Hags on Fire zine tackles the challenges of menopause, growing older

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Monday, January 10, 2022 - 11:47am
Updated: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 - 8:59am

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Laraine Herring
Laraine Herring
Laraine Herring

When writer Laraine Herring found herself heading toward menopause, she realized she was at a loss — she had no stories from her mother or grandmothers, no knowledge of what was to come. So she went out looking for answers.

In December 2021, Herring published the fourth installment of Hags on Fire, a zine that documents aging and menopause through poetry, fiction and nonfiction submissions. The latest collection tackles everything from graying temples to chicken-foot frowns — with a reptilian brain or two thrown in for good measure.

The Show spoke with her to learn about the work, beginning with the title itself.

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