I have a deep-seated belief in the power of diverse narratives. As Johanny Ortega and J.E. Ortega, I am committed to telling stories that resonate with those who see themselves in the characters I create. My passion is rooted in the conviction that representation in literature is vital for building confidence and helping individuals, especially the young and marginalized, find their place in the world.

My journey as an author is intertwined with my personal experiences. As a child who immigrated to the United States and grew up feeling like an outsider, books were my refuge. They were the friends that offered solace and a world where I felt I belonged. They allowed me to embody heroines, learn bravery, and, ultimately, inspire me to embark on my own path. Books gave me the confidence to fly away from home, join the military, and blaze my own trail. I saw myself in the strong women in these stories and was inspired to become one myself.

My writing reflects these experiences. Each of my works, including over five short stories, a novella, and two novels, features a common thread: a flawed yet resilient Dominican woman who overcomes great odds and learns something valuable along the way. My stories are not just tales; they are mirrors for those seeking reflections of their own struggles and triumphs.

But my journey doesn’t stop at writing. Balancing life as a full-time soldier in the US Army, a mom, stepmom, fur baby mom, and wife, I embody the resilience and determination that I write about. My life is a testament to the belief that books can change lives, as they did mine.

My goal is simple yet profound. I want my readers to feel seen and understood. To find empathy for others who are different from them. And importantly, I wish for them to lose themselves in my stories, finding joy and escape from the stresses of life.

This is my promise as an author: to continue advocating for stories that empower, inspire, and provide a haven, just as they did for me. I am Johanny Ortega, J.E. Ortega, a writer, a soldier, a mother, and above all, a believer in the transformative power of diverse and inclusive literature.