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!

Cliffhanger #IWSG and Native American Heritage Day

InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com

Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today:

Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!

Dec 4 question -

Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?

There is a major cliffhanger at the end of Fractions of Existence. There's a minor one at the end of Proof of Existence. (Both of which are on sale. Kindle Countdown!)

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Native American Heritage Day #Sale!

The Existence series is an Urban Fantasy with Myths and Legends, and Paranormal Romance.

Omnipotent beings are trying to save human existence. Only united are they strong enough. If they don't reunite, the human race is doomed.

Sale on Fractions of Existence https://amzn.to/3AWVA8v

Coming soon:

Sale on Proof of Existence https://amzn.to/4fSsO86

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https://bsky.app/profile/jlennidorner.bsky.social Please follow me on the BlueSky social media site. So many writer, author, and book lover friends of mine have made the switch, I find that I shall too. (X no longer favors links in "tweets," as it is switching focus to training AI with the shares of users. The platform I once used daily no longer interests me.) 



@AtoZchallenge.bsky.social  -  The team also has a handle on the growing Bluesky platform.
https://bsky.app/profile/atozchallenge.bsky.social

Happening at OperationAwesome6.blogspot.com There is a final farewell post. We have shut down. https://operationawesome6.blogspot.com

Conflict in the Writer #IWSG

InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com

Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today: Kate Larkindale, Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence!

Aug 2 question -

Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?


Conflict in the writer!

https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/2023/04/b-is-for-bikinis-and-brazil-nuts.html
I wrote about this topic in April, in a way. I was conflicted in book one, Fractions of Existence, where I mentioned the fictional band "Bikinis for Eskimos" because that word is offensive, and book one doesn't explain why I would use it for the fictional band name.

HOWEVER

I knew it would get cleared up in the second book. That the band used the name to bring awareness that the word is not appropriate, because too many people are unaware that they shouldn't be using that word. (Which, yes, is my own way of raising awareness, since I'm the author.) It also demonstrates that The Existence (or Jun, at least), is aware of social and language changes. 

Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Publication April 4, 2023

Trigger warning: Content about prejudice and racism 

Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Please also visit: The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club on Goodreads.

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Write Edit Publish blog-

Please check out this page on the WEP site.   
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/new-release-post.html

And then get ready for the next challenge!

"Chocolat – ooh la la - base your flash/poem on the confection, chocolate shop, café, 1950's setting, France/French cuisine... Or you could use a suspected witch, a character with magical powers/recipes. Or a romance between two disparate people. As always, over to you!"
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/07/wep-august-challenge-chocolat-post.html

#WEP August Challenge "#CHOCOLAT" - post August 16 - 18

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Please share this tweet/post:

💍 #Proposal 🤍 Will they marry? @JLenniDorner wrote a hot paranormal romance full of love and drama! "Proof of Existence". #slowburn #PNR #series Buy Now --> https://t.co/CEuMsjoxsA pic.twitter.com/WwwzPnOkvL

— Quotesrain (@quotesrainsite) July 18, 2023

Happening at the A to Z Challenge - We celebrated🎉 World Emoji day on July 17. http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2023/07/world-emoji-day.html

Aug 9 is National Book Lovers Day! 

Story Inspiration #IWSG and Blurbs by AI

InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com

Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today: PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre!

July 5 question -

99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

When I was younger, I met with some of my Lenni-Lenape tribal elders while they were in the area. A storyteller who cannot speak. As much of what was written was destroyed, they suggested I use some of our legends to inspire fiction-based stories, as those have a better chance at survival (at not offending powerful groups of people who prefer our kind seem illiterate). There was one such legend in particular that had not been widely shared or spoken about for a long time. (Because it really angered some of those deadly groups.) The suggestion of omnipotent beings existing, much less living among us? Such stories were expressly forbidden under the penalty of death. But, because of my bizarre and unfortunate childhood, the elders believed I had a chance to share this legend with the world, so they told it to me. That's where the Existence series comes from...
Speaking of which: 

Book one, Fractions of Existence, Kindle edition will be ON SALE for .99 cents, 67% savings, on JULY 11 & 12 for Amazon Prime Day. You do NOT need to be a Prime member to get that discount! (But you do need access to the US store. Sorry about that.)


Please also visit: The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club on Goodreads.

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Write Edit Publish blog- I made it to the shortlist last month. Way to go winners Pat, Jamie, and Ornery Owl!
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/07/wep-winners-june-2023-challenge-close.html

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And now it's time for... Author vs AI

Who wrote a better blurb, the author or bookraid.com/ai/description?

Author:

World-ending secrets and threats…

Proof of Existence picks up from Fractions of Existence's cliffhanger, where Gwendolyn is among the hostages of the Eyes in the Shadows, a religious sect that has been trying to free humans from the “prison” of life on Earth for millennia. Rescuing her requires the Existence to expose themselves. As omnipotent beings, their work to protect humanity has been mostly in secret for the last two centuries.

