She loves to write about people from all walks of
life. She has lived across Canada, the U.S., and England, moving
thirty-seven times in as many years. Through all of it, she discovered
fact is truly stranger than fiction and there is no better story than one of
truth and insight. She now lives in Virginia with her husband, two kids,
and three black cats. Her current book project: Who I
Am: American Scar Stories awakens the reader to the struggles and triumphs of 12 people with
noticeable scars using full-page portraits and inspirational short stories. The
book launches 2 June 2014.
A very warm welcome to Jenny Cutler Lopez.
Your real name and pen name?
My real name is
Jenny Cutler Lopez
Please share some of the best memories of your childhood:
I lived in
Newfoundland until I was 10. My best memories there are sitting in a row boat
way off the coast watching my grandfather fish for cod and halibut and I also
loved picking buckets of blueberries every September. After that I moved to
England where I used to love walking in the countryside and eating wild
blackberries.
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| Peg, Jacques, and Jenny six months before Peg’s death |
About your education:
I have a M.A. in
International Development Studies from Saint Mary's University in Halifax and I
completed the coursework for a PhD in Public Policy before I
dropped the program to move to the United States in 2006.
What career did you plan during your education days
- Policy Analyst and
Researcher for a large International Development governmental organization like
the U.N., CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) or IDRC
(International Development Research Center)
What languages you can speak and write?
I can speak a bit of
French and Spanish. But I only fluent in one language - this one!
What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?
The people I write
about.
What hurts you most in this world?
The unjust treatment
of the weakest such as children and the elderly.
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| Jenny and bethann |
What is the biggest challenge you have faced? How did you
overcome it?
Placing a child for
adoption when I was 20. You can read that story here. http://rachelintheoc.com/2014/04/everyone-know-birthmothers-guest-jcutlerlopez/
What is your favorite genre and why?
Creative nonfiction.
I love a good story and I become more invested if I know the main character
actually existed. There are incredibly compelling true life stories out there.
 |
| tim and jenny in chicago |
When did you start writing? What is the purpose of your
writing?
The first time I
shared my writing I was eight and I was asked to read a scary story I wrote out
loud to my school. I've always loved to write. In the years I haven't actively
written, I'm at least keeping journals. The purpose of my writing right now is
to share everyday people's stories while at the same time finding satisfaction
in crafting those stories in a way that appeals to a reader.
Which of your work has been published so far?
I'm an indie
publisher which means right now I think I can be more successful writing and
marketing my own books rather than relying on a publishing house. I published
Backstory: First Time Tales by the Stranger Next Door in 2008 and Who I Am:
American Scar Stories launches 2 June 2014.
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| scars_book_cover |
What are your forthcoming writings?
Who I Am: American Scar Stories. My goal after that
is to release four other books: each a collection of creative nonfiction short
stories
What are your future plans?
To keep writing. To
keep learning. To hone the craft of creative nonfiction storytelling and
complete my goal of visiting all 50 states - I have 8 states left to go. My
other travel goal is to visit a new country each year.
What four top most things you take care of while writing a
book?
1. Non-negotiable
scheduled time to write
2. Make sure I get
plenty of sleep so I can think straight while writing
3. Close the door on
the world literally and figuratively. I close my door to avoid interruptions
and I mentally close the door to not invite my internal editor to look over my
shoulder. When I'm ready I'll invite her in.
4. Get outside every
day to clear my head and think about ideas and direction
Is high level of imagination important to have for an
Author?
Writing cnf - no.
Writing fiction - absolutely
 |
| Contagious Optimism |
Your dream destination on Earth?
Cornwall, England
Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/
stayed. What best things you liked in these countries around the globe?
I was born in
Newfoundland, Canada. I've visited or lived in the U.S., Dominican Republic,
Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Bermuda, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales,
Morocco, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand. The little differences are my
favorite thing about these countries. Triangle potholes in Bermuda, street
stand pupusas in El Salvador, the birds in Guatemala. Each place has something
unique and memorable about it. And I usually meet some great people in each
place.
Your favorite time of the day?
First thing in the
morning
Your zodiac/ sunsign?
Scorpio
 |
| First Time Tales by the Stranger Next Door |
Your favorite book and why?
Gone with the Wind.
I read it 10 years ago and I still think about it. The characters, the love
story, the insight into the Civil War from a southern perspective, the tension,
the symbolism, the loss and the growth of Scarlett. I couldn't put it down and
I recommend it to everyone.
Relevant
web links:
website: www.jennycutlerlopez.com
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.
Twitter handle: @jcutlerlopez
Facebook
page: https://www.facebook.
Goodreads
author page: https://www.goodreads.
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