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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.

December 24, 2023

by

Johanny Ortega

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…
Read more: Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales
December 21, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s Eyes

Thus 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.…
Read more: Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s Eyes
October 20, 2024

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Johanny Ortega

Stepparents and Boundaries – What I’ve Learned from Both Sides

Being both a stepchild and a stepmother has taught me that boundaries in blended families are more than just rules or limits—they are lifelines. Navigating family dynamics where not everyone shares the same history or emotional ties requires patience, empathy, and a lot of trial and error. I’ve learned firsthand that establishing boundaries is not…
Read more: Stepparents and Boundaries – What I’ve Learned from Both Sides
October 19, 2024

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Johanny Ortega

Deliver Us From Evil: A Fascination with Movies Based on Books and Real-Life Events

This week on Saturday Reads, I want to dive into something a little different—Deliver Us From Evil. This movie is not only a supernatural thriller but also one that’s based on real-life events and a gripping book, Beware the Night, by Ralph Sarchie. The blending of true crime, demonic possession, and exorcism is a mix…
Read more: Deliver Us From Evil: A Fascination with Movies Based on Books and Real-Life Events
October 18, 2024

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Johanny Ortega

Reyna Grande: Championing Immigrant Narratives with Emotional Power

Discover the emotional weight of immigrant stories through the powerful writing of Reyna Grande. Learn why her work inspires and resonates with countless readers.
Read more: Reyna Grande: Championing Immigrant Narratives with Emotional Power
October 17, 2024

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Johanny Ortega

Reflections on My Taylor Swift Post: What I’ve Learned About Relationships

Back when I wrote my post titled “I’m the Latina Version of Taylor Swift”, I thought it was hilarious. At the time, it felt right to laugh at my dating struggles and my inability to “keep a guy,” and comparing myself to Taylor Swift—minus the singing, of course—seemed like a great way to express my…
Read more: Reflections on My Taylor Swift Post: What I’ve Learned About Relationships
October 16, 2024

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Johanny Ortega

Letters to John: Finding Solace and Connection in Grief

Have you ever found yourself yearning to communicate with a loved one who has passed away? I discovered an unconventional yet transformative way to process grief: writing letters to my departed fur baby, John. In this heartfelt episode of “Have a Cup of Johanny,” I share how this simple practice has become a bridge between…
Read more: Letters to John: Finding Solace and Connection in Grief
October 15, 2024

by

Johanny Ortega

Expanding The Kids Are Gone: From Short Story to Novella

Hey, fellow readers and writers! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for a writing update. Today, I want to give you a little behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of my current project under my pen name, J.E. Ortega—The Kids Are Gone. This story originally started as a short piece that I wrote with no intentions…
Read more: Expanding The Kids Are Gone: From Short Story to Novella

Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC

The Ordinary Bruja

For Bookstores & Libraries

Bring The Ordinary Bruja to Your Shelves

Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales

Stepparents and Boundaries – What I’ve Learned from Both Sides

Deliver Us From Evil: A Fascination with Movies Based on Books and Real-Life Events

Reyna Grande: Championing Immigrant Narratives with Emotional Power

Reflections on My Taylor Swift Post: What I’ve Learned About Relationships

Letters to John: Finding Solace and Connection in Grief

Expanding The Kids Are Gone: From Short Story to Novella

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Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC

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