Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC
The Ordinary Bruja
For fans of Mexican Gothic and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, The Ordinary Bruja is a psychological horror and magical realism novel about grief, ancestral secrets, Dominican brujería, and one woman’s fight to reclaim the magic her family tried to bury.
When strange messages appear in mirrors, and the scent of cigar smoke follows her through her small Ohio hometown, Marisol Espinal must confront the ghosts of her past, the truth about her mother’s death, and the family curse waiting for her on Hallowthorn Hill.
Her family buried the magic. Now it wants out.
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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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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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Start Small to Achieve Big Goals: The Power of Taking Baby Steps
Read more: Start Small to Achieve Big Goals: The Power of Taking Baby StepsThe new year is often brimming with fresh dreams and ambitious goals. Maybe you want to write that novel, start a podcast, or finally chase a passion project that’s been sitting on the back burner. Big dreams are powerful—they spark excitement, ignite our imagination, and give us something to strive toward. But let’s be real:…
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The Backlash of Acknowledging the Full Dominican Heritage
Read more: The Backlash of Acknowledging the Full Dominican HeritageIntroduction It all started with a comment. I came across a video by @naturallyyuly where she eloquently broke down how much of Dominican culture—especially our food—is deeply influenced by our African roots, even though many Dominicans continue to romanticize and prioritize our Spanish heritage. Inspired by her words, I decided to share my personal experience…
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