Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft: Catherine Barnett

By Ben Purkert and Catherine Barnett November 27, 2018

The poet discusses the separation of mind and body—literally and figuratively—the transformation of influence, and imagining an audience.

Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft: Cedar Sigo

By Cedar Sigo and Ben Purkert September 28, 2018

The poet on escaping the confines of academia, striving for imperfection, and moving back home.

Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft: Cynthia Cruz

By Ben Purkert and Cynthia Cruz August 23, 2018

The poet on perfectionism, surrendering control, and a poetry that reflects the practical realities of American life today.

Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft: Heather Christle

By Ben Purkert and Heather Christle July 11, 2018

The poet discusses the spark of life in a poem and the intersection of the imaginative and the political.

Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft: Victoria Chang

By Victoria Chang and Ben Purkert June 6, 2018

The poet on her revision process and coping with grief.

Back Draft Interview Arts & CultureLit World

Back Draft: Carl Phillips

By Carl Phillips and Ben Purkert May 3, 2018

The inaugural installment of a new series about the revision process in poetry. First up: Carl Phillips.

Back Draft Interview Lit World

Back Draft

By Ben Purkert March 2, 2018

An exploration of the revision process in poetry.

Review Arts & CultureLit World

An Inspired Time for American Poetry

By Ben Purkert October 19, 2017

Fifteen debut poetry collections that define the cultural moment.

Commentary

Raising the Dead

By Ben Purkert September 27, 2017

An author’s visitation seems, in my students' eyes, a resurrection.

Essay Family & RelationshipsReligionUSA

Being Jewy

By Ben Purkert March 9, 2017

What was "Jewy"? Was it me?