Lawrence holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, was a college professor for 10 years, and currently works as the director of research for a mental health & addiction services medical center. He's one of the world's foremost authorities on the Klingon language. He also runs Paper Golem, a speculative fiction small press. And he's a certified hypnotherapist.His fiction draws on his professional expertise, and it's no surprise to find themes of language, memory, and cognition throughout his work. There's a generally light and humorous tone to most of his fiction, and his style has frequently been described as harkening back to a simpler time in SF. He's been nominated for the Campbell Award for Best New Writer, the Hugo Award for Best Short Story, three times for the Nebula Award for Best Novella. This year he received a Nebula Award nomination for Best Novel for BARSK: THE ELEPHANTS' GRAVEYARD.