THE AUTHOR
Poet by day. Philosopher by night.
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, raised on the move, and still convinced that the best hours for thinking are the ones after everyone else has gone to bed.
5+
9
2
literary awards & recognitions
books written
languages
THE STORY
How a Marine ended up writing poetry
I was born Pablo José Camacho Marrero in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and grew up almost everywhere else. My father served more than 25 years in the Army, so we moved constantly—which meant I was always the new kid and never stayed long enough anywhere to build friendships that stuck.
Books filled that gap. So did notebooks. The connections I couldn't make with people, I made with pages, and somewhere in there, writing stopped being a hobby and became the way I understood my own life.
Writing in secret
I started my first book before enlisting in the Marine Corps, and finished it about two years in — in secret. I wrote in the field, in the rain, at night with a red light in one hand and a pen in the other, chasing a daily word count nobody knew about.
Two fears kept it quiet that long. The first was what the people around me would think: Marines are supposed to be hard and unshakeable, and poetry didn't obviously belong in that picture. The second was simpler and more universal — what if I'm not good enough?
When my close ones finally found out I'd published a book, nobody was disappointed. They were surprised, and then genuinely glad. I've since learned that being able to name what you feel and put it on paper is a sign of maturity, not weakness. It took me a while to believe that.
Somewhere on Route 66. Most of what I've written started on a road.
Nine books, two languages
Since then I've published nine books in English and Spanish — poetry, love letters, prose, and one novel. Two of them have won awards, and Amor gitano was recognized at the International Latino Book Awards, which meant a great deal given where I'm from.
I write in both languages because I think in both languages. Some feelings only arrive in Spanish, and I've stopped trying to translate them.
Since then I've published nine books in English and Spanish — poetry, love letters, prose, and one novel. Two of them have won awards, and Amor gitano and Paraíso were recognized at the International Latino Book Awards, which meant a great deal given where I'm from.
I write in both languages because I think in both languages. Some feelings only arrive in Spanish, and I've stopped trying to translate them.
Words and inspiration are hidden in all things. We have to be brave enough to go find them.
What I'm doing now
I completed my undergraduate studies and a Master's in Public Administration at Columbia International University. I live in Florida with my wife and daughter, and I'm currently writing something new: my first horror stories and a collection coming in 2027.
It's less of a departure than it sounds. I've spent years writing about love, loss, and the quiet hours when we let ourselves think — and those same hours are where the other kinds of stories live too.
THE SHORT VERSION
A decade in five lines
2017
Love's Cycle
First book, finished in the Marine Corps.
2019–2021
First Spanish books
Las Musas and my first thriller novel, Criaturas salvajes.
2022–2023
The award years
Bittersweet and Amor gitano both recognized.
2024–2026
Salvation & Paraíso
Two collections, one in each language.
2027
After Dark
First horror collection. Something different.
TWO KINDS OF WRITING
Same author, different hours
If you found your way here from one, you might not know about the other.
The poetry
Plenty of books on love, loss, faith, and the long way back to yourself. Written in English and Spanish, for readers who want to feel again.
After Dark
Horror and thriller stories, with a first collection coming in 2027. A separate mailing list, on purpose — plus a free short story if you want in.
WORK WITH ME
I'll help you tell your story.
A decade of writing has taught me that putting words on a page does more than make books. It can:
Untangle your thoughts and organize your ideas
Improve how you communicate in your relationships
Help you cope with and understand your emotions
Record the memories and lessons worth keeping
Every day you do not write poetry is a missed opportunity to learn more about yourself.
From Becoming a Poet, my mini-course
Two free books when you join.
A digital copy of Red Magic, my guide 15 Ways to Overcome Writer's Block, and 10% off the shop. Then, a letter every few weeks.