Payne was raised in Detroit. He studies and writes about history, depth psychology, metaphysics, and philosophy. He received his MA from the University of Chicago.

When he’s not writing, Payne spends time inspecting beehives, and evenings rolling on Brazilian jiu-jitsu mats. Spare time is devoted to tug-of-war with his girlfriend’s blue-heeler and lifting and dropping concrete blocks in Chicago’s parks with friends.

You can find him on instagram: @paynefulwriting