The Herd
The Herd was a literary newsletter dedicated to people, art, and community.
From 2018-2022, this newsletter featured artists and writers with bold, community-centered dreams and various creative projects. Enjoy the archive! If you feel moved to do so, you can still support and connect with the highlighted artists in each issue.
Explore the archives (below)
“I look forward to The Herd because there is always something that makes me think and perceive along new lines.”
When a Butterfly Sneezes...
These are hard times. People we love are losing their jobs, people we love are stressed, and people we love are struggling. Not all of us have the privilege to “write it out.” But if you do have the time and ability… write this one out.
When the Bees Awoke...
When the bees awoke, I stopped to listen. Our March Issue of The Herd is short and sweet.
Showing Up for Herders
It reminded me of my main intention with The Herd: slow down. Listen to the stories of other artists. Support their creative talents. Show up at their shows.
Artists need community for any long-term change to happen.
Janus, the Two-Faced God
Whatever you think of resolutions, I agree. Do you have one for writing? Do you purposefully not have one? Have you heard of Florilegia or the poet Tara K. Shepersky? We cover it all in our January issue.
The Grasshopper King
Sometimes my own expectations of “good writing” prevent me from writing. Has this happened to you too? In the spirit of catching a bit of magic and sharing all ideas, here’s to a judgment-free December. Let’s write this month—whatever we feel, and let the creation be.
Special Issue: Fall Harvest
11 members of The Herd share their harvest of words and art in this special issue.
In order of appearance, we are lucky to share with you the works of Rob Jackson, The Doodler, Tara Shepersky, Brett Benson, Meyya Tabbaa, Mason Fernandez, Kevin Dick, Harriet Patterson, Julia Rigby, Zeina Baltagi, and Kelly Alsup.
Break this newsletter into bits and take your time with these inspiring folks.
In an Elephant's Graveyard
When elephants die, they are often at the river. This is assuming that they outlived the slow stripping of disease and poaching, and in old age, they are now tired. They lie in the sand. They die. That is all.
Time and vultures, hyenas and black-backed jackals—they are the artists who whittle the decayed into the new. They are the ones who pluck green from grey. What I mean to say is this: elephants do not die by the river on purpose.
What's in a Herd?
I use the word “artist” loosely here. Farmers, teachers, writers, people who thank other people for menial tasks… they are all artists to me.
They are the people who make me want to bring something sweet to the world.
Welcome to The Herd!
Intentions of The Herd:
What is the purpose of this newsletter?
1) to update you on some of my poetry endeavors.
2) to build connections with each other and celebrate artistic expression.
3) to elevate fellow humans, writers, changers, and community-builders in The Herd.