Some #Quarantine Time with J Lenni Dorner - April WEP winner of ANTIQUE VASE

Welcome friends, to a rather different type of guest post by J Lenni Dorner, winner of the April 2020 Challenge - Lenape Antique Vase. He gives us a glimpse into the mind/life of a very busy writer combined with the challenges of Covid-19 living.

I warn you, you have to concentrate...

• the green text is J Lenni's spouse speaking to him. 
• Orange text are his replies to someone. 
• Blue and purple text were other friends speaking. 

Got it? 

 

 J Lenni, please take it away...

A glimpse at my last few weeks:

What would be a good theme for my blog in April for the challenge? The AtoZ blog? Operation Awesome Team picked writing motivation. Doing the Self Isolation Author Interview from Michael Baker.  https://thousandscarsblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/self-isolation-author-interview-j-lenni-dorner/

"Raring, what if we run out of food?"
(Raring means dear.) I won't let you starve, Snookums. Hunting, fishing, foraging, we'll be fine. 
"I need another cookbook." 
My spouse can cook. I have scrounged.

Theme for AtoZ team- 2020 visions of blogging. Must write my OA posts. And the posts for my blog.

Reading books to review in April.

"Our friend thinks he has coronavirus. He has a fever and has been sick."
We can't bring soup. 

Writing posts. Visiting my usual 40 blogs. Scheduling tweets. How shall I split up this story for my blog?

"I'm leaving the Operation Awesome Team after April."
Add 'replace team member' to my list.

"When will stores reopen? I was going to get new sneakers."
I'll make moccasins if it comes to it. 

Day One of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. I have six fires to put out. If I weren't out of work because of the pandemic, I'd quit all blogging and social media right now.

"Hey! Do you know your Wordpress comments still link to your old blog?" 😳
Must fix that. I need to write my WEP entry.  I want it to be about a Lenni-Lenape vase. WriteClub? No idea. I'll split my tribal story into parts, I'll ask the audience if they want more posts or a book.

"(Nurse friend) was attacked."
I can't take her flowers or a card. 

Visiting blogs.

"Have you seen these news articles? Native American tribes without access to decent water."
Reservation, not PReservation. 😡 Adding feelings to my blog post.

I know how I want to write my WEP story now.

"We have to go to the store." 
🧻The toilet paper my cousin likes. Dropped off as an anniversary gift, along with sweets. 🍬

A friend published a book on Smashwords. Set your own price, including free? I should do that! I need to design a cover and format.

Lumber Of The Kuweakunks - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1015003

"(Nurse friend) has developed a fever."

Operation Awesome, images become ⛔. Fix that. Post on Scrivener? I'll write a counterpoint.

"Are we seeing your family in May?"
No. Doesn't look like it.

WriteClub, I'm just voting this year. I'm halfway through the #AtoZChallenge list. Visited all WEP blogs. Operation Awesome prep for Pass or Pages query contest. 😊💘📚

"#QuarantinePets. We need a dog!"
No, a cat.
🐕!
🐈!
🐕!!
🐈!!!!

Sign up for Bout of Books and SavvyReadathon. Jeremy made a digital poster for AtoZ participants.

"(Nurse friend) has coronavirus."

I won the WEP challenge! 🤩 I've visited every #AtoZChallenge blog. 😎 I published. 😊 I'm sitting on my hair. 😄

J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer at Operation Awesome, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/JLenniDorner

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13725994.J_Lenni_Dorner

https://www.facebook.com/WhatAreThey

https://www.instagram.com/jlennidorner/

Thank you J Lenni,

As we all face the challenges of writing and isolation our world has changed and continues to change dramatically. Please share your days, your concerns, or your solutions in your comments. We'd love to hear from you! How are you doing?

Another alternative to our changing world is, at least for us writers, the opportunity to put into words our frustrations, fears, and solutions in a story. 

Please consider using the next challenge prompt "Urban Nightmare"! Don't forget to check out some ideas on the 2020 Challenges Page.

Look for the announcement on June 1st. 
Post your link on June 17th.

A city where the trees are pulling up their roots, bunching them over their branches like old fashioned women's skirts and trudging away to greener pastures.

A city under the haze of volcanic ash where no birds, no airplanes can land, no living creature can breathe.

The underground city within a city where fatbergs and noxious fumes create a deathly trap for your characters.

A concrete jungle where the walls close in and collapse every morning and everyone must wait for the night to be alive again. 

Tell us, what your urban nightmare is...

Please tweet!

