Trials and Trails #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.

One does not simply spelunk into the Cave of Existence. 

Heath has to make a serious effort to keep Hannah safe as they travel. 

Wend and Jez need to work together to move the group.

They are each also dealing with how they feel about existing, about their roles and contributions to all life on Earth. The journey to the cave is forcing them to reflect on themselves. 

What is the most physically challenging adventure you have ever done, and did it cause any introspection? 

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)

Something Should be Different #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.

As they face the obstacles of getting in the cave, a philosophical debate starts. It's an Internal Struggle to go along with the External Struggle.

It's pointed out that they exist. Something should be different because they are here on Earth. It's debatable as to why they're here, they are here. Thus, they should make the world different. If they're not supposed to be here, then something would stop them. The Eyes in the Shadows would finally defeat them, perhaps. But if they are here, if they're worth existing, then they should make the world different, make it better for all life. 

How do you make a difference in the world? 

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)

Remember When #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 next portion of the story is about the struggle of the main characters. It's a path toward success or toward failure. There's an assumption that the hero either will do something or will fail horribly, but it will entertain and educate the reader either way.

In Heath's previous life, as Frank, he was a highly decorated military officer sent early on to Vietnam. He ended up rescuing many prisoners by hiding them in a cave. He thought it was the Cave of Existence because every member of the Existence was represented. 

Vietnam's most famous discovered cave is Hang Sơn Đoòng (Son Doong Cave), the world's largest natural cave by volume, located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, first found by local Ho Khanh in 1990.

But actually, the real Cave of Existence is much older and deeper. The entrance is hidden in Challenger Deep. Humans cannot get to it, much less survive if they got in. A plan is needed to get The Existence to the Cave. 

Have you ever been in a cave?

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)

Quick Time #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 B-Story propels the protagonist to learn the theme, or lesson, of the book. It's time to take action! The theme of this book is asking if "Love really conquers all." A new character(s) is often introduced at this stage, one who will represent the change(s) to come and who will help the hero achieve the main goal.

The mysterious ring giver appears. He promises answers and change, once they all go to the Cave. First, Xavier has to get everyone together and on the same page.

(Jez has gone to tend to her mom, Heath and Hannah are searching for his parents, Jun is helping his step-sister, Caleb is off sulking, and Wend is focused on her fertility issues.)

Have you ever had to "herd cats," as in getting a group together that isn't focused on the common goal?

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)

Prepare to Say Goodbye #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 final distraction from the main goal.

Jez breaks it off with the lightning guy (from letter M) when she learns her mother is sick. She goes to India to be with her.

Have you ever had to be there for a dying family member?

 

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)

Oh Parents, Where Art Thou #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.

Heath's parents… when was the last time they made contact? Hannah wants to know. They go to try to find them. Finding their hearts is even more difficult.

(This is another "side-quest" deviating from the primary goal.)   

Have you ever known someone with parents who were largely "absent"? How do you feel about such parents?

 

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)

No Good Deed #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.

A side-quest has occurred in Act 1, revealing a backstory that will be relevant and needed later.

Jun's step-sister is being blackmailed. Her landlord died, and his son took over. The son drugged her, videoed her in a compromising situation, and forced her to sign a waiver that he could hide cameras and live-stream her. It's not just about moving from where she's a community leader, but getting the videos down. It isn’t just her. 

Hannah is particularly upset by this news. Heath learns that, when he was Frank, he saved her from similar exploitation. 

Have you ever had to protect a family member? 

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

---

📚💙 — 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)