The author was a published writer and experienced book editor. His work appeared on the radio and in several periodicals and nonfiction books, including: National Public Radios All Things Considered, The Harvard Crimson, Harvard University Gazette, The Harvard Education Report, The Young Readers Companion, The Student Handbook, The Volume Library and The Weekly Reader. Lawrence taught in some of the premier college prep schools in Boston, New York City, and Long Island. He earned degrees in Literature and Education from Georgetown, Harvard, and was working toward his Ph.D. at the University of Rochester at the time of his death.