A Journey of Self-Discovery
When I started “Have a Cup of Johanny,” I was at a crossroads in my life. I was young and had always felt a need to express myself through writing. I was also frustrated with the ups and downs of dating and the quest to find the ‘right one,’ so I needed an outlet. Back then, the show ‘Sex and the City’ was huge; I saw myself unlucky in love and somewhat lucky at work and climbing the progression ladder. I was a mixture of all the ladies in that show, but Dominican, in the Army, and a single parent. So, my blog became that space—a place where I could vent, reflect, and, ultimately, grow. Little did I know, these early entries were just the beginning of a much larger journey. I dare you to read those!
From Blog to Book Reviews
As I shared my personal struggles, something amazing happened. I began to uncover layers of myself I hadn’t explored before. That’s the thing with writing, reading, and editing those pieces. The process of drafting, editing, and publishing non-fictional-self pieces became a mirror of who I was. Through writing, I found a sense of clarity and purpose that had been missing. This newfound self-awareness led me to another passion: books. Reading had always been a refuge, but now, it became a mission. I started reviewing books seriously, not just for enjoyment but to spotlight diverse stories that deserved attention.
Embarking on a Writing Journey
Inspired by the books I was reading and the stories I was reviewing, I took a bold step into fiction writing. My real-life experiences began to weave themselves into fictionalized characters and narratives. Each story I wrote was a piece of me—raw, honest, and deeply personal. My blog evolved to chronicle this journey, sharing the highs and lows of writing, the struggles of creating, and the joy of seeing my characters come to life.
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“The Alvarez Girls —A Military Thriller Novella” by J.E. OrtegaPrice range: $3.99 through $4.99 -
“I Love You So Much —A Domestic Thriller Short Story” by J.E. OrtegaPrice range: $1.99 through $3.68 -
1st and 2nd Edition Copies of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring and The Six Months that Changed Everything” by Johanny OrtegaProduct on salePrice range: $10.39 through $13.59
The Birth of the Podcast
With a stronger, more independent voice, I expanded my brand once more. The “Have a Cup of Johanny Podcast” was born, a natural extension of the blog. But this time, instead of fictional tales, I shared real stories—embarrassing, sad, and sometimes humorous lessons learned from my own life. Each episode was a candid look at my experiences, offering insights into how I pivoted from setbacks and found my way forward.
Why It Matters
“Have a Cup of Johanny” is more than a blog or a podcast. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of representation. Through my journey, I’ve learned the value of authenticity and the impact of diverse voices. My mission is to continue highlighting these voices, both through my reviews and my own stories, and to inspire others to find their own paths of self-discovery.
Join Me on This Journey
I invite you to join me on this ever-evolving journey. Whether you’re here for the book reviews, the personal stories, the writing updates, or the books, there’s a place for you in this community. Let’s share a cup of coffee (or tea) and dive into the stories that shape us. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of diverse narratives and the power of our own voices.
Stay Connected:
- Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest for more updates.
- Don’t miss out on my latest release—Under The Flamboyant Tree.
- Check out my latest podcast episodes every Wednesday.
- Don’t miss my book reviews and writing updates on the blog.
Thank you for being a part of “Have a Cup of Johanny.” Your support means the world to me. Let’s keep sharing, growing, and discovering together.
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