Reuters reports that British fantasy author, Terry Pratchett has a rare form of early onset Alzheimer’s disease.   Pratchett made the announcement to fans on via his web-site.

“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,” Pratchett said.

Pratchett said he was continuing his work and planned to complete his current commitments. His publisher is HarperCollins.

“Frankly I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there’s time for at least a few more books yet,” he wrote in the statement, dated December 11.

Sad news for Pratchett and his family, as well as his many fans world-wide.  Kind of a reminder how every day is precious and we should never take the good ones for granted.   You never know what’s coming in the next second, minute or hour…

Pratchett is the creator of the popular DiscWorld series (which if you’ve not read any of them, you should).