Our Teachers
The Muse's instructors are all working writers and published authors who have taught courses at colleges, universities, and other community organizations. Read our teachers’ biographies and see what classes they are currently teaching.
Samantha Bankston
Samantha graduated Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. While there, she won the Jerri Dickseski Fiction Prize and first place in ODU’s literary essay contest for a piece on postcolonialism, culture, and aliens in Star Wars. She's also a big fan of dinosaurs, showtunes, and giant monsters (including her dog, Kalos).
Currently, Samantha spends her time writing epic space fantasies, teaching Fiction in The Muse's outreach programs, and working as the Center & Volunteer Manager.
Current Classes Taught
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth (Saturday Mornings)
- (Fall 2023)
- Young Writers Class
- (Fall 2023)
Previous Classes Taught
- 1-Day Creative Writing "Camp" for Adults (Mon. July 24)
- (Summer 2023)
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth
- (Fall 2022)
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth (Saturday Afternoons)
- (Winter/Spring 2023)
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth (Saturday Afternoons)
- (Summer 2023)
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth (Saturday Mornings)
- (Summer 2023)
- Creative Writing for Middle School Youth (Saturday Mornings)
- (Winter/Spring 2023)
- Creative Writing Summer Camp: Elementary School (ages 8-10)
- (Summer 2023)
- Creative Writing Summer Camp: Middle School (ages 11-13)
- (Summer 2023)
- Sam's Birthday Write-Along!