@JLenniDorner #Covid-19 #WEPAntiqueVase  #WEPwinner #guestpost https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/05/some-quarantine-time-with-j-lenni.html @DeniseCCovey, @YolandaRenee, @LGKeltner, @OlgaGodim #amwriting #writingchallenge

 Please, everyone, feel free to share how you're feeling. It is a trying time! WEP is a safe place. We welcome your input! Do you have any well-being hints? 
Here's an interesting link to a blog of helpful information on COVID-19: 

The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them

#WINNERS' POST -- APRIL CHALLENGE -- ANTIQUE VASE & THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

Hi all, Renee here:

April 2020 has been an eye-opening month with physical/social distancing becoming the norm. And with the daily count of the dead leading the news, we had hope that going on with the WEP April Challenge -- Antique Vase -- would give all of us a break from the horror. We were right, well sort of. Some of us have been personally touched by the virus and death. So, finding an exercise to take us away from the horror for a while proved beneficial. The entries reflect that need.

Thank you, everyone, for your amazing tales, they were filled with hope, humor, love, life lessons, but especially the creativity that continues to amaze and inspire us.

It's always a delight to welcome new writers to WEP. New writers add an excitement as we eagerly anticipate a new writing style and approach to the prompt. This month we welcome Sanhita and Zaguzan/Karuna. Both presented wonderful entries and one made the shortlist! Thank you all for making them welcome in your comments!

Compiled by Elephant's Child, here's a summary and link to all those inspiring stories for your reading pleasure:

Zaguzan: Flash fiction. We follow the vase through four of its owners and rejoice that it has found a home where it is appreciated and valued. For now. Who can tell where it will go next...?

Jemi Fraser: Flash fiction. Even rich snobs love (and indulge) their grandchildren. And it is incredible how fast a heart-felt apology can change people's attitudes.

Toi Thomas: Flash fiction. The voice of the vase tells her own story, reflecting on generational change and reminds us that inanimate objects deserve respect.

Sanhita Mukherjee: Flash fiction: An intriguing look at the vase's history, geography, and mythology. So the vase returns home, a traveler, returning to its roots, slipping effortlessly between the POV of the vase, the employee who cares for it, its long-ago makers...

Anstice Brown: Flash fiction. A light-hearted piece reminding us that antiques were once new (and may not have been valued) and just how fast things can change.

Team Netherworld: Flash fiction. A vase and a wise man provide the impetus to ensure that a love story is finally recognized and allowed to fruit.

Rebecca Douglass: Flash fiction. Librarians should always be respected. A surprisingly light-hearted reminder of that truth - despite the incineration of yet another who didn't listen.

Elephant's Child: Flash fiction: Two scenarios. Two people dead. Their lawyers claim that he/she snapped. Did they?

Roland Clarke: Flash fiction: A continuation of Sparkle Anwyl's story - which also crosses WEP challenges and reveals a little more of her unique mindset, as she continues to investigate mayhem and mystery.

Christopher Scott: Flash fiction. A very descriptive take on a Coming of Age ceremony, in a culture which begs for further exploration.

J Lenni Dorner: Flash fiction. A powerful indictment of the treatment of so many indigenous peoples which blurs the lines between fiction, history, and current affairs.

Sally Stackhouse: Flash fiction and the poetry of the vase. A loved object is sacrificed for the benefit of the family, that object haunts the dreams of a descendant and is finally, triumphantly brought home.

Dixie Jo Jarchow: Flash fiction. A poignant slice of family difficulties/estrangements finishing on a hopeful note. 

Nilanjana Bose: Non-fiction. It crosses WEP challenges, countries, history, cultures, and artistic genres in rich and inviting prose - ensuring that there are links and rabbit holes to ensure that each visit uncovers new treasures.

Hilary Melton-Butcher: Flash fiction: A lighter (and unexpected) side to archaeology (and archaeologists.

Olga Godim: Flash fiction: A continuation of Monette's story. It might have been 'small magic,' but it more than got the job done.

L.G. Keltner: Flash Fiction. Clever aunt Margaret had a secret. A secret she carried to her grave - and one that Donna will maintain.

Jemima Pett: Flash fiction. Some vases should be left well alone. Elsie and Tom escaped. Will you?

Pat Garcia: Flash fiction. A continuation of Zelda and Bruno's love story. Sweeter than hot chocolate, stronger than cognac, with an undercurrent of mystery.

Kalpana: Poetry. A reminder that antique objects/people still have life left in them still have desires, longings, and passion. Rather than locked away and protected, it calls for us to respect their need to 'just be.'

