We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Herrin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Sarah, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Beyond The Veil Press, an indie trans-owned publisher of poetry and art, persists despite mental health challenges by building community and reminding others that they are not alone. We launched during the pandemic at a time when many of us were forced to look at mental health struggles head on, at a time when we were the most isolated. We strive to create both virtual and local events so that we can share our stories and let others share theirs.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! We’re an indie press based in San Diego, California and Denver, Colorado. We publish anthologies and chapbooks with a focus on mental health awareness and donate 10% of anthology net sales to a mental health non-profit. Some anthologies donate all net proceeds to a specific non-profit. We are queer and trans owned!
Beyond The Veil refers to “that realm which lies beyond the realm of the living, whatever that might be.” Meaning, what can we learn about depression, anxiety, and trauma from those who have been to that dark place? What can we learn about survival, community, and healing from those who have been to that dark place and returned still breathing?
This is what we hope to find beyond the veil with you. Boldly telling our stories of mental illness and healing is how we stop the stigma and find strength in each other. Vulnerability is rewarded with vulnerability is rewarded with vulnerability. And our collective healing continues.
Currently, we host virtual and in-person writing sessions on Zoom and in San Diego and Denver. Please join us!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Connect with other artists. It’s these friendships that can help motivate us when we’re uninspired and remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles. It’s valuable for our art to give and receive constructive feedback, too.
2. Know how to finish a project. I primarily learned this in art school, but a lot of people will self-publish and put together whole collections before submitting to a publisher. It may take months or years to complete a project–you can’t give up until its done.
3. Be curious. The best way to become a better poet is to read poetry. Read books on craft. Attend open mics. Enjoy the works of others and let it inspire you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In this art field, we are more into collaboration than competition. Poets celebrate when their friend is published, they pump each other up at open mics, they pay to take each other’s workshops. We are always looking for queer and mental health organizations to partner with. If you’re in San Diego or Denver, please get in touch – we’d love to host a workshop or open mic meet-up in your area!
Contact Info:
- Website: beyondtheveilpress.com
- Instagram: beyondtheveilpress
Image Credits
Sarah Herrin, Tyler Hurula, AJ Wojtalik
