Ask the Author: Jenni L. Walsh
Answered Questions (8)
Jenni L. Walsh
Thanks so much for reading I Am Defiance!! The novel is a mixture of fact and fiction. It's inspired by a real-life resistance group called the White Rose. That means the storyline you see about Sophie Scholl has been pulled from history. But the storylines of Bridget and Angelika surrounding her are fictional. If you enjoyed Brigitte, fun fact: she becomes Aunt Brigitte in another novel of mine called Over and Out. That one is set ~20 years later during the Berlin Wall era :)
Jenni L. Walsh
Thank you so much for reading I Am Defiance. Thrilled you enjoyed it. I'm often inspired by real people and real events, and I was wholly intrigued with the fact there was a real youth resistance group that took a stand during WWII. I loved telling this story, with Brigitte as my main character. If you enjoyed her, then I'd suggest also picking up Over and Out. It's set ~20 years later during the Berlin Wall era and Brigitte is actually Aunt Brigitte in this second book!
Jenni L. Walsh
I love this reaction! Thank you, Davida. I stumbled upon Madame Moustache (aka Simone Jules aka Eleanor Dumont) while researching the California Gold rush era, an interest of mine. I had to know more about this fascinating woman! Then, I had to write her story! I hope you enjoy reading :)
Jenni L. Walsh
Hi! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'd love to continue the series (and have a few wonderful young women in mind). This is one of those decisions left up to the publisher but support like yours surely helps! Thank you again!
Jenni L. Walsh
Thanks for your questions, Stephanie. I was really curious about who the duo, and Bonnie specifically, was besides outlaws and what led Bonnie to make the choices that she did. I read various anecdotes and diaries, and yes, I believe that Bonnie and Clyde were truly smitten with each other. Even though in love, I also think they got in too deep. Bonnie's sister is quoted as saying, “The kids led a rough life and they wouldn’t want anyone—then or now—to follow in their footsteps.”
Jenni L. Walsh
The sequel to Becoming Bonnie! It's called Being Bonnie and will tell the infamous crime-spree story most associated with Bonnie and Clyde. For those who've read Becoming Bonnie, we'll also see the remaining verses in Bonnie's song with Clyde!
Jenni L. Walsh
Yes, all of the above. The Roaring Twenties wasn’t roaring for everyone, especially a family like the Parker’s where Bonnie’s mother was the breadwinner, as Bonnie’s father had died. After the stock market crash and the depression settled over America, Bonnie suffered even more financially and, in Becoming Bonnie, the banks essentially stole her dreams from her. A lot of people during that time were angry with banks and the government and would turn their heads when they saw people committing crimes. Bonnie’s nature may also have attributed to her attraction to Clyde. Today, there’s a condition called hybristophilia, which is also known as the “Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome” where women are attracted to others who commit heinous crimes. Over the years, there’s been other infamous examples of hybristophilia: the gaggle of women who wrote love letters and attended the trial of Ted Bundy, the many groupies of Charles Manson, and Jeffrey Dahmer‘s admirers, who sent him countless gifts and money while he was in prison.
Jenni L. Walsh
A dreamer. At the beginning of the novel, I’ve given Bonn a fictional name, Bonnelyn. I was going for something wholesome, because that’s what she was. She sang in her church’s choir. She was a straight A student. She was devoted to her family and friends. And she had a boyfriend, who wasn’t Clyde! Bonn also came from poverty, which made her ache for more out of life. She wanted to be somebody. Her background and her aspirations are ultimately what lead her to pick up a gun in Becoming Bonnie, so it's certainly fair to attach the word "gun" to her. Now the cigar-smoking part has a funnier bit of history. There are playful, joking photos of Bonnie with a cigar in her mouth that were later found by the police and circulated via newspapers. Bonnie was mortified by that photo and even reached out to the media to express how she doesn't smoke cigars!
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