AUTHOR · COMPOSER · EDUCATOR · PERFORMER
Hi, I’m Michael.
Let’s wander
a little.
I write stories with a sense of wonder, a little laughter, and room for a very good quest.
From fantastical worlds to the history behind a favorite song, I’m glad you’ve found your way here.
It’s always time for a quest.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE PAGES
A life full of
stories and songs.
I grew up traveling the world as the son of a military father. That may explain why so many of my characters can’t seem to stay home either.
These days, home is Utah, where I live with my wife, Jen, and our three children. I write family-friendly fantasy, humorous adventures, musicals, devotionals, and music history. My picture books appear under the name David Michaels.
Music has a way of finding its way into everything I do. I’ve sung with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square since 2010, and before that I spent several years playing with Bells on Temple Square.
Off the page, I create online curriculum for BYU and act in community theater whenever a stage will have me. Whether I’m building a lesson, writing a novel, or stepping into a role, there always seems to be another story waiting.
Let me introduce you with a free story →FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
A few ways into my world.
Pick a magical adventure, discover the story behind a song, or explore the creative work beyond the bookshelf.
THE STORYTELLER
Worlds to get lost in.
Unexpected heroes, strange kingdoms, and quests that don’t always go according to plan. There’s a whole shelf of fantasy waiting.
Explore the fantasy books →THE MUSIC LOVER
Stories behind the songs.
Music history and devotionals that look closer at the hymns, carols, and songs we carry with us.
Explore music & devotionals →THE EDUCATOR
Ideas brought to life.
Teaching, instructional design, and creative work shaped by a love of learning and storytelling.
View my design portfolio →Explore my books and series
BEYOND THE BOOKSHELF
Life in music,
books & theater.
A few glimpses of life with my family, behind a microphone, and on the stage.
PULL UP A CHAIR
A longer conversation.
Interviews about writing, music, creativity, and the work that goes into a good quest.
VIDEO CONVERSATION
Miloascape
Open the interview ↗PODCAST
Million Dollar Authors
Open the interview ↗VIDEO CONVERSATION
The Chapter Goddess
Open the interview ↗PODCAST
Everyday Excellence
Open the interview ↗Professional biography & credentials
Short bio for media use
Michael D. Young is a Utah author of family-friendly fantasy, picture books, devotionals, and music history. He is also an instructional designer, composer, educator, and member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Education & creative work
Michael holds degrees in German teaching, educational leadership, and instructional design from Brigham Young University and Western Governors University. He creates online curriculum for BYU and performs in community theater.
His shorter work has appeared in Bards and Sages Quarterly, Mindflights, Allegory, Meridian, Liahona, and the Ensign.
Michael is represented by Heidi Gordon at Tsunami Literary Ink.
Additional behind-the-scenes work: The Covenant Path.
Find biographies, photos, and book covers in the media kit →
LET’S MAKE SOMETHING MEMORABLE
Bring a little wonder
to your next event.
I speak about writing and revision, family-friendly fantasy, hymns and sacred music, creativity, instructional design, and life in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Planning a podcast, school visit, library program, or event? Find program options and booking details below.