Born and raised in an upper middle-class family in rural Chilpachingo, Guerrero, Luis frequented the local cinema to escape environment. He studied French literature at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

He rose to popularity in the 1970s with books about the youth subculture of Mexico City. His novels examine the connection between daily life and the popular culture of radio, television, and film. An open gay writer, Luis discusses gay issues in his novels and short stories. Luis' ability is to put together oral language (most of his texts are converstaions of people from all social classes), Mexican and American popular culture.