Conquering the Void

By Naperville Magazine
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By Jeff Banowetz

It’s not that unusual for an eighth grader to come up with a book idea. But Luke Lipien actually followed through and wrote it.

Lipien’s first novel, Void Seeker, which has at least some resemblance to his original middle school idea, was published this spring. The sci-fi story follows a 13-year-old who sees creatures in a realm called the Void, which no one else can see.

“I would say the emotional core of the story is like the teenage experience, of people just not understanding what’s going on inside, not understanding what you are, and having to explain the frustration of living in a world that’s not quite meant for you,” Lipien explains. “And then the experience of finding other people who do get it, who are like you, and trying to work through these emotions.”

Now a college student (he’s a senior at Auburn University), Lipien wrote most of the novel while attending Naperville North High School. He’s now studying marine biology but hoping to develop a career in writing as well, including a new book he’s working on aimed at younger readers, and a possible sequel (or series) in the Void Seeker universe. “I’ve got some ideas I’m working on,” he says. “But they’re all still cooking.” 

Photos: Luke Lipien