Draft:Sondra Sampson
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| Submission declined on 6 July 2025 by Pythoncoder (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
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| Submission declined on 6 July 2025 by Qcne (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. Declined by Qcne 3 days ago. | |
| Submission declined on 6 July 2025 by KylieTastic (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources. Declined by KylieTastic 3 days ago. | |
Comment: Does not meet WP:NAUTHOR. qcne (talk) 14:21, 6 July 2025 (UTC)
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Sondra Sampson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Sondra Sampson in 2024 | |
| Born | March 4, 1976 Laurinburg, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author, publisher |
| Language | English, American Sign Language |
| Nationality | Native American |
| Education | Model Secondary School for the Deaf |
| Genre | Spiritual fiction, Indigenous literature, supernatural thriller |
| Notable works | Signs from the Spirit, The Sign of Victoria, Luski's Silent Girl |
| Signature | |
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Sondra Sampson (born March 4, 1976) is a Native American author known for works that explore Indigenous identity, grief, psychological suspense. A member of the Lumbee Tribe and Deaf since childhood, she published her debut books, Signs from the Spirit and The Sign of Victoria, in 2025. Her work has been featured in The Robesonian and other regional media. Sampson is also the founder of Silent Feather Press and an advocate for H.R. 474, the Lumbee Recognition Act.
Early life and education
[edit]Sondra Sampson was born in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and is enrolled as a member of the Lumbee Tribe. She became Deaf at 18 months old due to spinal meningitis. At age four, she began learning American Sign Language while attending the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She later attended the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in 1992, located on the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.. Her time at Gallaudet inspired her to advocate for Deaf visibility in literature.
In early 2024, Sampson cared for her father, Charles Sampson, until his passing on February 19, 2024.[1][2] His passing inspired her to write the book Signs from the Spirit.
Through her father's Lumbee family line, she is related to Kelvin Sampson, head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball team.
Career
[edit]Before becoming a full-time author, Sampson worked for the United States Postal Service as a city carrier. She began writing in earnest after leaving USPS and published her debut works, Signs from the Spirit and The Sign of Victoria, in 2025 through her imprint, Silent Feather Press.
Her writing often blends spiritual experiences, Indigenous heritage, and themes of survival and resilience. Signs from the Spirit is a deeply personal book about her father's passing,[3] while The Sign of Victoria is a supernatural thriller involving college students trapped in a haunted Victorian manor. In September 2025, she released her third novel, Luski's Silent Girl, a culturally rooted story about a Deaf Native girl and a wounded black wolf.
Sampson also advocates for Indigenous rights and the Deaf community. She publicly supports H.R. 474 – Lumbee Fairness Act, which seeks full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.[4]
Bibliography
[edit]- Signs from the Spirit (May 5, 2025) [5]
ISBN 979-8218693657[6] A heartfelt debut blending poetry, personal diary reflections, and spiritual symbolism. The book serves as a tribute to Sampson’s late father and explores grief, healing, and sacred signs. Format: Paperback, eBook Publisher: Silent Feather Press
- The Sign of Victoria' (June 5, 2025) [7] ISBN 979-8349397097
A supernatural thriller in which seven college students face psychological terror while trapped in a haunted Victorian manor. The novel explores themes of fear, fate, survival, and identity. Format: Paperback, eBook Publisher: Silent Feather Press
- Luski’s Silent Girl' (September 30, 2025) [8] - ISBN 9798348495909
A culturally grounded story about a Deaf Native girl whose homeland is destroyed by fire. Guided by ancestral signs and a wounded black wolf, Luski, she embarks on a journey of vengeance and rediscovery. Format: Paperback, eBook Publisher: Silent Feather Press
Media coverage
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Sondra Sampson has been featured in publications such as The Robesonian[9]. She has submitted her work to other major outlets, including The New York Times Book Review and People Magazine, and participates in Lumbee Homecoming events.
