Golden Crown Literary Society
The Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) is an American non-profit organization established in February 2004 as a literary and educational organization for the study, discussion, enjoyment, and enhancement of women loving women literature. Since 2005, the GCLS has presented Golden Crown Literary Awards ("Goldies") in various categories of women loving women fiction at its annual conference. The GCLS states that its mission is "to increase the visibility and quality of women loving women themed literature".[1] An all-volunteer effort, GCLS membership includes publishers, distributors, authors, and readers of lesbian fiction.
History[]
In 2004, the GCLS was established, and from 2004 to 2009, informal organizational officers operated in their roles with Advisory committees. In 2009, a formal Board of Directors with an Executive Director was established, along with Bylaws and formal reporting to the members. The first formal Executive Director was Patty Schramm from 2009-2014. Elizabeth (Liz) Gibson served as Executive Director 2014-2016, Mary Phillips served 2016-2021, and the current Interim Executive Director is Ann Roberts (2021 - ).[2] In 2011 (and retroactive to 2007), the GCLS attained federal nonprofit status.[3]
The primary event - both educational and promotional - is the annual conference which was first offered in 2005, where authors, readers, and publishers come together to share their love of literature, publishers, authors, and reading. The conference has been held yearly since 2005 and offers an author educational Track of Master Classes and sessions, a Panel Track of discussions on various topics related to writing, and one or more General Tracks composed of author chats and readings. The GCLS annual conference and organization has experienced success over the years and grown significantly. In 2019, the GCLS celebrated its 15th year of conferences around the nation.
In 2014, the GCLS opened the GCLS Writing Academy, offering educational support and classes to new and upcoming authors of women loving women fiction and creative non-fiction. GCLS also offers one-on-one mentoring for authors nearing the publication stage of a book as well as "GCLS Presents..." - a new video series of author interviews and presentations.
In addition to the mission of the organization, the GCLS has participated in charitable functions. 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.[4] Books and other materials have often been donated to charities (such as GLBT libraries). Each year, scholarships are offered to readers and writers for conference attendance, and other charitable activities are also underway.
Conferences[]
In 2005, the organization held the first conference in New Orleans where lesbian writers, teachers, and speakers joined readers, fans, publishers, and others to document lesbian literary history,[5] 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,[6] and in 2008, seventeen scholarships were awarded to enable more individuals to attend.
Conference attendees cite the event as a crucial social, educational and professional link, important in maintaining a strong lesbian literary field. Since 2005, in addition to a variety of genre category awards given to specific books, 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. Since that time, the Lee Lynch Classic Book Award was added in 2012, along with additional genre categories, such as Young Adult, Historical, Poetry, Anthologies, and Erotic Fiction. Awards for outstanding cover and the Ann Bannon Popular Choice are also now included. [7]
Conferences, both past and future:
- 2024 - Orlando, FL.
- 2023 - Denver, CO.
- 2022 - Albuquerque, NM.
- 2021 - Virtual Conference: Virtually Everywhere #2 (Pandemic). Trailblazer Award: Pat Parker; Keynote: Emma Donoghue; Special Speaker: S. Renée Bess;
- 2020 - Virtual Conference: Virtually Everywhere #1 (Pandemic). Trailblazer Award: Barbara Wilson; Keynote: Radclyffe; Special Speaker: Nicole Conn;
- 2019 - Pittsburgh, PA. Trailblazer Award: Sandra Scoppettone; Keynote: Malinda Lo; Special Speaker:
- 2018 - Las Vegas, NV. Trailblazer Award: Dorothy Allison; Keynote: Lucy Jane Bledsoe; Special Speaker: Rachel Gold[8]
- 2017 - Chicago, IL. Trailblazer Award: Lillian Faderman; Keynote: Leslea Newman; Special Speaker Penny Mickelbury
- 2016 - Alexandria, VA / Washington DC. Trailblazer Award: Jewelle Gomez; Keynote: ; Special Speaker
- 2015 - New Orleans, Louisiana. Trailblazer Award: Joan Nestle; Keynote: Dorothy Allison; Special Speaker Ali Vali
