Hi, I’m Clara—a writer by trade, passion, and necessity because I wouldn’t know who I am without writing. By day, I craft grants and content; by night, I scribble poetry, devour books, and imagine alternate timelines when I finally finish my novel.

I grew up in Wyoming, but now I call eastern South Dakota home. My Salvadoran roots, love for sour candy, birds, and borderline caffeine addiction find their way into everything I do—whether it’s my writing, my conversations, or my daydreams.

My journey into the writing world started with a deep love for storytelling and creative expression, which led me to major in English and Professional Writing at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. From there, I moved east to Vermillion to pursue my MA in English Literature at the University of South Dakota. While there, I taught undergraduate literature and composition, served as a poetry editor for the South Dakota Review, and worked at a local coffee shop, fully embracing the English major stereotype.

After graduation, I traded academia for the world of nonprofit and business writing, starting as a healthcare grant writer. Recently, I’ve added content writing for one of my favorite local breweries to my mix of expertise. In every role, I’ve learned how to balance creativity with strategy—how to make words work not just for art but for impact.

Now, I’m working on integrating my creative and professional writing worlds, finding ways to blur the lines between storytelling, persuasion, and self-expression. The title of my website, Clara Writes Stuff, says it all: I write stuff—grants, poetry, essays, stories, and everything in between.

If you’re here, welcome to my little corner of the internet. Grab a coffee (or a cat), and let’s talk words.