Susan Rouchard: Flash fiction. A futuristic tale of the fight for survival (perhaps on this earth and perhaps on a new one) where the humans are assisted by 'little blue men.' Effort, hope, and gratitude are richly entwined and expressed.

Donna Hanton: Flash fiction. A continuation of Lisa and Pierce's story. The tension in their relationship continues and is explored with a little back story - and then a cliff-hanger to keep us wanting more.

Denise Covey: Flash fiction. A tale jam-packed with history, with warmth, with color, with loss and overflowing with love.

Yolanda Renée: Flash fiction: A curious (but well-meaning sister) wreaks havoc. Expensive havoc. Can she be forgiven?

Renée: Flash fiction: Some vases should remain sealed. Permanently.

As usual, we had a difficult time deciding our shortlists, but it quickly became apparent that everyone had a favorite: We sent this list to Nick:

J Lenni Dorner -- Lenape Antique Vase

Kalpana's -- I Was

Pat Garcia's -- Antique Vase

Zaguzan -- A Vase in Four Parts

Sally Stackhouse -- Antique Vase

Hilary--The Chamber Pot

Donna Hanton -- The Sneeze

~*~

Thank you, everyone! It is refreshing to see all the lovely comments on each post. And please know that the team reads your comments, always taking them into consideration when forming the shortlist. They are more important than you may think. Besides informing our decisions, it feeds the writer. Feedback is not a simple thing. It means the world to the writer.

OUR WINNERS:

Nick commented: "As always it was a tough choice, but it’s also an honor to read and judge these great entries."

THE WINNER OF APRIL'S 2020 CHALLENGE 

ANTIQUE VASE is:

Congratulations, J. Lenni!

Nick wrote,  "I had to put this first because the level of empathy created for the suffering of the narrator is exceptional. Powerful, and moving."

Congratulations J. Lenni! Please link the badge to your story, Lenape Antique Vase, and post it on your blog.

In addition, you've won a critique of your first three chapters or 10,000 words from Christine Rains, and a guest post here at WEP.
We'll also look forward to your Guest Post here at WEP.

Details will be emailed to you shortly.

Congratulations, on such an evocative entry!

 ~*~

THE RUNNER-UP OF APRIL'S 2020 CHALLENGE ANTIQUE VASE is:

Congratulations, Donna!

Nick wrote, "Some great character observation here, and I just loved the ending."

We're all looking forward to the next installment! 

Please link the badge to your story, 
The Sneeze, and post it on your blog.

THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR APRIL’S

ANTIQUE VASE is:

Congratulations, Hilary!

Nick wrote, "A fun tale with a very good sense of humor, injects some lightness into the proceedings."

We all appreciated the humor of your story. Laughter is a much-needed sentiment right now. Thank you! 

Please link the badge to your story, Ancient Vase,
and post it on your blog.

COMMENTER'S AWARD:

Thank you for showing respect and encouragement to all the enthusiastic writers who penned a post for the February challenge! 

There was the usual Word Press/Blogger incompatibility, but less than usual. Personally, a direct connection worked better than the Linky in some cases.

Always watch the C-Box and the website comment thread to catch up on any commenting problems and fixes. Thanks to those who commented on the site when you couldn't comment on a post.

Those who read 20 and over, (allowing some leeway for the difficult commenting situation), by the cutoff date of Wednesday, April 22.

Pat Garcia

Jemi Fraser

Zaguzan

Toi Thomas

Rebecca Douglass

Roland Clarke

Donna Hanton

&

the WEP team

The Random selector chose Roland Clarke for the winner. Congratulations, on winning AGAIN! We appreciate your dedication to the WEP and for understanding the importance of feedback to all writers. Roland! Please display the badge on your blog with a link to the WEP website.

Congratulations, Roland!

Remember our earlier discussion about comments and their importance?

I'd like to announce an award based on those comments. The number of them and the appreciation found in them for the writer was specifically why this award, the People's Choice Award is being awarded to Nilanjana Bose.

She wanted to pull out of the challenge completely, but we talked her into posting. She did not want comments because she could not respond to them. But again, we intervened, and you complied with our request by commenting on the WEP page or the C-Box. They were spectacular, and all of that was quickly noticed by Sue, better known as Elephant's Child.

Sue had stepped in to help us with this post and immediately suggested that Nila, because of her amazing imagery, be allowed to qualify for the awards this time. To avoid taking away the opportunities for all other entrants, we decided to award The People's Choice Award. An infrequent but excellent tool that will allow us to give a special award when called for. 

