C. Kirkham has served a variety of jobs with her talents as a writer for sixteen years and has owned horses much of her life. The Friesian horse in particular captured her heart, especially when she first saw the seven month old Friesian colt that became part of her family. With Torden, Hear the Thunder, she has been able to combine her love of horses and writing into a well-researched and engaging novel for young adults and horse lovers alike.