Are My Books About Me? Writing From the Seed of Truth

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Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring Is Heading to the Great Midwest Book Fest!

I’ve got exciting news for my fellow book lovers and middle-grade readers—Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring and the Six Months That Changed Everything is going to be featured at the 17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest!

This amazing event brings together readers, authors, and publishers who are passionate about stories that reflect our real, complex, and colorful lives. Hosted by Urban Reviews Online at Thr Xchange Event & Creative Space in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s a celebration of books that uplift underrepresented voices—and I’m thrilled that my award-winning middle-grade novel will be a part of it.

What’s the news?

Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring will be included in the official SWAG bags at the book fest! That means lucky attendees will get their hands on a copy of Isla Delgado’s unforgettable journey through cursed jewelry, blended families, and one very chaotic homeschool year.

If you’ll be anywhere near the Midwest this 21 June 2025 between the hours of 1-4 head over to Milwaukee because this is the place to be. Grab your ticket here and be on the lookout for your favorite curly-haired, comfort-food-loving protagonist!

Why this matters:

Events like this help spotlight books that center BIPOC, neurodiverse, and blended family experiences—and that’s exactly what Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring is about. It’s for the kids who feel a little left out, a little overwhelmed, and a whole lot unsure about who they are or where they belong. It’s a love letter to families that don’t look like the fairytales but are full of heart and second chances.

Can’t make it to the fest?

No worries—you can still grab a copy on my website if you buy direct, you will receive signed copies inbued with lovely intentions or the next best thing, you can request it through your favorite indie bookstore. And if you do score a copy at the fest, please tag me on social media! I’d love to see your photos and hear what you think.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/mrs-franchys-evil-ring-and-the-six-months-that-changed-everything/

#BIPOCRepresentationInChildrenSLit #booksAboutBlendedFamilies #diverseBooksForKids #DominicanAuthors #GreatMidwestBookFest #homeschoolStories #middleGradeFiction #MilwaukeeBookEvents #MrsFranchySEvilRing #neurodivergentCharactersInFiction

I’m Headed to LATINA Fest—And I’m Bringing the Books!

✨ Cue the cafecito and the ancestral drums—this brujita is going to LATINA Fest 2025! ✨

I’m beyond excited to share that I’ll be joining this year’s 7th Annual LATINA Fest at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles on June 1st, and I’ll be posted up at the Author’s Corner—a space dedicated to celebrating Latina authors, storytellers, and the written word that shapes our world.

LATINA Fest isn’t just an event—it’s a whole vibe. It’s about amplifying the magic, resilience, and power of our stories. And as a Dominican writer who walks the line between reality and the otherworldly, I’m bringing two books that represent everything I stand for: healing, truth-telling, and a little bit of literary mischief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-6ZLuJcE1M

✨ What I’m Bringing to LATINA Fest

📙 Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring and the Six Months That Changed Everything

This award-winning middle grade novel follows Isla Delgado, a girl caught in the middle of a cursed ring, homeschool chaos, and the messy beauty of blended family life. Inspired by my own experience parenting during the pandemic, this story is equal parts funny, touching, and honest. It’s for the kids who feel like they don’t belong—and the adults who once felt that way too.

🧿 Themes: identity, stepfamilies, loss, neurodivergence, and learning to speak your truth.
🏆 Winner of The BookFest Award for Juvenile Multicultural Fiction + Social Issues.

🔮 A Physical Sneak Peek of The Ordinary Bruja

For the first time ever, I’ll be sharing a physical preview of The Ordinary Bruja—my magical realist, psychological horror novel about a reclusive brujita named Marisol Espinal who’s haunted by ancestral silence, internalized shame, and the terrifying possibility of being seen.

This book is my heart. It was born during pandemic isolation, whispered to me in between grief, burnout, and the slow climb back to myself. If you’ve ever struggled with not feeling Latina enough, or doubted your worth, or felt like the ghosts of your family still speak through you—you’ll see yourself in this one.

👻 Think: Dominican magical realism meets psychological horror.
✨ Perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Zoraida Córdova.

📚 Why LATINA Fest Matters

Being accepted into LATINA Fest means being seen. It means standing alongside powerhouse Latinas in wellness, activism, literature, beauty, and business. It means carving space for our voices, especially the ones that don’t always fit the mold. It means I get to show up as myself—full of contradictions, full of heart, and full of stories.

And you’re invited.

Come through to LATINA Fest if you’re in or near L.A. on June 1st. Bring your comadres, your primas, your journals, and your curiosity. Let’s talk about identity, ancestors, storytelling, and how literature is one of the most powerful forms of magic we have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgDksmMlsrk

🎟️ Details & Tickets:

🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2025
📍 Location: Gloria Molina Grand Park, Los Angeles
🎟️ Tickets: Available now on Eventbrite
📚 Where to Find Me: Author’s Corner

Come Grab a Book, a Blessing, or Just a Brujita Vibe

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on The Ordinary Bruja or gift Mrs. Franchy to a young reader in your life—this is the perfect chance. I’ll have signed copies, exclusive bookish goodies, and maybe even a cafecito blessing or two.

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/mrs-franchys-evil-ring-and-the-six-months-that-changed-everything/

#BookEventsInLA #BrujaBooks #DominicanWriters #IndieAuthorSpotlight #LATINAFest2025 #LatineAuthors #MagicalRealismBooks #middleGradeFiction #MrsFranchySEvilRing #ownvoicesFiction #TheOrdinaryBruja

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

As the holiday season approaches, we’re often drawn to the classic stories that fill us with warmth and cheer. But have you ever wondered if there’s more to Christmas tales than just Santa Claus and his reindeer? What if I told you there’s a story that unfolds during the Christmas break, filled with adventure, suspense, and life-changing lessons, much like the unexpected Christmas classic, Die Hard?

Introducing “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring,” a tale that promises to add a fresh twist to your holiday reading list.

This story follows the journey of a brave nine-year-old, Isla, whose world takes a dramatic turn during her Christmas holiday in the frosty Massachusetts winter. The challenge? Facing her biggest fear – her stepmom, Mrs. Franchy.

Just as Die Hard isn’t merely about an action-packed plot, “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” goes beyond the surface-level drama. As the story unfolds, Isla and her family learn to let go of long-held prejudices, a timely lesson for us all.

And yes, like our beloved John McClane, Isla too has her “climbing a building” moment. Although, in her case, it’s her dad’s house. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?

However, “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” isn’t just a gripping read; it’s also a story that leaves you with valuable lessons, making it an ideal pick for both kids and adults.

So, are you ready to add a new tale to your Christmas story repertoire? One that combines the thrill of Die Hard with the charm of a children’s book, all set against the backdrop of a Christmas holiday?

And here’s the cherry on the cake – “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” is also available as an audiobook. So, whether you prefer to read it curled up by the fireplace or listen to it while decorating your Christmas tree, it’s all up to you.

As John McClane would say, “Welcome to the party, pal!” This holiday season, delve into “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring,” and make your Christmas storytelling experience a lot more exciting!

https://haveacupofjohanny.com/product/mrs-franchys-evil-ring-and-the-six-months-that-changed-everything/

Love,

Joa

#Adventure #audiobook #ChristmasStory #DieHard #FamilyDrama #HolidayRead #KidsAndAdults #LifeLessons #MrsFranchySEvilRing #NewChristmasClassic