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All Things Ordinary Bruja
Mutual Aid Request: Help My Sister Rebuild Her Life
My sister Laura is navigating a difficult divorce while managing chronic illnesses and medical bills. Your support can help her move into a safe home and continue her treatment.
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Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales
Read more: Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales“Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” is a refreshing take on Christmas tales, filled with suspense, adventure, and valuable life lessons. Set during a frosty Massachusetts winter, it follows the journey of a brave nine-year-old, Isla, who faces her biggest fear – her stepmom. Along the way, Isla and her family learn to let go of long-held…
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Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s Eyes
Read more: Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s EyesThus Far: An Overview On October 7, 2023, an act of violence broke through our subconscious and enlightened most to see something that has been going on for 75 years. Hamas, a rebellious group from Palestine that has been categorized as a terrorist group by various countries, attacked and killed Israeli civilians attending a concert.…
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From Whimsy to Darkness: How The Ordinary Bruja Evolved into a Haunting Exploration of Identity
Read more: From Whimsy to Darkness: How The Ordinary Bruja Evolved into a Haunting Exploration of IdentityStories have a way of taking on a life of their own. When I first wrote The Ordinary Bruja, it was a whimsical, magical realism short story—something light, something filled with wonder. It had a touch of enchantment, a girl discovering something extraordinary about herself, a narrative infused with the warmth of magic woven into…
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The Ordinary Bruja: The Rewrite, The Resistance, and the Horror That Crept In
Read more: The Ordinary Bruja: The Rewrite, The Resistance, and the Horror That Crept InHere I am, rewriting again. And mind you, I have a tendency to rewrite until a book is never finished. But this time, I see myself—I see the procrastination disguised as perfectionism, the endless tweaking that keeps me from calling a project done. And since knowing is half the battle, I’m determined not to fall…
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The Unspoken Truth Behind the Fear of LGBTQIA+ Visibility
Read more: The Unspoken Truth Behind the Fear of LGBTQIA+ VisibilityThe Unspoken Truth Behind the Fear of LGBTQIA+ Visibility by Johanny Ortega Read on Substack I feel like I’m starting to understand Trump supporters more, based on conversations I’ve been hearing and some I’ve been part of. While I’ve often felt that Democrats haven’t done enough, one gentleman I spoke with believed the opposite—that they…
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From Novella to Novel: The Evolution of The Ordinary Bruja and the Magic of Character Voice
Read more: From Novella to Novel: The Evolution of The Ordinary Bruja and the Magic of Character VoiceWhen I first started writing The Ordinary Bruja, I envisioned it as a novella—a short, atmospheric story exploring identity, family, and the unseen forces that shape us. But as I dove deeper into the narrative and kicked out the first draft of the newly expanded script, it became clear: this story was always meant to…
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The Ordinary Bruja Update- February 6, 2025
Read more: The Ordinary Bruja Update- February 6, 2025It’s happening! The Ordinary Bruja is growing into something truly special, and I’m beyond excited to share an update with you all. If you’ve been following along with my journey, you know that this book is close to my heart. It’s a blend of magical realism, identity exploration, and the deep roots of Dominican culture.…
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Unraveling Dominican Cultural Identity: Embracing Every Facet of Our Heritage
Read more: Unraveling Dominican Cultural Identity: Embracing Every Facet of Our HeritageWhat happens when a single comment online unravels years of deeply rooted beliefs about cultural identity? Join me as I share a personal story of navigating the complex tapestry of Dominican heritage, where African, Spanish, and Taino strands are woven together. This episode takes you through a candid reflection on why Dominicans, influenced by figures…
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