Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Ortiz Mata.
Hi Annette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started by simply having a conversation with some girlfriends. Someone said to me, you should write a blog and at the time, I was hosting a video podcast, so I felt I was expressing myself on a weekly basis. But they felt I needed a more general platform. That is how SoulofaWoman.blog was born. I began to write from life experiences in marriage, parenting, faith, journey, relationships, and general experiences that we as women often shy away from. I write on my race and the prejudice in our community even amongst ourselves. The blog has been incredibly inspirational and I try to leave the reader with a question they need to ponder in their own life. After three years and still blogging I published my first book. My book, Unpredictable Outcomes: Unmasking my Faith, launched me to be what I have always aspired to be and that is a published author. I often find that women place so many excuses before them or cozy up right up next to them as to why they can’t do what their heart’s desire is. I am a mother of two, worked from home, hosted a video podcast, and decided to go back to school and obtained a Master’s Degree in Law with a certification in Entertainment Law. We have to ask ourselves how badly do we want to get these things done. I often find myself looking back at my own life to breathe and encourage myself and tell myself, you can do this. We have to be our own advocates in health, love, and life!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving towards your dreams is not easy. We have to look at our circumstances. What are the obstacles that are real? What do we have to sacrifice? What do we have to change? What do we have to embrace? Writing the blog was therapeutic. Writing the book was frightening. As an Author, you have to decide how much of the “truth” you want to share and what is that going to do for the reader. What is the intention in your writing? Is it salacious? Is it informative? My book is a faith memoir that required me to unravel all the things I was taught and I needed to be sensitive to those who may have played a role in that indoctrination. Sitting still enough to understand the intention of your writing whether it be fiction/nonfiction is important for the final outcome. Give yourself time to think about the process. Read on it and write notes to yourself. One obstacle that may come up rather quickly is time! Making the time to do something you are not getting paid for. That requires discipline and focus. If you desire this to be your identity and part of your life’s narrative, then time will be made available.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself an artist for I have produced Video Podcasts, Web series, and Theatrical Play. I have also managed artists. Yet, I am most proud of my writings. I have been told that my writings captivating, encouraging, and challenging. I believe that being a writer that makes the reader feel something when they are done reading your blog, book, an essay is the epitome of success in writing.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My readers will be surprised to know that I don’t believe that I am good enough or smart enough. I believe that most “artists” live with some sense of insecurity in their talent/gift. They present it in hopes that the audience will find the value and beauty we see when we perform or create content or write.
Pricing:
- 23.99 Hardcover
- 13.99 Paperback
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.unpredictableoutcomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteomata/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulofawomanblog
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/annetteomata
