James Dean Hickman was originally born in Colorado but as an infant was quickly relocated to his true hometown, Billings Montana. James has developed a deep love for Billings and can often be heard arguing with uninspired folk that have convinced themselves that “there’s nothing to do in this town.”

James is currently a student at MSUB, pursuing a business degree and is active in the student organization community. He serves as Editor-in-chief of The Rook (MSUB’s student run art and literature publication for over a decade.) As well as the Creativity Editor of The Retort, and the Membership Coordinator of The Forge Production House, (MSUB’s audio video club.)

On top of writing for The Retort James occasionally writes for the local weekly paper, The Billings Outpost. He, along with his partner Pete Tolton, started a local Slam Poetry League called Montana Slam, that holds regular competitions and publishes the art/lit rag Brushfire.