Donna Sundblad | Updates

Apparently, writing about time travel has its hazards… 😂

Donna Sundblad — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Apparently, writing about time travel has its hazards… 😂

My latest Imagination in Ink newsletter went out today, and I discovered my own little “Tear in Time.” The newsletter accidentally jumped ahead, calling it the July Newsletter — but this is actually:

✨ Volume 6 — June Newsletter ✨

(Proof that even authors who write about time travel can occasionally get their dates tangled!)

The good news? The Goldenhorn Dragon Clan File — the Sentinels of the Midlands — arrived right on schedule. 🐉

Thanks for joining me on these adventures through time, worlds, and imagination!

— Donna

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Writing update!

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I'm deep into the final quarter of the first draft of Rise of the Variel, and it's starting to feel real.

Several of the major scenes are now written—moments I've been building toward for a long time. There's still plenty of writing, editing, revising, and polishing ahead, but for the first time I can clearly see the finish line of Draft One.

My goal is to have the first draft completed by the end of July and ready for editing.

No promises—writing has a way of surprising me—but that's the target. 🤞

For now, I'm enjoying that exciting stage where story threads are beginning to converge, long-planned reveals are finally making it onto the page, and characters are making choices that will shape everything that follows.

Back to writing. The dragons... And the Variel are waiting. 🐉

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When “Hobnobbing” Turns Into Tea and Biscuits

Donna Sundblad — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

One of the things I love most about reading British authors is stumbling across words and cultural references that send me down fascinating little rabbit trails. This week’s discovery? Hobnobs.

As an American reader, I’ve always known the word hobnob as a verb. You know—the act of mingling socially, usually with important or influential people.

“She spent the evening hobnobbing with celebrities.”

Simple enough.

So imagine my curiosity when characters in a British novel, The Twilight Toxin: A humorous British cozy mystery, were happily eating Hobnobs and apparently enjoying them immensely.

Naturally, I had to investigate.

Turns out, Hobnobs are a beloved British biscuit made by McVitie’s. (And yes, in the UK, a “biscuit” is what Americans would call a cookie.) From my research, they’re "crunchy oat biscuits somewhere between an oatmeal cookie, a digestive biscuit, and a flapjack." From everything I’ve read, they’re especially prized because they hold together well when dunked into tea or coffee, apparently a very important qualification in British snack culture.

There’s also a chocolate-covered version that seems to inspire near-universal devotion.

But what amused me most was learning that the biscuit’s name was intentionally tied to the social meaning of hobnob.

The word itself dates back to the 16th century and originally meant something closer to “have or have not.” Later, it evolved into a drinking expression associated with toasting and buying rounds together before eventually taking on its modern meaning of friendly socializing and mingling.

McVitie’s apparently leaned into that idea when naming the biscuit, a snack meant to be shared over conversation, tea, and companionship.

So now I’ve learned something new:

In Britain, hobnobbing may involve actual Hobnobs.

Honestly, this is one of the reasons I enjoy reading internationally. Stories don’t just introduce us to new characters; they quietly open doors into language, traditions, food, and everyday life we might never encounter otherwise.

And now I kind of want to try a chocolate Hobnob with a cup of tea.

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Readers Discovering Shadowalkers

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There’s nothing quite like hearing from readers after they step into the world of Dragon's Oath, especially when they connect with the dragons, the layered timelines, and the mysteries hidden within the Labyrinth of Times.

My latest 5-star review of Shadowalkers especially stood out to me because it captured several of the elements that are central to the story:

“The dragons in this story are sentient…” “The story is fast paced…” “This tale is told through time travel and it is told masterfully.”

What encouraged me most was hearing that even a reader who hadn’t started with Book 1 was still able to follow the story and understand the backstory naturally. I try to do that with all my books. Building a world that feels deep and interconnected while remaining accessible to new readers has always been important to me.

The dragons of the Dragon’s Oath world are more than creatures of legend—they are guardians tied to time itself, each carrying their own purpose within the unfolding conflict. In Shadowalkers, the tension surrounding fractured timelines, hidden agendas, and dangerous choices continues to grow as the stakes rise for both dragons and humans alike.

