A PMGM TRIBUTE TO TERRY PRATCHETT (Eden Unger Bowditch, et al)

 “It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living.”

-Terry Pratchett

The world is simply that much lighter now. Losing Terry Pratchett is no small thing, in this world- the world of words. There are many writers whom we love, but few are as universal (literally, creating a universe or ‘multiverse’, I should say) as Terry Pratchett. We at PMGM have each had an experience with Pratchett, either loving his work, firsthand, finding his influence in our work, or seeing its influence in other authors we read. A few of us would like to share our thoughts of Terry Pratchett.

-eden

“If you trust in yourself…. and believe in your dreams…. and follow your star… you’ll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy.”

Dianne K. Salerni:

My first introduction to Terry Pratchett's books was NIGHT WATCH -- which was the wrong place to start, what with a character going back in time and referencing the back stories of numerous characters I'd never met. But Pratchett's comic genius was such that I loved it anyway and had to then dive into GUARDS, GUARDS to understand what I'd just read in NIGHT WATCH. 

My husband and daughters and I all love fantasy, but don't often agree on actual books and movies. But all four of us are united on the brilliance of GOING POSTAL, and at least half of us are in love with Carrot. 

 “It’s still magic even if you know how it’s done.”

Kelly Andrews:
I first read the Wee Free Men a few years ago when I immersed myself in reading middle grade fantasy after spending most of my adulthood on "grownup" books. I liked it a lot, but I was intimidated by the sheer size of Terry Pratchett's body of work. Now finding myself with far too many "grownup" problems, I turned back to Pratchett and Tiffany Aching. It's just what I need -- immersive, subversive, and complex, dealing with the big problems of life with good humor. Now I only wish Pratchett's world would grow still larger -- I'm relieved that there will be another book in the Tiffany Aching series, but the end will come too soon.

“There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this.”

Michael Gettel-Gilmartin:

I am embarrassed to admit that I have read only one book by Terry Pratchett. I know, I know: he was one of England's greatest contemporary writers, and a Sir, and hugely prolific. I'm not quite sure what I was doing in the 80s, when the Discworld series began in earnest, except living a roisterous life in Asia and singing way too much karaoke. After the 80s were but an ill-remembered blur, I was aware that Terry Pratchett was doing good work and becoming very popular, and I told myself sporadically that I should read him, just as I should read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. (Still on the TBR pile.)

I did end up reading Good Omens, the novel Terry Pratchett co-authored with his good friend, Neil Gaiman. It is a rip-roaring production, with two wildly comic minds going at it. (If you doubt me, look up all the quotes on Goodreads.)

In fact, let me end with a quotation, now that Terry Pratchett has begun his journey beyond the stars: “DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING," said Death. "JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.”

It has been said that Death has all the good lines--but don't think for a moment that Terry Pratchett won't be at his side now, making them even funnier!
 

“The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short, and the pen is very sharp.”

Marissa Burt

Alas! I haven't read any Terry Pratchett. I did see GOING POSTAL while doing some steampunk research and enjoyed it very much. In fact, watching that made me realize I needed to add his work to my to-read pile immediately! I loved the humor and world-building - very masterfully done. 

“Sometimes it's better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness.”

Eden Unger Bowditch:

My eldest son, my youngest son, my sister, my friends, my last publicist (who once accidentally spilled a pitcher of water in Mr. Pratchett’s lap) were fans of Terry Pratchett when I was newly discovering his magic. My husband and I had our mystery-loving hearts at the bursting with Going Postal. It felt like every aspect of everyday life was introduced through a convex mirror. Utter silliness, raised eyebrows, a wink, a nod, an affect of the natural among the completely ridiculous, and characters you simply adore …this could be found on every page. Once you start, it is hard to stop. THUD!, Reaper Man, The Color of Magic...an impossible list. The thought that the furiously prolific Pratchett pen is now still and the ink pot is dry must give us pause. In the magical world of the word, however, Terry Pratchett will be alive and offering to fill our brains with magic.

“The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.”

Terry Pratchett lovers, share your favorite books and stories with us.