Terry Pratchett had led a pretty normal life until people started buying his books. At first, he thought it was a good way to earn a little extra money to build a bigger greenhouse, but when the greenhouse looked like taking over the garden he realised that he would never have to work again.

Few authors are as accessible to the public as Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld series. He often posts to his own newsgroup (alt.fan.pratchett) which is a bit like God turning up in church and sitting in a pew. He spends an enormous amount of time wading through fan mail, but the times when everyone got a response have long gone.

The Discworld is now BIG business. Clarecraft (now closed) were the first people to see the marketing opportunities and their range of Discworld figures is still in demand today. Each new figure was scrutinized by Terry and Clarecraft often made adjustments as a result of his comments. This sort of involvement is typical of Terry who has always been very careful to control the quality of Discworld spin-offs. And nobody knows that better than CMOT Briggs

ITS THE NIGHT BEFORE HOGSWATCH.AND IT'S TOO QUIET.

Where is the big jolly fat man?Why is Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho?The darkest night of the year is getting a lot darker...

Susan the gothic governess has got to sort it out by morning, otherwise there won't be a morning.Ever again...

The 20th Discworld novel is a festive feast of darkness and Death (but with jolly robins and tinsel too).

As they say:You'd better watch out...