Based on your comments, you agreed. As Roland Clarke wrote: "I love the way the piece is informative, rich with imagery and language, plus she returns to my favorite artist."

Toi Thomas wrote: "She always presents her pieces with a subtle dramatic flare that almost makes you forget that you are learning something."

Olga wrote: "I love Nila's piece. From abstract to Vincent's painted flowers in flash fiction - such a fascinating exploratory narrative."

And I think we all found the same as Sue described: -- "Elegant, informative and with a myriad of rabbit holes I will be exploring at length later."

Nila is an individual who I've found to be authentic. Beautiful on all levels, honest, fair, and wise beyond most, but it's her writing that always strikes a chord. A true reflection of the individual whose pen achieves gold every time.

So it is with great pleasure that we give this award to Nilanjana Bose for her inspiring historical piece titled The Grasshopper. The Pigeon. The Bulldog.

Congratulations Nila!

Your writing is always exemplary

and we're thrilled to be able to award your creativity.

******

Here's our prompt for June. So get those thinking caps on. The announcement will be posted on June 1st in the thinking-caps post.

And the Sign--up Link Post goes live on June 17th.

Until then, say safe and stay well!

Renée for...

And Sue!

Thank you, Sue, for stepping in and doing a beautiful job with the blurbs, helping to monitor the posts and report problems, and helping us choose the winners. But especially for recognizing Nila's entry as superb and deserving of recognition while disqualifying your own winning entry!

We'd love for you to Tweet this post or share it to Facebook 

or your favorite social media site.

#WEPFF ANTIQUE VASE winners announced @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @LGKeltner @OlgaGodim https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners 

10 years of writing excellence WEP APRIL winners @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @LGKeltner @OlgaGodim https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html#amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners

Come congratulate our April winners. #WEPFF ANTIQUE VASE Challenge @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim @LGKeltner #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html

The #WEPFF writers had some fantastic entries! WEP winners announced! @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim @LGKeltner #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html

#WEPFF ANTIQUE VASE winners all @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim @LGKeltner #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html

10 years of writing excellence, WEP Winners! @LGKeltner @DeniseCCovey @yolandarenee @OlgaGodim #amwriting #flashfiction #wepwinners https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html

#WEPFF WINNERS' POST for DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO the October Halloween Challenge. Announcing the IWSG February Prompt Competition!

Hello everyone!

We're a little late but it's still Halloween! Even a well oiled machine has a few gremlins around the haunting season! But here goes:

I’m thrilled to announce the winners for the WEP/IWSG collaboration for the DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO October Halloween Challenge.

Before the unveiling though, I want to take a few moments to say Thank You! As you know, this was my last challenge in an administrative capacity. I am off on a new and exciting personal challenge, but I wanted to let you all know how much the WEP has meant to me.

Denise and the Friday Romance Writer’s taught me so much about writing, helped me to hone my skills, and gave me a real love for flash fiction. Then I was blown away when Denise asked me to help co-host her new WEP – Write…Edit…Publish challenges. I will be forever grateful to her for inviting me.

I jumped at the opportunity, and I know I’ll miss it. Especially as it continues to transform and reshape to fit the current needs of the community, but always offering novice and skilled writers an opportunity to share and learn. How many of you have said ‘I’ve never written flash fiction, but now I’m hooked?’ It’s an unparalleled opportunity, and I’m sure many of you are as surprised as I am with the writing that’s been inspired by its creative prompts.

What better way to get the writing chops for submitting to magazines and other writing contests! I hope you’ll continue to take advantage of this unique writing community to expand your skills and your imagination! I know I will!

Thank you, everyone, for making that possible!

Okay, I’ll move onto the crux of the post - the winners!

 

DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO was proved an exciting opportunity for many to explore their horror chops, and for others to explore the feelings of deep emotional angst, haunting grief, or a Halloween response to adultery ending in murder. Some entries produced chills, some had a touch of humor, and others touched the heart with understanding and empathy. Here’s a tease for each…

Desk 49 - DL Is it true love or a voodoo spell?

Roland Yeomans - DL  Hell means saying goodbye to the love of your life.

Sally - DL  When no one understands your needs, not even you.

DG Hudson - DL  Can that which is lost in space really be found?

Kalpana - DL  Do our devices have too much influence?

Jemima Pett - DL  When dreams become a reality.

Pat Hatt - DL  When visions of missed opportunities happen, check the sent file!

Orlin - DL  It’s Rhyme Time for cats testing out their voodoo.

Toi Thomas- DL  Children should not be allowed to play with dolls, not on Halloween.

