Celebrated writers of poetry, fiction, and literary non-fiction visit campus several times each year to give lectures, readings, discussions, and book signings. Visiting author readings are held at 6:00 p.m. (preceded by receptions at 5:30 p.m.) in the Metzgar Center Lobby. All events are free and open to the public.
The Creative Writers Reading Series is produced by Penn State Behrend’s B.F.A. in Creative Writing degree program with support from the Clarence A. and Eugenie Baumann Smith Fund. For additional information, call 814-898-6108
Spring 2020 Readings
Given concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the safety of our students and guests, the remaining Rhythms of Life performances for spring 2020 have been canceled.
- These events include Kyle Minor, fiction writer (previously scheduled for March 26); Joanna Ruocco, fiction writer (previously scheduled for April 2); and Kathryn Nuernberger, poet (previously scheduled for April 23).
- Should these events be rescheduled, future dates will be posted here.
Previous Visiting Writers
Previous visiting writers have included: David Baker, Charles Baxter, Clare Beams, Mary Biddinger, Mark Brazaitis, Michael Byers, Thom Conroy, Karen Craigo, Stephen Dunn, Martín Espada, Matthew Ferrence, Katie Ford, Melissa Fraterrigo, Eric Freeze, Alice Friman, John Gallaher, Cristina García, Sarah Gerkensmeyer, Henrietta Goodman, Caitlin Horrocks, Elizabeth Kadetsky, Laura Kasischke, David Kirby, Al Maginnes, Wendell Mayo, Teresa Milbrodt, John Minichillo, Lia Purpura, Robert Michael Pyle, Doug Ramspeck, Paisley Rekdal, Jared Yates Sexton, Heather Slomski, Mecca Jamilah Sullivan, Jen Town, Deb Olin Unferth, Corey Zeller, and many more.