Mixing Magic with Tough Topics: A Journey through Words and War with Author Eli Gardner (E98)
In today’s episode, I am chatting with Eli Gardner. Eli is an award-winning author of 7 books. She is a military veteran with over a dozen deployments to the Middle East, and this time spent overseas and the beauty she finds in misunderstood places and topics, inspires much of her writing. She writes in the genres of historical fiction, fairytale retellings, cozy magical realism, comedy and poetry. She has a budding horse rescue, with 7 saved in the last 2 years from kill pens and names all the horses after authors. Book profits fund rescue operations as well as 25% being donated to a rotating list of mostly veteran-related 501c3s.
Episode Highlights:
Story Share: About a special cross-over episode with Jacqui Just Chatters podcast, where Eli’s book Hookah Smoke and Hellfire: Poems from War is discussed.
Military Life: Eli shares insights from her multiple deployments and how she’s built a community through her experiences.
Horse Rescue: The inspiring story behind founding her horse rescue and how childhood dreams can evolve into meaningful ventures.
Writing Journey: Eli reflects on her writing process, what she’s learned about herself through her work and the genres she loves to explore. She writes about tough topics, but makes them accessible to all.
Book Flight: Eli’s curated selection of historical fiction with a touch of magical realism, inspiring her literary style.
Connect with Eli Gardner:
Purchase Eli’s books
Show Notes
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
You Can Farm by Joel Salatin
Book Flight
Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
1000 Nights: Death’s Love Letter to Afghanistan by Eli Gardner
Dessert Pairing
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
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