Born in 1951, Donna Sundblad grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, married in 1969, raised
two children and now enjoys her grandchildren.
At age 29 Donna committed her way to Jesus, and over time He instilled within her new dreams
and desires. In her early 30s she learned sign language to reach a young deaf boy, and in 1989 her
family moved to Florida to start a new chapter in life when her husband accepted a pastorate on a
small tropical island. Her creative talents emerged sporadically through poetry and writing a Sci-fi
novel over a five-year period, but when she approached her 50th birthday, a childhood dream
resurfaced. "God blessed me with an active imagination and an ability to write and I felt prompted
not to let the aspiration lie dormant. God grants the desires of my heart, but I know it's necessary
to take steps of obedience to reach what he wants for me. With His help, I moved outside my
comfort zone and into the unknown."
While working full time as a rental agent on a tropical island in Florida, Donna enrolled in online
writing classes that provided structure, support and the writing discipline needed for growth.
"Interaction with peers and staff encouraged, yet provided the feedback I needed for
improvement." Her first published clips appeared as writer's tips in a newsletter, and God used
each acceptance to encourage her to take another step in her life as an author.
In 2003 Donna broke into print with a short fictional story. In January 2004 she joined the fiction
editorial team of the online publication T-Zero Expandizine: The Writer's E-zine, and in April 2004
she accepted the position of Acquisitions Editor for ePress-online, a division of Writopia. In April
of 2005, her column Birdie's Quill (written under the pseudonym Birdie) made its debut. In June of
the same year, ePress-online released her creative writing book Pumping Your Muse. In June
2006, her fantasy novel Windwalker also became available in print and electronic format.
Donna writes short stories, articles on the craft of writing, reviews books, creative historical
short stories and serves as the Fantasy Topic Editor and Creative Topic Editor at Inspired Author.
She develops and teaches classes at Writer's Online Courses where she passes on to others what
she has learned. When she stops to pause, she realizes all the blessings she would miss if she
hadn't taken that first step of obedience.
two children and now enjoys her grandchildren.
At age 29 Donna committed her way to Jesus, and over time He instilled within her new dreams
and desires. In her early 30s she learned sign language to reach a young deaf boy, and in 1989 her
family moved to Florida to start a new chapter in life when her husband accepted a pastorate on a
small tropical island. Her creative talents emerged sporadically through poetry and writing a Sci-fi
novel over a five-year period, but when she approached her 50th birthday, a childhood dream
resurfaced. "God blessed me with an active imagination and an ability to write and I felt prompted
not to let the aspiration lie dormant. God grants the desires of my heart, but I know it's necessary
to take steps of obedience to reach what he wants for me. With His help, I moved outside my
comfort zone and into the unknown."
While working full time as a rental agent on a tropical island in Florida, Donna enrolled in online
writing classes that provided structure, support and the writing discipline needed for growth.
"Interaction with peers and staff encouraged, yet provided the feedback I needed for
improvement." Her first published clips appeared as writer's tips in a newsletter, and God used
each acceptance to encourage her to take another step in her life as an author.
In 2003 Donna broke into print with a short fictional story. In January 2004 she joined the fiction
editorial team of the online publication T-Zero Expandizine: The Writer's E-zine, and in April 2004
she accepted the position of Acquisitions Editor for ePress-online, a division of Writopia. In April
of 2005, her column Birdie's Quill (written under the pseudonym Birdie) made its debut. In June of
the same year, ePress-online released her creative writing book Pumping Your Muse. In June
2006, her fantasy novel Windwalker also became available in print and electronic format.
Donna writes short stories, articles on the craft of writing, reviews books, creative historical
short stories and serves as the Fantasy Topic Editor and Creative Topic Editor at Inspired Author.
She develops and teaches classes at Writer's Online Courses where she passes on to others what
she has learned. When she stops to pause, she realizes all the blessings she would miss if she
hadn't taken that first step of obedience.
Hundreds of years ago, the Stygian race welcomed diseased riddled Jonnick to
their shores despite prophetic warnings. Concealed powers of darkness
disembark with the refugees.
Subsequent generations of conflict draw lines of division between the two
cultures unaware that the spirit of the Mage lives within the queen. Paranoia
and fear prompt the issuance of royal decrees designed to thwart the coming
of the Stygian savior-the Arich.
