Golden Crown Literary Society

The Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) was established in early 2004 and is a literary and educational organization for the study, discussion, enjoyment, and enhancement of lesbian literature. The GCLS membership includes publishers, distributors, authors, and readers of lesbian fiction. An all-volunteer effort, GCLS is open to all individuals who are interested in enjoying, discussing, promoting and enhancing the future of lesbian literature. [ [http://www.goldencrown.org Golden Crown Literary Society Mission Statement] ]

History

In 2004, five women became the founding members of the GCLS: Carrie Carr, C. LeNoir, Lori L. Lake, Radclyffe, and Kathy L. Smith, who served as the original Board of Directors. The current Board of Directors list is available at the organization web site [http://www.goldencrown.org] .

In response to Hurricane Katrina, which took place just after the organization's first conference in New Orleans, members of the organization raised thousands of dollars in direct aid to lesbians affected by the disaster.

Conferences

In 2005, the organization held the first conference where lesbian writers, teachers, and speakers joined readers, publishers, and others to document lesbian literary history [Seajay, Carol (2005). "Golden Crown in New Orleans." [http://www.btwof.com/enews_extras/Images13LES/13LES_HTML.html Books To Watch Out For] . Retrieved on 2008-06-01.] , award "Goldies" to top finalists in the book awards categories, and share needed information about writing craft and technique in multiple workshops. Fundraising efforts began in 2006 to support scholarships, a Mentoring Program was added in 2007 [O'Neill, Heather (June 2007). "Behind The Scenes in Lesbian Fiction." [http://www.afterellen.com/Print/2007/6/lesbianfiction AfterEllen.com] . Retrieved on 2008-06-01.] , and in 2008, seventeen scholarships were awarded to enable more individuals to attend.

Conference attendees cite the event as a crucial social and professional link, important to maintaining a strong lesbian literary field. Since 2006, the Society has awarded a "Trailblazer Award" to a lesbian writer for lifetime achievement, in recognition of the contributions she has made to the field of lesbian literature.

Conferences have been held in:

*2009 - To be determined
*2008 - Phoenix, Arizona. Trailblazer Award: Katherine V. Forrest; Keynote: Katherine V. Forrest
*2007 - Atlanta, Georgia [Anderson-Minshall, Diane (June 2007. "Curvatures: Golden Crown Literary Festival." [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32716092_ITM Curve Magazine] . Retrieved on 2008-06-01.] . Trailblazer Award: Jane Rule; Keynote: Ellen Hart
*2006 - Atlanta, Georgia. Trailblazer Award: Sarah Aldridge; Keynote: Ann Bannon [Lee, Ryan (June 2007). "Stranger Then Fiction." [http://www.sovo.com/2007/6-1/arts/books/7021.cfm Atlanta Voice] .]
*2005 - New Orleans. Trailblazer Award: Ann Bannon; Keynote: Karin Kallmaker

GCLS "Goldie" Awards

GCLS promotes lesbian fiction through the "Goldie Awards" [Golden Crown Literary Society Awards [http://www.goldencrown.org/awards.html] ] , a juried awards program. Since their inception, the awards categories have expanded from three in 2005, recognizing nine novels, to twelve in 2008, recognizing twenty-four novels, collections of poetry, and anthologies. Most categories include eight finalists, from which three winners are named. In 2008, more than 130 titles from more than a dozen publishers, such as Alyson, Copper Canyon Press, Haworth, Farrar Straus Giroux, Bella Books, Carroll & Graf Publishers, Spinsters Ink, and St. Martin's Press were nominated for consideration.

GCLS "Goldie" Awards Categories - 2008

*Lesbian Mystery/Thriller/Adventure
*Lesbian Romance
*Lesbian Speculative Fiction
*Lesbian Dramatic General Fiction
*Lesbian Short Story/Essay Collections
*Lesbian Erotica
*Lesbian Anthology (Non-Erotica)
*Lesbian Poetry
*Lesbian Debut Author
*The Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award
*The GCLS Trailblazer Award
*The Director's Award

References

External links

* [http://www.goldencrown.org Golden Crown Literary Society]

* [http://www.gclscon.com GCLS Conference Website]