Faith and fantasy

An epic origin story, a charismatic leader, a generational saga: Is this the description of a fantasy novel, or a religion’s history?

For Mormon authors, the line is blurry. That may be what makes them successful.

Drawing inspiration from their religion, Mormon writers have filled young adult best-seller lists with fantasy and sci-fi novels, Abby Aguirre reported for the Times. Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series sold more than 100 million copies; Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game” was adapted into a successful movie; and Ally Condie’s “Matched” trilogy filled bookstore shelves.

Several factors contribute to their success. First, the church, officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encourages members to become strong readers and public speakers from a young age.

The religion also embraces the family-friendly entertainment that the Y.A. genre has historically offered. As young churchgoers interested in publishing work grow up, writing programs at the church’s universities, church-affiliated publishers and enthusiastic Latter-day Saint readers support them if they write about subjects that the community has deemed acceptable.

Early storytelling

A literary legacy suffuses the modern church, which comprises more than 17 million members. From early childhood, Latter-day Saints read complex sacred texts like The Book of Mormon — the basis for the church’s claim to be God’s restored church. Then, they stand in front of peers and share stories from these scriptures and the church’s history.

The church also encourages members to write in journals and watch or read only “clean” entertainment, giving young adult writers a built-in audience. Many writers, raised in large families that consume only children’s shows, enter their careers with a deep understanding of the market for youth entertainment.

And when the time comes to find their own subject matter, Latter-day Saints find it easy to develop material. The church’s doctrine relies on vivid and rich scriptural stories — of heroes, villains and other worlds. Many writers say their upbringing gave them the ability to create fantastical characters and plots.

“Fantasy is often a way that you can explore ideas of, you know, trust in something bigger,” said Rosalyn Eves, an author of five Y.A. novels that blend fantasy and romance with historical fiction. “I’ve always felt like religious faith and belief in miracles is not all that different from magic in some ways.”

Evolving genre

In recent decades, Y.A. books were compatible with the Mormon Church’s strict code of conduct: no alcohol, smoking, coffee, swearing, sex outside marriage or gay or lesbian sex.

Now, contemporary Y.A. books often reflect evolving social norms, including L.G.B.T.Q. themes and more relaxed views about sexuality, making it harder for some Latter-day Saint writers to find an audience.

But the writers are changing, too. Many disagree with the church’s stance on L.G.B.T.Q. rights. For that and other personal reasons, some have stepped away from the church, which is losing many millennials. Still, their backgrounds provide rich material.

“People turn to stories to make meaning of their lives,” Casper ter Kuile, the author of “The Power of Ritual,” said. “They also use stories to mark transitions, from one belief to another.”

Kiersten White, who has written more than 20 books for young adults and children, is an author who has left the church. Her latest project? A book for adults called “Mister Magic.” It’s about a religious sect in the desert in Utah.