Interview with a Ghost
- The Nervous Ghost
- May 1
- 3 min read
Time to see what reaaally made that ghost, a ghost.
(first ghost logo circa 2017)
Chatting with ghosts has never been so simple. Just open your eyes, look over there, and say hello. Nervous Ghost Press finally sat down with the original Nervous Ghost to learn a little bit more about their story.
"Art turns the ugly and the scary into beautiful things."
Nervous Ghost Press: So what makes you nervous?
The Nervous Ghost: BoooOoOOOoooo.
NGP: You got me. That wasn't the best question I could have asked. My apologies. Okay, how about this one: What is your response when you hear people say art is dumb?
NG: BoooOOOOooo!
NGP: I definitely agree. You know, sometimes when I was younger I used to think that reading wasn't very fun--
NG: BoooOOooOOOoooo--
NGP: Boring! Yes. Sorry to cut you off. But yes, I used to believe reading was boring. It wasn't until I got a little older that I realized how powerful writing truly was. So what do you and the team work on over there at the press?
NG: BooOOooooOoOOoo--
NGP: Books! Of course, What a silly question. Though I do see so many other programs that you engage in. I think they are really cool and would love to learn more about them. But first, let's really get into the weeds. What makes art one of the powerful tools that exist today?
NG: Well. I'm glad you asked. Art has such amazing potential for so much, but when it really gets boiled down ... art turns the ugly and the scary into beautiful things. We can take all the bad stuff in our lives, manipulate it like a contortionist, and create something healing, unifying, and awesome.
NGP: That's really cool. I, myself, am not a creative person. What advice do you have for people like me?
NG: Oh stop it. We're all creative, and our voices carry strength. There's a really long conversation we could have about that, but just trust me [smiles] ... but as quickly as possible: Just create. Don't worry about whether people will like it or not, it's not about them. Your art is about you.
NGP: Hmm. Maybe I should dust off my paint brushes and canvases. If you had to pinpoint a moment in your existence, what do you think was the most influential experience you ever had? As a ghost or a human.
NG: Yes! Absolutely do that. Paint paint paint. Oh. Wild question. Well, I was a always ghost, right? I mean I always felt that way. Floating around waiting to be seen and heard. It wasn't easy. I always felt voiceless, ignored, and essentially invisible. I don't know if there was an exact moment that changed everything, maybe there was, but either way, I know the action that started it all. The moment I picked up a pencil and paper and began writing for myself, everything changed.
NGP: That makes a lot of sense. I'm sure many people feel that way at times. I've heard you talk about the community a lot. When you speak about the community and community arts, who are talking about?
NG: It's certainly too widespread. I wish it wasn't though. No one should feel that way. The community is made up of all of us. We have our immediate communities and our extended ones. Meet people, make friends, and truly experience how great it can all be. Art truly saves lives and with art we can promote and advocate for positive mental health and wellness.
"Our voices carry strength."
NGP: I like that. I need to get out more haha. Well, I know you have some haunting to do, jk! I'm sorry, I had to throw that in there. So, tell us where to find you, and what you're currently working on.
NG: Haha. To be honest, I would be terrible at hauntings. Let's see ... Currently I'm just writing. Doing my thing. You can find me where you need me.
NGP: Very nice. I appreciate you sitting (hovering?) down with me. See you next time.
NG: BoooOOOooOoooo ...
What a great ghost! For all you readers, if you want to be the next ghost sitting next to me having an awesome conversation, let me know today. You are all welcome to be part of this community. I am so very much looking forward to chatting with you.
Until next time, write on,
Nervous Ghost Press
Nervous Ghost Press, Inc. is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation created to advocate and promote the arts for those who need it most. Learn more about the organization at www.nervousghostpress.org
May 1, 2025