Many hearts stopped after a beloved author announced that he no longer was able to attend an upcoming The Discworld Convention 2014 (jump to this news) where he was meant to be a guest of honour. It is completely understandable that dedicated fans were fearing the worst with the reason for cancellation given being a poor health condition. Even though taking a break was necessary in this case, Sir Terry Pratchett is not quite ready to leave the stage yet and we will be hearing about him a lot this year.
Terry Pratchett is not slowing down, and he makes sure that his publishers will have something to do. This year readers will be treated with a few publications coming out practically one after another. There is a lot of excitement to handle.
21st August 2014 - The Discworld Diary 2015
11th September 2014 - Dragons at Crumbling Castle
These are just reminders. Full article on them is available HERE.
25th September 2014 - A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Non-fiction
With a foreword from Neil Gaiman himself, this release looks very promising.
“With all the humour and humanity that have made his novels so enduringly popular, this collection brings Pratchett out from behind the scenes of the Discworld to speak for himself - man and boy, bibliophile and computer geek, champion of hats, orang-utans and Dignity in Dying.”
Sir Terry’s stream of thoughts written up in the form of essays, touching subjects both serious and surreal, surely will reveal something new and compelling. The finest collection of Pratchett’s non-fiction works will, among other things, present deep contemplations on mushrooms, and try to describe what it means to be a writer (“and why banana daiquiris are so important” – and apparently they are vital!). Terry will talk passionately about things dear to him, and this includes memories of Granny Pratchett and the mystery of Gandalf’s love life. The title, that implies accidentality / fortuity, is another proof of never weakening Pratchett-y wit, especially in the face of his disease that makes typing on his own impossible.
One of the fans summed it up in the most adequate and touching way: “Terry could write a blurb on the back of a cereal box and I'd be hooked!”
9th October 2014 - Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook (Discworld)
This invaluable guide to the railways of Ankh-Morpork is something that every decent steam enthusiast should have in their collection. Allegedly (who knows!) authorised by Mr Lipwig of the Ankh-Morpork and Sto Plains Hygienic Railway himself, it describes destinations and diversions of the railway in the Discworld. One should not dare to travel without this book in their luggage. Fully illustrated and with a beautifully styled, old-looking, cover; it is loaded with useful tips. It features :
- From the twine walk of Great Slack to the souks of Zemphis: edifying sights along the route.
-Ticketing, nostrums and transporting your swamp dragon: essential hints on the practicalities of travel.
- Elegant resorts and quaint inns: respectable and sanitary lodgings for all species and heights.
- From worm-herding to Fustic Cake: diverting trivia on the crafts, foods and brassica traditions of the many industrious people for whom the railway is now a vital link to the Century of the Anchovy.
Make a place on your Pratchett bookshelf. Many goods might be coming your way between the end of Summer and Fall.