By Michele Karlsberg–
Michele Karlsberg: For this month’s column, I asked author SallyAnne Monti to share her Golden Crown Literary Conference experience.
SallyAnne Monti: The Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS), the leading lesbian-themed literary organization, brings authors, editors, publishers, readers, and supporters together every year at their annual conference. This year’s gathering marked their 15th.
The conference moves about the country, year after year, in a caravan of volunteers hauling signage, swag, sisterhood, and books—lots of books and publishers. This roadshow hosts jam-packed educational panels, master classes, and presentations, woven in between karaoke, game night, liar-liar storytelling, and open-mic.
This year, attendees were treated to the exclusive screening of In Her Words: 20th Century Lesbian Fiction, a feature documentary examining the history and impact of lesbian fiction from the 1920s through the 1990s. The keynote speaker was award-winning Young Adult author Malinda Lo, with special speaker, LGBTQ community leader and
Lesfic award-winning author Cindy Rizzo.
The conference culminates with its crowning jewel, the renowned industry-recognized Goldie Awards. Hosted this year by leading author Lynn Ames and pop-culture and entertainment writer, Dana Piccoli, these awards honor the best in lesbian-themed literature. This all-volunteer, nonprofit organization credits the community for its ongoing success and growth. The conference and membership are on a steady incline since the organization’s inception in 2004.
In 2018, I attended my first GCLS conference. Like a sponge seeking water, I soaked up every ounce of knowledge this author could stuff into her overactive mind. I asked endless questions, took copious notes, signed up for every handout available, and participated in as many panels and events as my time would permit.
My quest for literary enlightenment was my charge. With my conference goodie bag over my shoulder and my shiny new nametag, I found that the GCLS exceeded every expectation, with sessions across a plethora of topics for editors, publishers, readers, and writers of every level. And this was before pioneering lesbian author Dorothy Allison gave
me a big ole hug and a sweet Southern, “Hi, Darlin’.”
At the 2019 Conference, I was all about relationships. The GCLS did not disappoint. Did I mention the GCLS conference is one part family reunion, one part love-fest, and one part literary excellence? It’s like A Very Brady Christmas meets Michigan’s Women’s Festival (with clothes on), meets World o’ Books.
From the second the registration bell rang open, attendees charged for the conference lines, stopping only to hug each other. Did I mention that everyone hugs each other? Yes, even people you’ve just met.
I was in my personal glory. I’m a hugger. I love family reunions. This was my family. Like any family, some folks preferred a quick wave vs. a stop-and-chat, or a high-five instead of a bear hug, but the end result was community euphoria.
We learned together, we pontificated together (hey, we’re literary types, we have a lot to say), we laughed together, we ate the yummy included food together, we cheered together for the Goldie nominees and winners, and we danced together, all night long.
Friends, family, community, and member benefits, that’s your GCLS! For more information: www.goldencrown.org
Sallyanne Monti is a published author, editor and storyteller. Her memoir “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” a suspenseful, page-turning, true-love story, is under film consideration. Sallyanne and her wife Mickey live in Palm Springs, California, and Sedona, Arizona. www.sallyannemonti.com
Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQI community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 31 years of successful book campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com
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