I’m incredibly grateful for every reader who takes the journey into the Dragon's Oath with me. Your reviews, recommendations, and encouragement truly help keep this series growing.

If you’ve read, thank you for being part of the adventure—and if you haven’t yet entered the Labyrinth… the dragons are waiting.

— Donna Sundblad

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🐉 May Newsletter Preview: Thornose Dragons Revealed

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 5 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The next edition of Imagination in Ink is taking shape, and this month I’m opening the door a little wider into the Dragon’s Oath world.

If you’ve been following the series, you know the dragons are more than creatures of power. They are part of a much larger design. This May, I’m sharing an exclusive Clan File focused on one of the most intriguing groups:

🐉 Thornose Dragons

Guardians of the Labyrinth. Keepers of emotion. Watchers of what lies ahead.

This behind-the-scenes feature dives into their role, their abilities, and the deeper purpose they serve in the unfolding strategy against the Darkmore Evil. It’s the kind of lore that doesn’t always make it onto the page — but shapes everything that does.

As always, Imagination in Ink goes out just once a month on the 15th and includes exclusive content, writing updates, and occasional extras for readers who want to go deeper into the story.

📬 Not on the Reader List yet?

👉Subscribe

Step further into the Dragon’s Oath world — there’s always more beneath the surface.

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My Cat Cali Is Now Part of the Writing Process (Send Help)

Donna Sundblad — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Writing can get intense—especially when you’re deep in a first draft and trying to bring multiple plot threads together.

Lately, that’s exactly where I’ve been with Rise of the Variel. I’ve identified several key scenes that need to be written and strengthened, and while I know what needs to be done… actually sitting down to do it is another story.

Apparently, my cat Cali has noticed.

Somewhere along the way, she decided she was now part of the writing process. Whether that means sitting directly on the keyboard, staring at me like I’ve made questionable life choices, or appearing the moment I try to focus—she’s made her role very clear.

She supervises. I write.

Or at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.

To make things more interesting (and a little more fun), I’ve started turning some of these moments into writing-related memes—because if you can’t laugh at the process, you’re probably taking it too seriously.

Cali, of course, has opinions about all of it.

And honestly? She’s not always wrong.

Between working through scenes, fixing what needs fixing, and trying not to get completely sidetracked, I’m making progress—one scene at a time.

With supervision.

Lots of supervision.

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Writing Update: Progress on Rise of the Variel

Donna Sundblad — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve now drafted Chapter 30 of Rise of the Variel, and the story is reaching a point where several plot threads are beginning to converge.

As I move forward, I’m taking a closer look at some key strategic scenes—moments that will need a bit more development to fully support what’s coming next.

It’s one of those stages in the writing process where the pieces are all there, but refining how they connect will make the difference between a story that works… and one that truly holds together.

I’m still deep in the first draft, but getting closer to a complete story—and that’s an exciting place to be.

I share more behind-the-scenes progress and story insights with my newsletter readers, including how these moments evolve as the draft comes together.

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Question of the week: What Was I Like as a Child?

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As a child, I was a mix of independence and quiet fear; the oldest of seven kids. I loved being outdoors—climbing trees, exploring, and spending time with animals—but I also carried a cautious awareness of the world around me. I wasn’t reckless, but I was curious, always drawn to what might be just beyond reach.

I was also a storyteller. I'd make up episodic tales of animals that lived on the moon to entertain my siblings on the long car rides to visit my grandparents each weekend. My grandmother used to say my overactive imagination would one day get me into trouble. She wasn’t entirely wrong. My mind was always busy, turning ordinary moments into something more—stories forming before I even knew what to do with them.

Growing up in the 1950s, life centered around family and simple pleasures. There was freedom in those days—room to roam, to imagine, to climb a little higher and see a little farther. At the same time, that thread of caution stayed with me, a quiet balance to my curiosity.

Looking back, I can see how those early years shaped me. The independence, the imagination, the love of the outdoors—and yes, even the fear—have all found their way into the stories I write today.

