Terry Pratchett has been diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s.  From the news bulletin:

I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news.  I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer’s, which lay behind this year’s phantom "stroke".

We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism.  For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers.  Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there’s time for at least a few more books yet :o)

He goes on to say,

I know it’s a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.

…which makes sense.  He wants to keep things positive, and he’s approaching this with the characteristic humor that has made him such a brilliant genius.

This news really depresses me (probably not as much as it depresses Mr. Pratchett and his family, of course).  Terry Pratchett is one of my top three favorite writers; I count him as one of my greatest influences, along with Neil Gaiman and Stephen King.  He masterfully balances humor and poignance in his novels, creating stories that are simultaneously hilarious and thought-provoking.  Small Gods, while giving us all a good laugh, also invites us to examine the origins of our religious beliefs.  Night Watch is funny as always, but also gets the reader considering the way their own lives have been shaped by the decisions they have made in the past.  In short, Terry Pratchett is one of the best humorists, living, dead, or otherwise,  If I can achieve 10% — maybe 12% — of his talent, I’ll consider myself a very happy writer indeed.

He’s not dead yet, of course.  So let’s hope those high end experts in brain chemistry will get their own brains in gear sooner rather than later.