About the Author

R.J. Benda is a memoirist, mother, and Public Services Librarian whose life has been shaped by chronic illness, resilience, and the unsteady terrain of survival. She was diagnosed with lupus at a young age, a reality that shaped much of her childhood and early adulthood, and later led to years of medical uncertainty and unexplained symptoms.

Her debut memoir, Built from the Broken: A Journey Through Lupus, Love, and the Fight to Stay Alive, is an intimate exploration of illness, identity, trauma, motherhood, and the fierce resilience found in rebuilding a life piece by piece. With vulnerability and clarity, she writes about the moments that shatter us, and the ones that slowly piece us back together.

As a librarian, Robyn is deeply committed to community storytelling, connection, and advocacy. She believes in the power of shared stories to build empathy, belonging, and hope, especially for those living with invisible illness or navigating difficult chapters of their lives.

She lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with her family, where she continues to write, advocate, and rebuild her life with intention, one brave chapter at a time.