Discworld Monthly - Issue 277 - May 2020
↑≡1. Editorial
Rachel here.
I am sitting here writing this on Terry's 72nd Birthday, which is also Discworld Monthly's 23rd Birthday.
It should be a day of cake, balloons and raising a glass of something alcoholic and yet I don't know about you, but I am finding it quite tough at the moment.
Whilst I am used to working alone from home day in, day out, my social life is usually very active. Having just spent most of April not going to the major events I usually frequent with a few hundred friends, I've come to realise how important my social life is to my mental health.
I know we are all in the same boat and whilst many are finding solidarity in seeing friends through Zoom, Skype etc and also churning out tons of social media content, I personally am struggling with getting out of bed, let alone actually doing anything productive. I feel like I have been hit with a bus, repeatedly like it's a baseball bat and this lockdown is the school bully hitting me with it.
I am trying to read books (I am currently reading all the Mr Men books as my concentration has gone down the pan) , trying to concentrate on films, yet the only thing I can actual concentrate on and enjoy is playing a board game (Currently slightly addicted to Ticket to Ride - we now have 9 versions / expansions of it) or making pancakes.
I even have had a minor breakdown because I couldn't find our Rollercoaster Club membership cards (even though we are unlikely to need them this year) and I tipped my entire house upside down looking for them until 2 days after I stopped looking for them, they popped up in that horrid place we all call "Safe Place".
I have no real clue what I am trying to say here, but I just want you all to know, however you are feeling, you are not alone.
Any and all feelings that you are feeling at this time are normal reactions to the unknown future that we have ahead of us.
I just hope that at some point I get to go to Flamingoland and ride the new 10 inversion rollercoaster they were meant to open this year - and when I do, I hope a bunch of my friends are with us to do it.
Huge Virtual Hugs for you all (because I actually need a real one)
Rachel
Jason here.
Last time I said we were living in interesting times - and here we are a few weeks later and there is currently no signs of improvement. So let's take some positives out of it all.
We are really excited about the new production collaboration between Narrativia, Motive Pictures and Endeavor Content, we may finally get the Discworld adaptation that we want, or as close to it as is possible / practical.
We're 23 years old. Yep, 23 years ago I sent out the first ever Discworld Monthly to 250 subscribers. I never kept track of who those first 250 were - I wonder how many are still subscribers now. Probably moving from one email address to another as technology moves along. Why not drop us a line and let us know when you first discovered Discworld Monthly.
Little did I know when I sent out the first issue it was actually on Terry's birthday (stuff like that wasn't as easy to discover back then) . Funny how these things happen by accident - much like starting Discworld Monthly in the first place.
Other than the adaptation news and a couple of new book releases things have been very quiet as nobody is able to get out and do things. This and the next few newsletters might be a little on the lite side until things start to improve.
Please, please, please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Follow the social distancing rules (man I miss hugs) and hopefully we'll find a way out of this sooner rather than later.
Jason
BBC Radio 4 recently ran an article on its website about Magical Places in fiction. We are pleased to see Discworld made it in at number 7.
Gremlins appear to have got into the Birmingham Hilton National Hotel's booking system this week for those attempting to book hotel rooms for the International Discworld Convention that is due to take place in early August. Unfortunately the problems mean that hotel booking has had to be suspended while the problems are ironed out.
The Convention Committee assures us that there are plenty of rooms still available and that things will get sorted very soon. Updates will be emailed out when the gremlins have been evicted.
Keep an eye on their facebook page and 2020.dwcon.org
BackSpindle Games, the team behind the Guards! Guards! and The Clacks board games are running a competition that finishes soon. To be in with a chance of winning a copy of their fantasy board game MourneQuest is visit their website Back Spindle MorneQuest Competition
You may have noticed that since issue 274 some changes have been made to the way we display affiliate links in the newsletter. We are still working out the best way to move forward and hope the improvements we have made this month will make life easier for you, our ever faithful reader, and for us the archivers of the news.
If you have something you'd like to chat with other fans about, why not send us a readers' letter, to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
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Jason Rincewind Anthony-Rowlands (Editor and Wizzard) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Rachel Anthony-Rowlands (Missing Everyone) rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Richard Massey (Scared of a demogorgon)
If you want to make a small, purely optional, financial donation to the upkeep of the newsletter please use our Paypal account info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
We'd like to thank all those that have already helped, you really do make a difference.
