Paula Marie Deubel

Published author/writer/journalist/poet

I've always written under the pen name "P. Mari." I have over 200 articles and poems published in various anthologies, newspapers, magazines, and publications in both the USA and abroad.

My very first book (VOICES FROM OUR CONSCIENCE (1995/out of print) is about the Persian Gulf War and was sold at "Border's Books & Music," Michigan. It was a very unusual and controversial compilation of my political essays, poems, and drawings. I actually did very well with it; it was on display at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan, twice (at two annual Catholicm"Call for Action" events) and was in circulation at major libraries in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan. This book would probably be far more timely now, than it was back then.

My second book of my poetry (POEMS OF LOVE & MADNESS (2005) is illustrated with over 50 of my drawings and can be partially viewed (as well as purchased) at Amazon.com or through this author. Some of my traditional and symbolic art work can also be seen at www.GraveStar.DeviantArt.com. Take a peek!

I spend much of my creative time in a small, one-room cabin near the lakes of Northern Michigan, an area I truly love. I love the outdoors (but not the sun - I am nocturnal!) and don't think I could happily live without nature. Nature is something I now consider a true privilege that may not always be here. I also love animals, both domestic and wild, and would love to own a pet fox or lion. I especially need to find another border collie to love, since my lovely "Cupcake" broke my heart when he left this world.

I love excitement and travel, and my inspiration led me to over 12 countries across several continents, including Africa and the Middle East, plus about half the United States. To me, all cultures are very beautiful, just like colorful art! I've been "in love" with many, many cities before, they each seem to have their own mood and soul. I can fall in love with a special place or city almost as deeply as I feel romance with a person! And I am a very romantic and idealistic person. I also enjoyed living ten years in The Black Forest and can now speak and read fluent German. I translated one long poem from German into English (by Tagore), which I am proud of, but I also discovered good translating is sometimes even harder than writing.

I'm currently involved in many humanitarian projects and was an active volunteer of many different organizations, including S.E. Michigan (American) Indians and Clean Water Action. Many of these experiences, and the people I've met and the places I visited, have given me the inspiration to write.

I was born in Detroit, a city I once hated, but have since learned to love. I've come to see its empty streets and broken buildings as a unique and poetic realm, if not totally fantastic and surreal. There is nothing like it. I grew up, however, in a very rural area of Michigan.

Whenever I see something in the world that saddens me, I instantly want to make it "somehow better," to make it appear far more beautiful (even if in a dark way) than it really is, and that's when I feel most inspired to write.