Shay Spence Author Talk & Signing

Shay Spence is a food and travel writer with over a decade of experience in culinary and social media. After attending the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, Shay spent seven years as the Food Editor for People Magazine. He now works as a full-time social media content creator, while securing bylines in mainstream publications such as People, Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure. Over the past few years, Shay has amassed over 1.7 million followers on TikTok and over 500k followers on Instagram by showcasing creative recipes, restaurants, and travel destinations through an expert lens. Shay was also a contestant on the second season of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef on Fox, where he was featured on ten episodes. His career highlights include writing two People magazine cover stories on Ree Drummond, the Food Network’s Pioneer Woman, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of going to Ina Garten’s house in the Hamptons to write a cover feature on her. He lives in Key West, Florida with his husband.

Books & Books @ The Studios is Key West’s locally owned, nonprofit neighborhood bookstore and a home for the island’s vibrant literary community. Founded in 2016 by a group of local book lovers led by George Cooper and Judy Blume, the store is affiliated with the acclaimed independent Books & Books and located right inside The Studios. Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of books, discover local and visiting authors, and join us for readings, conversations and literary events throughout the year.