Photo by Jairo Alvarez

Clarisse Baleja Saïdi (b. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire) is a bilingual writer of Rwandan and Congolese (DRC) descent and Ugandan and Canadian dual nationality. A graduate of the Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, she’s received fellowships from Hedgebrook, MacDowell, Yaddo, ART OMI, and the Vermont Studio Center, among others. Her writing has been awarded the Theodore Roethke Poetry prize, Hopwood Prizes in fiction, nonfiction and drama, the John Wagner Prize, a Marina Nemat Creative Writing Prize, Penguin Random House’s Short Story Prize and more. She is the recipient of grants from the Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, and was named a 2022-2023 Fine Arts Work Center fiction fellow.

Writings

Long form writing is alchemical. I cherish the process of slowly amassing material, then chiseling away at a narrative, only for it to transform in its own magical way. Eventually, order emerges, and with it, a world that was there yet defies reader and writer expectations.

Most days, you’ll find me at a desk, writing on home, love, and power —on being, othering, emerging and belonging. I’m currently at work on a novel. I can’t wait for others to read it—but I must. The work demands patience and perseverance, the kinds I still cultivate.

My short form work has appeared in The Kenyon Review, POETRY magazine, Harvard’s Transition Magazine and Atlantic Canada’s The Fiddlehead.

I’m also learning to say the little things often. Check out to my Substack newsletter, Virtual Village, where I connect with digital and dispersed communities. Think ‘belief pieces’ rather than opinion ones. Think travelogues for the third culture kid semi-grown-up.

En attendant— merci. Thanks for reading me in the in-between. Reach out anytime.

Offerings

There is the joy of writing, and there is the privilege of sharing all you’ve learned along the way with others.

I have 15+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE as a writer, editor and teaching artist. Take advantage of that.

I may have courses, craft talks, or a seminar coming up. You’ll find these under the events page.

I also offer these one-on-one services via my coaching and editorial services:

  • COACHING: A personalized service combining custom feedback, professional craft tips, motivational support and resource sharing. This is a premium service ideal for moving your plans and practice forward.

  • PROJECT CONSULTATION: Developmental editing feedback on a book proposal, novel draft, poetry collection or nonfiction manuscript. For a quote, email in a project description or sign up for a FREE 15 MINUTE INTRO CALL.

  • OFFICE HOURS: Need a one-time discussion with a pro? An informational interview to discuss professional writing? Schedule an “office hours” chat. We can go over writing, editing, reading, research, your aspirations and more, with or without a specific project— no repeat commitment required.

  • APPLICATION SUPPORT: For help with artist residency and/or grant applications, including a one-on-one Q&A and a review of statements and/or artist bios. An expert eye helps.

  • MONTHLY MENTORSHIPS*: NEWLY ON OFFER : A scheduled hourly session, for accountability, ideating, progress tracking, career advancement and more. Think out loud with me and stay on your creative track for 3 to 12 months.

*I’ve learned from wonderful teachers and peers, but I haven’t had the chance to enjoy the support of an engaged mentor. I have however known the honor of becoming a mentor. I’m particularly happy to offer this long-term commitment for those seeking it.

Check out my LinkTree for archives and resources (like this free podcast interview on Artist Residencies).

And feel free to drop me a question anytime.

Clarisse Baleja Saïdi is represented by literary agent Heather Schroder at Compass Literary.