Deanna began writing prose in 3rd grade, and quickly displayed a unique grasp of a singular vernacular. In 6th grade she was introduced to poetry by her Uncle Sam, who had wrote a poem for Deanna's brother, in an attempt to wrench him out of a serious depression. This was the genesis of Deanna's lyrical style, coupled with an admiration for Maya Angelou. This giant of American poetry was Deanna's primary stylistic influence for six years, inspiring her to tackle themes of personal experiences within increasingly creative rhyme structures. In late 2000, Deanna was introduced to the works of Saul Williams, and through him the world of spoken word and slam performances evolved. Consequently her poetic style found a natural form of expression, in which words became an exhibition of inner-conflict, societal concern, and romance. Free-flowing verses, and moving rhymes, punctuate the powerful message she incorporates within each poem. In 2002, she created an album by blending poetry with music, entitled "Time is Passing," which explores the more euphoric feelings one experiences through time. However, her second album, "Minutes in Between," interprets the anger and resentment regarding various issues, that is often left lingering. Her newest album, "Swear to Tell the Truth," is due out by Summer of 2007.
Always a prolific writer, she has since become a popular slam performer, and now co-hosts the Inner Ear (a monthly open-mic performance), at the Full Circle Brewery in Downtown Fresno. She also has come full circle with her writing -- rediscovering nonfiction prose in a series of marvelous short stories based on a traumatic childhood. Deanna has obtained both her BA in English and MFA in creative writing from CSU Fresno where she is currently an English professor. This summer she plans to travel to various countries, both to contribute her insight to the world, as well as utilize the opportunity for personal growth. Her long-term goals center around using poetry, art, and meditation to help ameliorate what she sees as spiritual emptiness and decay in our society.
--- Joshua Sullivan-Pires
I waas going to be in Fresno tomorrow (and was thinking about you) ... how you been??? Gonna be home during Pride this year???? We have to do our 5 minute meet up!
I miss you like crazy, too. I'm just trying to finish up. I'm working on the thesis a lot. Oh, and I won the Trejo prize that Levine judged!! Aside from that, not much going on. Are you still loving it out there? Are you writing? Send me some of your kick as poems.
Come out and fucking Party your ass off....I'm ending my 20's and I'm a do it big...all ladies half price before 11 pm and drink specials all night...Thats what I'm talking bout. . . . . Friday, Friday, Friday, Zapps Park Let get it....
Good to hear from you, im good, married and no kids yet and imout here in U.A.E right now jus puttin in my time again. hot as hell out here, lol, china huh, thats awsome. when u comin back to the states. well women its time to go to work. keep in touch. bye D
Oh you know me. I'm always cooking up something. I'll send you some finished product. I need your email address A.S.A.P. You look like your in bliss out there. Your apartment looks pretty sweet. My family is doing great. I miss the hell out of you too.
Hey Sis, thanks for the message! I am too, sorry we didn't get to meet up while you were here, maybe next time... I do hope your stay back home was a good one and that the trip back was filled with memories to carry you until the day you return home. As for me, I'm glad we did get to talk and see one another in passing. Do know you are missed. Right now, just getting ready for the 7yr anniversary show in May. It's going to a good one. You should check it out on the Ear myspace page. Other than that, life is life and so ...I'm in da middle of some personal drama, (what else is new) but as you know, nothing can hold me down, so in my mind, all is going to work out. Looking to finishing my bio class this semester and working on my final two classes over the summer to get my AA degree. (Wish me luck) Let me know how you're doing over there and if you started writing again. As always, take care babe and stay safe. -b-
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