↑≡1.1 Important Information
We have several places where you can get up to the minute news and information about all things Discworld from Discworld Monthly.
Facebook: Discworld Monthly Facebook Page
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And our website, discworldmonthly.co.uk which contains loads of information about the books, stage productions around the world, interesting articles, back issues and our merchandise shop.
↑≡1.2 Submissions
Want to make your opinions about the Discworld known to the world?
Have you been to see a play or a Discworld related event and want to write a review about it?
Then get writing! We are always on the lookout for exclusive articles and reviews to share with our readers so don't hesitate, email us today with the subject Article/Review at rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
If you are putting on a stage production or know of a stage production near you, please email us and let us know about that too.
We happily advertise all stage productions for free and we can help in other ways too. Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk with the Subject line "Stage Production".
The deadline for submissions to issue 277 of Discworld Monthly is whatever day the 23rd May 2020 is.
↑≡1.3 Merchandise
Discworld Monthly has an amazing (if we say so ourselves) range of mugs , badges , fridge magnets , keyrings , and window stickers for sale worldwide.
If you love the idea of The Watch series, we have our very own Vimes and Errol range available for your delight.
If you want something a bit more personal, you can always show your love for your favourite Discworld newsletter with a personalised Discworld Monthly mug.
↑≡2. News
2.1 The BIG NEWS - Discworld Universe is coming to a screen near you.
The Discworld Universe is going to be brought to life in a series of definitive screen adaptations.
Narrativia has joined forces with Motive Pictures and Endeavor Content in a development deal that will create truly authentic Discworld screen adaptations.
Endeavor Content have previously been involved in arranging deals for Killing Eve and His Dark Materials to be produced.
Motive Pictures is the TV company that will actually make the screen adaptations of Terry's works.
From the press release, we can deduce that the adaptations will stay faithful to the books with both Rhianna Pratchett and Rob Wilkins being much more involved than in any other production.
As to which books will make it to the screen, we can only guess as currently there is no further information other than the information that this deal has been made.
As soon as we know more, we will let you know.
*Please notice The Watch Tv series is not mentioned within the press release and thus we can deduce that it will not be part of the Discworld Universe that they are building.*
Also where The Amazing Maurice film sits within this, the only answer we currently have is - nobody knows.
If you fancy reading the press release in full, you can do so on our website Discworld Universe .
If you want to tell us where you think they should start the Discworld Universe, email us and let us know with the subject line "Discworld Universe"
[I think they should start at Wyrd Sisters personally - Rachel]
↑≡2.2 Book Release News - The Ankh-Morpork Archives Vol 2
The Ankh-Morpork Archives Vol 2 will be released in October 2020.
Containing the interesting bits from the City Watch diary 1999, the Fool's Guild diary from 2001, The Reformed Vampyres Diary from 2003 and Lu Tze Year of Enlightenment, this volume is priced at 25GBP and has 240 pages with enlarged illustrations by Paul Kidby.
↑≡2.3 All the Discworld's a Stage - Volume TWO - Minor Update
We can confirm that this will contain the scripts for the play adaptations of Hogfather, The Shakespeare Codex and Stephen Briggs' adaptation of Lords and Ladies.
All the Discworld's a Stage : Vol 2 will be released on the 30th June 2020 published by Oberon Modern Playwrights. With 312 pages of script delight to entertain you and thrill you, we do also expect these three play scripts to come out as individual books.
View our affiliate links to order All the Discworld's a Stage: Volume 2↑≡2.4 Other Book Releases
Nothing new in this section , but I thought you would all like a reminder.
There are several other book releases on the radar currently for 2020.
In April a new academic look at Terry's books will be coming out.
Terry Pratchett's Ethical Worlds: Essays on Identity and Narrative in Discworld is edited by Kristin Noone and Emily Lavin Leveret
This collection of essays uses inventiveness and creation as a thematic core to combine normally disparate themes, such as science fiction studies, the effect of collaborative writing and shared authorship, steampunk aesthetics, productive modes of "ownership," intertextuality, neomedievalism and colonialism, adaptations into other media, linguistics and rhetorics, and coming of age as an act of free will.
