Spotlight - Sam Moe

Sam Moe is an interdisciplinary author and visual artist whose work bridges poetry, prose, and large-scale art. They are often rooted in speculative magical realism and themes of trauma, resilience, and transformation. Beyond the page, she's a visual artist who has also done artistic residences, the latest being a 1,000-foot drawing.

The earliest spark of writing came at the age of nine, when Sam invented a story about elemental deities and immediately began sketching art to accompany it. By third grade, notebooks brimmed with poems, and the interplay of words and images became a lifelong practice. That dual devotion continues today, with writing and visual art feeding each other in unexpected ways.

Small press publishing became their chosen path, offering intimate support and community, though the challenges of limited staffing and uneven communication remain part of the journey. Her most recent book, Cicatrizing Daughters, released on October 23, 2025, marks a new stage in their career. A collection of poetry, it captures a different point in life, weaving together reflections from the restaurant industry with food writing and personal narrative. For Sam, the book is a testament to how art can transform lived experience into something communal and resonant.

The push to keep writing and pursue publication has always been rooted in survival and gift. Having endured severe life experiences, Sam found courage in readers' positive reactions. Writing became both a dream and a necessity, a way to overcome hardship and share stories that might otherwise remain unheard. Recent experiences in the industry have reinforced this sense of community, such as participating in agent-pitch sessions for charity through Philadelphia Stories Press in October and November, which highlighted the generosity that exists within publishing.

Looking ahead, Sam envisions continuing to expand their body of work, deepening explorations of trauma, myth, and resilience, while weaving their interdisciplinary art practice into future projects. For emerging writers, Sam offers a reminder born of experience: be open to feedback, and remember that no draft is ever final until it is in print.