We chat with author Jenni L. Walsh about Sonora, which is inspired by a true story of one of the first female horse divers and explores a world of daring feats and extraordinary adventures set in the heyday of the American carnival scene.
Hi, Jenni! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a writer, mom, and wife juggling all the things. I published my first novel in 2017 and I’m a bit astonished to say that SONORA will be my sixteenth novel. I’m fortunate to write for both kids and adults and absolutely love what I do. That’s in large part due to readers buying my books and making that possible. Thank you, readers!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
As a kid, I dabbled in writing short stories and poems, but my attention span didn’t always extend to sitting still to read. I spent the majority of my youth and college years on a soccer pitch. Remember the vampire craze? I sure do. It came a few years after I graduated college and at a time where I was much more inclined to veg out on the couch. When I say I was obsessed . . . I read every vampire book I could get my hands on. My husband, seeing my passion for reading, challenged me to write a book. The rest is history (the rest is actually a very complex and long story with lots of rejection and finally my first yes)!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: By myself? Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse. With my mom, The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar J
- The one that made you want to become an author: Twilight
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The first manuscript that got me my first agent that never sold! Sigh.
Your latest novel, Sonora, is out October 28th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
Just kidding, but sorta because those who know that film absolutely loved it (like me). How about:
Fearless woman defies the odds!
What can readers expect?
Piggy backing from above, readers can expect the Sonora that many were introduced to and fell in love with in the 1991 Disney film, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. For those who are thinking, “Huh? What film?” it’s my complete pleasure to introduce you to Sonora Webster Carver, who took the carnival scene by storm in the 1920s and 1930s as one of the first females to dive—on horseback—info a man-made pool from forty-five feet in the air. It was a very popular attraction during the times, but also one that came with ample amounts of danger and risk. Prepare yourself for some high stakes, an enemies to lover romance, and a character with courage for days.
Where did the inspiration for Sonora come from?
I’ve wanted to write Sonora’s story for a long, long time. It was one of the first ideas that spoke to me after becoming an author. Sonora dove in many locations, Atlantic City being one of them. It’s a local shore point I’ve visited many times over the years. Sonora also wintered in Buck’s County. I happen to live in the same county. Beyond these connections, I was simply in awe of Sonora’s story: her rise but also her fall after a tragic accident. Without spoilers, I knew telling her story would be a challenge I was eager to take on.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Arnette! She’s Sonora’s feisty little sister. The Disney film doesn’t include her, actually. But I knew I had to. The sister bond/storyline in my novel is an important one. Plus, Arnette’s character is sassy and brave and was a ton of fun to write.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
With this being a book featuring animals, especially horses doing a carnival act that is considered a lost art, having fallen out of favor due to public backlash over animal welfare concerns, I knew I had to take special care with this novel. I wanted to stay true to the times while also taking into account the mindset of a modern reader. I decided to focus on the absolute love that Sonora had for her horses. That helped and I’ve been so pleased with the reaction from early readers.
What’s next for you?
All of my books are inspired by real life. But with this next one, I’m mixing things up slightly. It’ll be my first murder mystery. And the two ladies at the center of all the mayhem will be Ginevra King and Edith Cummings, two real-life women who were part of Chicago’s Big Four during the 1920s and who also inspired Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby. These colorful ladies gave me lots to work with and explore!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
So many! The Secret Book Society by Madeline Miller, Far and Away by Amy Poeppel, The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay, The Good Daughters by Brigitte Dale, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel, The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman, All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillipi Ryan, Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino, Pick Me by Victoria Schade, Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward, Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox, Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, The Star of Camp Greene by Joy Callaway, The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict . . . and I know there’s more that I’m forgetting! I’m also very much looking forward to the release of My Fair Frauds by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, Far from the A List by Stephanie Burns, The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb—but now I’m getting into 2026 and once I cross that threshold I could go on and on and on.
