Some stories don't just entertain—they show us how to grow up, challenging the limiting narratives we may have been told. Much like magic, a powerful story can bring us back to our true selves and help us discover who we might choose to be. The best stories become enduring classics, like Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men.

In this episode, we explore the world of fantasy novels and what it means to be a witch with Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent, co-authors of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and Marieke Nijkamp, author of the popular Splinter and Ash series.

To celebrate Pratchett’s beloved novels, we immerse ourselves in worlds brimming with witches, politics, grief, and secrets.

To learn more about Terry Pratchett’s, Rhianna Pratchett’s, Gabrielle Kent’s, or Marieke Nijkamp’s books, visit

harpercollins.com/search?q=Terry+Pratchett

harpercollins.com/search?q=Rhianna+Pratchett

harpercollins.com/search?q=Gabrielle+Kent

harpercollins.com/search?q=Marieke+Nijkamp

Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at [email protected]. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

[3:30] The 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett’s The Wee Free Men was the ideal time for Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent to write Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch.

[7:52] In The Wee Free Men, the character Tiffany Aching challenges traditions and finds her path as she embraces her power.

[14:59] Marieke Nijkamp wrote Splinter and Ash for readers who often struggle to connect with characters in fantasy.

[20:06] Terry Pratchett’s novels are admired for tackling complex political themes and refusing to present a simplified view of the world.

[24:08] Readers can expect more stories about death and what it means to be a witch from Rhianna and Gabrielle.

Continue Your Journey:

Rhianna Pratchett

Gabrielle Kent

Marieke Nijkamp

HarperCollins

Remember Reading Podcast

@ReadingPod on Twitter

Shareables:

“We started working in video games in the ’90s when it was very rare for there to be women working in games.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“I have a Witches Abroad quote tattooed on my arm.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“One of the things I love about Pratchett’s books in general, I think, is just that Tiffany discovers that one of the tools she has to deal with the world is stories.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“I love telling stories about people who maybe fall through the cracks a little bit, maybe just exist on the edges, maybe don’t quite feel, quite, feel at home or are seen as fully part of their homes.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels

“One of the great things about my father’s work for younger readers is it can be enjoyed by anyone, right? He doesn’t pander to younger readers.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and daughter of Terry Pratchett

“We were basically reading the whole book to each other, and then we had to have whiskey for the hard chapters, then we were just sobbing at the end.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“Reading those books has helped me think very differently about death as well. Sounds so weird, but seeing that kind of positive side of it and that it’s not something to be feared.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch

“Everyone should pick up at least one book. And I think Wee Free Men, if you’ve never read any Discworld books, is a great place to start.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels