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Tracy HickmanFantasy author, creator of the Dragonlance universe
Date of Birth: 26.11.1955
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Influences
- Missionary Service and Education
- TSR and the Birth of Dragonlance
- Legacy and Collaborations
- Dragon's Bard and Beyond
- Recognition and Honors
Early Life and Influences
Born on November 26, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tracy Hickman's childhood was filled with a diverse range of interests, including theater, music, and aviation. His upbringing in a devout Mormon family would later influence his later works.
Missionary Service and Education
From 1975 to 1977, Hickman embarked on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in Hawaii, Indonesia, and other countries. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Laura Curtis. Their relationship would inspire the creation of Laurana Kanan, a beloved character in the Dragonlance Chronicles. Hickman then pursued higher education at Brigham Young University, honing his writing skills and gaining a diverse work experience that included stints as a grocer, mechanic, theater manager, and film production assistant.
TSR and the Birth of Dragonlance
In 1982, Hickman joined TSR, a leading game company. Recognizing the potential of a new adventure series, he pitched Dragonlance, a collaborative project with Margaret Weis. The franchise grew to encompass multiple novels, gaming modules, calendars, and other merchandise, becoming a resounding success with millions of copies sold.
Legacy and Collaborations
After parting ways with TSR in 1987, Hickman continued his writing career, penning over 30 novels with Weis and creating his own original works such as Requiem of Stars and The Immortals. In 1996, he created the award-winning Ravenloft module for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, which has since spawned a series of popular novels and video games.
Dragon's Bard and Beyond
In 2010, Hickman and Laura launched Dragon's Bard, an online platform where subscribers could receive serialized fiction delivered digitally. This innovative approach drew inspiration from 19th-century literary traditions. Hickman remains an active writer, collaborating with Weis on the Dragonships series and creating a trilogy titled Drakis with his wife.
Recognition and Honors
Hickman's contributions to the gaming industry have earned him widespread acclaim. In 1999, Pyramid magazine hailed him as one of the most influential people of the millennium. In 2002, he was inducted into the prestigious Origins Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to reside in South Jordan, Utah, where he remains an active member of the Mormon community.
