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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Isadora Espinal has finally stepped out of my imagination.
I commissioned this beautiful character art from @suiatsea, and I am obsessed with how it captures a crucial moment from The Forgotten Bruja. Every detail connects to Isadora’s journey, the land of Willowshade, and the legacy she cannot escape.
Want to be part of the official…
I am listening to Act One of The Forgotten Bruja for the second time, and the story is finally beginning to move the way it should.
In my latest writing update, I’m sharing how I revise each act as its own mini-story, how the mystery pulls Isadora toward her destiny, and why listening to my…
I attended my first official vendor market at Slasher Market in Redlands, and despite the 110-degree heat, it was an incredible experience. I sold four books, tested my first bundle, met fellow horror lovers, and learned exactly what I need for my next event. Read the full lessons-learned recap on the blog.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Johanny Ortega’s childhood was enriched by the magic of books, igniting her imagination with each page turned. Her move to the U.S. only fueled this passion, as she mastered English to dive deeper into diverse literary worlds. However, a striking realization hit her: the absence of characters echoing her own experiences. This gap propelled Johanny from an eager reader to a dynamic storyteller, crafting narratives that echo her Dominican heritage across genres and age groups. At “Have a Cup of Johanny LLC,” she’s not just an author but a champion for BIPOC voices, ensuring underrepresented narratives get their spotlight. Writing under two aliases, J.E. Ortega for adult fiction and Johanny Ortega for younger readers, she weaves tales that transcend boundaries, each character a vibrant testament to Dominican strength and spirit. 📚🇩🇴✨
