Wossname – March 2022 – main issue

Mon Mar 28 14:11:20 AEDT 2022

Wossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
March 2022 (Volume 25, Issue 3, Post 1)

********************************************************************
WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other 
stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. 
Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for members of 
the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the 
North American Discworld Society and other continental groups, Wossname 
is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in Roundworld.
********************************************************************

Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Mss C, Alison not 
Aliss
Staff Writers: Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

INDEX:

01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
07) CLOSE

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH

"War, Nobby. Huh! What is it good for?" he said.
"Dunno, Sarge. Freeing slaves, maybe?"
"Absol– well, okay."
"Defending yourself against a totalitarian aggressor?"
"All right, I'll grant you that, but"
"Saving civilisation from a horde of– "
"It doesn't do any good in the long run is what I'm saying, Nobby, if 
you'd listen for five seconds together."
"Yeah, but in the long run, what does, Sarge?”
– Thud!

"Working on a project like this is a highly rare occurrence in 
publishing. That and the fact that the Pratchett team have been among 
the most friendly, generous, and accommodating clients I’ve had the 
pleasure of working with, is enough to still make me pinch myself every 
day. Add to that the chance to work with the beautiful illustrations of 
Paul Kidby and have them sit alongside my own, I can only hope my work 
sparks the kind of imagination the original covers did for me as a child."
– artist Leo Nickolls, on being contracted to do a new run of Discworld 
covers

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR

I have no idea where February went, but March almost went there too... 
saved in the goal mouth!

In case I didn't mention this before (hey, pandemic brain): "The reissue 
of the novels marks the first annual Terry Pratchett Day on 28th April, 
which will be themed around the Witches series. The day will include a 
programme of social media activity, online games and quizzes, recipes, 
extracts and a virtual event. New editions of the Wizards series – The 
Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery, The Last Continent, 
Interesting Times and Unseen Academicals – will be released on 7th July, 
and followed by the Death series – Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music, 
Hogfather and Thief of Time – on 27th October. The Industrial Revolution 
series, City Watch series and other standalone titles are scheduled for 
release in 2023."

https://www.discworldemporium.com/19-new-books

Can't speak for anyone else, but in our household every day is Terry 
Pratchett Day. It's not just about re-reading his works, which we do 
often anyway, but about Pratchettisms having become a part of our normal 
daily vocabulary. And about never, ever forgetting.

Another letter to the Guardian traces the origin of the Vimes Boots 
Theory further back in time... of course, these pedantic nitpicks, while 
historically interesting, miss the point that it took Sir Pterry to 
present it in a way that struck the public imagination! Here be Sally 
Goldsmith, from Sheffield: "Peter Johnstone says the 'Sam Vimes "Boots" 
theory of socioeconomic unfairness' was not invented by Terry Pratchett 
but by Paul Jennings in the Observer in 1954 (Letters, 28 January). The 
same theory was in fact put forward much earlier – by the character Owen 
in The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell, published in 
1914. Owen illustrates it with reference to buying stockings, boots, 
shoes and underclothes for his family. He says: 'This is how the working 
classes are robbed. Although their incomes are the lowest, they are 
compelled to buy the most expensive articles – that is, the 
lowest-priced articles. Everybody knows that good clothes, boots or 
furniture are really the cheapest in the end, although they cost more 
money at first; but the working classes can seldom or never afford to 
buy good things; they have to buy cheap rubbish which is dear at any 
price.' If you want to know about capitalism and socialism, The 
Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists is still a good guide."

And here be another Yorkshirewoman, Cassy Firth of Morley, nitpicking: 
"Neither Terry Pratchett nor Paul Jennings was first with this idea. The 
adage 'buy cheap, buy twice' was a favourite of northern grannies long 
before 1954." Your Editor has known this principle, all her life, as 
"quality lasts"; however, you won't find her writing to the newspapers 
to score points (insert relevant emoji here, muhahaha).

There's a genuinely new Discworld book! Published by the Ankh-Morpork 
Consulate (aka the Discworld Emporium), it uses Sir Pterry's creations 
and we think The Author would definitely have approved of this one. It's 
called The Big Wee Alphabet Book and yes, it features Rob Anybody and 
the Chalk Feegles using their recently-learned reading abilities to 
teach Bigjobs how to read! For details, and how to order, see item 3.2 
below.

And now, on with the show. It's a short one this month, but at least 
it's arriving in your inboxes *in* this month...

– Annie Mac, Editor

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

03) ODDS AND SODS

3.1 NEW COVERS

Old books, new looks...

"The estate of Sir Terry Pratchett and Transworld Publishers are 
delighted to announce an exciting new look for Terry Pratchett’s 
bestselling Discworld novels, starting with the six books in the Witches 
series together with the standalone title Small Gods. Equal Rites, Wyrd 
Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade, Carpe Jugulum and 
Small Gods will be released on 28th April, which would have been Sir 
Terry’s 74th birthday. Designed by artist Leo Nickolls in collaboration 
with the Pratchett estate and Transworld Publishers, each book has been 
given fresh livery as part of a two-year project which aims to delight 
existing readers and introduce newcomers to the series. The new covers 
will sit alongside the classic paperback editions from Discworld artists 
Josh Kirby and Paul Kidby, which will remain available. With Paul 
Kidby’s endorsement, the new covers reference his character designs – 
designs Terry considered to be the closest to those he saw in his own 
imagination..."