Gwendolyn must remember and embrace what she truly is, though fear and doubt stifle her. She risked everything by acting on her attraction to Xavier, but her religious beliefs stop her from taking the important next step. Life-threatening news has her wanting to go home to see her family. Will they still love and accept her, despite her actions and choices? Or could a secret rip her family apart?

Feeling lonely, tormented, and useless, Existence member Heath goes off the grid. A ransom video from Eyes in the Shadows demands he be traded for the lives of others. Can the Existence find him in time to tell him about the threat? Even if Heath can be reached, would his kind really trade him to potentially save someone else?

The Eyes in the Shadows is set to finally end all human life on Earth forever. Only if the Existence is reunited, with all members at full power, could they stand against them. How many will suffer if the Existence should fail? How much damage could possibly be done in the next twenty years? Proof of Existence, the second book of the Existence mythological urban fantasy series from J Lenni Dorner, is set during the first half of 2006.

AI: 

In a realm teetering on the brink of destruction, lies a labyrinth of world-ending secrets and insidious threats.  

Gwendolyn finds herself a captive in the clutches of the Eyes in the Shadows, a formidable religious sect hell-bent on liberating mankind from the shackles of earthly existence. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, the Existence must reveal themselves to save Gwendolyn and dismantle the evil lurking within.

But Gwendolyn's path is not without its own arduous challenges. Struggling to reconcile her true identity amidst a maelstrom of fear and doubt, she grapples with the aftermath of her forbidden attraction to Xavier. Torn between her religious beliefs and her heart's longing, can she find the strength to take the next crucial step? And will her family, upon discovering her secrets, shatter under the weight of a devastating revelation?

Meanwhile, Existence member Heath, consumed by a deep sense of isolation and purposelessness, vanishes without a trace. The Eyes in the Shadows demand his life as ransom for the lives of others, thrusting the Existence into a desperate race against time. Can they locate Heath and unveil the impending danger before it's too late? And even if they do, will his own kind forsake him in the name of sacrifice?

As the Eyes in the Shadows unveil their diabolical plot to obliterate humanity once and for all, the Existence must reunite, each member harnessing their full power, to stand against this unfathomable threat. However, failure could spell catastrophe for countless innocent lives. With the clock ticking and the stakes unimaginably high, how much devastation awaits the world in the next twenty years?

Proof of Existence is a breathtaking second installment from the mind of the incredible J Lenni Dorner, weaving together myth, fantasy, and an urban saga like no other. Set against the backdrop of 2006, this gripping novel will transport you to a world on the precipice of doom, where the choices of a few could determine the destiny of all.

Who wrote it better?
Are there parts of one or the other that especially catch your eye? 

Don't forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming sale. 

Close Encounters Prompt #WEP #WEPFF #FlashFiction #Scene #StoryExcerpt #Fantasy

I mentioned in my June IWSG post that I planned to use a scene from an Existence high-fantasy side story (or "frame story" or "story within the story") for the WEPFF prompt this month. In the Existence books, you see Xavier and Wend in an online fantasy roleplaying chat-based game. 

Xavier's character, Monoghan, is an exceptionally massive breed of Great Wolf, and he has been cursed/ gifted with the ability to transform into a human at will. (Though transformation was spontaneous during puberty, he gained control in adulthood.) He also "suffers" from immortality and is now so old that only two people he knew in his big "hero days" are still alive. Monoghan is the last Great Wolf. As thanks for the time ages ago when he helped save the planet, he was gifted the territory known as "The Forest," which outsiders are forbidden to enter. (Accomplished mainly by horror stories spread throughout the realm for generations.)

Candra

Wend's character, Candra, is an island wood elf. Her human-equivalent-age would be about twenty-three. This is the early elf-adulthood period when her kind is meant to explore the world beyond their island. She had met Monoghan in his human form prior to this story, though it was brief. 

"The Nomads of Treachery present Phin Fynn." This character is specific to the story. He is not mentioned in the Existence books. The Nomads of Treachery are a small population, consisting mostly of humans, who hail from Treachery — a dangerous territory with a volcanic-like mass with a summit in the upper atmosphere which erupts regularly into space. This is the cause of the planet's rings. The nomads travel to civilizations to collect trash and such, which they sort and sell or feed into the "volcano." It is common to see these nomadic children as young as seven unaccompanied in human towns, usually gathering discarded waste. Neither Candra nor Monoghan has met Phin Fynn before this story.

The beginning of the story includes that quest introduction. Monoghan, Candra, and Phin Fynn are the three who must travel together to the Shamlin Ruins (an incredibly dangerous place that is difficult to get to, especially in three days) to claim an unknown inheritance. 

