Reading lists and articles featuring Orson Scott.Card

Orson Scott Card Biography

Early Life and Education

• Birth: August 24, 1951, in Richland, Washington.
• Parents: Peggy Jane (née Park) and Willard Richards Card.
• Family Background: Great-great-grandson of Brigham Young; Mormon pioneer heritage.
• Education: Graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in theater.

Early Career and Missionary Work

• Started writing short stories in the late 1970s, winning the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer in 1978.
• Served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Brazil (1971–1973).
• Founded the Utah Valley Repertory Theatre Company and worked at BYU Press.
• Completed a master’s degree in English from the University of Utah in 1981.

Family and Personal Life

• Married Kristine Allen in 1977; they had five children.
• Experienced the loss of two children, Charles and Erin, influencing his work, particularly the story “Lost Boys.”
• Resides in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife.
• Suffered a mild stroke in 2011 but made a full recovery.

Literary Career

• Published over 50 novels and 45 short stories, spanning science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, and historical fiction.
• Notable Works: “Ender’s Game,” “Speaker for the Dead,” “The Tales of Alvin Maker,” and “The Homecoming Saga.”
• Contributed to LDS Church publications and worked for Ensign magazine.
• Received Hugo and Nebula Awards for “Ender’s Game” and “Speaker for the Dead.”

Later Works and Collaborations

• Expanded the “Ender’s Game” series with sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.
• Wrote fantasy trilogies (“Mithermages” and “Pathfinder”) and urban fantasies.
• Collaborated on comic-book series, graphic novels, and video game scripts.
• Continued teaching creative writing and serving as a judge in writing contests.

Orson Scott Card, a prolific and award-winning American writer, has left a significant impact on the science fiction and fantasy genres. His diverse literary contributions, coupled with his teaching and collaborative ventures, have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the world of speculative fiction.