Midwives ordered to report the birth of any child born on a moonless night
know it means death to the child. Effects of the law trickle to the present
where Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl find themselves
thrust into the midst of unfolding ancient prophecies and a world on the verge
of annihilation.
their shores despite prophetic warnings. Concealed powers of darkness
disembark with the refugees.
Subsequent generations of conflict draw lines of division between the two
cultures unaware that the spirit of the Mage lives within the queen. Paranoia
and fear prompt the issuance of royal decrees designed to thwart the coming
of the Stygian savior-the Arich.
Midwives ordered to report the birth of any child born on a moonless night
know it means death to the child. Effects of the law trickle to the present
where Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl find themselves
thrust into the midst of unfolding ancient prophecies and a world on the verge
of annihilation.
Windwalker
2006 Writopia, Inc
ISBN: 0-9772224 8 9
Print $14.99
ebook $5.99
2006 Writopia, Inc
ISBN: 0-9772224 8 9
Print $14.99
ebook $5.99
Each chapter of Pumping Your Muse extracts elements from the real
world to construct believable fictional realms. Fresh scenes are
turned upside down and propelled into un-chartered territories
where they meld into a complete storyline.
If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, this book is for
you. Whether you're planning on NaNo or just want something to
help you get that first draft down, Pumping Your Muse has the
exercises you need to energize your Muse.
world to construct believable fictional realms. Fresh scenes are
turned upside down and propelled into un-chartered territories
where they meld into a complete storyline.
- Do you love to read and want to try your hand at writing?
- Are you suffering from writer's block?
- Are you a fledgling writer looking for guidance
If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, this book is for
you. Whether you're planning on NaNo or just want something to
help you get that first draft down, Pumping Your Muse has the
exercises you need to energize your Muse.
Pumping Your Muse
2005 Writopia, Inc.
ISBN: 0-9708635 7 8
Print $14.99
ebook $5.99
2005 Writopia, Inc.
ISBN: 0-9708635 7 8
Print $14.99
ebook $5.99
Donna Sundblad
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| The Lost Genre Guild's mission is to promote quality works of Biblical Speculative Fiction (spec-fic) through its authors, fans; to endorse new releases that fit this criteria; and of course, to glorify Him. |
| READ A REVIEW OF WINDWALKER A Frank Review |
| ___________________________________________________________ INTERVIEW WITH DONNA SUNDBLAD |
What is your motivation for writing?
I can’t remember not wanting to be a writer. However, the desire hovered on time’s horizon out of reach. I wrote poetry, short stories, and even a
novel before taking writing seriously, but never did anything with them. As I approached age 50 I experienced an epiphany of sorts during
prayer, as if God asked what I was doing with the gift He had given me. What was I waiting for? Until . . . what? I realized that the reasons I wasn’t
writing were really excuses induced by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of opening a window into my mind. Even fear of rejection, didn’t have time or
wasn’t good enough. I took the step of obedience and started writing seriously about six years ago.
Why do you write Biblical speculative fiction?
Once I made the decision to write, my first novel-length manuscript was biblical speculative fiction. As I wrote it I thought; I’ll never find a market
for this. But it was the story God laid on my heart. For me, it’s part of keeping Him first. I write secular fantasy and non-fiction as well but my first
love is biblical speculative fiction. Growing interest in the genre has recently inspired a second biblical spec-fic story line. I’ve already started
outlining.
The Christian community has varying opinions on the appropriateness of speculative fiction. Can you explain your
take on the compatibility between speculative fiction and your Christian worldview?
I’m afraid some people want to contain Christianity within parameters set by man-made rules. It reminds me of the hedge laws set up by Jewish
leaders to warn people when they were getting close to breaking God’s law. Some of these Christian controls, while well-meaning tend to be
based on personal preferences and have nothing to do with God’s Word. As a writer and reader, I know freedom in Christ. Speculative fiction is
pretend. Christ is not. I know the difference. Biblical spec-fic creates thought provoking scenarios within my favorite genre. I grew up on things
like Twilight Zone and Outer Limits. Adding the depth of biblical truth makes spec-fic even better.
What length of fiction do you prefer to write?
I don’t have a favorite. I write what it takes to tell the story. However, novels are a lot of fun (and work).
What writing techniques work best for you in terms of character, plot, setting development?