Size chart of the three main characters for reference, including wolf sizes.

The Repear (not to be confused with a " Grim Reaper") was difficult to describe. If a helicopter were just a round ball, and the blades were more like bat wings and affixed to the middle 🛸 kind of like a flying saucer shape... but that long-neck could come out of the bottom center with a pear-shaped head (which looks more like a snake in this silhouette, because I'm a writer not an artist)... any suggestions about the story description versus my very crude sketch are most especially welcome. 

If you're wondering how to pronounce the title and river name (in English anyway), it's Re-Pear-Grave. 🍐 

Monoghan's makeshift torch is a real-world survival tactic. It only burns for about twenty minutes. The mud and bark are meant to catch falling embers. It only really serves as a signal, or as a safer way to heat something very briefly. 🔥

That's the background information to best enjoy this scene. Full critiques are very welcome, as I plan to turn this story into a book to sell and will include this scene. 

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-wep-close-encounters-of-third-kind.html

Close Encounters tie-in: The movie is about land beings (humans) communicating with sky beings (👽 space aliens) by using lights and sound. 

Tagline: A fantasy adventuring party of three must cross a river by communicating with a sky creature.

FCA 999 words

Repeargrave River Crossing

By J Lenni Dorner

"What's that sound," Candra asked as she rubbed her elven ears. 

Monoghan broke off some shrubbery. "Here. This foliage will reduce the noise. The Repeargrave River is still a fair trot ahead."

"Why is it so loud if we're not near it?" Candra tucked the thick shrub over her ears. 

"Low wind, flattened land, mighty river. Sound carries well in my forest." Monoghan rotated his wolf ears to protect his ultra-sensitive hearing.

Phin Fynn kicked the ground. "Is it safe to cross such a loud river?"

Monoghan moved a ball of shrubbery toward Phin Fynn's ears. "Not in the slightest. The river keeps the citizens of Mount Siegh from both invading Hiistocra and trespassing into my forest. The sound vibrations will fill you as we draw near to this part of the river. It is a way to ward you off."

Candra flicked Monoghan's tail. "Then we should go a different way. Cross somewhere more shallow."

"The river is the biggest danger on this route, which is our shortest path. I have a plan."

"Oh, well, as long as you have a plan," Candra emphasized the words as she cast her arms toward the sky. "I'll have you know that elves talk, so I am well aware that a river is not the most dangerous threat in this place."

His nuzzle tapped her arm. "You're right. That'd be me. Every other creature you've been cautioned against in my forest obeys my commands. Move along, we're on a tight schedule." 

Phin Fynn laughed as he skipped ahead, touching bushes, boulders, and trees with no regard for safety. Twice Monoghan had to snarl at camouflaged creatures who were one bite away from chewing on the child. At last, the river came into view. 

"Woo, swimming!" Phin Fynn rushed toward the water until Monoghan caught the collar of his coat and dragged him back to the treeline. Candra put her arm around the little one and shook her finger side-to-side in warning. 

Monoghan collected items, putting them beside a rock pile. He split the hardwood trunk of a leg-sized log, then shoved three sticks into it, wedging them all the way to the base of the shaft. Half a dozen pine cones were wedged into the log next. Adding gooey pine resin proved difficult. 

He gnawed and licked his fur, getting every drop off. The river looked so cool and wet. If he could just dip his muzzle in for a moment, this awful taste would be washed away. Just a sip. 

His paw sunk into the mud of the riverbank. He shook his head, breaking the trance. Repeargrave River hypnotized many creatures, drowning them. Monoghan wrinkled his muzzle as he returned to his task, glad the others didn't notice his near mistake. 

Fibrous bark rolled into a wick, coated with resin, and affixed in the log. He moved large chunks of bark into the hole of the rock pile. Now he needed mud from the riverbank without being lured to the depths. Water splashed at his tail. He shook it off. A daydream of rolling in the river crossed his mind. Wash off the stink of this journey. Leave the frustrating elf and the too-giddy human child. They'd be lost forever, like every other who dared enter. 

No. They were here at his invitation. He chose the route for his traveling companions, he brought them here. This journey and the ones on it were his responsibility. He growled at the water as he completed his task, affixing the torch log into the muddy bark in the rock pile. 

"Fire," he communicated carefully to Candra, knowing she could not hear him over the raging river. He nudged her to the torch. Upon seeing the makeshift wick, she understood. Her small, metal tools flickered a flame to life. 

It would only burn for a few moments. Just enough to signal the Repear. 

A round darkness loomed overhead. The scattered bits of daylight that permeated the canopy were gone. Candra and Phin Fynn pressed against Monoghan, who emitted a howl. The darkness came nearer. Black, flexible membranes connected between sharp talon-tipped fingers to form wings. The wingspan encircled the ball-like, black fur body, flapping up and down slightly, but mostly rotating. Such special wings allowed it to hover in place. A long neck stretched toward them from the underside of the body, a pear-shaped head sticking out of the end. 

