Mixing Magic with Tough Topics: A Journey through Words and War with Author Eli Gardner (E98)

Send us Fan MailEli Gardner is an award-winning author of 7 books. She is a military veteran with over a dozen deployments to the Middle East. The 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: A 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:InstagramFacebookPurchase Eli’s booksBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkGood Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry PratchettYou Can Farm by Joel SalatinBook FlightSnow Child by Eowyn IveyWinter Garden by Kristin Hannah1000 Nights: Death’s Love Letter to Afghanistan by Eli GardnerDessert PairingThe Diamond Eye by Kate QuinnBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social mediaInstagramFacebookWebsite✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite