Picture an American storyteller who galloped into the hearts of young readers with tales of wild horses and mystical seas—meet Terri Farley! Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this bestselling author has enchanted millions with her Phantom Stallion series and the magical Seven Tears into the Sea, blending adventure, nature, and a touch of fantasy. With over two million books sold worldwide, Farley’s stories spark a love for the wild and inspire readers to chase their dreams.
The Making of Terri Farley
Born in Los Angeles, California, Terri Farley grew up with a passion for horses, despite her suburban surroundings and childhood allergies to them. She learned to ride at local stables, fueling her imagination with horse-filled books. After earning a B.A. in English from San Jose State University and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, Farley wore many hats—waitress, journalist, and teacher—before embracing writing full-time. Her move to Verdi, Nevada, with her journalist husband Cory and their pets brought her closer to the open ranges that inspire her stories.
Terri Farley’s Unforgettable Stories
Farley’s Phantom Stallion series, spanning 36 books, is a love letter to the American West. The series follows Samantha, a teen navigating ranch life and her bond with a mysterious gray stallion, the Phantom. Books like The Wild One and Mustang Moon weave themes of courage, friendship, and the fight to protect wild horses, captivating middle-grade readers with vivid settings and heartfelt storytelling. In contrast, Seven Tears into the Sea, a standalone young adult novel, dives into Celtic mythology. It tells the tale of Gwen, who encounters a selkie and unravels a magical mystery by the ocean, blending romance and fantasy. Farley’s writing shines with rich descriptions and a deep respect for nature, often reflecting her advocacy for wild horses. Her nonfiction work, Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to Save Them, highlights the plight of wild horses, earning accolades like the Sterling North Heritage Award.
Farley’s style is immersive, pulling readers into rugged ranchlands or misty coastlines. Her stories resonate with young readers by tackling real-world issues—like environmental conservation—while sprinkling in magic and adventure. Whether it’s Sam’s quest to save the Phantom or Gwen’s journey of self-discovery, Farley’s characters are relatable and inspiring, encouraging readers to embrace their inner strength.
Why Terri Farley Matters
Terri Farley’s impact extends beyond her books. Her Phantom Stallion series has sold over two million copies across 28 countries, inspiring a generation to care about wild horses and the natural world. As an advocate, she raises awareness about the Bureau of Land Management’s controversial wild horse policies, amplifying young voices through her Authoring Change campaign. Honored with the Silver Pen Award and induction into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, Farley’s legacy lies in her ability to blend storytelling with activism, encouraging readers to protect the wild places they love.
- Key Works: Phantom Stallion series, Seven Tears into the Sea, Wild at Heart
- Awards: Silver Pen Award (2010), Nevada Writers Hall of Fame (2017)
- Fun Fact: Farley writes barefoot, often with a cat on her lap!
Ready to ride into Terri Farley’s world? Snag The Wild One or Seven Tears into the Sea and dive into her thrilling tales of horses, heart, and magic!