Picture an American storyteller who conjured epic battles and magical worlds, captivating readers with tales that linger long after the final page—meet Dave Wolverton! Known for his science fiction and fantasy novels, Wolverton, often writing as David Farland, crafted bestselling series like The Runelords while mentoring a generation of literary superstars. His journey from a small-town dreamer to a celebrated author is as inspiring as his stories.
The Making of Dave Wolverton
Born on May 28, 1957, in Springfield, Oregon, John David Wolverton grew up on a farm in Monroe after his family moved there when he was six. Surrounded by fields and fueled by a love for fantasy, he devoured books like Lord of the Rings, sparking his imagination. In his teens, he dabbled in writing, even penning a field guide to mammals and a book on nuclear weaponry. After a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Illinois, he attended Brigham Young University, where a writing contest win in 1987—the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future—launched his career with a grand prize for his short story 'On My Way to Paradise.'
Dave Wolverton’s Unforgettable Stories
Wolverton’s bibliography is a treasure trove of speculative fiction, blending intricate world-building with deep emotional resonance. Writing as Dave Wolverton, he debuted with On My Way to Paradise (1989), a science fiction novel that won the Philip K. Dick Memorial Special Award for its gripping tale of a soldier navigating a war-torn future. Under his pseudonym David Farland, he created The Runelords series, starting with The Sum of All Men (1998), a New York Times bestseller. This fantasy epic explores a magical system where attributes like strength or wit can be transferred, often at a brutal cost, earning praise for its moral depth and thrilling action.
His versatility shone in works like In the Company of Angels (2009), a historical novel about Mormon pioneers that clinched the Whitney Award, and Nightingale (2012), a young adult fantasy thriller that swept multiple awards for its fast-paced storytelling. Wolverton also penned Star Wars novels, including The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994), delighting fans with his take on iconic characters. His style—vivid, imaginative, and morally complex—made his stories accessible yet profound, appealing to both young readers and seasoned genre fans.
Why Dave Wolverton Matters
Wolverton’s impact extends beyond his novels. As a professor at Brigham Young University and through his writing workshops, he mentored authors like Brandon Sanderson, Stephenie Meyer, and James Dashner, shaping modern fantasy and young adult literature. His role as a judge for the Writers of the Future contest nurtured new talent, and his kindness earned him the title 'godfather of Utah fiction.' Despite his passing on January 14, 2022, following a tragic fall, his legacy endures in his stories and the writers he inspired. His Runelords series, reportedly in development for film, continues to captivate new audiences.
- Born: May 28, 1957, Springfield, Oregon
- Key Works: The Runelords, On My Way to Paradise, Nightingale, In the Company of Angels
- Awards: Philip K. Dick Memorial Special Award, Whitney Award, International Book Award
- Pseudonym: David Farland
Ready for an adventure? Snag The Sum of All Men and dive into Dave Wolverton’s spellbinding fantasy world!