I grew up in Los Angeles, so I was sure that driving was in my blood. It was not. This became ridiculously clear one long and scary night in L.A. I shared this story at The Moth StorySLAM, in the city where it all went down: https://vimeo.com/1023096950?share=copy#t=0...
Spirit of Adventure
Old Mr. Ma – Cara’s Story at Women Writers, Women’s Books
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...
Sparklers Are Giant Matches – Cara’s Childhood Tale for StoryMasters
I've been excited to appear in many in-person storytelling shows that have returned to the stage, but I'm also grateful for the virtual shows still online. They create opportunities for storytellers and audiences to share stories when they can't get out, make friends...
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...
Cara Gets a Reporting Job – Storytelling at Two Truths and a Lie (Podcast)
I suspect we all have a story about some crazy boss who we feared might destroy our lives. I recently shared such a story on Daniel David Shapiro's podcast, Two Truths and a Lie. There is so much unbelievable drama in real life, but also so much surprising truth in...
My Life is a Story – Cara’s Answer to The Meaning of Life Blog
I recently received a request from a blogger to answer a question he has asked more than 1000 people he characterizes as leaders, thinkers, writers, writers, researchers, elders, artists, CEOs, laymen, etc: What is the meaning of life? Although I don't believe this is...
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,...