I write to share and connect with people on a real level. My writing journey kicked off with my very first piece: a dating rant I posted on my blog. I was itching to vent and find others who were in the same boat. Somewhere out there, there’s a blog post titled, “I’m the Latina Taylor Swift,” because I couldn’t seem to stay in a relationship for long. At first, I thought this was all on me like I was doing something wrong. But over time, I realized I was stuck in a mindset that didn’t let me see my true worth without a guy by my side. When I figured that out, I got wiser and decided that dating wasn’t going to be the center of my world anymore; getting to know myself would be.

That’s when things started to change for me. I hadn’t noticed how much I was taking care of everyone else while neglecting myself. Every book I read, and every story I heard opened up my world a little more and helped me understand myself better. I learned that I needed to write to connect with others. By diving into my own struggles, I could show others feeling the same way that they’re not alone. But it all started with that one blog post.

Finding My Voice Beyond the Blog

What began as venting on my blog turned into something much more profound. Writing about my dating struggles made me realize how much more there was to explore—about myself, my culture, my experiences as a Latina woman, and the stories I was hungry to tell. Blogging became my therapy, a way to sort through my thoughts and make sense of my feelings. The more I wrote, the more I realized that my experiences weren’t just mine alone. There were so many people out there who could relate, and that’s when the idea of writing books started to take root.

Becoming an independent author wasn’t a planned move; it was a natural next step. I was already writing to connect with people and share my truths, so why not do that in book form too? Writing my first novel was like opening a floodgate. The stories I wanted to tell were no longer limited to blog posts. I wanted to dive deeper, explore characters that resonated with real-life struggles, and use fiction to address the themes that mattered most to me—identity, belonging, family dynamics, and personal growth.

Embracing the Role of an Independent Author

Choosing the path of an independent author was both empowering and challenging. I learned that being indie means wearing all the hats—writer, editor, marketer, and everything in between. It’s like running a one-person show, and for someone who wants to be in control, this was the way to go. Being an independent author gave me the freedom to tell my stories my way, without the pressure of fitting into a particular mold. Each book became a part of my journey, not just as a writer but as a person figuring out life’s twists and turns.

Writing books allowed me to reach people on a whole new level. Whether it was a middle-grade story about a girl navigating family changes or an adult military thriller filled with suspense and cultural depth, every book was a piece of me, sharing a unique perspective that could only come from my lived experiences.

The Leap Into Podcasting: Real Talk, Real Stories

Then came the podcast, Have a Cup of Johanny. It was born out of the same desire that started my writing journey: a need to share and connect on a real level. Podcasting felt like the next logical step—a way to bring my voice, literally, to my audience. Through the podcast, I could discuss the lessons I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the stories behind the stories I write. It’s a space where I can be vulnerable, real, and hopefully, a little inspiring.

The podcast became another avenue to advocate for representation, discuss the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and share the voices of others walking similar paths. It’s about creating a community, a place where we can have those “me too” moments, even if we’re miles apart. Whether it’s talking about a new book, a personal struggle, or a social issue close to my heart, the podcast gives me a platform to connect on a deeper level.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

When I look back at my journey—from that first blog post where I vented about dating to writing books and hosting a podcast—it’s clear that everything I do comes down to one thing: connection. I write because I want to reach out, because I believe stories have the power to heal, to comfort, and to inspire change. My evolution from blogger to independent author to podcaster is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of staying true to your voice.

So, if you’re reading this, thank you for being a part of my journey. Whether you’ve been with me since the “Latina Taylor Swift” days or just found me through a podcast episode, know that your support and connection mean the world. Let’s keep growing, learning, and sharing our stories—together.

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