I’m A.J. Ortega, a Mexican American writer from El Paso, Texas. I have more than 15 years of experience helping others shape their stories and communicate with purpose. I’ve worked as an academic advisor, English professor, and writing mentor, supporting students, professionals, and creatives as they navigate transitions, tell their stories, and achieve their goals.

I have an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and bring a strong foundation in higher education, writing instruction, and media to every project. I offer résumé review services, personal statement coaching, and writing support for job seekers, artists, and anyone in need of a sharper narrative.

My writing has appeared in Rat's Ass Review, Poetry Quarterly, Rio Grande Review, Door Is a Jar Magazine, American Book Review, Dreich Magazine, The Loch Raven Review, and others. I’m a member of the Popular Culture Association, where my presentations focus on combat sports and Mexican American identity. In 2024, I was interviewed for A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends, where I contributed commentary on the career of El Paso wrestling legend Eddie Guerrero.

I’m also the creator and host of Writers and Fighters: A Podcast, a show that explores the worlds of storytelling and combat sports. My current creative work includes finishing a short story collection and writing a pilot for a Chicano horror television series rooted in borderland culture and folklore.
​