JPurpera is the author of the true-noir historical thriller Her Name Is Elaine. Inspired by a true story, the novel follows a woman in her prime who witnesses a crime that topples her life against the shifting industrial landscape of 1969 Buffalo, New York. Drawing parallels to Sophocles’ Antigone, the narrative weaves together organized crime, family drama, and the gritty reality of life on the edge.
A graduate of the University at Buffalo, JPurpera refined their craft studying under Robert Creeley, David Landrey, and Jonathan Skinner. A “word archaeologist” with a background in nonprofit writing and historical digitization at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, JPurpera’s work is underpinned by meticulous research into FBI files, court documents, interviews, and genealogical records. They are the founder of Fairfield Small Press and reside in Cefalu, New York.