I tend to write character driven stories. In fact, my quest to learn how to add more but not too much detail resulted in my creative writing book
Pumping Your Muse. In it I share how I keep track of world building details, character belongings, and even which characters know each other
first or second hand.
Have you had any life experiences that have influenced your writing?
Even when I write things foreign to me, some part of who I am sneaks in. I grew up in a close family. I knew my grandparents and great-
grandparents. In fact, Caleb Sees the Light reflects the influence of love between my grandparents and I, while the wooded setting and basic
living mirrors the farm life lived by my great-grandparents.
Any advice for new writers in general? Christian writers?
Don’t wait to start writing. Find other writers and join a group or take a class where you can interact with peers. Allow others to critique your work,
but remember the story is yours. Hold on to your voice and style. And don’t write anything you’d be ashamed to let Jesus read.
Tell us about when you write.
I fit writing into my life wherever it fits. I’m an early morning person. At times you’ll find me at the computer at 4:00 in the morning. I know it’s my
creative time. My mind is refreshed and I get much more done. When I worked full time away from home, I would usually put in at least two hours
of writing before I left the house. But this was a habit developed over time. I’m big on setting goals. Once I planned to write, I set a goal of twenty
minutes a day four days a week. It grew from there.
When away from the house, I carry a notebook to capture ideas and first drafts. I’ve written and edited quite a bit as a passenger in the car
instead of staring out the window, or pretending not to be a backseat driver. Prepare to write or research during the wait at the dentist office and
time goes quickly, plus you have something more than a bill and clean teeth to show for it.
Do you do any research for your writing?
Almost everything I write takes some research. For instance, in Caleb Sees the Light, I had to research what the lantern would be made of—what
kind of handle—how to light it. I didn’t need to use all that information, but it gave me enough detail to make the experience real within the story.
Who do you think would most likely enjoy your fiction?
People who like fantasy without graphic violence, sex or unnecessary vulgar language.
Do your stories/ novels have any common themes or threads? Do you try to provide a message for your readers?
One common thread that creeps into my novels is division and unity. Different things divide. In my fantasy novel Windwalker the protagonist
cannot move on until he learns that his own unforgiveness is as detrimental to unity as the racial prejudice trying to annihilate his people. In my
Christian spec-fic novel The Inheritance, the protagonist’s search for Truth creates division between him and others in his world. When he meets
Truth and becomes a Light-bearer he realizes his need to go back into that world—even to those who mistreated him. In my novel Beyond the
Fifth Gate (due out in 2007), two species must overcome their differences and learn to work together. Each story is different—but that one
theme is there.
What can you tell us about "Caleb Sees the Light" included in Light at the Edge of Darkness?
My fiction carries a historical or old-fashioned flavor. In one of my writing groups, the weekly writing prompt dealt with a character graduating
from high school. I was in the process of moving from FL to GA—from a flat landscape to mountains and foothills. The character Caleb was born,
and you’ll find him walking in the hills to his grandparents’ home. Young people of each generation are ready to change things, and make them
better and new. Caleb is no different. He struggles between the desire to leave small town life behind and abandoning his loving grandparents
who depend on him. An alien encounter in the back woods of Liberty Hollow offers the 18-year-old an escape from living out a life sentence in
small town America. But is that what God wants?
I can’t remember not wanting to be a writer. However, the desire hovered on time’s horizon out of reach. I wrote poetry, short stories, and even a
novel before taking writing seriously, but never did anything with them. As I approached age 50 I experienced an epiphany of sorts during
prayer, as if God asked what I was doing with the gift He had given me. What was I waiting for? Until . . . what? I realized that the reasons I wasn’t
writing were really excuses induced by fear. Fear of failure. Fear of opening a window into my mind. Even fear of rejection, didn’t have time or
wasn’t good enough. I took the step of obedience and started writing seriously about six years ago.
Why do you write Biblical speculative fiction?
Once I made the decision to write, my first novel-length manuscript was biblical speculative fiction. As I wrote it I thought; I’ll never find a market
for this. But it was the story God laid on my heart. For me, it’s part of keeping Him first. I write secular fantasy and non-fiction as well but my first
love is biblical speculative fiction. Growing interest in the genre has recently inspired a second biblical spec-fic story line. I’ve already started
outlining.
