Creator of Discworld meets virtual world
Filed under: News items, Second Life, Virtual worlds
Terry Pratchett is coming to visit Second Life. Go back and read that again. Yes, it's true.
While Pratchett's Discworld series alone has sold 55 million globally in 35 countries, you'll probably not find a single, larger concentration of fans of his work than in Linden Lab's Second Life. Indeed, the virtual environment already has cadres of role-players, recreations of various Discworld settings, and Discworld-themed merchandise.
Sometime on Thursday 11 September (UK time) an island called "The Nation" (not yet visible within Second Life -- though heaven knows, we looked for it) is supposed to open for one month, until Friday 10 October.
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The Nation will be a Second Life sim version of a South Pacific tropical island, modeled on the island Nation which features in Terry's new novel, simply titled 'NATION', will be created complete with scenes and locations from the book. A treasure hunt will lead users through a series of clues to find virtual books and treasure as well as physical-world prizes.
In a unique opportunity for Discworld fans across the globe, Terry will appear on The Nation and take part in a live question and answer session with fans, on 9th October at 8pm (BST).
Each week during the month long Second Life promotion which runs from 11th September to 10th October, visitors will be able to take part in themed quiz nights, special events and fancy dress competitions.
An exhibition will be organized in Second Life to promote the new book, and free e-book samplers will be available in Random House UK's own bookshop on the Elysian Isle.
The novel itself will be published in the UK on 11th September by Doubleday, price £16.99 and in the US on 30th September by HarperCollins.

















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Cyn said on 11:09AM 9-10-2008
Is there a group to join that will be sent announcements about this?
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Tateru Nino said on 11:11AM 9-10-2008
None has been mentioned thus far.
Dedric Mauriac said on 1:13PM 9-10-2008
Oh my @#$!%! God! No way!
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Samantha Poindexter said on 2:10PM 9-10-2008
The turtle moves!
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spiral-soldier said on 2:10PM 9-10-2008
Holy crap. That's like a month from now...
I have to prepare.
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Rik Riel said on 11:58PM 9-10-2008
Oh man, do I love Pratchett! Looking forward to this!
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Kara Spengler said on 8:54AM 9-11-2008
Lesse ...
- Pratchett visit
- Disability portal
- Philip wanting to work with 3rd world countries
Maybe I will *finally* convince my partner to visit SL. :)
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vimes said on 11:37AM 9-11-2008
See you there :)
The turtle moves indeed...
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Damon Dollinger said on 12:42PM 9-11-2008
I found the island. There's a great treasure hunt at Elysian Isle (linked in the article) and you can find your way there through the clues. Fantastic!
Reply