Purtill graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1988 with degrees in anthropology and dance. She later received a Master of Science in film production at Boston University. Film work took her to New York City where she became a script supervisor on films, music videos and commercials.

In early 2000, she moved to Los Angeles with her husband where she worked as a broadcast standards editor (network censor) for The WB Television Network later renamed The CW Television Network on such shows as The Gilmore Girls and 7th Heaven.

Purtill currently resides in West Hollywood with her husband. Her latest book, All About Vee, was published by Penguin Group in April 2008.