SIR Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite authors, and one of the most popular authors in the English language. He's best known for his "Discworld" series, which seems to have begun as a loosely-connected parody of "Lord of the Rings" but has gone on to be a loosely connected parody of just about everything (there are a lot of books in the series).

He's been knighted.

The writer, 60, who is best known for his hugely popular Discworld series of comic fantasy novels, received the honour for services to literature.

Sir Terry announced in December 2007 that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

He has since campaigned to raise awareness of the condition.

Terry Pratchett has sold more than 55 million books worldwide and has had his works translated into 33 languages.

Born in April 1948 in Beaconsfield, and educated at High Wycombe Technical High School, Sir Terry sold his first story when he was 13 years old and used the money to buy a second-hand typewriter.

I have spent many happy hours with his books, and I know my daughter Abby has, as well. Congratulations, Terry, and I hope to read many more of your books in the future.