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Karin Kallmaker

カリン・コールメーカー

Karin Kallmaker

Pen Names: Laura Adams（Pen name used for some science fiction and fantasy novels）

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1960-01-01 （Sacramento, California）
Nationality
American
Languages
English
Residence History
San Francisco Bay Area

Career

Occupations
Novelist, Short story writer
Active Years
1989-
Affiliations
Naiad Press (former publisher), Bella Books (served as Editorial Director)
Influenced By
Katherine V. Forrest, Jane Austen (cited as a foremother of the modern novel)

Education

California State University, Sacramento
College of Business / Business Administration
Degree: B.A.
Period: 〜1988
Year of Graduation: 1988
Country: United States
Earned a B.A. in Business Administration

Awards

Golden Crown Literary Award
2020
Work: Because I Said So
Category: Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2019
Work: My Lady Lipstick
Category: Lesbian Romantic Blend
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2011
Work: Above Temptation
Category: Lesbian Romantic Suspense
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2011
Work: Frosting on the Cake 2
Category: Lesbian Anthology/Short Story
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Lambda Literary Award
2004
Work: Maybe Next Time
Category: Romance
Organization: Lambda Literary Foundation
Result: Winner
Lambda Literary Award
2009
Work: The Kiss that Counted
Category: Lesbian Romance
Organization: Lambda Literary Foundation
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award (Ann Bannon Popular Choice)
2009
Work: The Kiss that Counted
Category: Ann Bannon Popular Choice
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Lambda Literary Award
2009
Work: In Deep Waters 2: Cruising the Strip
Category: Lesbian Erotica
Organization: Lambda Literary Foundation
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2007
Work: 18th & Castro
Category: Lesbian Erotica
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2006
Work: Just Like That
Category: Lesbian Romance
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner
Golden Crown Literary Award
2005
Work: Sugar
Category: Lesbian Romance
Organization: Golden Crown Literary Society
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

In Every Port

1989 Lesbian romance

Kallmaker's debut novel. Focuses on the interior lives of lesbian characters and includes events surrounding the 1978 assassination of Harvey Milk.

Lesbian communityIdentitySocial issues
Translations
  • Translated into French and other languages

Touchwood

1991 Romance

An early notable work praised for its command of language and the power of eros; helped establish the author.

RomanceSelf-discovery
Translations
  • Translated into French (Au grand jour)

Painted Moon

1994 Romance

One of the author's popular novels, hailed as a successor in spirit to notable earlier lesbian novels and enduringly popular.

Love and growthHistory of lesbian culture

Maybe Next Time

2003 Romance

A story of redemption, healing and survival. Winner of a Lambda Literary Award.

HealingRedemptionRebuilding relationships

The Kiss that Counted

2008 Romance

A romantic work blending contemporary issues; winner of a Lambda Literary Award.

RomanceCommunity
Translations
  • Translated into German (Es begann mit einem Kuss)

18th & Castro

2006 Erotica / Short stories

A collection of short stories including pieces set in San Francisco's Castro; winner of a Golden Crown Literary Award.

EroticismCommunity

Bibliography

  • In Every Port
  • Touchwood
  • Paperback Romance
  • Car Pool
  • Painted Moon
  • Wild Things
  • Embrace in Motion
  • Night Vision (as Laura Adams)
  • Christabel (as Laura Adams; later revised under Karin Kallmaker)
  • Maybe Next Time
  • 18th & Castro
  • The Kiss that Counted
  • Sugar
  • Just Like That
  • Finders Keepers
  • Warming Trend
  • Stepping Stone
  • Above Temptation
  • Roller Coaster
  • Love by the Numbers
  • Captain of Industry
  • Castle Wrath
  • My Lady Lipstick
  • Because I Said So
  • Simply the Best

Translations of Works

  • Many works have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Czech and other languages

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Realistic style emphasizing characterisationSkilled fusion of romantic plotting and emotional detail
Recurring Motifs
Lesbian community and its historyComing out and self-acceptanceHealing and forgiveness

Legacy

One of the leading authors in lesbian romance—often dubbed the 'Queen of Lesbian Romance'—Kallmaker has significantly influenced community-focused literature, won multiple Lambda and Golden Crown awards, and contributed to mentorship and editorial leadership.

Academic Societies

  • Lambda Literary Foundation (association through award recognition)
  • Golden Crown Literary Society (association through award recognition)

Archives

  • Stonewall Library and Archives (selected as guest lecturer)

In Popular Culture

  • Works frequently featured in lesbian romance book clubs and community events

Quotes

  • "Part of my goal for writing erotica was to decriminalize lesbian sex for lesbians, especially those in committed couples and those who don't live in an urban Mecca with an out-and-proud sex-positive attitude."
    Source: Interview for Q Syndicate by Joy Parks (May 2006) (2006)

Trivia

  • Has written science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Laura Adams.
  • Married her long-term partner on August 25, 2008; mother of two children (Kelson and Lee).
  • Sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of Lesbian Romance'.