Why Key West?

A brief look into the setting of The Holocaust Engine:

For David, “The Holocaust Engine” started as a dream/nightmare.  In my dream it was an island off of the coast of California, but I haven’t been to California in ages.  The storyline needed an area that could be easily cut off due to its geography and we already had a trip planned to Florida.

For Stephen, Key West is a stewpot of the weird, the strange, the eccentric and more than a few thing that defy explanation or even language. Equally important is the chance to turn a veritable “Paradise on Earth” into a living Hell.

What about you? What do you think of Key West as a setting? Any personal stories to share? Who knows, your favorite spot may find its way into the series.