In July 6, 2025, Sondra Sampson was featured in a Publishers Weekly article published via BookLife for her dual debut as a Lumbee and Deaf author.[10]
In July 8, 2025, Sondra Sampson’s novel ’‘Luski’s Silent Girl’’ was promoted on BookLife, a platform by Publishers Weekly that supports independent authors through contests and media exposure."Book Promotion Programs for Indie Authors". BookLife. Publishers Weekly. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
Recognition
[edit]Sondra Sampson was featured in The Robesonian in June 2025 as a rising Lumbee and Deaf author following the publication of her debut books, Signs from the Spirit and The Sign of Victoria. She was also recognized for her advocacy of H.R. 474, the Lumbee Recognition Act, and for her contributions to Indigenous and Deaf storytelling through her imprint, Silent Feather Press.
Sondra Sampson’s books are also archived in the Robeson Community College Library in Lumberton, North Carolina.[11]
Reception
[edit]Signs from the Spirit received early praise from tribal and regional leaders. Victoria Sanderson of The Robesonian wrote, "A Lumbee and Deaf author who uses her life experiences to connect with readers through stories of healing, faith, and supernatural suspense."[12]
Sampson's first book Signs from the Spirit received attention in her hometown newspaper The Robesonian[13]. Her second novel, The Sign of Victoria, drew praise for its psychological tension and portrayal of survival inside a haunted mansion.
In 2025, Luski’s Silent Girl began gaining recognition for its cultural depth and storytelling rooted in Lumbee identity. The novel explores themes of land loss, silence, and intergenerational strength. Sampson’s advocacy for H.R. 474, the Lumbee Recognition Act, parallels the novel’s message. She has personally contacted Thom Tillis and David Rouzer, urging support for federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe. Her creative work and activism together reflect a broader commitment to Native storytelling and political truth.
Chairman John Lowery of the Lumbee Tribe also endorsed the book, stating: "Congratulations on your two books. You make our tribe proud, and I wish you much success moving forward."[12]
Family
[edit]Sondra Sampson is a Lumbee author who was previously married and divorced in 1993. She has three children from that marriage and has been with her partner for 28 years. Together, they have two more children, totaling five children and five grandchildren. Her mother and sister are living. Her father, Charles Graham Sampson, passed away before the release of her first book, which she dedicated to him.[14] She currently resides in Robeson County, North Carolina.
References
[edit]- ^ "Charles Sampson obituary". Rogers Funeral Home. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "Charles Sampson Obituary". Echovita. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "Charles Graham Sampson Obituary". Tribute Archive. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ "H.R. 474 – Lumbee Fairness Act". Congress.gov. 16 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
- ^ Sampson, Sondra (5 May 2025). Signs from the Spirit – Google Books. Silent Feather Press. ISBN 979-8-218-69365-7. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Signs from the Spirit – U.S. Copyright Public Record". U.S. Copyright Office. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ Sampson, Sondra (4 June 2025). The Sign of Victoria – Google Books. Silent Feather Press. ISBN 979-8-3493-9709-7. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ Sondra Sampson (July 2025). "Luski's Silent Girl". BookLife. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ "Lumbee author publishes debut novels". 11 June 2025.
- ^ "Lumbee author publishes debut novels". BookLife. Publishers Weekly. June 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Library Catalog Archive – Robeson Community College". Robeson Community College. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Signs from the Spirit – Barnes & Noble Editorial Review". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Lumbee author publishes debut novels". The Robesonian. June 14, 2025.
- ^ "Charles Sampson Obituary". Legacy.com. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
The Robesonian article [1]
Your official author website [2]
World News article (WN.com) [3]
Her debut book, Signs from the Spirit, was published in 2025 and explores spiritual signs after grief.[4]
In 2025, Sampson released her second novel, The Sign of Victoria, a supernatural thriller featuring seven college students trapped in a haunted mansion.[5]
External links
[edit]Category:Living people Category:Native American women writers Category:Lumbee people Category:People from Laurinburg, North Carolina Category:21st-century American writers Category:Deaf writers
- ^ "Lumbee author publishes debut novels". The Robesonian. June 14, 2025. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ "About the Author – Sondra Sampson Books". Sondra Sampson Books. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Sanderson, Victoria (2025-06-14). "Lumbee author publishes debut novels". The Robesonian. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Sampson, Sondra (2025). Signs from the Spirit. Signs from the Spirit. ISBN 9798349395642. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ Sampson, Sondra (2025). The Sign of Victoria. ISBN 9798349397127. Retrieved July 8, 2025.