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Busy Behind the Scenes

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It’s been a busy season behind the scenes! I’m currently working on chapter 30 of Book 4 in the Dragon’s Oath series, where long-building threads are beginning to converge, and the story is taking some exciting turns.

I've also posted a couple of new book reviews over on my Book Hookup blog. Be sure to check them out.

In the meantime, Shadowalkers (Book 2) is available free for a limited time in April as part of a special BookFunnel promotion.

👉 Get your free copy here

Thank you for being part of the journey!

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When a Plot Hole Stops Everything (And the Dream That Fixed It)

Donna Sundblad — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Every writer hits that moment. You're making steady progress. Things are coming together. You're in the last third of writing the book, and then something in the story just doesn’t work.

For me, it happened this past week while writing Rise of the Variel. I was deep into the draft—Chapter 29, to be exact—when I realized I had a problem I couldn’t ignore. A plot hole.

Not a small one, either. The kind that, once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

The Problem I Couldn’t Ignore

It doesn't involve the dragons. It's a character who needs to get into a temple… unseen.

And no matter how I approached it, something didn’t add up. I could force it, sure—but it would break the logic of the story. And that’s not something I’m willing to do.

So I stepped back and started working through it.

When the Answer Came

And then, I dreamed it. It was like I was living in the pages of the book. Not in some dramatic, lightning-bolt kind of way. Just a quiet moment where the solution finally made sense.

When I checked my sleep tracker the next morning, I’d had over 4.5 hours of REM sleep. Apparently, my brain decided to keep working long after I’d given up for the night.

And it worked.

The solution didn’t just fix the scene; it made the story stronger. It fit in a way nothing else had.

Getting There

It’s still a first draft, and I know when I go back through it, I’ll find more places that need patches. That’s part of the process.

But there’s something incredibly satisfying about getting close to a complete story—something I can finally step back and shape into what it’s meant to be.

I’m getting there.

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Coming in April: Step Inside the Mind of a Drake Ascendant

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

March: Busy Writing and Quiet Moments

March has been a full month of writing, planning, and a few quiet moments in between—often with my cat nearby, making sure I don’t stay too focused for too long, and I decided to use her image on one of my memes.

On the writing front, I’m currently working on Chapter 29 of Rise of the Variel, a point in the story where threads are tightening and choices carry real weight. It’s exciting—and a little intense—to bring everything together in these chapters.

Exclusive Character Interviews for Subscribers

I’ve also been working on something new for my newsletter subscribers—something that lets you step a little deeper into the world of Dragon’s Oath: character interviews.

Not just surface-level questions, but real conversations—where the characters speak for themselves, share what they’re willing to say… and sometimes what they’re not.

The first of these will feature Ervig. And I’ll admit—he revealed more than I expected.

At one point, he said:

“Some promises are heavier than the weight of silence.”

That line alone says quite a bit about the kind of burden he carries… and the choices he’s had to make.

This full interview will be sent out in my April newsletter on the 15th, and it will be exclusive to subscribers.

If you’ve ever wondered what truly drives Ervig, what he fears, or how he sees the dragons’ plan—you’ll get to hear it in his own words.

Last Chance for the March Giveaway

We’re in the final days for March subscribers to be entered into my current giveaway.

One lucky subscriber will receive a free copy of Dragon’s Oath (Books 1–3 in one volume).

If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is the time.

A Sneak Peek at April Promotions

I’m also putting together a new promotion for Shadowalkers coming in April—details coming soon, and I think you’re going to enjoy this one.

P.S. If you’ve been looking for me on X, my account is currently unavailable. In the meantime, you can find me on X at @DonnaSundblad—I’d love to stay connected with you there.

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📣 Author Update!

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Right now, the promo spotlight is on my Dragon’s Oath series, but for those following my other projects, here’s a quick peek behind the scenes: I’m currently working on chapter 4 of Book 2 in my Historical Western Romance series, tentatively titled Laramie Hearts. And honestly? I had so much fun writing it today—I’d buy this book myself!

Stay tuned for more updates, and thanks for following along on all my writing adventures. 📝💛

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New Dragon’s Oath Short Story

Donna Sundblad — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

While I continue drafting Book 4 in the Dragon’s Oath series, I wanted to share a special story with readers.

