My historical novel, Candlelight Bridge, has just been released by FlowerSong Press. I grew up with my Mexican-and-Chinese American Grandma, and Candlelight Bridge was inspired by the stories she told me: tales of secret immigrants, mixed-race children, and trauma...
Cara’s Adventures
In Search of Family History – Cara’s Story at 80 Minutes Around the World
I've been moved by the audiences who've taken an interest in the stories of my search for the family history of my Mexican-Chinese Grandma. In 2021, I had a few opportunities to share the story of my journey to China to heal an old family divide. In case you haven't...
Old Mr. Ma – Cara Tells a Story of Home for The Storytellers Project
As many of you know, I'm writing a historical novel inspired by family stories my Mexican-Chinese grandma used to tell me: tales of secret immigrants and mixed races, family loyalties and betrayals. I'm also involved in the world of live personal storytelling, and The...
Cara Gets a Reporting Job – Storytelling at Two Truths and a Lie (Video)
A story can mean different things at different times. In 2019, I first told this one, Cara Lopez Lee Gets A Reporting Job (a.k.a. The Boss of Last Resort) for Daniel David Shapiro's podcast, Two Truths and a Lie. It's the story of the most racist, sexist, intolerant...
Escape The Pandemic: Read a Book!
Wish you could run away from Pandemic 2020? Try escaping into a book! I've been reading books by other authors—turns out most books are by other authors. But if you haven't read mine yet, then please check out They Only Eat Their Husbands. It's my memoir of how I ran...
Old Mr. Ma – Cara at The Moth GrandSlam in L.A.
At The Moth GrandSlam on July 24 at L.A.’s historic Regent Theatre, I was honored to share the stage with some of the best storytellers around as we told stories on the night’s theme: Identity Crisis. Please check out this 6-minute video of me performing Old Mr. Ma,...
Grampa Vs. The Thomas Fire – Storytelling at Two Truths and a Lie (Podcast)
Looking for a little New Year excitement? Please check out my latest oral story in the Two Truths & a Lie podcast. For this episode, the topic is: Survival. This time I perform a story about fleeing the largest wildfire in California history. The Thomas Wildfire...
The Kayak Affair – Cara Tells a Story, Live, at the Two Truths and a Lie Podcast
I'm having a blast in the world of oral storytelling, and you can hear me tell my latest story in the podcast Two Truths & a Lie. Or you can watch the video below. In this live storytelling show, three performers share personal stories. The catch? One of us is...
Tiny Destroyer of Worlds
Pangyrus, a Boston-based literary journal, has published my flash nonfiction piece Tiny Destroyer of Worlds. It's the story of a nine-year-old pyromaniac (that would be me) who discovers the thrilling power to destroy. I'm dedicating it posthumously to my friend and...
Cara’s Blog Book Tour 2014 – Day 6
Welcome to the finale of my 2014 blog book tour! This month I'm celebrating the new Conundrum Press edition of my memoir, They Only Eat Their Husbands: Love, Travel, and the Power of Running Away. Today you can find me in two places: PubSlush, a crowd-funding platform...