Price 43.50GBP in the UK and 39.95USD in the US
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In July we are really looking forward to Marc Burrow's Biography called The Magic of Terry Pratchett. Published by Pen and Sword, reports are showing its release date to be the 30th of July.
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In August
The City Watch Journal is due out on the 6th August 2020, this beautiful journal is also part of the theme of City Watch items coming this year.
Priced at 16.99GBP, the journal is available to pre-order now.
View our affiliate links to order The City Watch JournalOn the 20th August,Terry Pratchett's Discworld City Watch Collector's Edition 2021 Calendar
Priced at 14.99GBP, the calendar is available to pre-order now.
View our affiliate links to order Discworld Calendar 2021A new collection of short stories by various authors will be published by Puffin books.
The Puffin Book of Funny Stories has stories and extracts from best-loved classic authors Joan Aiken, Terry Pratchett, Dick King-Smith, Rebecca Elliott, Humza Arshad, Henry White, Julian Clary, Sam Copeland and other contemporary writers.
ISBN-13: 978-0241434734
Price 7.99GBP in the UK in paperback, 3.99GBP on kindle
View our affiliate links to order Puffin Book of Funny Stories---
In September
The Time-Travelling Caveman and other stories
Available in 4 different formats from the 3rd September.
Standard hardback will be 15.99GBP
Slipcased deluxe edition will be 25GBP
Audio cd edition 6.99GBP.
Kindle 8.99GBP
View our affiliate links to order The Time-Travelling Caveman and other stories---
Illustrated Guards! Guards!
There is a trio of glorious illustrated editions due out on the 3rd September 2020
With each of the editions containing 12 full page colour illustrations and series of pencil drawings, these editions of Guards! Guards! follow the format of the illustrated Good Omens that were released last year.
View our affiliate links to order Illustrated Guards! Guards!↑≡3. DiscTrivia
This month, Jason is asking some of the questions from the Wyrdest Link quiz that took place at the Llamedos Holiday Camp..
| Q1. | What was Rincewind's room number at UU? |
| Q2. | Which two Post Office workers staffed the Blind Letter Room? |
| Q3. | In what year was the Being Bloody Stupid Act passed? a) 1521 b) 1581 c) 1621 d) 1671 |
| Q4. | The ambiguous puzuma has what markings on its body? |
| Q5. | What substance eventually floods the cellar of the Times office? |
The answers as usual can be found at the end of this issue.
↑≡4. Birthdays
Everyone has a birthday. If you know someone who would like a mention or if you would like your birthday included in the listings, send us an email the month before your birthday and we will add it to the list! Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk Subject: Birthday
Happy Birthday to everyone who has a birthday this month especially Jazmyn Turnbull, Shirley Farnham, Susan Offen-James, Angela Corona, Bernie Heyes, Mark Bicknell, Shaun Rippon, Robert Flach, Sven Harvey, Sharon Henry, Rachel Brown, Favi Thompson, Ashleigh Hopkins, Brendan Bolger, Matt Binding,Dave Northey, Dawn MacCallaugh, Ken Cornhill, Becky Hird, Andy Baker, Richard Degg, Lee Potts-Pointer, Keir Brown, Carole Fletcher, Michael Van, Elizabeth Alway and Susan Offen-James
↑≡5. Readers' Letters
If you have any letters or comments, please email them to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. We may edit your letters by changing any swear words into shakespearean insults. It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.
We make an editorial decision on what letters to include. Sometimes the opinions expressed in a letter are not the same as our own but we reserve the right to publish them nevertheless. You might not like the content of the letters we publish and we encourage you to write in your own constructive letters explaining your points of view. We will not shy away from you including letters that question our views and expect our readers to be able to accept that not everyone has the same point of view on all subjects.
Below are a few letters I received a couple of months ago and dutifully filed away to include in the newsletter and then forgot about. Jason
Please bear in mind that the Discworld Universe does NOT include The Watch Tv series and thus if we read deeply between the lines, it looks like we will only get the one season of it anyway whether you love it or hate it - Rachel
* From: "Martin Burke" massimillio@gmail.com
I've read Rachel's article on The Watch, and read Jason's view and Nick Smith's letter with some dismay.
