In Memoriam

Citizens for Decent Literature Press is honored to announce the forthcoming publication of a powerful new collection of poetry by our dearly missed friend, Brian Fugett. Spanning work from the late 1980s through 2024, this posthumous collection gathers over 150 poems that reflect the breadth of Fugett’s voice and vision.

Edited by Aleathia Drehmer and Michele McDannold, the volume offers an intimate window into Fugett’s inner and outer worlds. From gritty, everyday observations to the surreal and abstract, these poems showcase his fearless honesty and unmistakable wit. With a sharp eye for the absurd and a deep sensitivity to the complexities of being human, Fugett captures the strange, uncomfortable, and often darkly humorous edges of life.

Recurring themes include isolation, anxiety, disillusionment, and an ongoing search for meaning—always grounded in a raw, self-aware voice that never shies from vulnerability. Whether confronting personal demons or reflecting on society’s contradictions, Fugett’s work remains fiercely authentic and emotionally resonant.

This collection stands not only as a testament to his singular talent but also as a tribute to his legacy in the small press and underground lit communities. Proceeds from this collection will support the Brian Fugett Memorial Prize, a new annual award for an outstanding chapbook of poetry.

The Brian Fugett Memorial Prize Opens for Submissions September 1

In honor of the late editor, poet, and publisher Brian W. Fugett, The Literary Underground is proud to announce the launch of the Brian Fugett Memorial Prize, an annual award recognizing an outstanding poetry chapbook manuscript.

Best known for his irreverent voice and unwavering support for indie lit, Fugett was a driving force behind many DIY literary efforts, including Zygote in My Coffee, Tainted Coffee Press and the Nothing to Lose internet radio program. This new prize celebrates his legacy by uplifting bold, uncompromising work in the spirit of his own.

Submissions will be open from September 1 through September 30, 2025.

One manuscript will be selected for publication by Citizens for Decent Literature Press. The winning poet will receive 25 contributor copies of the chapbook.

This year’s judges are poets Aleathia Drehmer and Michele McDannold.