"Re re?" it squawked.

Monoghan used a stick to poke around the flame, creating images and gestures with the light and smoke. 

"Re, re, reee, re re?"

He let out a whimper and bowed his head, his tail wagging. 

The Repear's wings spun faster, extinguishing the flame. Monoghan pressed against his companions as darkness and wind overtook them. He felt them grab his legs as they screamed. 

A moment later, they were on the other side of the Repeargrave River. He sniffled and licked them both, checking they were okay. Candra shuddered at being licked, quickly using the sleeve of her gown to wipe herself. Phin Fynn clapped and twirled. Satisfied, Monoghan picked up a branch with green leaves and waved it at the Repear. 

Light filtered down from the sky again, the creature gone, back to the hidden pocket of darkness where none could ever find its kind. 

Monoghan led his party to a creek, an offshoot of the river, where the sound no longer hurt their ears. 

"What was that?" Candra asked him as they watched Phin Fynn try to catch a fish in his little, human hands. 

"That was a Repear. It is suspected that they came here from another world. They communicate with colors and sound, on the rare instance they make themselves known." 

"How can it have spinning wings?"

Monoghan shrugged. "I have only seen them alive, and only while hovering over their river. They can suck a fish out of the water without nearing the spray of the rapids. I've never examined one well enough to fully understand them."

Reflections #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Thank you SO MUCH for the 150 comments I received this month! 💗

I hoped to visit more blogs. I had a solid plan for April. 
But you know what they say about making plans...

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." — Woody Allen

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" — John Lennon

A dear family member of my spouse went from "stable" to "we're making her comfortable," and finally to passing on. Her last breath was followed by the aurora borealis appearing. (To be clear-- this does NOT happen. Pennsylvania, USA is too far south for the Northern Lights. Except they came this month.) It's the sort of awful and awe-inspiring moment that gives one great pause.

Otherwise, the challenge went fairly well. It was fun to find so many ways to work my book into the alphabet. Ronel, you especially made this challenge fun for me.

Facebook tried to mess with our initial link-up, but John quickly solved that. Jayden came up with a way to share the Master List on the blog itself. Thanks to Arlee for covering when my "N" (Never Give Up) post vanished from the A to Z blog. Zalka did an amazing job of pulling the team out of hibernation this year. A big thanks to our anonymous graphics person for stepping up.

Twitter ... 🤦🏽‍♂️ is testing everyone's patience. And some reports are that Rafflecopter was having international issues, or that the Facebook login feature has stopped working. I know some bloggers ""went rogue"" and opted to post a month of alphabet posts without joining the challenge, without becoming part of the community. They didn't wish to hop to each others' blogs, or support one another, or whatever the reason. You can invite everyone to dinner, it doesn't mean they'll opt to come. 

The A to Z Team is just a handful of volunteers giving what we can to keep people inspired and connected through blogging. We have decades of experience (plus Zalka has a doctorate degree, and a little birdie told me that Jayden will soon have one as well). Our team is diverse in age, origin, gender, country, and culture. We do the very best that we can with what resources we have, and I am proud to be part of this team. 

I hope my fellow bloggers will join us monthly, as we have posts planned for the whole year. And keep hopping with the Road Trip! (Posting next week.) Your blogging community is as strong as you make it. I'll be posting on the A to Z blog in January for the New Year, so get your blogging resolutions ready!

March 10, 2024, will be the next #AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal. 📅 Put it on your calendar. 

QUESTION — What did you enjoy most and least about this year's challenge?


💻📚🛒📦😃📖
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4fa90ac752 Rafflecopter
WIN Custom Proof of Existence Blanket (US only) or Name a Character (International)
(Facebook Log In might not work due to a Rafflecopter error.)

What's next for me?

https://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/bout-of-books-37-sign-up.html

Z is for Zeehan Library #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Australia #Tasmania

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Before anyone runs out and buys this book just because of this setting, please know this is the only scene you'll see in Tasmania. It's important to the story. There's a reason Heath is there. But this really is the whole scene. It is mentioned again later, but over an unexpected phone call. 

Also, sorry, the library wedding scene also did not make the final cut. It has been reduced to nothing more than this mention. 

QUESTION — What does the idea of a wedding in a library evoke for you?



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Y is for Yetta Piagesi #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #tea🍵

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

🍵 The character who owns the tea house has a small role. She's important here because her name starts with Y. She's important in the story because Xavier's mother respects her (which IS saying something). 

QUESTION — Have you ever been to an elegant and proper tea in a place where that service is their primary function? (Not just ordering tea at Starbucks.) 

Enter the GIVEAWAY http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4fa90ac752
💻📚🛒📦😃📖
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
a-to-zchallenge.com