About Justin

Justin Rich is a novelist and storyteller whose work explores the complexities of faith, institutional power, and personal liberation. Drawing from his experience growing up in the Mormon church and his subsequent journey out of the faith, Justin crafts narratives that examine how high-demand religious institutions affect individual lives and communities.

After earning his master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and working in the tech industry, Justin found his voice as a writer who could bridge the worlds of devout belief and secular freedom with empathy and insight. His fiction tackles challenging themes including religious authority, gender roles, and the search for authenticity in environments that demand conformity.

Based in the American West, Justin brings a unique perspective to his storytelling—one informed by both his deep understanding of Mormon culture and his experience rebuilding his identity beyond it. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, exploring coffee shops, and advocating for those navigating their own faith transitions.

Writing Philosophy

Justin believes that storytelling has the power to create empathy and understanding across different life experiences. His work aims to illuminate the human cost of institutional control while celebrating the resilience of those who find their authentic voices.

Through his fiction, Justin explores questions that have shaped his own journey: How do we maintain our humanity within systems designed to control? What does freedom look like after leaving a high-demand religious community? How do we rebuild identity and find meaning outside the frameworks we were raised in?

While his stories often examine difficult aspects of religious institutions, Justin approaches these themes with nuance and compassion, acknowledging the complex realities of faith communities and the genuine beliefs of their members.