Thomas Benner, the imaginative mind behind the Utopia Saga of science fiction novels, boasts a career as diverse as the compelling characters within his literary universe. A proud veteran honorably discharged from the US Army via Army Intelligence service during the Vietnam era, Thomas navigated a range of postings in service to his country. Despite being a Deaf and disabled veteran, his journey unfolded through various roles – from a clinical psychologist to a bison rancher in the vast landscapes of Montana, a corporate executive, an educator, and even a SCUBA instructor. For leisure, Thomas sought thrill and adventure, sailing the oceans in sailboats, scaling mountains, and taking to the skies as a pilot.
Currently residing in Spokane, Washington, alongside his wife Renalyn and a small herd of English Mastiffs, Thomas infuses his remarkably diverse background into the creation of his debut science fiction novel, the first installment in a captivating Saga comprising ten novels.
Reflecting on his journey, Thomas recounts, "While pursuing my first BS degree in Animal Science, a passionate professor opened my eyes to the fragility of our food chain. This revelation became a major concern for me. During that time, I witnessed a TV interview where a woman mistakenly believed that eggs originated from grocery stores rather than chickens, highlighting the disconnect from our food sources."
A lifelong enthusiast of science fiction, heavily influenced by the works of Heinlein and Asimov, Thomas delved into creative writing during his second bachelor's degree in Psychology. Encouraged by a supportive professor, he transformed one of his short stories into what would become "Adam's Quest." Participating in a regional writers' conference proved fortuitous, as an early version of the novel secured the prestigious award.
Simultaneously facing the worsening aftermath of injuries sustained during his Army service, which led to his gradual deafness, writing became Thomas's sanctuary. Amidst the challenges of adapting to a changed life, his literary endeavors served as a means to preserve his sanity. In his own words, "I have written these books to both inform and entertain. I hope you find my effort successful." Thomas Benner's Utopia Saga stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling to transcend adversity.