Ball Lightning

Liu Cixin is a renowned Chinese science fiction author, known for his captivating storytelling and imaginative concepts that have earned him both national and international acclaim. Born in Yangquan, Shanxi province, China, in 1963, Liu has become a trailblazer in the Chinese literary world with his works of science fiction.

Liu started writing science fiction in the 1980s, while he was still a student at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. His debut novel, "Supernova Era," was published in 1989 and received positive reviews from critics and readers alike. Since then, Liu has written numerous short stories, novellas, and novels, establishing himself as one of China's most prominent science fiction authors.

Liu's works are known for their intricate and thought-provoking themes, such as time travel, the universe, artificial intelligence, and the human condition. His most famous work, "The Three-Body Problem," won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, making Liu the first Asian author to receive the award. The novel's success has since led to an English translation of the entire "Remembrance of Earth's Past" trilogy, of which "The Three-Body Problem" is the first book.

In addition to his literary accomplishments, Liu is also a prolific contributor to China's scientific community. He is a graduate of the China Mine University, where he majored in computer engineering. After graduation, he worked as a computer engineer in a power plant and later as a civil servant in the Shanxi province government. Liu's scientific background has allowed him to incorporate scientific concepts and theories into his works of fiction, making them more grounded and believable.

Liu's contributions to Chinese science fiction have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, he was awarded the China Galaxy Science Fiction Award for Lifetime Achievement, and in 2019 he was awarded the Galaxy Award for Most Popular Foreign Author in China. Liu's works have also been translated into many languages, including English, French, and German, bringing his unique brand of science fiction to readers around the world.

Liu's impact on science fiction extends far beyond his native China. He has inspired a new generation of Chinese writers, and his works have introduced many Western readers to the world of Chinese science fiction. Liu's storytelling and ideas have resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most important science fiction authors of our time.