My March newsletter will feature an exclusive Dragon’s Oath short story, When the Cave Dwellers Stirred. Set during the events of Drake Ascendant, it offers a glimpse into the mysterious Icewing dragons—quiet cave dwellers who watch the unfolding of history from the Shadows of Time.

The story will be delivered to newsletter subscribers on March 15.

If you’d like to receive it, you can join my newsletter here:

https://donnasundblad.com/landers/sign-up-80ceeea927

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A Gift for Dragon’s Oath Readers

Donna Sundblad — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m a little past halfway through drafting Book 4 of the Dragon’s Oath Saga, and the story is deep in dragons, strategy, and consequences that reach farther than anyone expects.

But I didn’t want my Dragon’s Oath readers to wait empty-handed.

While Book 4 continues to unfold, I’ve been working on something special behind the scenes — an exclusive short story set in the world you love.

On March 15th, newsletter subscribers will receive:

When the Cave Dwellers Stirred

Before the Icewings were revealed… they were watching.

In When the Cave Dwellers Stirred, return to the day the floating caves rose into the sky — and step into the Shadows of time to witness what the Icewing dragons saw but did not yet reveal.

Prophecy had spoken of them.

The moment to act had not yet come.

Subscribers receive this exclusive Dragon’s Oath short story on March 15th.

✨ Bonus for new subscribers:

One new subscriber will receive a copy of Dragon’s Oath: Books 1–3 — the complete saga so far.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to join my newsletter, this is it. The short story will only be delivered to subscribers, and the giveaway winner will be drawn shortly after March 15th.

👉 Sign up here to receive your exclusive story and be entered to win:

Thank you for walking this journey with me — through dragons, Drake Ascendants, and plans written across centuries.

Book 4 is coming… and the next chapter of the oath is already stirring.

— Donna 🐉✨

Image credit: Sign up now by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

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Last Week to Grab Drake Ascendant Free Through BookFunnel

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There’s something special about watching a story find its readers.

Over the past few weeks, Drake Ascendant has had an incredible journey returning it to the Top 10, in Best Sellers in Fantasy Adventure Fiction on Amazon. I’m deeply grateful to every reader who has downloaded, shared, and stepped into this adventure.

And now we’ve reached the final stretch.

This is the last week to grab Drake Ascendant free through BookFunnel as part of the Free Books Friday promotion.

If you enjoy:

Clean fantasy adventure
Dragons and destiny
Courage and loyalty tested
Stories that are PG-13 at most (often G)

This may be your next favorite read.

Even better? You won’t just find Drake Ascendant. The Free Books Friday event includes a wonderful collection of science fiction and fantasy from other authors as well — new worlds to explore, new characters to meet, and new adventures waiting.

I love being part of a community of writers who are passionate about imaginative storytelling, and this promotion has been a beautiful reminder of how powerful that community can be.

If you’ve been thinking about downloading it, now is the time.

👉 Explore Free Books Friday and grab your free copy here: https://books.bookfunnel.com/arcbooster/e2mc17fycs

Thank you for supporting clean speculative fiction and for being part of this journey.

— Donna

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Volume 2 of Imagination in Ink Is Out!

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I just sent out Volume 2 of Imagination in Ink, my monthly newsletter, and you won’t want to miss it! 🐉✨

This edition includes a peek behind the curtain of the Dragon’s Oath world, plus a big milestone: I’ve finished drafting Chapter 24 of Rise of the Variel. The story is moving closer to revealing the Variel’s role in the dragons’ battle against the Darkmore Evil — and the sacrifices it demands from all involved, but what will she be asked to sacrifice?

Plus, this month’s newsletter features free clean sci-fi and fantasy reads from a special Book Funnel promotion — a great way to explore new authors and worlds at no cost.

The newsletter only goes out once a month, so sign up now to get future editions. If you want a copy of February's newsletter, just email me and I’ll send it your way.