Both Jason and Nick seemed to believe that The Watch should be as close as possible to the City Watch from the books. But why? To my mind, part of the problem with film and TV adaptations of PTerry's work are that you cannot include all of the complexity of a novel into a 2.5 film or even 6 hour-long TV shows. The TV show of Good Omens removed some sections of the book to fit 6 hour-long episodes and that was a shorter book than many Discworld books. People then complained about the removal of those sections, and I recall similar complaints about the adaptations of The Colour of Magic, Hogfather, and Going Postal. Anytime you remove sections of a beloved book, people get precious and bemoan that the visual version is 'dumbing down' the source material.
So I was initially apprehensive of a TV version of the City Watch. How could a carefully constructed whodunit, which introduces and develops so many different characters, be told within a 60 minute format? The news from back in 2012 that The Watch would be a police procedural drama series already seemed to indicate that the TV show wouldn't be a faithful retelling of one of the City Watch novels. This cheered me as rather than shoe-horn a Discworld novel into a TV series, you might get a TV series of Discworld-type stories told within the TV show medium. As long as the writer of these Discworld-type stories was sympathetic to the original ideals of Discworld this was, to me, a better outcome.
Rachel's article and the accompanying pictures show that The Watch isn't set in Ankh-Morpork on the Discworld as we PTerry fans know it. But we PTerry fans know that Ankh-Morpork is a part medieval, part Victorian city and the Discworld sits on the backs of four elephants who stand on Great A'Tuin; this knowledge was built through numerous books. Trying to explain all of this to the viewers of a TV series who may not be familiar with the Discworld, and not instantly turn them off due to a long opening exposition is difficult. It's easier to show Ankh-Morpork as what appears to be a post-apocalyptic city falling into decay. This type of dystopian setting is easy to understand for a viewer unfamiliar with the Discworld mythology. It also makes sense when you consider that John Keel was trying to save a corrupt and chaotic city, and yet by Sam Vimes's time the city appears to be more broken. The direction isn't of a city on an upwards trend, but of one falling into increased despair.
So once you have the new setting, which makes it easier for viewers to understand the workings of Ankh-Morpork, it stands to reason that some of the characters can change as well.
Vimes is still trying to fight against the system, remembering the city as it was when he was a raw recruit under (Captain!) Keel.
Carrot is the 'everyman' who we see the world through. In the books he trained Angua, but for the TV series it makes sense for him to be the rookie and Angua the tough corporal who is Vimes's right hand wolf. The fact that Carrot looks nothing like the book description is superfluous – no-one (apart from possibly Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime) would look like the book description (6 feet tall and almost as broad across the shoulders) .
Anna Chancellor as (Lady) Vetinari might be a wonderful piece of casting, as she's a fine actress. Playing Vetinari as a cross between Dracula and Elvis (although hopefully more towards the Dracula end of the scale) sounds interesting. I'd have preferred Charles Dance to reprise his role, but then even he doesn't quite match the book's description of Vetinari.
Lady Sybil Rankin doesn't appear to be a dragon enthusiast. This would require the TV show to introduce dragons, which would again require effort. Therefore, she doesn't have to be a large woman at home in wellies and a leather apron. The TV show appears to make her more like Batman or Arrow, working as a vigilante. There is still the potential for her to meet and approve of Sam Vimes, though, as they both want the same thing – the city to return to its former glory.
Throat appears to be transformed from an opportunist entrepreneur to a Fagin-type character. I suppose in a dystopian setting selling sausages-inna-bun isn't an occupation with a long lifespan. I'm not sure if this transformation will work, and I'll be interested to see how her physical disability is worked into the story (or not) , but I'm willing to give the writers the benefit of the doubt until I've seen the outcome.
As this Ankh-Morpork doesn't appear to have a problem with females in positions of power (Vetinari, Lady Sybil, Throat) so Cheery Littlebottom being a female dwarf doesn't have the same effect. Anyone without knowledge of Discworld wouldn't query the idea that female dwarves are unusual – they must exist for dwarves to breed. In order for Cheery to be 'different' in this setting being female wouldn't work, so making her non-binary is a way to highlight this little injustice. I'm pleased that the writers thought about this, and it shows that they are trying to maintain the Discworld themes of diversity.
