Interview with Juliette Rose Kerr, Author of To Fill A Jar With Water

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write To Fill A Jar With Water?

On numerous occasions, I’ve just been totally caught off guard by Plymouth’s beauty (the setting for the story), its history, and the warmth of the people. It’s such a unique town – you can find yourself at the sea, in a field of wildflowers, beside a cranberry bog, shopping downtown, or at a museum all within twenty minutes. I find that a little magical. So, Plymouth became the perfect setting for my book. Its history, past and present, was such fertile ground to develop a complex story. It’s definitely an homage to the places and people of my beloved and adopted hometown. I hope at the end of the day, I make them proud.

Lastly, I’m motivated to help people know they’re not alone in life, especially in difficult and uncertain times. I guess that’s why I’m a spiritual director and end-of-life doula. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “we read to know we are not alone” and I’ve always taken that to heart. I want to tell stories that touch readers in a way that they’re able to connect with their own, and others, vulnerabilities and frailties, but also their resilience and determination. So, really, it was all those elements of inspiration that kind of percolated in me when I went to write the book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of To Fill A Jar With Water, what would they be?

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Contemporary fiction/Literary fiction; yes, it’s my favorite genre to write too!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah, Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie, and The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I actually loved writing the ending of the book. It’s some of my most beautiful imagery. I also got to tie up loose ends and bring the story full-circle. I kind of closed my laptop and felt satisfied that I had done the characters and the story justice. I’d woven together a meaningful story that I was proud of. It was just such an important moment for me. I may have shed a few tears.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Whatever scene I’m writing, I play music in the background to evoke the feelings I want to reproduce. It also helps to have George, my lab, snuggling at my feet. He keeps me warm in my cold office!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be kind because you never know what battles others are fighting.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I have a million things, but the main thing is: Life is messy, but there’s always hope! And, love never ends.

Juliette Rose Kerr is the author of the new book To Fill A Jar With Water

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