Hi, I’m Erick Lauber.
Psychologist. Author. Still Figuring Things Out.
Writing about life, people, and the strange things we do. Occasionally on purpose.
I’ve spent much of my life trying to understand people. Why we do what we do. Why we have such a hard time getting along. And why, despite our best intentions, we so often make life more complicated than it needs to be.
After decades of studying psychology, teaching, writing, and working with people, I’ve reached an important conclusion:
Humans are fascinating. Also, a little exhausting.
My books reflect that fascination. I’ve written about raising independent kids, getting along with coworkers, and making life better without treating yourself like a defective kitchen appliance.
And then there’s my historical fantasy novel about a boy who discovers something mysterious beneath an Ohio swamp.
I realize this isn’t exactly a consistent literary career.
But I’m having a good time.
Welcome to my website. Have a look around!
My Latest Books
The Basically Fine Human
A Funny Guide to Making Life Better Without Fixing Yourself
You could probably improve a few things about your life.
You could also probably stand to stop worrying about improving every single thing about your life.
In The Basically Fine Human, I explore the everyday challenges of being a reasonably functional adult. Health, habits, relationships, money, happiness, and all those other things we’re apparently supposed to have figured out by now.
It’s practical advice with a healthy dose of humor, because personal growth shouldn’t feel like being called into the principal’s office.
Beneath the Black Water
Book One of the Great Black Swamp Trilogy
In 1837, a young boy named Christian Lauber moves with his family to the edge of Ohio’s Great Black Swamp.
Life is already difficult enough when he discovers something extraordinary lurking beneath the water.
Inspired by my own ancestors, this historical fantasy novel combines frontier survival, family relationships, mysterious natural forces, and a few things that probably shouldn’t be disturbed.
It’s quite a departure from my other books.
Nobody gets advice about improving their habits. Several people would probably benefit from some.
Coming soon.
A Little About Me
I’m an applied psychologist, former university professor, author, and someone who apparently doesn’t know when to stop finding new things to do.
Over the years, I’ve worked in education, communication, entrepreneurship, and community development. I’ve written books, taught students, helped people work together, and spent a surprising amount of time in meetings discussing how to have fewer meetings.
I like learning new things, exploring new places, and taking on projects that seemed like perfectly reasonable ideas when I started them.
I also believe that life is more interesting when we remain curious, keep trying new things, and don’t take ourselves too seriously.
As a psychologist, I’ve learned that human beings are complicated.
As a human being, I continue to provide supporting evidence.
Let’s Connect
Have a question about one of my books? Interested in a speaking engagement, workshop, or author event?
Or perhaps you’d just like to say hello.
I’d love to hear from you.