Meet Samantha Herrera | Poet and Spoken Word Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
In poetry, there are times when you’re hit with unbearable writer’s block and you feel like you’re not creating as fast or as frequently as you want to and it can feel stressful. The beautiful thing about poetry is there is constant inspiration, whether it is through, writing circles, workshops, or open mics. The community that holds poetry gives you reminders to continue in the craft. In any moment I felt like I wanted to give up, there was always someone there to inspire me to keep writing and performing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I took a 5+ year break from poetry and made my return in March of 2024 with a comeback I didn’t anticipate. I started attending open mics and competing in slams and found people were able to resonate deeply with my words which reminded me of how powerful poetry can be. I surrounded myself with more writers and poets which has lead me to where I am now, finishing up my manuscript for it to be published soon, working on zines, and featuring as often as I can. I have a lot of big plans in poetry and I cannot wait for it all fall into place. In all of this, I’ve learned to rely on the community for support and to give back as much as you get from it; community is incredibly essential for poetry. I am most excited to get more of my work published and out in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely plan a lot of poetry involved events. Monday’s we would stop Back to the Grind in Riverside for coffee, pastries, and poetry. They host an incredibly welcoming open mic called RUPO. Tuesday we would hit up Da Poetry Lounge, which is the biggest open mic in LA. The environment is supportive and encouraging to all poets whether they are first timers or returning performers. Wednesday, in Pomona there is a wonderful writing circle held at Lopez Urban Farm. Right after the writing circle, we would head over to East LA for an open mic called East Los Soul, a newer spot that represents the heart of East LA. Thursday and Friday would be spent walking about Downtown Pomona. Pomona is where I grew up in poetry and holds a special place in my heart. Downtown Pomona is full of culture and art that should get a lot more recognition. A couple of must visit spots there are Cafe Con Libros, Paradox, and Borreguitas.
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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much to Ceasar Avelar. He is my teacher and mentor in a writing course that I am currently in. From the beginning, he has seen so much potential in me and constantly pushes me to take risks and put my work out regardless of the outcome. He is a consistent reminder that I belong in the poetry community and have a voice that needs to be heard.

Website: https://www.prettypetitepoems.com/

Instagram: @prettypetitepoems

Twitter: @prettypetitepoems

Image Credits
Denice Cruz
Robert Nunez