James Mitchum Oates is the pen name of Brian Steven Curtis. He was born in Chicago, IL. on Oct. 19, 1975. At a young age, he moved with his family to Kansas City, MO. He received his Associate's Degree from Penn Valley Community College in 2004. From there, he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Corrections. He is the author of 8 published books, one of which is being screened for a movie adaptation, and has also been nominated to win the Eric Hoffer award. His marital status is single and he has no children.