Mary Kirchoff (born 1959) is an American author and former game‑industry editor, best known for her contributions to the Dragonlance fantasy setting and for a range of children’s and young‑adult novels.
Early life and education
Kirchoff was born in the United States in 1959. Details of her early education and family background have not been widely documented in reliable secondary sources.
Career
Kirchoff began working for TSR, Inc., the publisher of the Dungeons & Dragons role‑playing game, in the mid‑1980s. During her tenure at TSR, she served as a senior editor on the Dragonlance product line, overseeing the development of novels, game modules, and supplementary materials. Her editorial work contributed to the expansion of the Dragonlance franchise in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In addition to her editorial duties, Kirchoff co‑authored several Dragonlance titles, including the novel The Second Generation (1994) and the Young Adventurer series. After leaving TSR in the late 1990s, she pursued a career as a freelance writer, producing original works of fantasy and children’s literature. Notable standalone titles include The Forest of the Humans (2002) and The Stone of Judgment (2005).
Bibliography (selected)
- The Second Generation (1994, co‑author) – a Dragonlance novel exploring the descendants of the original heroes.
- The Young Adventurer series (1995–1997) – a collection of juvenile fantasy novels set in the Dragonlance world.
- The Forest of the Humans (2002) – a standalone fantasy novel for young readers.
- The Stone of Judgment (2005) – a fantasy adventure novel aimed at a middle‑grade audience.
Later activities
Kirchoff has participated in fantasy conventions and panel discussions concerning the development of role‑playing game literature. She has also contributed short stories to various anthologies, though these contributions are sporadic.
Reception and legacy
Kirchoff’s work is recognized for its contribution to the expansion of the Dragonlance universe and for introducing younger audiences to fantasy narratives. Critics have generally praised her ability to blend traditional fantasy tropes with accessible storytelling for younger readers.
Personal life
Kirchoff maintains a low public profile; personal details beyond her professional career are not extensively covered in verifiable sources.
References
- ISFDB (Internet Speculative Fiction Database) author entry for Mary Kirchoff.
- TSR corporate archives and Dragonlance product histories.
- Publisher catalog listings for the titles cited above.