Golden State Literary Journal

A community college-focused journal, made by community college students, for community college students.

Two students from Cypress College met in the Creative Guild Club while mutually pursuing a creative writing certificate. They worked together on the Spring 2022 and Spring 2023 issues of the school’s Sole Image Creative Arts Journal under the mentorship of Ashton Politanoff, an English faculty member and author of You’ll Like it Here.

Sharing an enthusiasm for literature, journalism, and publication, they worked together to initiate Golden State Literary Journal, where community college students in California can be featured in an exclusive, reputable, and competitive publication.

Beyond publishing, the duo's goals include providing resources and opportunities like faculty interviews and student spotlights. These are only the first steps, however; with growing success, more opportunities and resources will be offered to readers and contributors!

A digital art of a quail in flight, holding a poppy flower in its beak.

The Co-Founders

A fair-skinned woman with her head tilted and her chin on her loosely curled fist.

Jessica King (she/they)

Editorial Manager

Jessica was raised in Wildomar, California before she and her mother moved to Orange County. She continues speaking fondly of her hometown, memorizing trivia fun facts about the city to share.

She has graduated with various associate degrees from Fullerton College, Cypress College, and Golden West College; she may obtain more with her academic curiosities, such as photography and sociology.

Her experience in literary journals and magazines include Managing Editor for Cypress College's Sole Image Creative Arts Journal, Submissions Coordinator for Heart Balm Literary, and (tentatively) Editor-in-Chief for California State University, Long Beach's Genre Journal.

Randy Nuñez (he/him)

Public Relations Manager

Randy was born and raised in Orange County, California. Most of his teen and young adult years were spent in Buena Park and La Palma, where he still has friends whom he made during junior high through college to this day.

His passion for music and entrepreneurship were fostered in his first foray with College in the early 2000's, as a Business Major at Cypress College.

Upon returning to complete his degree in Spring of 2022, he joined the Creative Guild and first met his fellow co-founder, Jessica King. Completing his Creative Writing Certificate at Cypress College in Spring of 2024, he looks to finish his English Associates Degree with a focus on Creative Writing in the near future. He has also considered Journalism and Photography degrees after that is done.

The Logo Artists

The logo used for GSLJ is the product of a collaboration between three community college student artists. They gave their time and talent to create a unique art piece that aligns perfectly with

GSLJ's mission of publishing works by community college students in California.

Please support these amazing artists and visit their pages!

A drawing of a young woman with long, dark brown hair, medium brown skin, and brown eyes. She is wearing black glasses and a light/medium brown shirt. The background is a dark coral color.

Autumn Correa

@mushiefaun

A drawing of an individual with brown skin and short brown hair. They're wearing black glasses, black beret, and black shirt. They have pointed ears and horns.

Rie Correa

@deaddeam0n

A young woman in black and white, with a blurred motion of her face turning away.

Madeleine Huang

@madeleine.huang

Golden State Literary Journal

A community college-focused journal, made by community college students, for community college students.

The Co-Founders

The Logo Artists

Interested in submitting work? Come back in Fall 2024 for more information!