- 2014 - Portland, Oregon. Trailblazer Award: Judy Grahn; Keynote: Lori L. Lake; Special Speaker: Ann Bannon
- 2013 - Dallas, Texas. Trailblazer Award: Marijane Meaker; Keynote:
- 2012 - Minneapolis, Minnesota. Trailblazer Award: ; Keynote: Jewelle Gomez
- 2011 - Orlando, FL. Trailblazer Award: Karin Kallmaker; Keynote:
- 2010 - Orlando, FL. Trailblazer Award: Ellen Hart; Keynote: Lee Lynch
- 2009 - Orlando, FL. Trailblazer Award: Lee Lynch; Keynote: J.M. Redmann
- 2008 - Phoenix, Arizona. Trailblazer Award: Katherine V. Forrest; Keynote: Katherine V. Forrest
- 2007 - Atlanta, Georgia.[9] Trailblazer Award: Jane Rule; Keynote: Ellen Hart
- 2006 - Atlanta, Georgia. Trailblazer Award: Sarah Aldridge; Keynote: Ann Bannon[10]
- 2005 - New Orleans. Trailblazer Award: Ann Bannon; Keynote: Karin Kallmaker
GCLS "Goldie" Awards[]
GCLS promotes through the Goldie awards,[11] a yearly awards program with the awards bestowed at the annual conference. Since their inception, the awards categories have expanded from four categories in 2005 to fourteen categories in 2016 plus five special awards. Eight finalists can be shortlisted in each of the categories with a maximum of three equal winners named in each category.
In recent years, more than 300 titles from more than three dozen publishers (such as Alyson, , Bella Books, Blue Feather, Bold Strokes Books, Carroll & Graf Publishers, Copper Canyon Press, Farrar Straus Giroux, ,Haworth, , Launch Point Press, , Spinsters Ink, St. Martin's Press and various university presses) have been nominated for consideration.
In 2008, author Victor J. Banis became the first male writer to be shortlisted for a Goldie, though he did not win. At the 2010 Awards in Atlanta, author Geonn Cannon became the first male writer to win a Goldie for a novel featuring lesbian characters.[12]
In 2015, Jacob Anderson-Minshall became the first openly transgender author to win a Goldie award from the Golden Crown Literary Society. He shared the award for best creative non-fiction book with Diane Anderson-Minshall for Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders.[13]
2021 awards[]
The 2021 awards ceremony was held July 31, 2021. And the Goldie Awards went to:
Category Awards[]
2021[14]
| Category | Title | Author(s) | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Romance:
Short Novels |
A Roll in the Hay
Before You Say I Do Out of Practice |
Lola Keeley
Clare Lydon Carsen Taite |
Ylva Publishing
Custard Books Bold Strokes Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Contemporary Romance:
Mid-Length Novels |
Blades of Bluegrass
Hopeless Romantic Temptation Don't Cry for Me |
D. Jackson Leigh
Georgia Beers Kris Bryant Rachel Lacey |
Bold Strokes Books
Bold Strokes Books Bold Strokes Books Rachel Lacey |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Contemporary Romance:
Long Novels |
Spindrift
Finding Jessica Lambert Reaping the Benefits Wrong Number, Right Woman |
Anna Burke
Clare Ashton EJ Noyes Jae |
Bywater Books
Clare Ashton Bella Books Ylva Publishing |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Debut Authors | The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life
From Darkness Queerleaders The Company Daughters |
Dani Jansen
Kate Hazel Hall M.B. Guel Samantha Rajaram |
Second Story Press
Duet Books Bella Books Bookouture/Hachette |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Erotic Novels | Online | Madeleine Taylor | Lise Gold Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Fiction Anthology/
Collections |
All I Want For Christmas | Georgia Beers, Maggie Cummings & Fiona Riley | Bold Strokes Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| General Fiction | Face the Wind | Caren J. Werlinger | Corgyn Publishing |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Historical Fiction | While My Heart Beats | Erin McKenzie | Bold Strokes Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Humorous Novels | Mutual Benefits | HP Munro | Red Besom Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Mystery/
Thriller/Crime |
The Crystal's Curse
Dying on the Vine |
Jane Alden
Ann Roberts |
Desert Palm Press
Bella Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| New Adult Fiction | The Adventurers | Bryce Oakley | Bryce Oakley |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Non-Fiction | Olivia on the Record: A Radical Experiment in Women's Music | Ginny Z. Berson | Aunt Lute Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Paranormal/
Occult/Horror |
Gillette Park The Other Side of Forestlands Lake |
