The Herd: Two-Year Retrospective
The Herd began in August of 2019 as an idea to spread artistic and literary news, with a focus on people who are community-buildings and change-makers who believe in the power of art.
INTENTIONS | 9.1.2021
We are at year two of The Herd, which has grown into a bimonthly newsletter and community of sorts, with around 150 people. I think it’s time to say, “Happy 2nd Birthday to The Herd!”
To date, we’ve published 22 issues that featured 18 artists, as well as promoted over 100 events last year alone, via the “Happenings” section. As I wrote in the one-year retrospective of The Herd, maybe those numbers don’t mean much, but the people behind them do.
Looking ahead, I pose a question to all Herders: where do you find refuge? I find refuge in words, and in the collective power of words to inspire fruitful action and to approach the truth. I find refuge in shared stories. I think it’s clear that the sorrow, hardships, and injustices do not stop; perhaps, however, with growing awareness and empowerment, the collective of change makers does grow—including all of the journalists, artists, writers, teachers, community-builders, etc., who do their part in crafting a more kind, a more safe, and more beautiful world.
Whether or not we cross paths at a future virtual event where we can raise our Zoom hands together, or perhaps in person in the future, I hope that the arts continue to move and encourage you to make space for yourself and your art in this brief, beautiful, and challenging life.
And also—thank you as well to all who gathered for the August Writing Retreat—including two people who had never attended a writer’s workshop! That was inspiring to witness. October 23rd will be another chance to write and reflect outside, with community.
Together, let’s stay engaged.
Your writer friend,
Allie
FEATURED ARTISTS | The Year in Review
Eight incredible artists shared their projects, art, and thoughts this past year, since last August. Each of these creators were generous with their time to be interviewed, and also generous in their human spirit and the words they offer with the world.
Their ongoing dedication to push the boundaries of journalism, of zines, of sculpture, of paint, of poetry, of colorful and visual art, is mesmerizing, important, and downright impressive.
Round of applause, please, for our featured artists since August of 2020:
Iris Crawford — journalist and poet
Zeina Baltagi — artist
Cindy Rinne — poet and fiber artist
Bory Thach — poet and novelist
Aster K. Foley — artist of wearable art
Dorian Katz — visual artist
Georgina Marie — poet
Elizabeth Forsyth — short story writer and essayist
For your time, creativity, and forward-thinking, thank you Iris, thank you Zeina, thank you Cindy, thank you Bory, thank you Aster, thank you Dorian, thank you Georgina, and thank you Elizabeth!
Did You Miss a Good Read reviewed in The Herd?
Seven books were reviewed as part of the Quick Lit Review—three memoirs, one collection of poetry, one collection of essays, one piece of fiction, and one anthology. What genre would you like to see more reviews of future issues? I may focus next year on the theme of nature writing—it’s limitations as well as its possibilities—which would include memoirs, essay collections, and poetry.
Let me know your thoughts at stories@allierigby.com.
In the Dreamhouse by Carmen Maria Machado.
Lit Reviews from YEAR TWO:
Sack Nasty: Prison Poetry—2016 collection of poetry by Ra Avis
In the Dreamhouse—2019 memoir by Carmen Maria Machado
Juliet Takes a Breath—2019 YA fiction by Gabby Riviera
We’ve Been Too Patient —2019 collection of essays edited by L.D. Green and Kelechi Ubozoh
Surpassing Certainty— 2017 memoir by Janet Mock
Heart Berries — 2019 memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot
The Beirut Call — 2020 anthology edited by Dr. Pamela Chrabieh and Roula Salibi
Behind-the-Scenes: What’s in an Issue?
Not all issues are created the exact same way, but in general, here’s a sneak peak at the process of creating each issue. My general process is first coordinating the interview with the featured artist, and together. My goal is to celebrate these amazing artists; in each issue, I try to find the thematic thruline of the conversation, as well as select a few quotes to be highlighted. Next comes editing, along with finding a writing prompt (or creating a new one), as well as revisiting the interview as the artist and I come to a polished, edited piece. I write the “Dear Herders” section towards the end, when the feel of the issue is more tangible—it is like modeling with clay in some ways in that each issue really takes its own shape.
By the fourth week, I have that, “Oh there you are,” warm fuzzy feeling that you may recognize in your own creative field, when you feel like you’ve finally found that thruline, sometimes simply by stepping back and taking a break, and other times by a lot of editing and rounds and rounds of feeling like you over-edited and under-edited all at once. This is the week the issue really comes together and speaks for itself. And so, I schedule it to be delivered to your inbox for your own creative souls to say, “Oh hello there.”
One day, I’d love to expand the team a bit, or even launch a publishing press of my own. Shoutout to Aster K. Foley at Dead Penny Press and Katia Aoun Hage at Elyssar Press for doing just that!
Thank you for reading The Herd and being part of this larger community.
Also—don’t be shy y’all—email me (stories@allierigby.com) when you have a Happening you’d like to add to the last section of each issue. Virtual or in-person, SF Bay Area or not—let me know about the event, the links for more information, etc., and I’ll be sure to add them.
Now that these issues are bimonthly, I have a little more time to make sure each issue is complete, polished, and ready for your thoughts.
That’s it for Year Two In Review of The Herd. Feel free to comment below, share The Herd, and let us know your thoughts. This is a project in the making, and I am open to your feedback and ideas! If you want to give any of these fabulous features a shout-out, follow them on social media or leave a comment below <3
The Herd is a bimonthly literary newsletter that celebrates artistic expression and community-building via the arts. We celebrate artists and the world they envision.