Elizabeth Moon

1 universe Last reviewed 2026-08-06

Elizabeth Moon is an American author of science fiction and fantasy, born Susan Elizabeth Norris on March 7, 1945, in McAllen, Texas; she began writing stories at age six. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from Rice University in 1968 and a second bachelor's degree in biology, then served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 1968 as a computer specialist, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. She began publishing newspaper columns in her thirties and her first science fiction in 1986. Moon married Richard Sloan Moon in 1969; their son, Michael, born in 1983, is autistic and inspired her Nebula Award-winning novel The Speed of Dark (2003). Her major works include the Paksenarrion series, beginning with Sheepfarmer's Daughter (1988), the space-opera Serrano Legacy, and the Vatta's War series. Her honors include the Compton Crook Award in 1989 for Sheepfarmer's Daughter, the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003 for The Speed of Dark, the Robert A. Heinlein Award in 2007, and a Hugo Award nomination in 1997. Beyond writing, Moon is an accomplished fencer, a former accordion player and choir singer, an experienced paramedic, and an active local government volunteer.