Ten years have passed since Sir Terry Pratchett, the beloved fantasy author, died at the age of 66, eight years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
His longtime friend and agent, Colin Smythe, reflects on their journey together.
Pratchett first met Smythe in 1968 as a young journalist covering a book release.
Expressing his desire to be an author rather than a journalist, he formed a lasting connection with Smythe, who published his first five books before becoming his agent.
Smythe recalls Pratchett’s trust in him, stating, “Terry would tell me: ‘You are the person I distrust the least in the publishing business.’”
Smythe recognized Pratchett’s talent immediately, captivated by his humor and storytelling skill. Their first collaboration, The Carpet People, was published in 1971.
By 1986, after the success of The Light Fantastic, they agreed Pratchett needed a larger publisher, leading to a deal with Victor Gollancz Ltd.
Pratchett’s disciplined writing approach saw him producing at least 400 words daily, often more.
However, he also enjoyed gardening, writing mostly during winter evenings.
Despite his literary success, he remained humble, once joking that he would “pay to be allowed to write.”
Even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which affected his motor skills more than his cognition, Pratchett continued to write, producing six bestsellers before his passing.
Smythe fondly remembers their conversations, where a simple discussion could spark new ideas for Pratchett’s stories.
Reflecting on his friend’s legacy, Smythe describes Pratchett as “a brilliant satirist, imaginative writer, and a person overflowing with ideas and humor.”
Even a decade later, the world continues to cherish his extraordinary contributions to literature.
Also read: Zendaya Net Worth
