No words, however well-intentioned, can sum up my sadness at this news.
Dreadful, dreadful shame. I own all of Pratchett's Discworld novels (plus encyclopedias, plays, maps, talking books etc...) A Discworld novel could always be relied on as an escape whenever I was feeling down, while also shifting my perspective and making me think.
I met Sir Terry twice at book signings and conventions. He was always such a kind, shy man, and so utterly charming, who expressed himself so wonderfully through his books. I also found over the years that reading his books had, perhaps unconsciously, also influenced my own writing (and I've been writing for the past 20 years, ever since I finished high school).
I shall miss him terribly.
Oook...
