Rich Ferguson Recommends...

“Prominently displayed on my writing desk is an index card on which I’ve written a quote by my dear friend, and boss at the Nervous Breakdown, Brad Listi. Some years ago, when I was at a creative low point—allowing the criticism of others to question my abilities as a writer—Brad told me:

‘Refuse to be denied or broken.’ I often return to those words. They remind me that to be a poet or writer is not a passive act. Every day we must break through walls of self-doubt and denial. Stand our ground. Let our voices be heard. Not so much to challenge the caustic critics, but to tell a damn good story, write a heart-seizing poem. And in the process, perhaps battle and tame a few of our demons along the way.”
—Rich Ferguson, author of 8th & Agony (Punk Hostage Press, 2013)