Reflections #AtoZChallenge and June IWSG

Reflections

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J's REFLECTIONS

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

"I believe that if someone wants to, they will, because when I wanted to, I did. I showed up even when I was drained and tired. I found time, even on my busiest days. I reprioritized instead of making excuses. There is time for what matters most to an individual." - Unknown

As I left a list of questions to be prompts on the A to Z blog, I felt I should answer them here on my blog.

• How do you feel about the Theme Reveal?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I love it. It's a great way to preview what blogs will offer, and it increases participation and planning!
• In what ways does the reflection post help you?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I like to look back over the month and see if I've met my goals and review how well my blog has done.
• What experiences have you had in the past, or hope to have this year, with the Road Trip?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I get a few visits now and then because of it. With fewer challenge participants, it isn't as necessary as it once was.
• Does the HTML on the badges/ graphics page help you?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I find it helpful. I do a lot in HTML code.
• Did you meet your blogging goals in April?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I did!
• One goal was to comment on every blog on the Master List in April. I have done that. (With the exception to blogs that lacked an A to Z post or a way to comment: Personal Growth & Wellness, The English Explorer, Visits With Mary, Writing all along , The Madlab Post, Belles-Lettres, bneil.me, The Story Factory, CANDID CANINE: MINIS & BOOKS, Books Reviews and more - Cai) 
• https://obliqview.blogspot.com/  I B Arora - Put the wrong website in the masterlist, but I got the right one from a comment. (The link in the Masterlist went to the blogger dashboard instead of a blog.)
  
• I LOVE the x posts. Those are my favorites to visit.
• What were your top five favorite blogs from the challenge to visit in April this year?
1. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I left lots of comments on the myths and books posts of Ronel at https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com
2. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I enjoyed half a dozen of these https://crackerberries.wordpress.com/
3. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I commented on a lot of these random posts https://lawsofgravity.blogspot.com/
4. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - The most adorable 🥰 blog in the challenge https://georgesgpworld.uk/
5. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I like books https://jannghi.blogspot.com
6. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I really like books https://www.erinpenn.com/blog/
7. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - Janet usually has cheerful posts, but she went strong political this year, and I enjoyed it https://scr4pl80.com/
8. 😎🐢🦃🐺 - There were some great visuals here https://linzebrandon.blogspot.com
• Did a co-host (J Lenni Dorner, Arlee Bird, Zalka Csenge Virág, John Holton, Jayden R Vincente, or Ronel Janse van Vuuren) comment on your blog during the challenge?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I received at least 27 from Ronel. 
• Is there a comment you received on your blog in April that is your favorite?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I had several! 

• Who were your top comment-leavers this challenge, and did they do the challenge?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - In addition to Ronel's 💖... at least 24 from Liz A., at least 9 from Barbie of Crackerberries -- and both did the challenge
• Are there any other blog hops you regularly take part in?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - IWSG
• Did you discover anything interesting because of the Challenge?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I learned about a virtue that I would consider to be the opposite (corrupt) https://titli15081977.blogspot.com/2026/04/v-for-virtues.html
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I also found another blogger who is grateful for the blogging community, as I am. https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafteragain.blogspot.com/2026/04/have-mercy-this-has-been-longest-26.html
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I learned why celebrities are also called stars. https://uniquelymaladjustedbutfun.blogspot.com/2026/04/wishing-for-wing-zings-atozchallenge.html
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I learned of "Dendromancy (tree divination)" https://loribossert.com/2026/04/28/a-z-challenge-2026-x/
• Will you plan to do the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge in 2027, and why (or why not)?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I am the team captain, so you better believe I will!
• Will you recommend this blog hop to others?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I always do.
• If RoadTrippers only visit one of your Challenge posts, which would you suggest and why?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I would start with A. It sets the posts up and has an interesting question. https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/2026/04/a-hearts-desire-atozchallenge-2026.html
• Do you plan to visit the A to Z site every month?
• 😎🐢🦃🐺 - I always do! I write some of those posts. 😏

MAP VISUAL of how the Challenge did for my blog this year:

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InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13

Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today: Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

May 6 question -

What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

There are several reviews I am grateful for, and here are highlights of two that were turned into images by AllAuthor during my Proof of Existence promo. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36273731-fractions-of-existence#CommunityReviews

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65150644-proof-of-existence?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_25#CommunityReviews

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43684969-writing-book-reviews-as-an-author#CommunityReviews

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53137131-lumber-of-the-kuweakunks#CommunityReviews

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241082039-jewels-of-darterra#CommunityReviews
 - Ronel is the only person to review Jewels of Darterra on Goodreads. 

