Bram grew up in Kempsville, Virginia (outside Norfolk), where he was a paperboy and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1974 (B.A. in English). He moved to New York City in 1978.

Many critics have noted that Bram's writing exhibits a deep understanding of human nature as well as society's impact on individual lives - both gay and straight - during the past century. He has written nine novels and had numerous articles and essays published. He has also written several screenplays, including two shorts that were directed by his partner, Draper Shreeve.