Why Are So Many Mormon Authors Masters of Fantasy and Sci-Fi? 

Have you ever noticed the sheer number of wildly successful Mormon authors dominating the fantasy and sci-fi genres? From Twilight’s Stephanie Meyer to Mistborn’s Brandon Sanderson, the trend is hard to ignore. And it’s not just a coincidence. As someone who grew up deeply entrenched in the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I can tell you that Mormonism has a surprising knack for cultivating storytellers who thrive in building intricate worlds and weaving epic tales.

Today, let’s unpack this fascinating phenomenon—one that blends faith, fantasy, and cultural nuances. And trust me, the answers will surprise you.

Hooked on Fantasy: The Mormon Upbringing That Sparks Creativity

Growing up Mormon means being immersed in a world where fantasy and mythology are baked right into the doctrine. Take the Book of Mormon, for example. It’s a tale of ancient civilizations, golden plates, wars, and a family journeying across the ocean in a handmade ship. Add to that the angelic visitations, prophecies, and miracles, and it’s clear that Mormonism has its own fantastical cosmology.

But it doesn’t stop there. The LDS Church emphasizes imaginative practices like temple ceremonies featuring secret handshakes, symbolic clothing, and chants. Even church culture has its quirks, like rumors of underground tunnels in Salt Lake City or the vast genealogical vaults hidden beneath a mountain. These elements feed into a collective imagination ripe for storytelling.

For kids growing up in this environment, fantasy isn’t forbidden—it’s normalized. While many religious groups might avoid books about witchcraft (Harry Potter comes to mind), Mormon families tend to embrace them. And why not? Stories of magic and mythical lands mirror the narratives they already believe in, making them feel both familiar and thrilling.

A Culture of Writing: Journals, Scriptures, and the Power of the Pen

If you’ve ever met a Mormon, chances are they’ve kept a journal—or several. Journaling isn’t just encouraged; it’s practically a spiritual commandment. Growing up, I was taught that my journal wasn’t for venting teenage angst. It was for posterity, a legacy for my future family. Essentially, we were creating our own “personal scripture.”

This practice instills discipline in young writers. Spending years documenting your thoughts and experiences helps sharpen storytelling skills in a way few other habits can. It’s no surprise that many Mormon authors credit their upbringing with fostering their love for writing.

Beyond journaling, LDS culture places a high value on literature—particularly “safe” classics. Books like The Chronicles of Narnia, Pride and Prejudice, and Little Women are staples in Mormon households. These works, free from explicit content, set a standard for “clean” storytelling that resonates in genres like young adult fantasy and romance.

The Dual Appeal of Mormon Authors: Clean Yet Complex

One of the reasons Mormon authors succeed, especially in young adult fiction, is their ability to craft stories that are both family-friendly and deeply engaging. Parents trust their books to be free of profanity, excessive violence, or graphic sex scenes, making them a safe choice for teens. Meanwhile, these stories still tackle big themes—love, heroism, sacrifice—that resonate with readers of all ages.

Take Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Critics have pointed out its Mormon undertones—everything from its emphasis on abstinence to its domestic heroine, Bella. Meyer herself has acknowledged how her faith influenced her writing. Similarly, Brandon Sanderson’s epic worlds are known for their moral complexity, a hallmark of his LDS background. While Sanderson openly discusses his faith and even teaches at Brigham Young University (BYU), he also grapples with questions about LGBTQ+ inclusion within the church, adding layers of nuance to his public persona.

The Gender Divide: Why Mormon Men Build Worlds While Women Write Romance

Here’s where it gets personal. Growing up in the LDS Church, I noticed a clear divide in what was considered “appropriate” ambition for men and women. Men were encouraged to dream big—to pursue education, careers, and creative ventures—while also having families. Women, on the other hand, were often steered toward domestic roles. Writing romance, with its focus on relationships and emotions, was seen as more fitting for a woman’s aspirations.

Authors like Shannon Hale (Princess Academy) and Stephanie Meyer exemplify this trend. Their works, while impactful, often revolve around romance and relationships. Meanwhile, male authors like Sanderson or Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game) dive deep into world-building and complex systems of magic or politics.

This divide reflects broader cultural patterns within Mormonism, where men are given both priesthood authority and societal encouragement to explore their ambitions. Women, however, are often boxed into roles that prioritize family above all else. As a young girl, I longed to write epic fantasies, but the world around me pushed me toward more “appropriate” storytelling.

Missions: A Crash Course in World-Building

Another key factor? Mormon missions. Many LDS authors spend two years immersed in a foreign culture, learning a new language and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. This exposure to different ways of thinking and living often enriches their ability to craft believable worlds and characters.

Brandon Sanderson, for instance, served his mission in Korea, and you can see the influence of that experience in his intricate world-building. Similarly, Orson Scott Card’s exposure to various cultures and philosophies is evident in the depth and diversity of his characters.

The Flip Side: Controversies in the Mormon Writing World

Of course, not everything is rosy in the world of Mormon authorship. Figures like Orson Scott Card have faced significant backlash for their outspoken views, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues. While some, like Shannon Hale, have distanced themselves from the church over its stance on these topics, others, like Sanderson, remain committed while advocating for change from within.

These controversies highlight the tension many Mormon authors feel between their faith and their personal beliefs. It’s a delicate balance that often seeps into their storytelling, adding layers of complexity that resonate with readers.

Why This Matters: Representation and Storytelling

At its core, the prevalence of Mormon authors in fantasy and sci-fi speaks to the power of representation. Growing up with a specific set of cultural values and narratives shapes how you see the world—and how you write about it. For better or worse, the stories we tell reflect the worlds we come from.

But as someone who has left the LDS Church, I believe it’s crucial to expand those narratives. Girls should dream of more than romance. Women should feel empowered to write epic sagas, just like their male counterparts. Representation matters—not just in the stories we read but in who gets to tell them.

Ready for More?

If this glimpse into the world of Mormon authors has piqued your curiosity, you’ll love my full breakdown on YouTube. In the video, I dive deeper into how Mormon culture shapes storytelling, with juicy details about authors like Stephanie Meyer and Brandon Sanderson. Plus, I’ll share my personal journey as a former Mormon navigating these same cultural expectations.

Watch the full video and join the conversation!