Sometimes the best story ideas begin with the simplest conversations. For author Dana Swift, the inspiration behind When Dealing with Dragons started while watching television with her mom.
“My mom loves contemporary fiction,” Swift said. “She always asks why I can’t write a contemporary novel.” During one of those conversations, while the two were watching All Creatures Great and Small, Swift jokingly replied that if she ever wrote about veterinarians, they would have to be dragon veterinarians. The idea stuck.
“I realized how much I wanted to read a book about dragon veterinarians,” she says.
That playful spark eventually grew into When Dealing with Dragons, a heartfelt young adult romantasy that combines lovable dragons, romance, adventure, and meaningful themes about compassion, justice, and finding your place in the world.
Although readers know Swift for her imaginative fantasy novels, this book arrived during a particularly uncertain chapter of her own writing journey. After completing her debut series, she wrote a Hades and Persephone retelling that she loved, but editors felt the story leaned too far into adult fiction. Rather than becoming discouraged, Swift decided to create a novel that embraced the heart of young adult literature.
“I wanted this book to truly be for young adult readers,” she explains. “I especially wanted younger teens, around thirteen and older, to have a story that felt written for them, while still being enjoyable for anyone who loves YA fantasy.”
That sense of belonging extends beyond age. Swift believes books help readers better understand both themselves and the people around them.
“Representation showcases the diverse world we live in,” she says. “Sometimes we become trapped inside our own communities, hearing the same ideas over and over. Books allow us to safely explore other perspectives, especially when we’re young. Reading builds empathy and tolerance, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so important.”
For Swift, Reading Rainbow represents that same spirit of discovery.
“It means reading widely and outside of yourself,” she says. “Reading in every shade of color and every facet of light. Across the spectrum of humanity, books help us understand one another.”
Fans of Swift’s previous novels will recognize many of the storytelling elements they love, including witty banter, creative chapter titles, dual points of view, and heartfelt romance. This time, however, the story takes a gentler approach.
“The characters aren’t trying to save the entire world,” she says. “The heroine isn’t a magical superhero. It’s a softer story, but it might also feature my favorite couple I’ve ever written.”
While dragons bring plenty of fantasy and wonder, When Dealing with Dragons also explores real-world topics, including animal exploitation, abuse, and classism. Swift hopes readers finish the novel feeling entertained, emotionally connected, and perhaps even challenged to think a little differently.
“If the book makes you laugh, cry, and think,” she says, “then I feel like I’ve done my job.”
Readers already have another adventure to look forward to. Swift has completed the companion novel to When Dealing with Dragons, scheduled for release in Summer 2027. While it introduces two new protagonists, fan-favorite characters Farren and James will return, giving readers another opportunity to revisit the dragons, magic, and heart that make this world so memorable.
Fantasy has always invited us to imagine impossible worlds. When Dealing with Dragons reminds us that the most magical stories aren’t only about dragons and spells, but they’re also about kindness, empathy, courage, and the people who choose to care for others, whether they have wings or not.
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