The Christian community has varying opinions on the appropriateness of speculative fiction. Can you explain your
take on the compatibility between speculative fiction and your Christian worldview?
I’m afraid some people want to contain Christianity within parameters set by man-made rules. It reminds me of the hedge laws set up by Jewish
leaders to warn people when they were getting close to breaking God’s law. Some of these Christian controls, while well-meaning tend to be
based on personal preferences and have nothing to do with God’s Word. As a writer and reader, I know freedom in Christ. Speculative fiction is
pretend. Christ is not. I know the difference. Biblical spec-fic creates thought provoking scenarios within my favorite genre. I grew up on things
like Twilight Zone and Outer Limits. Adding the depth of biblical truth makes spec-fic even better.
What length of fiction do you prefer to write?
I don’t have a favorite. I write what it takes to tell the story. However, novels are a lot of fun (and work).
What writing techniques work best for you in terms of character, plot, setting development?
I tend to write character driven stories. In fact, my quest to learn how to add more but not too much detail resulted in my creative writing book
Pumping Your Muse. In it I share how I keep track of world building details, character belongings, and even which characters know each other
first or second hand.
Have you had any life experiences that have influenced your writing?
Even when I write things foreign to me, some part of who I am sneaks in. I grew up in a close family. I knew my grandparents and great-
grandparents. In fact, Caleb Sees the Light reflects the influence of love between my grandparents and I, while the wooded setting and basic
living mirrors the farm life lived by my great-grandparents.
Any advice for new writers in general? Christian writers?
Don’t wait to start writing. Find other writers and join a group or take a class where you can interact with peers. Allow others to critique your work,
but remember the story is yours. Hold on to your voice and style. And don’t write anything you’d be ashamed to let Jesus read.
Tell us about when you write.
I fit writing into my life wherever it fits. I’m an early morning person. At times you’ll find me at the computer at 4:00 in the morning. I know it’s my
creative time. My mind is refreshed and I get much more done. When I worked full time away from home, I would usually put in at least two hours
of writing before I left the house. But this was a habit developed over time. I’m big on setting goals. Once I planned to write, I set a goal of twenty
minutes a day four days a week. It grew from there.
When away from the house, I carry a notebook to capture ideas and first drafts. I’ve written and edited quite a bit as a passenger in the car
instead of staring out the window, or pretending not to be a backseat driver. Prepare to write or research during the wait at the dentist office and
time goes quickly, plus you have something more than a bill and clean teeth to show for it.
Do you do any research for your writing?
Almost everything I write takes some research. For instance, in Caleb Sees the Light, I had to research what the lantern would be made of—what
kind of handle—how to light it. I didn’t need to use all that information, but it gave me enough detail to make the experience real within the story.
Who do you think would most likely enjoy your fiction?
People who like fantasy without graphic violence, sex or unnecessary vulgar language.
Do your stories/ novels have any common themes or threads? Do you try to provide a message for your readers?
One common thread that creeps into my novels is division and unity. Different things divide. In my fantasy novel Windwalker the protagonist
cannot move on until he learns that his own unforgiveness is as detrimental to unity as the racial prejudice trying to annihilate his people. In my
Christian spec-fic novel The Inheritance, the protagonist’s search for Truth creates division between him and others in his world. When he meets
Truth and becomes a Light-bearer he realizes his need to go back into that world—even to those who mistreated him. In my novel Beyond the
Fifth Gate (due out in 2007), two species must overcome their differences and learn to work together. Each story is different—but that one
theme is there.
What can you tell us about "Caleb Sees the Light" included in Light at the Edge of Darkness?
My fiction carries a historical or old-fashioned flavor. In one of my writing groups, the weekly writing prompt dealt with a character graduating
from high school. I was in the process of moving from FL to GA—from a flat landscape to mountains and foothills. The character Caleb was born,
and you’ll find him walking in the hills to his grandparents’ home. Young people of each generation are ready to change things, and make them
better and new. Caleb is no different. He struggles between the desire to leave small town life behind and abandoning his loving grandparents
who depend on him. An alien encounter in the back woods of Liberty Hollow offers the 18-year-old an escape from living out a life sentence in
small town America. But is that what God wants?
| Read an excerpt from Donna Sundblad's short story "CALEB SEES THE LIGHT" |