1. Can you introduce yourself and describe who you are?

I’m Johanny, but you can call me Joa. I’ve become quite attached to that nickname since my sister started using it when she couldn’t quite pronounce my full name. Describing who I am is a bit of a complex task because I’ve taken on so many different roles in life. One of the defining aspects of my identity is being an immigrant, someone who has often felt like an outsider in a sea of people who belong. I’ve learned to embrace the power of being a chameleon, silently observing the world around me and perfecting my accent to blend in and survive. But at the core of my being, I am a storyteller, carrying with me a treasure trove of stories waiting to be shared.

2. What inspired you to pursue a career as a writer?

The person who truly ignited my passion for writing was my beloved grandma, whom I lovingly called Mamá. Though she passed away a long time ago, she played the role of a mother in my life. Mamá instilled in me a deep love for reading and poetry, and that love eventually blossomed into a desire to craft my own narratives. I wanted to explore the reality around me and transform it into fictional worlds where the heroines always triumph.

3. Do you have any words of wisdom or guiding principles that influence your daily life?

One guiding principle that shapes my daily life is the importance of living in the present moment. It’s a constant struggle to tame my mind when it wanders to the past or races ahead to the future. I engage in a daily battle, through meditation and journaling where I gently reminde myself to stay rooted in the present. Some days I excel at this practice, while on others, I stumble. Yet, every second I manage to dwell in the present brings me profound joy and peace.

4. What are some goals you hope to accomplish in the next 1-3 years?

In the next 1-3 years, I have a couple of goals I’m eager to accomplish. Firstly, I hope to publish my current work in progress, “The Devil that Haunts Me.” It’s a trauma horror novel that delves into the tragic manifestation of unhealed wounds passed from mother to daughter. Additionally, I aspire to begin drafting the next book in the Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring series, a lighthearted middle-grade story that explores the intricacies of blended families.

5. Could you share your favorite book or story that you have created and what sets it apart from your other projects?

Among all my projects, there’s one book that holds a special place in my heart. I delve into the realm of tragedy and resilience in this particular story, for my characters are not mere victims. However, unlike my previous works, “The Devil that Haunts Me” takes a different path, ending on a tragic note. It was a challenging endeavor because it required me to explore the aftermath of a relationship breakup, where both parties resist change and fail to find grace for themselves or each other. Writing this book was emotionally draining, yet it served as a reminder of the complexities of human connections and the importance of personal growth.

6. What is your next upcoming project that you are eager to release soon?

The next project I’m eagerly anticipating releasing is none other than “The Devil that Haunts Me.” This book marks my first foray into the horror genre and exploring tragic endings. Its morally grey characters stubbornly cling to their beliefs, even as they witness the consequences of their poor choices. I’m excited for readers to delve into its pages, hoping that they’ll gain deeper insights into themselves or their past and present relationships. Each story I write aims to provide solace to readers, offering characters who resemble them or share similar backgrounds as they navigate through relatable experiences. Just as I have gained empathy and compassion through diverse fiction, I hope to give back to the community of readers by evoking those same emotions.