[dropcap1]I [/dropcap1]was introduced to Sanguine Press via Twitter; they are a new face in the publishing industry that desires to “Uplift, support, and nurture the kinds of creative media that we want to see, now and in the future.” And that’s totally in line with my personal mission working for BNP: to use our platform to help spread the word about such folks. I love the written word and I know there’s certainly a market for it.

This anthology, the first offering for Sanguine Press seeks to be their gateway product to lay the foundation for all that’s to come. But anthologies are a dime a dozen, right? You can find them anywhere and everywhere. What makes this one special? What makes this one standout? Why is this anthology any different? In this corner is our rookie newcomer, Sanguine Press with an anthology that is:

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  • Entirely focused on stories with characters of color as the main characters.[icon_check]
  • Featuring stories focusing on the Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror genres. [icon_check]
  • Includes a Black, female main editor who has a background which includes marketing and copy writing. [icon_check]
  • A diverse and thoughtful selection of stories. [icon_check]
  • A really, really gorgeous cover image! [icon_check]
  • A really unique and powerful theme (that’s elaborated on later further down!) [icon_check]

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I thought that the theme was unique so I spoke in depth with Ereika Collins, the main editor, about it. In my head, the idea of transitions and awakenings works well in the Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror genres. Looking at the larger picture, reading about people of color experiencing transitions and awakenings sounds like something I’d want to read as we are often delegated to background and/or written with stereotypical fanfare.

Collins elaborates: “The theme for the anthology is ‘No Regrets’ – that is, characters who make a bold decision, seize a moment, or take an action without letting missed opportunities or past mistakes hold them back from that. For this first anthology, I really wanted stories with characters that are willing and able to move (forward, backwards, sideways) and not brood.”

[quote_right] I really wanted stories with characters that are willing and able to move (forward, backwards, sideways) and not brood. [/quote_right]

I, personally, was intrigued by this theme and believe from the teasers of what I’ve read so far from the anthology that it meshes well with the framework of these stories.

Back to Sanguine Press, Collins adds “Our mission is pretty simple – we are a platform that’s dedicated to elevating stories that focus on characters of color in control of their own narratives. We believe that representation in all forms of media is essential, and that having a wide variety of experiences covered in fiction is just one more way to ensure that people find a place where they belong – creatively, emotionally, or just in an entertainment sense and being able to relate to the characters and worlds that we read about.”

transitions-and-awakenings-003

We are a platform that’s dedicated to elevating stories that focus on characters of color in control of their own narratives.

Lastly, What’s the endgame of Sanguine Press? Collins says that “Five years from now, I’d love to see us with a monthly e-zine, quarterly anthology and a few novellas each year. Next year, the goal is to put out another anthology, putting into practice everything we’ve learned this year to make it run more smoothly for everyone involved.”

The hope is that if this Indiegogo Campiagn is successful, these folks will putting together the first run of their a e-zine that they have in the works. Eerika also mentions doing more with their Facebook page where more and more people can engage and be apart of this community that they are building.

Are you interested in seeing more and supporting the vision of Sanguine Press? See more on their Indiegogo Campaign page to see special updates, excerpts of some of the stories and much more. Check out their website for further details on who they are and what they wish to accomplish.

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  • Carrie McClain is writer, editor and media scholar. Other times she's known as a Starfleet Communications Officer, Comics Auntie, and Golden Saucer Frequenter. Nowadays you can usually find her avoiding Truck-kun and forgetting her magical girl transformation device. She/Her

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