Orson Scott Card, born on August 24, 1951, is a prominent American author celebrated for his contributions to the science fiction genre. He achieved remarkable acclaim when he became the first writer to secure both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award in consecutive years, first for his groundbreaking novel *Ender's Game* (1985) and then for its sequel, *Speaker for the Dead* (1986). The cinematic adaptation of *Ender's Game*, which Card co-produced, premiered in 2013, bringing his visionary story to a wider audience.
In addition to his award-winning works, Card created the acclaimed fantasy series *The Tales of Alvin Maker*, published from 1987 to 2003, which also received the Locus Fantasy Award. His narratives often explore the complex moral dilemmas faced by characters endowed with extraordinary abilities. Beyond fiction, Card has engaged in political and social discourse through various columns, though his views on homosexuality have sparked considerable controversy.
Hailing from Richland, Washington, and raised in Utah and California, Card is a great-great-grandson of Brigham Young. He honed his craft during his time at Brigham Young University, where his plays were performed. Following a missionary stint in Brazil for the LDS Church, he garnered attention for his 27 short stories published in the late 1970s, earning the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer in 1978. With over 50 novels and 45 short stories to his name, Card also teaches English at Southern Virginia University and has authored two creative writing guides, mentoring many aspiring writers through his workshops and the Writers of the Future contest.
