Chris Heimerdinger: Mormon Author
Chris Heimerdinger is an author, songwriter, director, producer, and filmmaker, and is best known for his adventure series Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has connected the world of the Book of Mormon and modern readers. Titles in the series include Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites, Gadiantons and the Silver Sword, Tennis Shoes and the Feathered Serpent (2 volumes), The Sacred Quest (published also under the title Tennis Shoes and the Seven Churches), The Lost Scrolls, The Golden Crown, Warriors of Cumorah, Tower of Thunder, Kingdoms and Conquerors, Sorcerers and Seers, and Drums of Desolation. The series transitioned from a fictionalization of the Book of Mormon to exploration of other historical eras.
Heimerdinger wrote a screenplay in 1999, which he titled “Summer of the Nephite.” In 2003, he published it as a novel entitled Passage to Zarahemla, and in 2005, he served as director and producer for the film. The movie was released to theaters in October 2007 and was then released on DVD in 2008. As of 2011, it ranks in the top 100 for both Christian and Fantasy live-action films. He wrote a book sequel entitled Escape from Zarahemla, which appeared in 2011.
His other stand-alone book titles include Eddie Fantastic, Daniel and Nephi, Ben Franklin and the Chamber of Time, A Light in the Storm, A Return to Christmas, and The Absurd Adventures of Elders Kurds and Way. He self-published Muckwhip’s Guide to Capturing the Latter-day Soul and wrote and produced an album called Whispered Visions.
Heimerdinger was born in Bloomington, Indiana, on August 26, 1963, and raised in Wyoming. He wrote books since the time he was seven years old. He also made super-8 films from the time he was in junior high. He won both a scholarship in theater and cinematic arts to Brigham Young University and a Sundance Institute “Most Promising Filmmaker” award for his film "Night Meeting". He joined the Church of Jesus Christ at age 18. He is the father of five children and has five stepchildren. He and his wife, Emily, live in Utah.
