Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid geek and mother of 3 little ones. My kids come to me with Star Wars questions and I go to them when I’m stuck on a plot point in my current book. I’m a recovering perfectionist and a quick-draw with dad jokes and puns. I crochet, paint, run, and ride horses. I’ve always been a dreamer and now I’m showing my kids just how much fun dreaming can be.
I have written 2 novellas and three short stories (with many more coming soon). I have a BA in English Literature from the University of Utah and have won 6 Honorable Mentions from the Writers of the Future Contest.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, MINDSTORM, began in May 2020. The schools had shut down. My husband was working from home. And my writing dreams seemed farther away than ever as I took on so many more roles. But this story (and those dreams) wouldn’t let me rest. So I woke up before anyone else in the house and wrote. 6 days a week. Every week.
On the surface, MINDSTORM is inspired by Japanese mythology (I am a hopeless mythology nerd). But beyond that, MINDSTORM is really inspired by the struggles 2020 brought home. How do we become better than we were? Why do we hurt those we love the most and what will we do to mend it?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write before anyone else in the house is awake. With three young kiddos, that means some early mornings. I don’t even set an alarm. My brain just wakes me up! I grab my laptop, sneak down the stairs, wrap up in my favorite blanket, and clickety-clack away on a story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Timothy Zahn, Martha Wells, Delilah Dawson, Mur Lafferty, Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, and Claudia Gray (to name a few). Martha Wells’ Murderbot Series opened my eyes to how much I adore a novella. And also how hard it is to be a human. Ha!
What are you working on now?
MINDSTORM is the first in a series, so I’m working on books 2 and 3 now. I also have a fun space opera in drafts and some SF/F middle grade books coming, too!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My Facebook page has been my go-to place, but I’m always learning and trying new things.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To quote Howard Taylor, “Failure is your teacher. Success is just a diploma.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the book you’d dig through your car to find change to buy.
What are you reading now?
NOPHEK GLOSS by Essa Hansen.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing! Bashing that self-doubt with enthusiasm and consistency.
And so many more sci-fi and fantasy stories! Buckle up, we’re just getting started.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) Collected edition of the Murderbot Series by Martha Wells (yes, that’s cheating, but you’re the one stranding me on an island).
2) Star Wars: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
3) Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Author Websites and Profiles
Becca Lee Gardner Amazon Profile