In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Ben Purkert, a celebrated author known for his debut novel 'The Men Can't Be Saved'.
We discuss the themes of self-worth and identity in the context of job loss, drawing from the experiences of the novel's main character, Seth. Ben shares insights into the impact of branding and professional identity on individuals, his transition from poetry to novel writing, and the importance of embracing different genres and activities to foster creativity.
The episode also touches on the challenges writers face in defining themselves as authors, the process of branding for writers, and Ben’s approach to teaching and writing. He encourages writers to start without waiting for a perfect idea and reflects on how different life experiences contribute uniquely to one's writing.
Connect with Ben
Website: www.benpurkert.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/BenPurkert
Book: The Men Can't be Saved
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com
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