Laura Curtis Hickman was born on December 7, 1956. Details about her birthplace and early childhood are limited, but it is known that she grew up in a family and community that fostered creativity and imagination.

While specific details of her primary and secondary education are scarce, this period likely saw the development of her love for reading, writing, and storytelling, which are crucial to her later career as a fantasy author.

Laura met Tracy Hickman sometime in the mid-1970s. This meeting would prove to be pivotal, both personally and professionally, leading to a lifelong partnership and collaboration.