Marinarena is an observational poet, who’s a tad bit on the mysterious side, positive-minded, down-to-earth, curious, and absolutely one who looks forward what life will reveal to her. She is an American writer with roots along the East Coast, from Virginia to the Carolinas and Florida. Her coming-of-age story flourished mainly in California. However, her heart and soul has drifted throughout America and to all over the world, of which she plans to see more.
Writing has been a way to let her inner thoughts run rampant. It has become a best friend to whom to turn for understanding and healing. Particularly, it is poetry that is a muse for her. Her work is mainly freeform and a confessional style with a strong admiration for metaphors, irony and wit. Poetry has become a source for insight for human relationships. Commonly, her writing approach is to recognize but expand on poetry’s conventions, such as the haiku. As for her goals as a writer, she strives to connect with her readers, not leaving one to think, “what’s the point here?” or “what the world is she trying to say?
As a reader, she is partial to poetry as well as stories of everyday life, journeys and coming-of-age stories, post-modern fiction, journal-style writing and biographies. All-time favorites books include:
Dante's The Divine Comedy, To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye and Island of Blue Dolphins.
In poetry, Marinarena is most partial to the keen works of marvelous Merrit Malloy and Langston Hughes. They are highly influential in Marinarena's observational perspective on human relations, especially when addressing matters of the heart and relationships, as well as societal concerns. Another favorite author, Milan Kundera is a source of inspiration with his mastery of showcasing the idiosyncrasies of dialogue.
Aside from literary influences, she is inspired and has
a great fondness for musician/songwriters- including but not limited to Jewel, Sting, Alana Davis and Sarah McLachlan. Moreover, she is a lover of most genres, from country to orchestral classical, rock to reggae and old school soul to progressive metal.
Travel Experience and Roles:
Avid Contributor of the former Virtualtourist.com
Travel Writer/Contributor of The Culture Trip
(based in Los Angeles)
Travel Tour Guide (southern California & Virginia
Cruise Tour Consultant)
Independent Travel Advisor and Blogger