The GCLS Writing Academy

Apply here for the 2019/20 Writing Academy Class

(Please note that the class of 2019 is full. If you wish to apply to be on a waiting list, please email wa-support@goldencrown.org - If you are interested in applying for next year's class, the class of 2020, please use the link above or at the bottom of the page.)

The GCLS Writing Academy is a year long intensive program for new or relatively new writers who have written at least part of a novel. In this course, students will learn the critical components of quality writing. The Writing Academy goes beyond craft of writing and takes students through all aspects of writing and publishing a novel.

Over the course of the year, students attend weekly classes covering

• grammar and structure
• the foundations of quality writing
• in-depth explorations of point of view and narrative distance
• creating believable characters
• tension
• crafting realistic dialogue
• research methods and sources
  
• overcoming writer's block
• preparing to be published 

See a sample schedule here. Classes take place on Saturdays at noon EST. Much of the success of the program comes from attending these classes. Though they are recorded for the rare emergency, it is highly recommended you attend each live class, as the interaction with other students and the professor feedback is an important part of this program.

The program concludes with a one-on-one mentoring experience with some of the most established and awarded authors in lesbian fiction.     

The Writing Academy provides an environment that supports the development of a community of learners through regular online interactions, shared assignments, and teamwork. The program is comprised of 12 students and 3 full time faculty plus honorary guest instructors.

There will be a maximum of 12 students accepted into the Academy each year.  You will be part of a group of students who will have the opportunity to form a lifelong association with each other. Working together helps to build a teamwork mentality that often continues after the course is complete.

The level of success that you experience in this program will be based on the amount of time and energy that you are willing to put into your writing during the course of the year.

Writing Academy FAQ

Student Applications:

We accept applications until the maximum number of students have been admitted.  If you qualify for the academy and the program is filled, we will put your name on a waiting list and you will be guaranteed a seat in the following year's class. Notifications of acceptance will start to go out in spring. Classes start in the beginning of September and graduation will take place at the conference in July the following year. Conference attendance is not required to graduate.

To apply for the program, click HERE.

You will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of your application process.  Your writing sample must be:

1. 10 double spaced pages of your best work in a .doc or .docx format.

2. Include a one paragraph set up for the scene you are submitting. This paragraph should be single spaced and included at the beginning of the work.

3. Your writing sample must be formatted as follows:

• Times New Roman 12 point font 

• 1 inch margins

• Proper paragraph indentation

• Dialogue formatted correctly 

Apply here for the 2019/20 Writing Academy Class

Cost:

The cost for this year-long intensive writing program is 995.00 USD.

We want to make this program available to as many people as possible, regardless of economic situation. If you are accepted we can set you up with a monthly payment plan to pay your fees.  

In the event of cancellation, a refund will only be awarded if cancelled before the second class of the year. Since there is inevitably a waiting list for this program, please be sure you have the time and commitment to be part of it before applying.

There are two full scholarship opportunities for the Writing Academy. For more information, check here. 

If you are interested in applying for the Sandra Moran scholarship, please check the education tab under Sandra Moran scholarship for application information.

If you are a young millenial writer of color and would like to apply for the privately funded Bridge Builder Scholarship, please check the education tab under Bridge Builder Scholarship for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us at WA-Support@goldencrown.org

Apply here for the 2019/20Writing Academy Class