👉 Join the Reader List here: https://donnasundblad.com/landers/sign-up-9401b3737b

Step into the Dragon’s Oath world — magic, dragons, time, and sacrifice await!

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FREE Fantasy & Sci-Fi Bundle — Featuring Drake Ascendant

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Check out this free fantasy & sci-fi bundle, featuring Drake Ascendant (Dragon’s Oath Book 1) by Donna Sundblad.

A story of humans living alongside dragons, bound by an oath they cannot speak of—while quietly working to extinguish an ancient Evil.

Authors are hoping for a review if you enjoy their work, but it is not required.

👉 Explore the bundle here:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/arcbooster/e2mc17fycs

Enter the Dragon’s Oath World

Step into a realm of dragons, magic, and rifts in time. Join my reader list for exclusive lore, early release news, and bonus scenes from the Dragon’s Oath saga.

Sign up today and receive your exclusive guide to the Labyrinth of Times—discover the secrets, traps, and mysteries of the magical maze where dark magic can be purged, and the fate of generations is decided.

Join the adventure and unlock your guide.

#freebooks #reviewcopies #scifi #fantasy #newsletter #freecontent #exclusive content

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Working on the February Newsletter

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m currently putting together the February edition of Imagination in Ink, my monthly newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes updates from the Dragon’s Oath world, writing progress, and the occasional extra that doesn’t make it anywhere else.

This month’s issue includes:

A peek at my progress on Rise of the Variel
New Dragon’s Oath video shorts
A few opportunities for readers who enjoy discovering books early

Sign Up for My Fantasy Author Newsletter

If you’re not already on the Reader’s List, now’s a great time to join. Subscribers get access to exclusive content, including a free Drake Ascendant art download and a Guide to the Labyrinth of Times.

👉 Sign up here: https://donnasundblad.com/landers/sign-up-9401b3737b

The February newsletter goes out mid-month, and I’d love to have you along for the journey.

— Donna

#fantasy author newsletter #Dragon’s Oath series #epic fantasy writing

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Latest on The Rise of the Variel (Dragon's Oath Book 4)

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Just a quick update to let you know I drafted Chapter 22 of Rise of the Variel this week. This was a careful chapter to write, because it sits at a convergence point—visions, warnings, and long-guarded truths from earlier books are beginning to overlap.

What I can say is that a great deal is unfolding in this story. Some lines, once crossed, cannot be uncrossed, and not all dangers announce themselves before they arrive.

If you’d like to explore one of the most dangerous forces at work in this world, you can download my Exclusive Guide to the Labyrinth of Times for free.

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The Dragon’s Oath Awaits: Discover Your Clan or Ascend

Donna Sundblad — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Meet the dragonkind of the Dragon's Oath Series: An Epic Time Travel Progression Fantasy Series

As you step into this world, if you could bond with dragonkind, which path would you take: Thornose, Goldenhorn, Icewing—or take the Dragon’s Oath and become imbued with dragon powers as a Human Drake Ascendant?

Dragon's Oath Lore for each choice:

Thornose 🌿 – Guardians of the Labyrinth of Times. Brave and cunning, they protect ancient secrets and navigate the twists of fate with fierce loyalty.
Goldenhorn ✨ – Sentinels of the Midlands, the space between times. Majestic and noble, and the largest of the dragons, they maintain balance and safeguard those wandering temporal pathways.
Icewing ❄️ – Insightful cave dwellers of the Restless Mountains, they walk the Shadows of Time. Masters of thought-reading, they sense the hearts of humans and dragons alike, moving unseen yet always present.
Human Drake Ascendant 🐉 – Humans who have taken the Dragon’s Oath, binding themselves to draconic destiny. Rare and extraordinary, they rise above ordinary limits and walk a path of legend.

Imagine your adventure:

What secrets would you uncover in the Labyrinth as a Thornose?
How would you guard the balance of the Midlands as a Goldenhorn?
Which hidden truths would reveal themselves to you as an Icewing walking the Shadows of Time?
And if you took the Dragon’s Oath as a Human Drake Ascendant, what epic quest would you undertake first?

Discover more of Dragon's Oath's Lore

Get free exclusive content today!

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