A.J. Ortega is a writer from Texas. He lives in Utah where he teaches English. His writing has appeared in ​Rio Grande Review, Front Porch Journal, American Book Review, Southwestern American Literature, The Texas Review, and various newspapers and websites. He is working on his first collection of short stories, most of which take place in El Paso, where he calls home. He is also an active member of the Popular Culture Association, where his presentations focus on professional wrestling, combat sports, and Mexican American identity.