Meet Annette Ortiz Mata | Author and Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Ortiz Mata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make is believing in my first. Believing that what I had to say and what I was writing was worthy of others’ reading. That I did in fact have something that would benefit others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My passion for reading birth my passion for writing. As a young child, I often spent hours in the local library. Reading allowed me to escape my surrounding. I always dreamed of being a published author; someone suggested I start blogging, which led to my writing taking off. I published my first book in 2021 and my second in 2023. It takes work to start something on your own. We often second-guess your decisions. Your fear of failure and judgment often hold us back from doing what we really love to do. I needed to build my confidence, which came from my weekly blog and receiving great feedback from the readers.
I knew that I had the gift and passion for writing; it was just a matter of time before I published my own books.
I’ve learned that we must believe in ourselves first. It is always great to have a cheering squad, but you must be your first voice of confidence. We must take criticism lightly, accept what we believe will benefit our writing, and leave the rest alone. It is okay to be vulnerable in your writing. And always be truthful about who you are. There is only one of you! You are not a duplicate.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has some of the most fabulous places to visit, both historically and socially. Historically I would visit The National Civil Rights Museum, The Martin Luther King Jr. National Park, and The Carter Center. They all flow into each other seamlessly.
Fun outside activity – The Belt Line will lead you into Piedmont Park, which leads you to the High Museum of Art. Depending on the season, something is going on in each venue. I would check their websites.
The fantastic Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola are fun activities for families.
And some really excellent eateries – Barcelona Wine and Bar, Fia Restaurant, Two Urban Lick, Amano, Staplehouse, Marcel, Atrium, Arnett’s Chop Shop.
Cool places to shop – Ponce City Market

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am honored to be featured and hosted at The Lit Bar, Independent Bookstore, owned and operated by Noelle Santos, a woman of color and strength. She was the first to present my book in her retail store. She is an intentional supporter of others in their journey. Women of color lifting other women of color.

Website: www.annetteortizmata.com

Instagram: @annetteomata

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-ortiz-mata-960845249/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annetteomata

Yelp: Annette M.