Orson Scott Card was born on August 24, 1951, in Richland, Washington. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1975 with a degree in theatre. In 1981 he earned a master's degree in English from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. As an undergraduate, Card began writing, directing, and producing plays, often on themes derived from the teachings of the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church). He interrupted his college studies to spend two years as a Mormon missionary in Brazil. In 1977 he married Kristine Allen. Continuing to write and direct plays, he worked for Brigham Young University Press, edited Ensign magazine, and wrote for Compute Books, where he authored Compute's Guide to IBMPCjr Sound and Graphics.

During this period, Card was publishing short stories in science fiction magazines, especially Analog, where he was encouraged by editor, Ben Bova. His first books were published in...