I’m absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all in today’s writing update. Just last week, I received an email that truly made my heart soar—a notification that my book, Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, has been accepted into the Kentucky Indie Collection for Biblioboard. This recognition is not just a milestone for the book itself but a personal triumph that feels like a warm embrace to my journey as an author.
Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring was born from what I can only describe as a perfect storm. At the time, I was grappling with my MFA thesis in creative writing, and simultaneously, life decided to throw me a unique challenge—my stepchildren came to stay with us for six months during the quarantine. This book is deeply personal as it draws from my own experiences as a stepchild and echoes the complex emotions of becoming a stepmother.
Navigating our new family dynamics, the experience was akin to walking a tightrope. I found myself getting to know these wonderful yet completely unfamiliar young souls—children I came to love instinctively through the bond I shared with their father. The narrative of Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring captures the awkwardness, the joy, and the poignant moments of our journey together. It explores the challenges and triumphs of blending a family, all woven through a fantastical tale that mirrors our real-life adventures and misadventures.
Seeing this book recognized by the Kentucky Indie Collection is incredibly validating. It tells me that the stories we tell, no matter how personal, have a universal appeal. They resonate with others and contribute to a larger tapestry of human experience. This inclusion is not just about having my work on another platform; it’s about acknowledging that our stories of familial bonds, struggles, and resilience hold value and are worth sharing.
I am so excited to see where this journey takes Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring next, and I am equally excited to continue sharing these experiences with all of you. Thank you for being a part of this journey, reading, and supporting my work. Your encouragement fuels my passion and drives me to keep writing, sharing, and dreaming.
Let’s continue to celebrate the stories that shape us.
1st and 2nd Edition Copies of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring and The Six Months that Changed Everything” by Johanny Ortega
Embark on an emotional adventure with ‘Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring’, a captivating middle-grade novel tailored for young readers aged 9-12. Join Isla on her inspiring journey of self-discovery and understanding. Get your copy today!
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