Janice Ladendorf has an honors degree in history and a master’s degree in library science. She has been a research librarian, an inventory analyst, and an accountant. Schooling her own horses has been her lifelong hobby. She has published several historical works, as well as a book and articles about using humane methods for training horses. She is retired and currently lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Heart of a Falcon is based on extensive research, as well as her own experience with horses. Her current horse is a Spanish Mustang who she tamed and trained herself. The heroine in her story has grown up in a family that helps escaped slaves and rescues abused horses. The horse in her medicine dreams is a Spanish Mustang.