Tanya Miranda - DL Sometimes that imaginary friend isn’t as imaginary as you think.

Dixie Jo Jarchow - DL  Chickens or no chickens, beware what you wish for.

Roland Clarke - DL  Standing runes, urban legends, and the lady in white.

Hilary - DL  Memoires of fun and the stories that still need to be told.

Operation Awesome - DL The many views on Voodoo and writing.

Michelle Wallace - DL Was it the prayers that saved them or something darker?

Deborah Drucker - DL  Can a stolen child be saved?

Jamie Lightcap Dorner - DL  Voodoo instead of divorce court…

The Real Cie - DL  When body shaming be sure you know your victims connections.

Alex J. Cavanaugh - DL  A likeness in safe hands.

J Lenni Dorner - DL  Observation without interference and a tree.

Rebecca M. Douglass - DL  Expectations and mannequins.

Christopher Scott - DL  Electricity brings about a resurrection.

Adura Ojo - DL  “The body does what the body does.”

Joey Lynn Resciniti - DL  A real incident of déjà vu.

Susan Swiderski - DL  This ghost loves to travel.

dolorah - DL  Loki is up to his old tricks, but it adds excitement to the wedding.

Jemi Fraser - DL  A murderer finds flaws in his work.

Damyanti - DL When grief blackens the soul.

Michael Di Gesu - DL  An adventure to an Haitian Voodoo ritual.

Robert Jones - DL  A widow looking for her next victim.

After extensive reading, the team compiled a shortlist, or rather a long list. This was soooo difficult. There were another 7 writers on the list, but we cut it down to those with the most recommendations. Thus we bring you: 

Sally
Kalpanaa
Hilary
Susan
Jemi
Toi
Dixie

The shortlist was outsourced to writer and editor, Nick Wilford, who is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) admin. Nick kindly read each entry on the shortlist,  and chose 3 winners. 

So (((drum roll)))...here we go...

THE WINNER OF THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

is

Congratulations Kalpanaa!

 Why Leap? 

Is a that tale gave us all pause to considering the ramifications of the internet and our habits there. As Roland said, it was fiendishly clever!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

An Amazon Gift Card of $10 will be winging your way shortly.

****************

THE RUNNER UP OF THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

Congratulations Jemi!

Deja Vu

Your story was chillingly brilliant!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

****************

THE ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD FOR THE

2018 WEP OCTOBER CHALLENGE DÉJÀ VU OR VOODOO

goes to 

Congratulations Susan!

 Deja Boo!

This haunting tale of love and loss gave us insight into your wicked sense of humor and showcased your writing talent!

Please link the badge to your story and post it on your blog!

***

Hi! L.G. here!

Once again we will also be thanking one of you who took the time to read through all of the wonderful entries and to comment on them. This is vital to the success of the WEP community. It's our chance to offer one another support and, when desired, critique that can help us all grow as writers.

I'd like to take the time to acknowledge Elephant's Child for reading through and commenting on every entry. While she did not submit a story this time around, she still supported this writing community of ours with her thoughtful responses. We value that kind of dedication.

There were several who qualified for this award, but alas, we can only give it to one deserving individual.

The random pick winner is--Michelle Wallace! Michelle, please accept the badge on behalf of all the great commenters and display it on your blog!

****************


IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! 
WEP/IWSG COMPETITION!

BREAKING NEWS!

WEP and IWSG are holding a contest for the February WEP theme!

Rules: Submit your idea for a WEP February theme by November 12 to admin@insecurewriterssupportgroup.com. Nothing U.S. culturally bound. Should have wide appeal.

Prize: Feature in the December newsletter for the winner. And, of course, the winning theme will be the official February WEP theme and accompanied by a stunning badge!

Deadline: November 12. Winner announced in the November newsletter on November 28.

****************

And don't forget to start to prepare for the DECEMBER challenge! It's much broader than a Christmas story! Give us ribbons - a race? Or candles - a tomb?

We'd love if you'd Tweet this post or share to Facebook or your favorite social media site.

#WEPFF Déjà Vu or Voodoo Winners announced. @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Come congratulate, first place winner  Kalpanaa #WEPFF Déjà Vu Or Voodoo Challenge @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

The #WEPFF writers are all winners! @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

When you take the challenge for a spin you too could win! @DeniseCCovey @YolandaRenee @theIWSG

http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/11/wepff-winners-post-for-deja-vu-or.html #amwriting #flashfiction

Saying a final farewell the fifth pumpkin in the bunch! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, ALL!