When you want to view the world upside down, pick up a book by Sir Terry Pratchett.
Pratchett is renowned for his sharp satire and thought-provoking humor, brilliantly using parody, irony, and comedic comparisons to critique social institutions like religion, politics, and media.
His writing style is famously layered yet accessible, appealing to readers of all ages. In a 1992 BBC interview, Pratchett noted his audience ranges from a 7-year-old child to an 85-year-old academic, showing how his stories transcend generations.
His relatable storytelling comes from the way he layers themes—letting readers engage on the level they prefer: surface comedy, adventure, or deep philosophy.
Here are Sir Terry Pratchett’s top three writing tips that are invaluable for writers across genres and experience levels.
1. Believe In the Lies of Your Fiction
Pratchett said in a BBC interview, “Nearly all fiction is fantasy.”
He explained to Sky One that we need to train our imagination on the “little lies” — like the Tooth Fairy and Hogfather — so we can believe the “big lies” like justice and truth, which humans created and fight for.
He said, “We’re chimps good at telling stories,” and one of the stories is that we’re thinking people. Our fantasies, like justice, exist only because we believe in them.
As writers, making your fiction believable is what matters most, even if it’s absurd.
Think about why you believed in Santa Claus as a child, even without evidence. Limiting your imagination by judging everything with logic restricts your creative power.
“And what makes us human is really our imaginations,” said Pratchett.
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2. Use the Clichés to Your Advantage
Pratchett’s core principle for world-building was embracing clichés. His Discworld series (30+ books) shows how using familiar story shapes can create a rich, imaginative universe.
He explained, “We just know” how certain story patterns work — like the third son going on an adventure and succeeding where his brothers failed.
Pratchett’s genius was to put a quirky, fresh spin on these familiar tropes, grounding fantastic beings and worlds in real-world social issues.
Many problems in Discworld resemble real-life ones, which makes the stories relatable despite their fantasy setting.
As writers, combining imagination rooted in familiarity is a powerful technique that often gets overlooked.
3. Read Everything
Pratchett revealed that his inspirations came from “absolutely everywhere,” often outside fantasy.
For writers, reading widely is essential. It sparks inspiration and broadens your creative perspective.
Limiting yourself to only your genre narrows your vision. Instead, read across genres and styles to develop versatility in storytelling and voice.
Which of these Sir Terry Pratchett writing tips resonates most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
