Authors of 'mind-bending' sci-fi books with unique concepts often draw inspiration from various sources, including scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and philosophical debates. They tend to think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives and exploring uncharted territories of the human cognition. This involves a lot of research, creativity, and imagination. They might envision a future based on current scientific trends, or create entirely new worlds governed by different laws of physics. Ultimately, the creation of unique sci-fi concepts is a testament to an author's ingenuity and their ability to speculate about the unknown.