Nico was born near Ottawa and raised in Haileybury, a small town on Lake Temiskaming in Northeastern Ontario. He holds a M.A. English (Creative Writing Thesis) from the University of Manitoba and has recently put his doctoral studies at the University of Alberta on hold to focus on his writing. He has appeared at writing and folk festivals across Canada, as well as on TV and radio. He has taught writing and literature in post-secondary institutions in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton. He has also worked as a carpenter.