Final Essay

I have chosen to write about essay question number six. It is a question that I have asked myself before: For whom should LDS authors write? I think there are two answers to this question. LDS authors first write for themselves and then others. Writing is meant to allow people to reflect on thoughts, ideas and experiences they have had. Writing can be a way to receive more insight or inspiration. It is a way for us to be still and receive revelation or peace in our journeyings. As for the others aspect of the answer to the question, there are two audiences for LDS literature. The first being the LDS believers and the second, those who have not yet come unto the fold of God.

The LDS believers need the stories of other believers to strengthen their faith. It is part of mourning with those who mourn. It is common that people receive answers to their prayers through others. LDS literature can be another tool for the Lord to answer the prayers of His children. This possibly can be true for non-members as well. The LDS community has been counseled to be good record keepers and this can very well be a form of record keeping. Even if the work that an LDS author works with is fiction, it is still a record of ideas and impressions. These works could potentially help our prosperities as well.

As for the non-LDS readers, the reading of LDS literature could help them get to know our faith. It is something that could lead to the conversion of many souls to Christ as testimonies are shared through life experiences and stories.

Something else important here and especially in our more modern times is that LDS literature starts conversations, opens hearts, and ultimately leads us to want to be better and more Christlike. Books, stories, and literature in general allows us to understand each other more and allows for empathy to grow within us.The importance of LDS Literature goes beyond our earthly scope and will until the end of times.

When it comes to marketing to a certain audience, there are possible problems that could surface. It is clear that something like the "Elect of Elohim" epic would have been hard to market to a more non-LDS audience because of its depth of doctrine that is within it. Without the doctrine, I don't think it would be too marketable and I don't think you'd want it to be because of how sacred of a story it is. I think the book Refuge would be more marketable to that global audience because it shows reality and some "not so Mormon" things within it which make it relatable. I think those two examples sort of paint a picture of what makes LDS literature marketable, how well and how correctly the works will be received according to their audiences. Finding a happy medium to which both audiences can be included would be ideal, but isn't always easy. Focusing on the importance of sacred doctrines would go over peoples' heads if they haven't internalized what they are.All of it is a challenge and as time goes on, the balance can be found.