My name is Clarissa (she/her) and I was born and raised in San Diego, California where I currently live with my husband and two cats. I have a BFA in Creative Writing with a minor in Illustration from California Baptist University and an MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing from Emerson College.

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I began freelance editing in 2019 and have helped over 10 writers with over 15 titles. One of my edited titles received the Readers' Favorite Award. I have also edited for Page Turner Magazine, The Dazed Starling, and 72 Hours of Insanity. 

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As a tradigital illustrator, I work both digitally and traditionally. My traditional work primarily encompasses watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and guache. Digitally, I am experienced with Photoshop and Krita. I have done freelance illustration since 2019 and made my published debut in 2023 with The Squirrel and the Moon written by Jacob Haffner. My illustrations have also been published in Page Turner Magazine and Stork Magazine. I am a winner of the Page Turner Magazine illustration contest.

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My own writing—including short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, and critical essays—has been published in various issues of The Dazed Starling, Alethia, and Page Turner Magazine. I am a winner of the Dazed Starling Alumni Writing Contest for fiction and runner-up for Page Turner Magazine's Fantasy Contest.

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In my spare time, I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy RPGs and attending renaissance faires. I also sing in a choir and have a background in the performing arts.