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Ben Purkert

Creative Writing Professor at Sarah Lawrence College

Ben Purkert is an accomplished writer and educator who currently serves as a Creative Writing Professor in the MFA program at Sarah Lawrence College.14 Here's an overview of his background and achievements:

Academic and Professional Background

Ben Purkert holds degrees from prestigious institutions:

  • Harvard University
  • New York University (NYU), where he was a New York Times Fellow15

Literary Accomplishments

Poetry: Ben is an acclaimed poet. His poetry collection "For the Love of Endings" (Four Way Books, 2018) was named one of Adroit's Best Poetry Books of the Year.1

Fiction: He has recently expanded into fiction writing. His debut novel "The Men Can't Be Saved" was published by Overlook Press.16

Publications: His writing has appeared in numerous renowned publications, including:

  • The New Yorker
  • The Nation
  • Slate
  • Poetry
  • Ploughshares
  • Kenyon Review
  • Tin House1

Teaching Career

Ben Purkert is currently teaching in the MFA program at Sarah Lawrence College.14 He's known for his expertise in creative writing and has recently joined The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College as an instructor.23

Professional Experience

Before his academic career, Ben worked in advertising as a copywriter. This experience informs some of the themes in his novel, which explores branding and artificiality in modern society.1

Ben Purkert is described as an unassuming yet confident individual, known for his exact, smart, and thoughtful writing style.1 His diverse experiences as a poet, novelist, creative writing instructor, and former advertising professional contribute to his unique perspective as an educator and writer.

Highlights

MFA Writing Colloquium: Ben Purkert Fiction Reading
Aug 8 · bombmagazine.org
Ben Purkert Interviewed - BOMB Magazine

Related Questions

What inspired Ben Purkert to transition from poetry to fiction?
How does Ben Purkert incorporate his personal experiences into his teaching?
What are some notable works by Ben Purkert?
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What is the focus of Ben Purkert's course "Winning at the Finish Line"?
Ben Purkert
Ben Purkert, photo 1
Ben Purkert, photo 2
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Experience

Creative Writing Professor at Sarah Lawrence College (September 2023 - Present)
Senior Writer and Strategy Director at Clarke Design (March 2017 - Present)

Education

- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Literature/Letters from Harvard University (2003 - 2007) - Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from New York University (2010 - 2012)

Location

Jersey City, New Jersey, United States