-Vazquez, and Ken Michaels