Evan J. Peterson (sometimes called Evan Peterson) is an American author, poet, and educator. Peterson teaches writing and emphasizes that poetry should be performed. His performances have been characterized as "high-art concept-driven" and outrageous. A reviewer for The New York Times named Peterson as being among trendy writers creating apocalypse fiction featuring zombies. Peterson’s poetry often features movie monsters and characters inspired by the final girl trope. Peterson's multidenominational religious background including Jewish, Christian, and Native American faith has influenced his poetry. Peterson was once editor-in-chief of Minor Arcana Press.