Meet Keith Bender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keith Bender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keith, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a young age, I was captivated by stories of myth and adventure, which led me to fill notebooks with my own wild tales. I studied History and Classics at San Diego State University, where an idea for a mythological adventure series, infused with Greek history and philosophy, took root.

After years in the professional world, I took a hiatus to immerse myself in that tenacious idea still lingering in my mind. What began as a single story evolved into a four-book series, a project that has brought me a sense of euphoria unlike any work I’ve done before. The creative process is an enjoyment I’ve found to be unique and deeply gratifying.

While I continue to work in business, I dedicate every morning to writing, currently finishing the final book of my Thrace and the Centaur Series. After this project, I plan to keep writing, as I’ve found a joy in creativity that is hard to find anywhere else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The most defining aspect of my professional and creative journey has been my ability to adapt and pivot, guided by passion and a deep curiosity. I’ve built a career on two seemingly different yet equally fulfilling tracks: one in the dynamic world of business, and the other as an author.
After graduating from SDSU, I accepted a position at Stone Brewing Company. This was a new field that offered a unique challenge, one that resonated with my personal and creative interests. I was responsible for building brands and expanding market share. The skills I honed—strategic planning, relationship building, negotiation, and budget management—were critical to my success. I was most proud of my work in turning strategy into measurable results for a brand I respected. From there, I assisted other breweries with their growth and expansion, a process that consistently teased my creative side through its demand for innovative planning and marketing.
That creative side eventually led me to a change. I decided to take a break to pursue a literary project that had been in the back of my mind for years. My love for ancient history and myth, cultivated while studying History and Classics at SDSU, and my passion for storytelling inspired me to write a mythological adventure series.
Transitioning from the fast-paced sales and marketing environment to the solitary, disciplined work of writing was a significant challenge. I established a routine, setting aside every morning for writing, and even took on evening work to get my mind away from the story, which had consumed me more than I expected. Some days I worked for hours on end; others were short and stagnant, leaving me feeling lost. But the story I had first outlined held me like the moon holds water, and we flowed together with highs and lows, but always with a constant presence.
This journey taught me several invaluable lessons. When you are genuinely passionate about what you do, you can overcome almost any obstacle. Success isn’t about following a single, linear path; rather, it’s about persevering through the ups and downs, much like the tide. I also learned the importance of having a strong support system to help me when I questioned my path.
Today, I live in both worlds, and my story is one of curiosity and determination. I spend my mornings working on the fourth and “final” book of my Thrace and the Centaur Series before stepping into the world of craft beer sales and marketing. Both careers require a unique combination of strategic and imaginative thinking, whether I’m crafting a compelling story or analyzing a market trend. My journey proves that you can find and build a career that is both successful and deeply fulfilling, especially if it resonates with your heart’s desires.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively and have met some incredible people along the way, many of whom now come to visit me in San Diego. Showing off my city is always a blast, and this is how I would throw together a quick three-day trip.
Every friend who visits wants to go to the San Diego Zoo—and how could you not? I have a yearly pass and go often myself; the diversity of wildlife and the walkable layout make it a fun and accessible experience for anyone. Next, off to the Gliderport Café at Torrey Pines. The views are unbeatable: you can watch paragliders gracefully float along the cliffs above the Pacific while enjoying a fantastic lunch as peregrine falcons circle the winds.
Since I work in the craft beer industry, a quick brewery tour is a must. I always start with an OG…Pizza Port, specifically the Ocean Beach location. A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without experiencing the unique vibe of OB. After enjoying some locally crafted brews at Pizza Port and OB Brewing Company, we’ll make a stop at The Black and South Coast Surf Shop, grab some garlic wings and phở at OB Noodle 1502, and then finish the night with live music at The Harp.
The next day, we walk it all off with the San Diego Seven Bridges Hike starting in Balboa Park and to see vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Then to see the city up close, we head to what I consider the best ballpark in the country: Petco Park, to catch a Padres game.
By the end of the trip, my friends are already planning their second visit based on all the things we didn’t get to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My inspiration is a bit different from someone who finds a mentor or teacher to guide their life’s journey. My love for travel and reading came from an inner curiosity, and my fascination with the ancient world was sparked by creators like Homer, Socrates, Pythagoras, and Sophocles. However, if I had to give a Shoutout, it would be to my late parents, Charles and Susan, who always encouraged this curiosity. It would also go to the people I’ve met along my travels—Tim, Steve, Mark, Andy, Anthony, Gannon, Jenny, Scott, and my wife, Amy—all of whom have given me immeasurable support as I continue to chase this deep-seated passion for storytelling. Without them, I would never have been able to complete a single paragraph.

Website: https://www.thraceandthecentaur.com

Instagram: Cresphontes

Linkedin: https://linkendin.com/in/keithbender

Facebook: Thrace and the Centaur

Image Credits
Thanks to
Alison Ross – book cover and illustrations
Tim Graham/Amy Centers – book editing