Lana Orndorff

Hi, I'm Lana. I write from Chicago, where I've built a life around words and the people who love them. My journey started in classrooms around the world, teaching writing to students from every corner of the globe. Those experiences didn't just make me a better teacher—they cracked me open as a writer, traveler, and human being.

I'm drawn to stories that shatter hearts in the most beautiful ways. You know the ones—where you're ugly crying at 2 AM but somehow feel more alive than ever? That's my sweet spot. My husband has learned to ignore my book recommendations (smart man), but in real life? I prefer my heart intact, thank you very much.

Come what may, I believe the best stories live in that space between joy and sorrow, where life gets weird and ever-changing. That's where the magic happens. That's where we find ourselves.

Let's explore together →