The writer, critic, professor and editor Rebecca Morgan Frank visited campus in April as part of the College’s Greyfriar Living Literature Series.
“Because of the breadth and range of her creative work, students in all of Siena’s creative writing classes were able to read and learn from her published writing before her visit,” said Karin Lin-Greenberg, M.F.A., associate professor of English and coordinator of the Greyfriar series. “Students were lucky to have multiple opportunities to learn from and engage with her.”
Frank gave a reading of her work April 7 then visited creative writing classes the following day and gave a “craft talk” about writing and revising poetry and fiction, and about her work as an editor. Students were able to engage in hands-on revisions of poem and story drafts.
Siena’s guest writer enjoyed her experience.
“It’s always wonderful to have anyone who wants to read or listen,” said Frank. “There’s something about that medium of getting to be in a room with people and hearing the sound of poems that is really powerful.”
Siena students and staff listened to Frank read from her published poetry books, including her most recent, “Oh you Robot Saints!”, which spotlights poems about medieval automatons. She described how her process of writing often stems from exploring an interest or obsession she has, and encouraged Siena students to do the same.
“Foster a sense of curiosity,” Frank says, “That’s where the place for discovery is.”
As a professor herself, Frank knew how to engage students and aspiring writers in discussions of poetry and literature. Students brought up questions about finding inspiration, creating titles, playing with sound, and literary journals.
“The questions, and the willingness of students to jump into the revision strategies, that’s just been really wonderful to see the genuine interest and dedication,” Frank says.
Frank emphasized the importance of community in poetry, especially for students on a college campus. Due to poetry being such an oral art form with emphasis on sound and structure, Frank encourages students to utilize resources on and off campus, engage with fellow students, and establish writing groups for critiques and revision.
“Find out what kind of events are going on even off campus that you can go and experience together and meet other writers and experience live readings,” she said.
Frank encouraged students to explore and continue to familiarize themselves with the work of authors of and before their time.
“This is not particularly original, but it is essential: Read, read, read. Read in the genre that you want to write in, read beyond the genre that you want to write in.”
Frank intends to continue to share her work, encourage aspiring writers, and engage in and uplift poetry and literature communities.
“By being present with Frank and her work during the reading and craft talk, Siena students and staff were able to experience the power of sound, intention, exploration, and the art of poetry,” said Allison Izzo '25.
