Sean Sam

Sean Sam is a lecturer at Cornell University's Department of Literatures in English, specializing in creative writing. A member of the Navajo Nation, his work intertwines Indigenous narratives with contemporary themes. He teaches courses like 'FWS: Short Stories' and 'Creative Writing,' and has contributed to journals such as The Georgia Review, Joyleand, and Poetry Northwest. Sam is the recipient of the George Harmon Coxe Fiction Prize and Terrain.org’s 12th Annual Fiction Contest, with works exploring cultural identity, environmental humanities, and existential themes. His publications span fiction, poetry, and essays, reflecting his commitment to diverse storytelling forms.

• Education: BA in Literatures in English from Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Affiliations: Fiction editor at 128 Lit; taught at the Emerging Diné Writers’ Institute (Navajo Technical University).

Research & Writing: Sam's fiction and poetry often focus on Indigenous perspectives, historical memory, and the intersection of culture with modernity. His forthcoming novel further explores these themes. Recent works include Phantasmagoria (forthcoming in Georgia Review) and The Frontier (winner of Terrain.org's 2024 contest).

Awards: Includes the George Harmon Coxe Fiction Prize, Terrain.org’s 12th Annual Fiction Contest, and finalist for the James Welch Prize.

Teaching: Courses emphasize creative writing techniques, short story craft, and narrative innovation. Sam also mentors emerging Diné writers through outreach programs.