Susan Evans McCloud

Susan Evans McCloud (born July 28, 1945) is an American novelist, author, poet, hymnwriter, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Biography

McCloud has lived much of her adult life in Provo, Utah.[1] She is the mother of six children,[2] grandmother of nine, great grandmother of one. She is an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, has written several programs for ldsradio.org, and other materials for the LDS Church. She and her family are deeply involved in their Scottish heritage. Her youngest daughter is studying in Glasgow, Scotland. Her only son plays the bagpipes, and was featured in "A Celebration of Family History" held in the LDS Conference Center on April 29, 2010.

McCloud was a member of Joseph A. Cannon's 1992 Utah County Steering Committee when he was seeking the Republican Nomination for Senate.[3]

In 2004, McCloud was given the Reed Smoot Citizenship Awards business women of the year award.[4]

Publications

Music

Two of McCloud's hymns appear in the LDS Church's 1985 hymnbook. One of these, "Lord I Would Follow Thee," has also been recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.[5] Lines from this hymn have been quoted in the LDS community,[6] and it has even been called "one of the best-loved songs in the LDS Church"[7] McCloud wrote her other hymn, "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days," with the goal of giving strength to a "vacillating youth."[8]

McCloud has also contributed to film music used by the seminaries of the LDS Church.[9]

Writing

McCloud has published more than 45 books.[10] Since the late 1970s she has published nearly one novel annually, many through the publishers Bookcraft or Scribe Publishing. Her novel Black Stars Over Mexico was a best seller in January 1985.[11] Brigham Young: An Inspiring Personal Biography was partly developed as a result of her 30 years as a docent at the Beehive House.[12] McCloud also wrote a book on love with Randy Jernigan.[13]

Many of her novels are historical fiction of 19th-century Latter-day Saints in far-flung places, such as England or India. Some reviewers have criticized her novels as being pro-Mormon and repetitious of previous themes.[14] Her work has been reviewed by Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought[15] and Sunstone Review, where it also received some criticism.[16] Although rejected by some critics, her work is praised by others, such as LDS commentator and Deseret News columnist Jerry Johnston.[17]

McCloud's poetry first appeared in the Ensign magazine in 1972.

McCloud has also written scripts for film and TV productions, including the script for making one of her books into a made-for-TV movie.[18]

References

External links

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