Goodbye Terry Pratchett.

Another of my writing colleagues passes away into the . . .  well, in Sir Terry Pratchett’s case, I’m sure it involves a giant turtle floating in space somewhere. Fantasy author Terry Pratchett, creator of the Discworld series, has sadly lost his battle against Alzheimer’s disease today.

If you, like me, are a big fan of his books, you’ll be pleased to know there is one final novel in the Discworld series coming out at the end of this year.

Goodbye Terry Pratchett.

I met Terry a few times at conventions and events where we were both guests of honour. He was rather grumpy (hey, who am I to talk), always amusing, and obviously cuttingly clever. He reminded my a little of my dad, who was a well-known journalist back in the day, the same as Terry before he switched from newspapers to writing fiction. I think you either go into journalism a little grouchy, or a career there turns you crabby and wearily world-wise after enough years.

The last time I saw Terry was at a big fantasy author event at Waterstones’ department store-sized branch at London Piccadilly – he was in top form that evening and kept up a running commentary of funny observations, even though it was obvious that Alzheimer’s was starting to bite.

A great author, and like another writer acquaintance of mine, Iain Banks, taken far before his time. He’ll be having words with Death about that one (and Death’s grand-daughter Susan).

Let’s leave the last words to the great man himself . . .

‘Don’t think of it as dying,’ said Death. ‘Just think of leaving early to beat the rush.’
– Terry Pratchett: Good Omens

Category: Book Reviews