World of Writing - Interview: Part 2
We had such a great discussion with Donna Sundblad re: setting up this interview that we decided to split the interview into 2 parts. Part 2 will be published on January 7th.
Donna has a reputation as a maestro of young adult fantasy fiction. She is celebrated for her enchanting tales that explore the timeless struggle between good and evil.
Her most recent release is the Questing for Destiny collection (Next Chapter Publishing) include:
- The Inheritance
- Beyond the Fifth Gate
- Windwalker
The upcoming Dragon’s Oath series, promise to captivate readers further with 5 exciting books:
- Drake Ascendant
- Shadowalkers
- Sages of Tachnir
- Rise of the Variel
- ...book 5 is soon to follow.
Embracing a healthy lifestyle, Donna values time with her family and friends. When not writing, she enjoys time outdoors, blogging, and sharing her literary passions, reflecting her commitment to her craft.
Donna invites our readers to view her books on Amazon, visit her website at: https://donnasundblad.com or drop in to view her BookHookup blog
* * Find for Part 1 of this interview on January 2nd!
Q: When starting a book project do you choose the title first, or does that come later?
A: For me, titles evolve with the writing process. The Inheritance started as Jejune and the Medallion of Power. The title was too long, and while the story includes the power available to him in his hometown, the narrative focuses on his quest for truth and his inheritance in the Eternal City... so the title became The Inheritance.
Beyond the Fifth Gate started as Ninth Gate, but as the story developed, I could see that traveling through 9 mystical gates would make the novel too long. So I changed it to Fifth Gate. One of my editors suggested Beyond the Fifth Gate and I liked it.
The Dragon’s Oath series started as Wizards of Thunder, then changed to Dragon Knight, then The Last Dragon Knight. I wanted something more unique than Dragon Knight or Dragon Rider. I thought I found the perfect title with Dragonborn, but I discovered several books already published with that title after I had published it - but then Next Chapter Publishing picked it up. The series became Dragon’s Oath Series because the people working with the dragons had to take an oath to become Drakeborn. Long story short, the first book’s title is Drake Ascendant (Dragon’s Oath Book1). It will be out sometime early next year.
Q: That is a fascinating look into the evolution of a book's title! Thank you for sharing that!
In the editing and rewriting process prior to publication, did you have to delete a portion of the most recent book that you wish could have been included?
A: Absolutely. Some of those portions are history only known to me. These are pieces of backstory unnecessary for readers to know but still hold merit in my overview. But I must confess. When these portions are removed, I usually don’t delete them. Instead, I save them in my “cuts” file. From experience, I may need them. There have been times I’ve had to re-write a scene because I got rid of it. And, even if it doesn’t belong in the book perhaps it can be developed into a related short story that I can offer as a giveaway to fans. Or, there’s a chance I can use them as a seed for a spinoff series.
Deleting excess and unneeded verbiage is part of refining your writing. I’ll never forget when I asked my husband to read a short story I wrote for an anthology. It had merit, but the start was just not to my liking. I asked for his feedback, and he said, “You can get rid of this first part. The story starts here on page three.”
Wow! Of course, initially, I wanted to reject his feedback, but he was right. He pinpointed what I couldn’t see. I needed those first two and a half pages to get into the story as a creator, but the reader did not require them for any reason.
Q: Who/what is your inner saboteur?
I’ll never forget the first time I shared a scene from my writing. It was the beginning stages of The Inheritance. My heart slammed as I hit submit to my online class for feedback. I felt I was sharing part of my soul and feared it would be rejected as “worthy.” I received positive remarks and constructive criticism saying I should use less telling language and show rather than tell. My inner self was astounded. I thought I was showing it, but with the critique they offered examples, and I realized the use of passive language is telling not showing.
"I had to grow into taking criticism."
~ Donna Sundblad
My inner voice tried to tell me to quit, but I pushed past it. It still nags at me sometimes. Rejections, being passed over, and things like that can cause an emotional stumble, but I don’t let it take hold.
I know I’m doing what I’m called to do. When I worked as an editor, sometimes I had to reject a submission because we had just accepted something very similar, not because it wasn’t good. I consider rejections “good” if they have kind words to say, even though they don’t want the manuscript. I try to hold on to the fact that not every story is for every reader.
Q: In your long career as a writer, what do you feel are your greatest strengths and your greatest weaknesses.
A: My organizational and time management skills are my strength. I’ve been a goal-setter for decades. Even before I started writing I used to speak at seminars on the topic. When I first decided to reach for my dream. I didn’t think I had time to write. I had a family, worked full-time, and busy social life.
Goals have to be measurable and within your power to accomplish. So my first writing goal was to “write for 20 minutes a day three days a week.” It didn’t take long for me to see I had much more time I could devote to my craft and it reflected in what I accomplished.
Early in my writing endeavor, people asked how I accomplished so much. I’d tell them, “I have clear direction and know what needs to be accomplished. I break things into manageable tasks that will ultimately carry me to the finished project.”
This led to the start of a goals-oriented group for writers called The Finish Line at Writer’s Village University. I have facilitated that group for a couple of decades now.
My weakness is self-doubt. If I hit a bump in the road, that self-doubt can take hold and lead me down a path of I’m not good enough. If I’m not careful, procrastination can set in.
Having written goals helps me overcome this because I can see what needs to be done. They work like an anchor that doesn’t let me drift too far away from what I hope to achieve. And because I have accountability with the other members of The Finish Line, it helps motivate me to push past the “bump.”
Self-doubt doesn’t catch me as often as it used to. When I was new to writing a rejection or bad review could set me back for days. Now, it can take me out for a day, but not totally. I remind myself that it is one person’s opinion.
I’ve also learned it isn’t always about my writing, but my marketing. I need to target my audience instead of everyone because everyone won’t like it. My target audience is readers who appreciate wholesome stories emphasizing friendship, adventure, bravery, and moral lessons.
The writer’s life is one of growth on so many levels. That growth isn’t always comfortable. It certainly can stretch the introvert in me.
I’m still uncomfortable asking people to leave a review even when they’ve “loved” the book. It feels too forward, but without reviews, books are easily overlooked. It’s one reason I review books on my BookHookup blog. I know how much it means to an author to get a review. However, I let authors know that if I can’t give a book at least 3 out 5 stars, I won’t review it. I know how much work goes into a book, and if a book isn’t for me, I’m not awarding it a one or two-star rating. For me, that just doesn’t feel right.
* Find for Part 1 of this interview on January 2nd!
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