JPurpera is the author of the historical crime drama, Her Name Is Elaine, a 72,000-word novel set in 1970s Buffalo. Inspired by true events, the book reimagines an Antigone-like struggle against the backdrop of organized crime, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a hidden world. Her deep personal connection to the subject matter is evident, as the character “Pepe” is inspired by her own father, providing an intimate, insider’s lens into the dynamics of the era.

A graduate of the University at Buffalo, Jpurpera refined her craft studying poetry under the esteemed Robert Creeley. Her diverse professional background spans freelance website design, graphic design, and content creation for various organizations. Notably, she is the founder, editor, and designer of Fairfield Small Press, where she has championed the work of numerous poets, musicians, and artists through chapbooks and artbooks. Jpurpera also brings a wealth of research experience from her time as a Research Assistant and Project Manager at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where she digitized extensive historical collections and contributed to peer-reviewed publications.

A dedicated family historian, Jpurpera spends countless hours unearthing and preserving stories from Western New York’s past, a passion that deeply informs her writing. Her meticulous research, drawing from genealogical records, court documents, FBI files, and interviews, underpins the authenticity of her narratives. Jpurpera resides in Buffalo, New York, where she continues to write and explore the rich history of her community, now as a parent of two.