In a brief note to fans entitled An Embuggerance, Pratchett, 59, said he was taking the news "fairly philosophically" and "possibly with a mild optimism."

Pratchett said he would continue completing Nation and that he had already begun working on Unseen Academicals— another writing project.

"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 wrote in his message. "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."