Ken Liu

Date of Birth: June 16, 1976

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Ken Liu is a renowned American author and translator of speculative fiction, known for his work in science fiction and fantasy. Born in Lanzhou, China, Liu immigrated to the United States at the age of eleven. He pursued his education with a degree in English from Harvard College and later a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Liu has contributed significantly to the genre, both through his original works and his translations, bringing Chinese science fiction to a broader audience. His debut novel, “The Grace of Kings,” kicked off the Dandelion Dynasty series, which has been praised for its intricate world-building and complex characters. Liu’s short stories, like “The Paper Menagerie,” have won multiple awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards. Besides his own writing, Liu has translated works by other authors, such as Liu Cixin’s “The Three-Body Problem,” making him a pivotal figure in the global science fiction community.

5 Interesting Facts about Ken Liu

1. Ken Liu is fluent in both English and Chinese, which has greatly influenced his work in translating Chinese science fiction.

2. His short story “The Paper Menagerie” is the first work of fiction to win the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.

3. Liu worked as a software engineer and corporate lawyer before becoming a full-time writer.

4. He has a deep interest in history, which heavily influences the world-building in his Dandelion Dynasty series.

5. Ken Liu has also written extensively about the intersection of technology, ethics, and society, reflecting his academic background and diverse career experiences.