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📚📖📗📘📙🛒🛍️🎉📲📔📕📗📘📚📦

https://www.theindieauthorhive.com/2026-stuff-your-kindle-event-calender

Stuff Your Kindle (SYKD) = connect readers with free and discounted Kindle books

May 13th–18th

Buzzfest SYKD (All Genres)

Multi-genre indie author promotion event featuring romance, fantasy, thriller, horror, contemporary fiction, and more.

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~🐢🦃🐺 Lenni Lenape ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://amzn.to/41QBB4P Author page on Amazon — please consider following and supporting this indie author!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. Watch for special features!

Zero Days #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

Now split, but with members of the other group, they leave the Cave. Caleb and Jun head off to find Light. Xavier and Wend travel back to New York to prepare for their babies. The effects of the Consent spell ripple across the world. 

This is where the ⏰ticking-clock comes in. They haven't yet learned if Love can conquer all. They don't yet know if they're a help or a hindrance to life on Earth, if the Eyes in the Shadows are right to want to destroy them. But they've taken actions that cannot be undone, so now the consequences are playing out. The surviving members must change, they can't go back to who they were, they must adapt and overcome for the rest of the story, and all of that will happen under the pressure of time constraints. 

How might our real world be different if everyone were forced to obey consent-guides? 

Fellow writers, allow me to suggest: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/blog/save-the-cat-middle-1   Perfect if you want to brush up on Story Beats. 

Or http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/10/plotting-with-save-cat-beat-sheet.html  For a bit more instruction.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)

You Are Going To Die #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

The only way to bring Hope back into the world is to start over. The great reset button is ready. Will it be okay? Will it be enough? How many of them will go?

 

Heath makes the ultimate sacrifices to prove his total devotion to Hannah. 

Jez shows the deepest trust in Wend as she joins in.

The secret of the sword has one big change to cast upon the world first, the Consent spell. 

What does "consent" mean to you, emotionally? 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)

Xenocrysts #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

Xenocrysts: Individual foreign crystals rather than large rock fragments, frequently found in volcanic rock.

"Chekhov's Gun" - Russian playwright Anton Chekhov advised that if you introduce a gun in the first act of a play, it must be fired by the final act to avoid wasting the audience's attention. The principle means every element introduced in a story should serve a purpose and have a payoff, with the "gun" symbolizing any significant detail, object, or piece of information that must be used later for narrative effect.  

In Fractions of Existence, Xavier's ring was the "Chekhov's Gun." As the ring has now fully served its purpose, a new object is being introduced. 

Heath pulls xenocrysts from volcanic rock in the cave and embeds them in a necklace for Hannah, to be given to her in her next life, so he will recognize her sooner. There's so much to remember now. They can't make the same mistakes again! 

The sword-secret has many questions for Hannah.

What's your favorite gemstone?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)

Weapon or Tool #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

To achieve their goals, sacrifices must be made. What will they give? Will it be enough? Is it the right decision?

A question is posed debating whether they are a weapon or a tool. Are people harmed because they exist? Do they limit life on Earth by being here? Or are they a way life could improve, be safer, and be more secure? 

Jez discovers the secret of a sword. 

What is the greatest sacrifice you have ever made, and was it worth it? 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)

View in the Dark #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

They finally get to the heart of the cave. True Darkness surrounds them as they learn the truth and history behind their kind. They have, directly or indirectly, been responsible for a lot of historical events, many of which are remarkable tragedies. It is revealed why Wend left the group, severing The Existence and dampening their powers and memories.

But what about the present and the future?

What is the darkest dark you have ever experienced? 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)

Understand The Traps #AtoZchallenge 2026 #Writing #Plotting #StoryBeats

My theme for the 2026 A to Z Challenge is plotting Book Three in my Existence series — Cave of Existence.

The first part of getting in was difficult. But now there are traps to face. 

Everyone needs to work together. The traps are designed so that only they could get past, but also designed to make them want to give up.

What sort of traps do you expect would be set for omnipotent beings? 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249351265-cave-of-existence - "Want to read" (Book is not yet published)

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📚💙 — J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge

🛒Existence Series books: https://amzn.to/4rQwBsv
https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social  My current favorite social media site.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-lenni-dorner  I'm grateful for follows!  https://www.goodreads.com/j_lenni_dorner
  #AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com Kindly check out the blog hop's website. 

Important dates for A-to-Z 2026:

April The International April Blogging from A to Z Challenge Blog Hop 

May 4 -9 Reflections (bonus blog hop)