Ben Burnstein, Instructor

Nobody has ever mistaken Ben Burnstein for Chris Kringle. But the compact, completely bald writer is irrepressibly jolly, especially when it comes to spreading joy through words on the page.

For more than 30 years, Ben wrote about defense, intelligence and aviation at CNN. He also crafted newscasts, documentaries and obituaries. His favorite projects at the network spotlighted ordinary people doing great things. Along the way, he trained other journalists to write with heart and humanity.

Ben began penning short fiction to express a different kind of truth. Now free from the frenetic news business, he still writes to inspire -- to make people love bigger, to think deeper. He teaches other writers to do the same.

Ben lives in Atlanta with his patient wife, Melissa, teenage daughter, Bri, and devoted dachshund, Bosco.

There’s also a cat.

Ben believes Santa is a natural storyteller full of wisdom, wonder and hard-earned experience. He’s delighted to show The Big Guy (and his helpers) how to put those stories on the page.

We are excited to welcome Ben to our team of speakers this session!