Wonse being a female wizard isn't actually non-canonical for the Discworld. Esk was a wizard (or as close to a wizard as you could get) . But again, the reasoning for wizards being male in the Discworld is something which relies on knowledge of the Discworld over several books; easier to just gloss over this as an alternative Discworld.
I'm not sure of Ingrid Oliver as Doctor Cruces; not because of her abilities or even the sex of the casting (female assassins are definitely canonical) but simply because she's too young. Although this is the Assassin's Guild, so it can be argued that you gain promotion through Dead Men's Shoes, literally.
With John Keel played by an obviously different actor, I'm assuming that The Watch won't be including the Night Watch storyline, despite the presence of Carcer and his write-up mentioning a different reality.
Generally, I'm glad that the TV show isn't going to be a re-telling of a City Watch story, as the medium isn't always conducive to re-telling a novel. Yes, they've made changes so this is no longer a TV show set on *our* Discworld; get over it - it's a show set on *a* Discworld (and one that may not even be disc-shaped or include Great A'Tuin) . That's not the important thing; the important thing is that Discworld-type stories get told and re-told so that people think about the world around them. And that they make us laugh.
Jason replies: If it's too hard / expensive to make it close to Terry's vision then why bother. I think if someone gave me the plot and list of characters and didn't mention Discworld I might actually like the idea of the series. But don't claim it's one thing and then give me something else. I hold out much more hope with the new faithful adaptations.
* From: "Javier Miguel-Hidalgo" endorphene@gmail.com
Note : Sorry, this email was just supposed to be a quick thing and it's turned out to be rather long. I hope that it's not too much of a ramble..
Just wanted to say thanks for your informative write up on the watch series, I felt that it was (mostly) fair and balanced and will give people a better understanding of the situation.
To my mind I think that a lot of people have been overly critical of the series based on a little writing and a few pics. Now don't get me wrong I fully understand why. Terry meant a lot to me and his books are more precious to us his dear readers than a certain ring is to Gollum.
But... And it's a big but, there are any number of things that we need to take into account that should temper people's criticisms.
Firstly, we don't know enough and we haven't seen enough of the show to fully form a solid opinion. We have had nothing more than a little teeny weeny glimpse of the show and based solely on that people are willing to judge an entire series of content which isn't fair.
Secondly, budget. Reportedly they have 2 million GBP per episode, to put this into perspective Game of thrones was costing 15 million USD per episode towards the last few seasons of its run. You aren't going to get LotR, GoT, The Witcher, etc. type visuals and effects from a relatively small budget like this. This will be the biggest single reason why compromises have been made.
Having electrification is easier and cheaper, using pre-existing settings that can be more easily made steampunk is cheaper, etc. This leads me to my next topic of casting.
Thirdly, casting. This was never gonna be the watch that we had in our heads, I wish that it was but you know what? Each of our heads are different and each of our watches will be slightly different too! Now I'm not going to talk about every character but personally I think that in some cases people are making a mountain over a molehill.
Were they right in de-aging and slimming down Lady Sybil? No!
Vetinari a woman? So what, no really, who cares? If she can play Vetinari well I couldn't care less.
Angua, Other than giving her a haircut we know NOTHING about her. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so please don't comment on her "looks". I also like the fact that she seems a little muddy / scruffy it suits a werewolf better in my opinion.
Lastly, I want to talk about Cheery. (This first but is presumptuous I'm afraid)
Have you noticed that we haven't seen any dwarfs? I have a feeling that this will probably be because there aren't any because of budget, the tricks and effects employed by LotR cost money and i suspect that this will be a main driver.
Secondly, Discworld is a mirror of worlds and especially of our Roundworld. To me the story of Cheery and Dwarfkind dealing with its women coming out mirrors (among other things) some of the issues experienced by non-binary and trans people today.
Making the story of Cheery more relevant and relatable to today's society isn't a bad thing, is this the Cheery that we all know and love. Well to me, the answer is somewhere between yes and no.
I've rambled far too much, so I will finish with saying this. Will the series be good? I honestly don't know but is making decisions based on a couple of set photos any way to make this choice? No.
* From: "Mr Matthew Gale" mrgale@gmail.com
Re your published letter from "Nick Smith" in your last newsletter.