To read the entire announcement, and view images of some forthcoming 
covers, go to: https://terrypratchett.com/

 From The Bookseller:

"The new covers will start with the six books in the Witches series – 
Equal Rites, Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad, Lords and Ladies, Maskerade 
and Carpe Jugulum – together with the standalone title Small Gods. They 
will be released on 28th April, which would have been the author’s 74th 
birthday (he died in 2015), and will now be Terry Pratchett Day. There 
will be a programme of social media activity, online games and quizzes, 
recipes, extracts and a virtual event... Each book has been given fresh 
livery, which includes the cover as well as the new typeface for 
Pratchett’s name, as part of a two-year project which aims to introduce 
new readers to the series..." https://bit.ly/3LgGcDC

3.2 THE MERCH CORNER

* The Big Wee Alphabet Book!

Not just for children learning to read, but for anyone who loves the Nac 
Mac Feegle (and don't we all!):

"A wonderfully witty ABC book from Terry Pratchett's pesky pictsies, the 
Nac Mac Feegle! Learn the alphabet the Feegle way from 'Ach' to 'Zzz' 
with the Wee Free Men and their Big Wee Alphabet Book – a Discworld book 
for Big Jobs and wee scunners alike! Join Rob Anybody and the Chalk Hill 
Clan from Terry Pratchett's Discworld books as they guide you through 
the alphabet the Feegle way! Expect stealin', fightin' and cries of 
CRIVENS! as Terry Pratchett's pesky pictsies explore their favourite 
words and sayings from A-Z! Lovingly produced by Ian Mitchell at the 
Discworld Emporium, with beautiful illustrations by David Wyatt. Created 
with love and respect for our friend Terry and his incredible creations, 
with thanks to the glorious powers that be at Dunmanifestin Ltd. 
Beautifully produced with quarter binding and high quality papers 
throughout. Exclusive to the Discworld Emporium!"

Each Big Wee Alphabet Book is priced at £14.99. For more info, and to 
order, go to: https://bit.ly/3iHvolI

* Feegle socks!

That's neat, that's neat, that's neat, that's neat, we really love those 
Feegle feet...

"CRIVENS!! Walk the Chalk like the Nac Mac Feegle with this 
fantastically fun literary footwear feet-uring the unmistakable 
appendages of Terry Pratchett's pesky pictsies! Nae king nae, nae quin 
nae laird, nae master will rule the wearer of these literary socks! 
Blend in with Rob Anybody & co. with a pair of characteristically-hued 
hosiery from Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books - put your best 
Feegle foot forward! Design is woven into the fabric of the sock to 
guarantee excellent wear-ability... We promote safe socks, so please 
wear responsibly. Warning: May attract the Eater of Socks."

Feegle socks are made with 73% cotton, 26% polyamide, 1% Elastane and 
are available in UK adult sizes only. Each pair of Feegle socks is 
priced at £6.50, but if you buy any three pairs the total price will be 
only £15! For more info, and to order, go to: https://bit.ly/3qG6APp

3.3 NEW "CONSULTANT" FOR DUNMANIFESTIN

Make what you will of this...

"Dunmanifestin, the Terry Pratchett Estate, has engaged RCW literary 
agent Jon Wood as a consultant on literary matters. Wood will help the 
estate handle Pratchett’s existing body of work as well as representing 
any future ancillary projects. RCW already manages the literary estates 
of many other distinguished writers, including Angela Carter, Raymond 
Chandler, Alasdair Gray, P G Wodehouse and Nancy Mitford. Rob Wilkins, 
Pratchett’s former assistant, friend and head of the author’s literary 
estate, said: “Jon has already proven to be a fantastic addition to the 
team, helping tend the vast canon that Terry left behind as well as 
assisting in the development of exciting new projects. Terry grows ever 
more established as one of literature’s great figures, and we are 
delighted to have one of his most enthusiastic cheerleaders at our 
side.” Wood added: “I have loved Terry’s writing since my teens, so this 
is pretty much a dream come true. It’s also a hugely exciting time to be 
working with the estate. There are so many good things happening right 
now in TV, in film, in Rob’s upcoming biography this autumn and with the 
rollout of the star-studded new audio adaptations. But, in the end, I 
share one huge ambition with Rob and his team – that Sir Terry continues 
to be remembered as one of the most astute and humane of all modern 
writers.”..."

https://bit.ly/3DoYJek

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS

At last, we've got a live one!