Gerri Hill
Carolyn Elizabeth |
Bella Books
Bella Books |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Romantic Blend |
Nottingham: The True Story of Robyn Hood Hotel Queens Sylver and Gold |
Anna Burke
Lee Winter Michelle Larkin |
Bold Strokes Books
Bold Strokes Books Ylva Publishing |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Science Fiction/
Fantasy |
Silver Ravens
Eye of the Damned |
Jane Fletcher
Sandra Barrett |
Bold Strokes Books
Bedazzled Ink Publishing |
| Category | Title | Author | Publisher |
| Young Adult | The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life | Dani Jansen | Second Story Press |
Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award[]
2021[15]
| Title | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Number, Right Woman | Jae | Ylva Books |
Tee Corrine Award for Outstanding Cover Art[]
2021[16]
| Title | Cover Artist | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham: The True Story of Robin Hood by Anna Burke | Ann McMan | Bywater Books |
Lee Lynch Classic Award[]
2021[17]
| Title | Author | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Zami: A New Spelling of My Name | Audre Lorde | Crossing Press, 1982 |
Directors Award[]
Linda Hill[18]
Trailblazer Award[]
Pat Parker[19]
GCLS "Goldie" Awards Categories - 2021[]
- Contemporary Romance: Short Novel
- Contemporary Romance: Mid-length Novel
- Contemporary Romance: Long Novel
- Debut Author
- Erotica
- Fiction Anthology/Collections
- General Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Humorous Novels
- Mystery/Thriller/Crime
- New Adult Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Paranormal/Occult/Horror
- Poetry
- Romantic Blend
- Science Fiction/Fantasy
- Young Adult
In addition to the category book awards, there are special awards given:
- The Lee Lynch Classic Book Award (inaugurated 2012, for classic books that have stood the test of time)[20]
- Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award
- Tee Corinne Outstanding Cover Design
- The Directors Award
- Trailblazer Award
References[]
- ^ "Golden Crown Literary Society: About Us". www.goldencrown.org. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
- ^ "Golden Crown Literary Society: Boards & Committees". Golden Crown Literary Society. February 1, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ "Golden Crown Literary Society". Goldencrown.org. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
- ^ Lynch, Lee (August 8, 2015). "The Amazon Trail: Dykey Dorothy and friends". Windy City Times. 30 (48): 12.
- ^ Seajay, Carol (2005). "Golden Crown in New Orleans." Books To Watch Out For Archived August 28, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on June 1, 2008.
- ^ O'Neill, Heather (June 2007). "Behind The Scenes in Lesbian Fiction." AfterEllen.com. Retrieved on June 1, 2008.
- ^ "Golden Crown Literary Society: Awards". Golden Crown Literary Society. March 1, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ "GCLS honors lesbian writers". Windy City Times. 33 (44): 21. July 18, 2018.
- ^ Anderson-Minshall, Diane (June 2007. "Curvatures: Golden Crown Literary Festival." Curve Magazine. Retrieved on June 1, 2008.
- ^ Lee, Ryan (June 2007). "Stranger Than Fiction." Atlanta Voice.
- ^ Golden Crown Literary Society Awards Archived May 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ GCLS. "2010 Golden Crown Literary Awards Winners". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ The Advocate (July 28, 2015). "Historic Night at Golden Crown Literary Awards". Advocate.com. Retrieved August 6, 2015.
- ^ Ann Roberts (February 3, 2021). "Category Awards Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ Ann Roberts (February 3, 2021). "Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ Ann Roberts (August 3, 2021). "2021 Tee Corrine Award for Outstanding Cover Art Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
- ^ Ann Roberts (February 3, 2021). "2021 Lee Lynch Classic Award Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ Ann Roberts (April 30, 2021). "2021 Directors Award Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ Ann Hagan (April 30, 2021). "2021 Lee Lynch Classic Award Recipient". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
- ^ GCLS. "2021 GCLS Literary Awards Information". GCLS. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
External links[]
- Lesbian fiction
- LGBT literary awards
- LGBT literature in the United States
- Organizations established in 2004
- 2004 establishments in the United States