Zinzi Clemmons is a highly accomplished American author, well-known for her literary fiction novels. Raised in Philadelphia, Clemmons has roots in various countries, including Trinidad and South Africa, which have significantly influenced her writing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary Arts and Critical Theory from Brown University and later pursued an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University. Clemmons has had her work featured in numerous literary magazines, such as The Paris Review Daily, Zoetrope, The Common, and Transition.
Clemmons has received extensive support and fellowships from several prestigious institutions, including Bread Loaf, The MacDowell Colony, Fine Art Work Center in Provincetown, and Kimbilio Center for American African Fiction. These fellowships have played a crucial role in her development as a writer. In addition to her writing, Clemmons is an active editor and educator. She co-founded and served as the publisher of Apogee Journal, a literary magazine, and is currently a contributing editor to Literary Hub and deputy editor for Phoneme Media. Clemmons is also involved in teaching creative writing and literature to aspiring writers at Occidental College and The Colburn Conservatory.
Clemmons' debut novel, What We Lose, was a critical success, and she is currently working on her second book, which is expected to be published soon. She is represented by Jin Auh at The Wylie literary agency. Clemmons is married and resides in Los Angeles with her husband. She has had the privilege of being a writer in residence at Dar al Ma'mun in Marrakech, Morocco, and a few other literary organizations. Clemmons' unique background and experiences have significantly contributed to her exceptional storytelling abilities, making her a prominent figure in the literary world.