AJ Hotz
AJ Hotz

The written word has always been close to my heart, reading it and writing it. I’m fueled by my imagination and a thrill for storytelling with a dash of decaf to keep me going. I'm also a freelance writer who specializes in narrative, expository, and technical writing.

My inspiration for fiction comes from music and my own mind, but I like to keep non-fiction in the mix as I have a healthy obsession for real life mysteries that have no real answers. In addition, I love teaching others about the innerworkings of the Internet and cybersecurity.

My debut novel Can’t Control is a blend of romance and suspense, bringing my readers through everything life gives us, including love, loss, and trauma with a happy ending, as I always look to the bright side of what life sends our way.

Before delving into fiction, I wore a different hat: I was a technical trainer, breaking down complex topics into smaller bytes. I like to believe it’s no different than telling a story in a compelling and understandable way for those looking to pursue Security+ certifications. To this day, you can find me browsing the likes of tech news online and listening to the CyberWire Daily.

Reading is about more than simply entertainment; we learn every time we read, regardless of the genre or context.

Blog

The Great Grieving Hollow: The One Who Remains [Update]I’ve been deep in

Hollow: The One Who Remains [Update]

I’ve been deep in marketing mode for my upcoming book, Hollow: The One Who Remains, which is set to release at the end of May—most likely on my birthday. This book is the second in The Barrenmire Lights standalone collection, and it’s one that’s been particularly close to my heart. Though, I believe each of these books will get better and better as I write and release them.

The story follows two best friends whose bond was unbreakable, a love that was meant...

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Disney & Deep Dives Required Reading WoesIt’s funny—writing is my passion,

Required Reading Woes

It’s funny—writing is my passion, and I genuinely believe I’m good at it (not that I’m trying to boast, but every author believes they’re good at what they do or they wouldn’t publish anything, and yes, of course, there is always room for improvement). Yet, back in school, English was the subject that was a constant struggle for me. Not the grammar or the essays (I could handle those fine), but the required reading.

There was something about being told what to read that...

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Book Bundle Giveaway GiveawayI mailed out 4 book bundles this weekend!

Giveaway

I mailed out 4 book bundles this weekend! Granted, two of them were giveaway winners, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. There’s something very fulfilling knowing that my work is making its way into other people’s hands. Whether they’re reading it for the first time or adding it to their collection for later, it’s a surreal feeling. I’m sure I’ll do another giveaway soon—I love the idea of spreading my books to more readers, and who doesn’t love a surprise book bundle?

You can...

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Contact

Whether you have questions about my work, insights into digital privacy or cybersecurity, suggestions for articles or artists I should cover in an interview, or maybe you just want to share your thoughts, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you!