Novelist Sarah Henning has built her career in community with other writers
Her latest young adult novel "The Lies We Conjure" is a 2025 Kansas Notable Book.
Kansas author Sarah Henning has penned a dozen books. Most are geared towards young adult readers, but her novels are also popular with adults who enjoy the YA genre.
Henning’s latest fantasy novel “The Lies We Conjure” is a 2025 Kansas Notable Book, one of 15 titles recognized by the State Library of Kansas.
“It was such a nice surprise,” Henning said. “I need to thank someone — probably a librarian — for nominating me. It makes your head spin to know that people are reading.”
But for the Lawrence, Kansas-based writer, what matters most is the community she belongs to. “Building relationships with other writers is so important, especially in YA, because we’re in a bubble as writers. It’s usually a writer, an agent, and an editor. It’s a solo career. Community is a way for me to share inside information with new, baby writers so they know what they can do in this business, what they can ask for.”
One of the ways Henning engages is by appear on writing panels and at book festivals, events she pays to attend out of her own pocket.
“In the end, this is a business — a creative one, but a business nonetheless. It’s my job to reach out and share that knowledge," she said. "Everyone would love to be Suzanne Collins: publish one book every few years and keep to yourself, but that’s not realistic.”
"It makes your head spin to know that people are reading (your work)” — Sarah Henning
“I’m very lucky to have such a strong community, especially here in Lawrence. We’ve got a coffee date next week, in fact.” Henning mentioned regional authors like Julie Murphy, Adib Khouram, and Natalie C. Parker, with whom Henning has done regional tours in support of her contemporary novels like “Throw Like a Girl.”
“I’ve been very lucky to write across a spectrum,” Henning said. Half of her books are sports-themed contemporary fiction, while the other half is fantasy. “If inspiration hits, I know I can pull it off because I have the support from my agent and editors. ‘Lies’ is good because it mashes the contemporary and fantasy.”
The novel is set at Hegemony Manor, deep in the mountains of Colorado. Like the house’s name, the pursuit of dominance is at the forefront. But for Ruby and Wren, two non-magical sisters thrust unknowingly into a tumultuous pursuit, it’s more about staying alive before the clock runs out. The 13-character cast is tough to follow at first, but after Henning establishes the stakes, “The Lies We Conjure” becomes a gripping read. I could hear the clock ticking as the group crossed one task after another off their list.
“It’s hard (to pick a favorite character). Wren was the easiest to write. She’s the comic relief in this otherwise very serious book,” Henning said.
Ruby plays the serious role alongside her sister’s spontaneous cheek, and she’s the one I found myself rooting for. She’s tenacious, protective, and self-aware, a strong young woman who sets her mind to figuring something out and then does just that.
“I’m not a confrontational person in real life,” Henning said, “so writing strong women is my way to get that out sometimes. I love writing female characters who have to use their wits to get out alive.” The strong young female characters stand out in “The Lies We Conjure.” Even though the circumstances of the novel revolve around the lineage of magic, Henning's characterization is grounded in reality.
"I’m not a confrontational person in real life, so writing strong women is my way to get that out sometimes. I love writing female characters who have to use their wits to get out alive." — Sarah Henning
Henning’s forthcoming book “Running Back to You” is due out in September — the same day as the paperback release of “The Lies We Conjure” — and is a contemporary novel set during track season at a high school. Her next book, (yes, there’s already a next, next book) is slated for early 2026.
This year’s group of Kansas Notable authors will receive medals at the Kansas Book Festival on Sept. 19 at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
“It’ll be cool to meet other authors and hear about their books and stories,” Henning said.
“Plus, I love talking to librarians.”
The Details
"The Lies They Conjure" by Sarah Henning
400 pages, published by Tor Teen on September 17, 2024
Learn more about "The Lies They Conjure" from MacMillan Press and about Sarah Henning from her website.
"Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic," according to the State Library of Kansas.
In addition to "The Lies They Conjure," the 2025 Kansas Notable Books are "Coco, Snow!" by Julie Mosiman and illustrated by Ellen Youngman (self-published), "Dress Me Like a Prizefighter" by Catherine Strayhall (Spartan Press), "From the Reservation to Washington: The Rise of Charles Curtis" by Debra Goodrich (TwoDot), "In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked" by Jonna Mendez (Public Affairs), "Las Madres: Latinas in the Heartland Who Led Their Family to Success by Dennis Raphael Garcia (University Press of Kansas), "The Last Rancher" by Robert Rebein (MeadowLark Press), "No Bullet Got Me Yet: The Relentless Faith of Father Kapaun" by John Stansifer (Hanover Square Press), "Not the Worst Friend in the World" by Anne Rellihan (Holiday House), "Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm" by Lindsay H. Metcalf and illustrated by Xin Li (Astra Young Readers), "Remnants of a Scarlet Flame" by Cindy L. Sell (Aether and Ash Press), "The Rhino Keeper" by Jillian Forsberg (History Through Fiction), "The Switch Point" by A. D. Childers (Next Chapter), "Treehouse Town" by Gideon Sterer and illustrated by Charlie Mylie (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), and "Wichita Blues: Music in the African American Community" by Patrick Joseph O'Connor (University Press of Mississippi).
Shelly Walston is an educator, reader, writer, and collector of commemorative state plates. She's been teaching English at the high school level for more than two decades. When not grading essays, working on her novel, walking the dogs, or playing strategy games, you'll find Shelly sprawled on her couch, reading a book. More of her writing and book reviews can be found at shellywalstonwrites.com.
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