WYRD SISTERS IN LONDON (APRIL 2022)

"Join us in a story of drama, love and silliness, combining Macbeth and 
Hamlet with a touch of Lear (and maybe Blackadder); where the wicked are 
extremely wicked, and good appears in surprising forms. Depressed heroes 
and brainless guards; noble actors and a vowel-less demon; all guided by 
rule-breaking witches and – above all magic – as we fly through 22 manic 
scene changes to that glorious moment when good triumphs over evil. 
Royalties and Programme Donations go to Terry Pratchett’s chosen 
charity: the Orangutan Foundation." Includes music by Paul Grimwood!

When: 6th – 9th April 2022
Venue: The Edward Alleyn Theatre, Dulwich College, SE21 7LD
Time: 8pm all evening performances; additional 3pm matinee on the 9th
Tickets: £12, available online (with a small booking fee) at 
http://dulwichplayers.ticketsource.co.uk/ and also on the door, subject 
to availability

https://www.dulwichplayers.org/current-season

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS

According to an anonymous source, a number of UK "live-action" fan 
groups are no longer extant, but the venerable Broken Drummers are still 
going, and the Fourecksian groups remain very much a going concern (well 
done, Aussies!). If any Readers know of new groups – real world only, 
not online ones – or other UK groups that no longer exist, please write 
to wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info to let us know!

The Broken Drummers, “London’s Premier Unofficially Official Discworld 
Group” (motto “Nil percussio est”) "We meet on the first Monday night of 
the month at The Monkey Puzzle pub in Paddington from 7PM. Meetings are 
informal, there is no fee. To join just turn up. Visitors to London are 
always very welcome."

BrokenDrummers at gmail.com or nicholls.helen at yahoo.co.uk or join their 
Facebook group at  https://bit.ly/3jtYLGo

The Broken Vectis Drummers broken_vectis_drummers at yahoo.co.uk

The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of 
Flatalists

http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/

* FOURECKSIAN DISCWORLD GROUPS

Adelaide – City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fan Club
http://www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityofsmallgods
https://discord.gg/3RVzsyJ
Regular events: Monthly dinners (when permitted!), Monthly crafty 
evenings on discord, regular book discussions, and occasional board game 
days. We also hold special events sometimes, such as picnics, Quiz 
Nights and outings to see Discworld plays.

Melbourne – Victorian Discworld Klatch
https://2022.ausdwcon.org/fan-clubs/melbourne
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
https://discord.com/invite/w5KPAaYH
Regular events: Monthly gatherings, board game days, crafternoons, 
movies, picnics, and more. We are also regulars at the various pop 
culture events around Victoria.

Sydney – Mended Drummers and Western Drummers
Mended Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/downunderdrummers
Western Drummers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100376433635355
Both groups get together monthly to chat over a few drinks, with 
subjects ranging far and wide, have a Discworld themed quiz and 
generally enjoy the company of fellow Discworld fans.

Brisbane – Pratchett Partisans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans
Join us in and around Brisbane for regular Pratchett-inspired nights 
including Dining Around the Disc, board games arvos, Pratchett Picnics 
and Discworld Discussions. We also hold special events once or twice a 
year like themed parties, scavenger hunts and cocktail nights. Many of 
us also attend opening night of Brisbane Arts Theatre’s Pratchett 
Productions in costume.

Perth – Treacle Mining Corporation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PerthDrummers

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH

Stephen Briggs makes a terrific Vetinari: https://bit.ly/355A4hE

If the Auditors discovered Music with Rocks In... (actually an 
iconograph of American experimental metal band "Sun O)))", but can't you 
just imagine it...): https://bit.ly/3sPiDtZ

A panorama of Lego Ankh-Morpork, featuring a superb Detritus, as tweeted 
on https://twitter.com/LegoAnkhMorpork: https://bit.ly/3IJcwNN

...and to go with this, the entire tweet thread about it:
https://bit.ly/3qFFqYQ

A tired-looking "Crowley" and his smug-looking missus (David and Georgia 
Tennant) after the final Good Omens 2 shoot, as posted by Mrs Tennant on 
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3tLQXIi

...and a goodbye from "Aziraphale", as posted on Twitter by Michael 
Sheen: https://bit.ly/36Rv29B

...and the last one out, by Good Omens and Good Omens 2 director Douglas 
Mackinnon: https://bit.ly/3Lnaqoi

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

07) CLOSE

Straight out of Death's garden...

"Arkansas Black apples aren’t meant to be eaten straight off the tree. 
In fact, the best thing you can do to one is put it in the refrigerator 
and forget about it until next season. Patient pickers are rewarded with 
a sweet, firm fruit that offers notes of cherry, cinnamon, vanilla, and 
coriander, but only after having aged it in cold storage for a few 
months..."

https://bit.ly/3iHWfhC

As Wossname has been going for even far longer than I've been in charge 
of it, the fact that we've already passed our 25th anniversary sort of 
crept up on me. Oh well, 25-plus and still not ready to give it up yet...

...and that's it for March. Mind how you go, and we'll see you next month!

– Annie Mac

This issue can be viewed on the Clacks at 
https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/84203.html

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner 
(at) pearwood (dot) info