Sean M. Bernard

Sean M. Bernard is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of La Verne, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Creative Writing program within La Verne Academy. He holds degrees from Arizona State University, Oregon State University, and the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop. A leading figure in literary arts, Bernard serves as Western Region Chair and Board Member (2021–2025) of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP).

• Education: Creative Writing degrees from Arizona, Oregon State, and Iowa Writers’ Workshop
• Grants/Fellowships: NEA Literary Fellowship (2012), Jentel Artists Foundation, University of Arizona Poetry Center
• Publications: Novels like Studies in the Hereafter (2015) and award-winning story collection Desert sonorous (Juniper Prize, 2014)

His research explores narrative innovation in contemporary fiction, with a focus on cultural and existential themes. His work has appeared in journals such as Santa Monica Review, Crazyhorse, and Gettysburg Review.

Awards:

• 2014 Juniper Prize (Desert sonorous)
• Named one of the “Best New Voices” in literary fiction

He currently edits The Los Angeles Review and Prism Review, contributing to literary discourse and mentoring emerging writers.