Luke Herzog

Luke Balin Herzog (LukeHerzog.com) is the author of three books, each published by Why Not Books (WhyNotBooks.com) and aimed at readers who approximate the age of the writer.

Inspired by devouring scores of fantasy novels, Luke began writing his first book, DRAGON VALLEY, at age 9. Seventeen months later, in 2012, he completed the 203-page novel, which has sold more than 1,000 copies and was featured in Time Magazine for Kids. Two years later, as a middle-school student, he finished GRIFFIN BLADE AND THE BRONZE FINGER, which earned an IndieFab Book of the Year Award.

In 2018, at age 17, Luke published a book for mature readers -- seven fantastic and science fiction tales compiled in CONTINUUM: COLLECTED STORIES OF SPACE AND TIME. For the first story in the collection, a novella called "Fishbowl," Luke received a Gold Medal from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and was one of 20 writers in the country honored by the National YoungArts Foundation. He was also one of 12 California students to receive a National Council of Teachers of English Student Writing Award.

Luke has received emails from young readers across the country who are excited about his books and encouraged to write their own. He lives on California's Central Coast with his family and dog Pippin (named after a hobbit, naturally).

"I work with young writers and see nuggets of literary gold... but this kid, Luke Herzog, has unearthed a gold mine... The writing here is a sparkling achievement." -- Newbery Award winning author Kwame Alexander

"You can find your own potential by losing yourself in a book."