I have followed this newsletter since I was knee high to a wee free man, I have always found it affable and a useful window into the world of discs.
It was very disappointing to read a letter like this published. The jibe about a black actors appearance being due to being burnt by a swamp dragon, the gender switched casting referred to as trans and a general palpable contempt at the very idea of women being given "male" roles. Did I miss a note saying this issue of the email was 1950s themed, complete with casual bigotry?
Though we have very little info... I have little interest in the clearly offbook new watch show myself, a "loosely inspired by" at best and even the smattering of its original ideas we have been told all sound very trite and yes the new version of the characters aren't cast like the descriptions from the book (though thats fairly low down my list of concerns.)
i.e. Lady Ramkin being a vigilante fighter rather than an imposing mature woman does not sound like a step forward for feminism or anyone.
But I would say if you can't express your disappointment without lapsing into some gammon'esque display of concern about PC gone mad, do not express it at all. There is nothing very TP about being a total prat and I am disappointed in editorial powers-that-be picking this
out as an example of fan criticism... when I hope this kind of talk is very much not emblematic of a typical fan.
* From: "Therusha Naidoo" th3rusha@gmail.com
I live in South Africa, where this is being filmed and had applied in September last year to be an extra.
But as the production had decided not to have any fantasy characters, no-one was asked back which was a sad moment as it would have been a dream to be in something from my favorite author.
As I read more and more about it though I find myself feeling disappointed and worried that it will be horrid. I do not have anything against the gender swaps or ethnicity of characters.
I just don't like the core of characters messed with I guess and am hoping that I am horribly wrong and that it will be worth it.
My partner and I also found the set last by accident over the weekend and plan to check it out again soon.
If I can get any pics, I will send, not going to break the law or anything, just watch from afar.
As always so glad I am part of an epic community.
Jason replies: Please don't go breaking into sets etc just to get some photos. We are quite happy to wait to see what comes from the series.
* From: "Simon Pogson" srpogson@gmail.com
Firstly, love your newsletter. Thanks for producing it. Good to hear the latest developments from Discworld and other Terry books.
I read your synopsis of the latest developments of The Watch with interest. Please, though, can I ask you to keep an open mind. The danger is that you may put people off watching before the series is even finished. It may turn out to be really good!
It does sound a shame that the producers have deviated from the storylines and our own interpretations of the books. It is difficult to interpret books exactly like our own image of them should be. Maybe the producers thought that the changes may work better in the context of a tv series? I'm not defending the producers but just feel we should wait for the final product before giving such a strong judgement.
Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised! I want the series to be a success and do trust the BBC. I just don't want people to be put off before it's finished!
* From: "Nancy O'Shea" dallasjr58@gmail.com
I am so very, very grateful to have PTerry on my Bookshelves. Re reading him at the moment is the perfect antidote for these "Interesting Times". New Zealand is coping well , we are all in full lock down, so Stay Home and Break the Chain means many more hours just reading.
much love.
Nancy O'Shea
Auckland, New Zealand
* From: "Alan Chilman" alanchilman@gmail.com
I am amazed that some people would cancel their subscription to your fantastic newsletter, just because they do not agree with something that you publish.
I read all the letters as being one person's opinion and nothing more, if I do not agree with it I ignore it and move on.
Keep up the great work, I always look forward to seeing the newsletter. You are doing a wonderful job.
From XXXX
Jason replies: Sadly, we had at least another two subscribers who left over this.
* From: "Pete Johnson" dalektails@gmail.com
My first taste of Pratchett was "feet of clay". Before that, (AFTER reading American jacket blurbs , I dismissed him as a Tolkien rip-off.)
After a co-worker of mine forced a copy of F.O.C. on me, and I finally read it. Well, imagine a Sci-Fi fan, stranded in America's literature cesspool, reading Sir Terry for the first time.
I devoured what I could get, here. Then, I got the books available from the U.K. I just wish I could have met him. I look forward to all the development's forthcoming.
Thanks for keeping the fire lit.
* From: "Daniel Ebeck" d.n.ebeck@gmail.com
I just wanted to thank you for publishing both the long letters that you did over the previous two issues. I expect that many people, myself included, will find themselves somewhat between the two camps. I have a fervent hope that the series will be good, but distrust the BBC, given the dreadful treatment they have given some IP in the name of "diversity".
