Hi! My name is Rio N. Cortez, and I’m a children’s book author, illustrator, husband, father, and an aspiring farmer.  Farming is probably not on my parents’ list of what I would be doing with my life, but neither is being an author, and yet here I am.  I am a firm believer that whatever you set your heart and mind to believe, you will achieve.

Family time is the highlight of my day; time to recharge, get comfortable, and simply be me - how I enjoy the soothing laughter of my wife and children.  The best time for me to write colorful stories and create fantastic drawings that breathe life to my characters is at this moment of divine inspiration.

The essence of my book (The Magnificent Adventures of Folotjing - The Brave and Kindhearted) and the series that will follow it hails from my own true-life experiences. My mother’s love was the hand that planted the seed of creativity in my soul that inspired this book to sprout.

May you enjoy reading my book as much as I’ve relished writing and illustrating it for you.  Always be brave, listen to your heart, and believe in yourself - and your dreams will fulfill on their own.