Sir Terry Pratchett, the author of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Discworld series, has sadly passed away due to complications with his Alzheimers.

Terry Pratchett was one of the most prolific British writers of the last century, best known for his fantastic Discworld books. Set in a fantasy world that flies through space on the back of four elephants carried by an enormous turtle, Discworld started in 1983 as a parody of fantasy clichés. However, it later developed into a fully realised world, filled with very familiar people who just happen to be dwarfs and trolls. Characterised by his sharp wit and keen observation of the world, Pratchett's writing gained a phenomenal world wide following.

His works have been adapted into various forms, including television, radio dramas and even board games. He received many awards and in 2009 received a knighthood for services to literature, which prompted him to forge his own sword as any fantasy author would.

In 2007, Terry Pratchett revealed that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's. This restricted him in many ways, though he continued to write by using dictation software. He campaigned to raise awareness of the illness, presenting the documentary Living With Alzheimer's in 2009 and later going on to present Choosing to Die, in which he addressed the subject of assisted death and his own desire to die on his own terms.

Speaking personally, I am devastated at the news of Sir Terry's passing. His work had a tremendous impact on my life, persuading me to pick up the pen and try writing myself. I was fortunate enough to meet him in 2009, where he gave me some great advice and encouragement.  The photo you see above, horrifying though it might be, is one I actually have framed on my wall.

I'd like to jump in here to give my own thoughts on his passing too. I wasn't as big a fan as Sam was but his worlds influenced a lot of my love for fantasy and the relentless humour and touching realism to his comedy made for engaging, and different, fantastical reading. I think it's time to crack open the Discworld PC game and go on an adventure with Rincewind. - BoW Ben

Terry Pratchett is a great loss to literature. I, and thousands of fans the world over, are very sad at his passing. But as he himself said, Noli Timere Messorem.

The Turtle Moves