Anyway, thank you for publishing them both. It's only by hearing other people's views that we can find a way forward. Censorship is never the answer.
* From: "Alison Long" alisonlong@yahoo.com
It [Llamedos] was my first ever con. I hadn't even worn fancy dress for decades. I have the social skills of a wombat. Yet there I was, in a room full of strangers, experiencing the glorious kaleidoscopic lunacy of Llamedos Holiday camp.
Disorientating? Hell, yes. Why did that woman have a basket full of baby dragons, and who was the guy handing out chocolate? Where were the family I was told I would be part of? I felt like taking the first train out, but then it was the opening ceremony, and the Purple Coats ran onto the stage with their placards proclaiming Sod em all. A wave of laughter and warmth spread across the room. Maybe I'd stay...
I never did find my family – they weren't one the tribes that hollered and huddled – but I did find much magic and joy. It would be invidious to pick out highlights. Were the witch trials more fun than the dragon races or the costume parade? The craic in the bar better than the palpable love as we all remembered Pterry? Dai the Druid funnier than Rincewind? It was all pretty wonderful.
But there are best bits, and it's not any single event. It's the endless energy of the Purple coats and miners who worked so hard to make things happen. The helpfulness of everyone as I blundered about with my pink rollator. The kindness of strangers who became friends, especially the crew on the smoking balcony. I'm not sure if it was an official motto, but "Be More Terry" seemed to surround and underpin everything that was said and done.
The Diplomat was an excellent choice of venue. The staff were friendly and efficient, the beds comfortable and the food plentiful and tasty - the bacon alone made breakfast a feast.
Huge thanks to Rwby, Rincewind, Granny and the whole team.
Will I be back in 2022? Well, I'm already planning my costume...
* From: "Casey Leonard" caleonard@gmail.com
I just want to share how much Terry's books mean to me under these difficult circumstances. The Discworld is my refuge whenever I need a break from "real life". I have found myself turning to my favorites over the last weeks to bring a smile to my face and some relief from the worry.
I hope everyone is safe and healthy.
Casey Leonard
Columbus, Ohio, USA
↑≡6. Stage Productions
Of course, most if not all of the productions that would normally appear here have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. We really hope that once the current situation has resolved itself the productions will be rescheduled and we can get our regular dose of Pratchett performances.
Whilst we would love to get to every event and play to write reviews and articles about them, we just don't have enough time, petrol and a wide enough spread of friends to borrow the couch for the night. But you, our wonderful readers do have the time, petrol and often don't need the couches as the event or play is on your doorstep!
We don't have English degrees here and you don't need one either to write something for Discworld Monthly!
PS. If you know of a play or event that we don't know about (shock horror) , email us. We like the surprise!
All submissions should be emailed to rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk or info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Don't forget to visit Pratchett Stage Productions for our most up-to-date list of stage productions.
↑≡7. Discworld Conventions and other Events
7.1 New and Updated Events
These events are new or have recently been updated. For our full list visit: Conventions and Other Events
[Updated: Germany] German Discworld Convention 2021
| Location: | Burg Ludwigstein, 37214 Witzenhausen, Germany |
| Dates: | 6th May - 9th May 2021 |
| Tickets: | tba |
| Website: | scheibenwelt-convention.de |
The Theme for the Convention will be Genoa
[Updated: Ireland] Irish Discworld Convention 2021
| Location: | Cork International Hotel, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork, County Cork, Ireland. T12 H516 |
| Dates: | 8th October - 11th October 2021 |
| Tickets: | tba |
| Website: | 2021.idwcon.org |
The Irish Discworld Convention will return in 2021.
[Updated: UK] Llamedos Holiday Camp 2022
| Location: | Llanelli, South Wales, UK |
| Dates: | 4th March - 6th March 2022 |
| Tickets: | tba |
| Website: | llamedosholidaycamp.com |
Schmae Campers, We'll be back in 2022 for all your Camp Needs, Rwby and the purple coats
↑≡8. Recurring Fan Meetings
By their very nature the listing of recurring fan meetings remains static. So we've moved the full listings to our website at Recurring Fan Meetings
The newsletter will only include any listings that are new or have changed within the last 30 days.
