About J.M. Utrera
Anthropology, folklore, the tradition of telling stories to make sense of the strange wonders of being alive.
I lived a portion of my early childhood in Brazil, and then moved around the US with my dad’s various work assignments. I’ve lived in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Brazil, and Argentina.
I have three small daydreamers, two dopey dogs, and one fabulous cat.
Mixed Heritage, Blended Stories
US-Latina, English, Spanish, Portuguese
I’m a child of two countries, two worlds. I find meaning and joy in the blend, embracing my cultural influences and telling stories from that grafted root.
I have a background in anthropology with an emphasis in Latin American studies, so the nuances of culture and influence are my favorite things to explore, academically and in fiction. Folklore and fairy tales tinged with latinidad are my passion. Fiction has lots of stories about anglo-germanic beasties and heroes. It’s gratifying to see a rise in fantasy from other parts of the world where there’s so much wonder to offer.
Influences
Obsessed with Lucy Maude and Bev
(A few) Favorite books from my childhood:
- The Emily of New Moon series by L.M. Montgomery
- The Ramona series by Beverly Cleary
- The Julie of the Wolves trilogy by Jean Craighead George
- Hush by Jaqueline Woodson
- The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede
Favorite Authors
In love with Tracey Deonn and Maya Motayne
Currently have literary crushes on:
- Tracey Deonn
- Maya Motayne
- Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- Ibi Zoboi
- Rati Mehrota
- David Bowles
Favorite Genres
Take me out of the ordinary
I love to read:
- Fantasy, all the subgenres
- Magical realism
- Retellings
- Science fiction
- Speculative fiction
- Mystery
- Any genre with a tension-filled romantic subplot!
Hobbies
If I’m not outside, I wish I were
Things I like to do:
- Crochet
- Watch Stargate SG:1 or X-Files on repeat
- Go on walks on my mountain
- Camping
- Driving
- Learning more about fungi
- Exploring new places, esp. finding hidden gems off the map