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).
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. The Official Site of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lines from this hymn have been quoted in the LDS community, and it has even been called "one of the best-loved songs in the LDS Church" McCloud wrote her other hymn, "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days," with the goal of giving strength to a "vacillating youth."
McCloud has also contributed to film music used by the seminaries of the LDS Church.
Writing
McCloud has published more than 45 books. Mormon Literature Database - McCloud, Susan Evans 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. Past bestselling fiction titles - page 189 Brigham Young: An Inspiring Personal Biography was partly developed as a result of her 30 years as a docent at the Beehive House. McCloud also wrote a book on love with Randy Jernigan. Randy Jernigan
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. Her work has been reviewed by A Journal of Mormon Thought Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought and Sunstone Review, where it also received some criticism. Mormon Literature Database - Mormon Mushies (Part IV) Although rejected by some critics, her work is praised by others, such as LDS commentator and Deseret News columnist Jerry Johnston.
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. Biographies: Latter-day Saint and/or Utah Film Personalities: M