↑≡9. Small Ads
If you want to try to sell your unwanted / duplicate Discworld items to other fans (and its legal for you to do so) email us at info@discworldmonthly.co.uk with the subject "Ads" and a short description of what you have and how fans can contact you. Discworld Monthly only lists the ads and is not responsible for the contents, validity or reliability of the ads or the buyers and sellers.
↑≡10. The End
This month's issue is brought to you by not enough scones, too much cream and a whole box full of chocolate eggs!
The deadline for submissions to issue 278 of Discworld Monthly is whichever day of the week the 23rd May 2020 is!
↑≡10.1 Supporting Discworld Monthly
Discworld Monthly was created as a totally free newsletter and will continue to remain so for as long as it continues. However, the costs of maintaining the website, postage, travel etc. add up. If you feel you would like to make a small contribution towards these costs please consider doing so via: PayPal
Our account for Paypal is info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
You can also purchase items from our range of licensed Discworld Monthly products from: Discworld Monthly Shop
↑≡10.2 eBook Editions
Since issue 166 we have produced a version of Discworld Monthly that is formatted better for the Amazon Kindle eBook reader and since issue 186 we also produce an ePub version for other eBook readers such as the Kobo, Nook and Sony readers.
You can download either version from Discworld Monthly eBooks
↑≡10.3 Contact Information
We prefer information to be sent via email info@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk but can also accept information via post at the following addresses: Discworld Monthly, 20 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8RG, United Kingdom
↑≡10.4 Latest Book Information
This Discworld Monthly website a list of books on our website with the cover blurb and direct links to UK, US and Canadian Amazon websites.
Terry Pratchett books at Discworld Monthly
You can also find a list of our affiliates at:
Discworld Monthly Affiliate Links
We have an extensive Terry Pratchett biography with a tick list you can print out at:
↑≡10.5 Subscription Information
To subscribe to Discworld Monthly simply enter your email address in the form on the Discworld Monthly web page. Our web site contains all back issues and links to other Pratchett sites.
To unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the end of this email.
↑≡10.6 Trivia Answers
| Q1. | What was Rincewind's room number at UU? |
| A1. | 7a (The Colour of Magic) |
| Q2. | Which two Post Office workers staffed the Blind Letter Room? |
| A2. | Frank and Dave (Making Money) |
| Q3. | In what year was the Being Bloody Stupid Act passed? a) 1521 b) 1581 c) 1621 d) 1671 |
| A3. | b) 1581 (Men At Arms) |
| Q4. | The ambiguous puzuma has what markings on its body? |
| A4. | Black and White Squares (Small Gods) |
| Q5. | What substance eventually floods the cellar of the Times office? |
| A5. | Molten Lead (The Truth) |
10.7 Small Print
We make every effort we can to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate and legal. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners, whoever they may be. Discworld (R) is a registered trademark of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett used under licence.
↑≡10.8 Thanks
Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email the editor : info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
↑≡10.9 The Final Word...
*Rachel here*
We may not be perfect designers, or award winning journalists but we do our best to keep you all entertained and informed about all things Terry. We do have some ethics though. We like our news to be current, up to date and factual with a solid source. We don't like posting rumours but occasionally the source it comes from is 98 percent solid so we will tell you it's a rumour and confirm it when we have a 100 percent confirmation. Our own articles are written by us for us only. You won't find articles from other publications here unless it's a formal press release about an adaptation, book release or event or something we actually wrote for someone else unless they begged us to publish it (OK not begged but some of our lovely friends do ask us occasionally to boost something) . [NB I say we are not award winning but Discworld Monthly did win Website of the Month for Issue 3 back in a different century. It would be nice to win something much more recent, or even just get acknowledged #justsaying]
Whilst you keep reading it, we'll keep on writing it because we love Terry's books just as much as you do.
GNU Terry Pratchett...
Affiliate Links
- The Ankh-Morpork Archives Vol 2
- All the Discworld's a Stage: Volume 2
- The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows
- The City Watch Journal
- Discworld Calendar 2021
- Puffin Book of Funny Stories
- The Time-Travelling Caveman and other stories
- Illustrated Guards! Guards!