"Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend."
Thank you to The Writing Nut for inspiring this post. Sometime ago, I wrote a post about Harry Potter entitled Homage to Harry. But I have more to write about the series and author.
Every writer gets asked the question, “How long have you been writing?”
Most writers say something like, “Since I could hold a pencil,” or “Since I knew may alphabet,” or “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing,” or even “I wrote my first manuscript at age ten, which was 50,000 words. It was terrible, but my next manuscript had multiple offers.”
Or something like that.
That was NOT me.
Those of you have been bored by followed my blog for any length of time know that I didn’t let myself write until I was *cough* older. I thought you had to be BORN as a great writer. Since I wasn’t a prodigy, I wasn’t meant to be a writer.
I just had to ignore the story ideas.
And I did, for the most part.
I’ve mentioned before that I HATE bandwagons. I still haven’t seen Titanic.
Anyway, when I heard grown men and women were reading a series of children’s books with the name Harry Potter – not only reading them, but actually anticipating the next one – I felt sorry for them.
Then my first-grade son wanted me to read the books.
Fine. If I must. (I’m a judgmental good mother.)
Sometimes my husband read instead of me. I’d grill ask my husband what I’d missed. Then my son went through a streak of having my husband read.
I started picking the book up to read on my own. (Hypocrite.)
Then I hit a roadblock. I had to wait for the rest of the series to be written with everyone else.
For the midnight sale of the last book, my son dressed up. My son wore his Gryffindor costume. I saw adults dress too. With a pang, I wished I’d dressed.
Didn't I swear I'd never be one of those people?
Who had I become?
I’m not going to analyze J.K. Rowling’s series for what she does right. It’s the best series I’ve ever read. Few books leave me as satisfied as they do. No other book or books makes me wish I lived in the fictional world as much as the Harry Potter books do.
“Turned 11. Didn’t get Hogwarts letter.” – PickleTail12 in Six Word Memoirs.
And no other author made me grab my laptop and write an entire book in 6 weeks.
It was a Harry Potter rip off valiant first attempt. But it got me reading more. It got me interested in fantasy. And it got me writing children’s books.
Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. I’ve been writing for 5 years. When I’m not writing, I’m often obsessing thinking about writing. If I’m in the midst of a manuscript, I can’t even listen to people talking to me because of the voices in my head carry on like normal. And I never slept so badly because these same voices demand to be heard in the middle of the night well once I began writing.
So, thank you J.K. Rowling. Without you, I wouldn’t be the well-adjusted writer I am today.
And thank you for letting this practical person believe in magic.
As for the last movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, I haven’t seen it yet. It has something to do with traveling and forgetting costumes. I don’t want to talk about it.
Maybe I don’t want it all to end.
Writers, which author(s) inspired you and why?
P.S. Contest Winners:
Medeia Sharif Bestest. Ramadan. Ever bookmark – Shari!
Personal Demons temporary tattoos – Wanton Redhead Writing!
Angelfire Bookmark – Margo Berendsen!
A Touch Mortal signed bookmark – JL Campbell!
Original Sin signed book – Jemi Fraser!
Winners, please e-mail me your address at tmilstein at gmail dot com
Congratulations!
I saw the movie and felt really sad that it was the last one. The whole HP thing has been such a big part of my children's lives - as part of their play, to what they read and write about. But they still enjoy the books and pick them up to read over and over again (there's about a 90% chance that one of my girls is reading a HP book at any given moment).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I've said this before!!!! I read the Philosopher's Stone before anyone heard of JK Rowling!! I did, I did, I did and I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!! So that was how I got hooked!!!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the books to the films. I really do.
I didn't want to see the Titanic but my mum insisted and afterwards she wished she listened to me! LOL!
Take care
x
We went to the midnight showing of Part 2 and I have to say it was very sad to let it all go. Knowing it was the end of one amazing journey we traveled on together.
ReplyDeleteI know there are people out there who don't join bandwagons but I'm glad you decided to hop on the train. I know many who did and aren't the same because of it.
She is the most inspiring writer. There is a line in the newest movie that I think will have every writer gushing about. In Kings Cross (no, I'm not giving anything away) Dumbledore tells Harry writing is the best kind of magic. My eyes teared up. It was like she was speaking to us.
Sob story over.
I have to admit, my love of reading started my joy of writing. I really enjoyed the classics, Julius Ceasar, Lord of The Flies, and then in college, Candide. Then I moved on to more modern fantasies...Anne Rice. My mother introduced me to YA when she was reviewing books for her students. I was hooked.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much for bandwagons, either. But HP sort of goes above and beyond anything else. I don't know who inspired me - probably all the writers I've read over the years. Stories have always been in my head. I just didn't know I was supposed to write them down. Maybe I'm a little slow :)
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! You made my whole day :) Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteI adore Harry Potter! There are a few authors who've done that for me at different points in my life: Tolkein, LMM Montgomery, A Christie, A McCaffrey, ... so many great ones! :)
It was Tolkien who made me first fall in love with writing, and with the beauty of the written word, but I won't pretend Rowling didn't play a big part in my deciding to actually write.
ReplyDeleteTheresa, I am a big fan of JK Rowling and I havent read any of the books, but the rest of my family have and did all the midnight book launches etc.
ReplyDeleteJK is really inspirational as she achieved her success from talent and great ideas and got kids reading.
I love the Stephen King quote, perfectly observed.
I hate to say it but I watched 'Titanic' yesterday with my daughter AND cried when the Titanic sunk and Jack (the healthiest looking street urchin I have ever seen) drowned.
I rarely jump on a bandwagon since I tend to be more of a different drummer sort of person (although I have seen Titanic more than once and really liked it). I've yet to read a HP book or see one of the movies. I'll probably watch the films eventually, but don't know if I'll make it to the books. But I sure do admire J K Rowling for her amazing success.
ReplyDeleteI admire Stephen King for his success and his being so prolific. However, I've read very few of his books either.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Great post! It's so wonderful to be inspired. I've been inspired by so many authors (and songwriters and screenwriters and poets) that it's hard to pick just one.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm very suspicious of bandwagons. However, a friend who works as a reading tutor began raving about the books to me when they were first introduced in the US--in 1998-99. At that point they were becoming a phenom in the UK, but weren't yet widely popular in the US. I felt like a trend-setter instead of a bandwagon hopper. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was the Roald Dahl-like humor in the opening chapter of book 1 that drew me right in. I'm still in awe of how many tropes Rowling brings together in this amazing series, from Dahl's evil pseudo-parents to boarding school adventures like Enid Blyton's books to high fantasy and mythology and mystery and suspense.
My only bandwagons -- King and Rowlings.
ReplyDeleteMy inspiration and encouragement -- Blogger friends who share their journey to publication whether it's a first effort or a 31st.
I really liked Neuromancer, A Stranger in a Strange Land, and the Belgariad by David Eddings. I also liked Tolkien...I read three Harry Potter books...they were okay but didn't inspire me like you say they inspired you. I really liked the Chronicles of Amber by Zelazny.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm reading "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. I see from Goodreads that you too are reading it. We'll have to cluck like hens about it.
@ Andrea, I feel the same way. It's been a part of my kids lives and my life for so long. Often someone is reading Harry Potter here too.
ReplyDelete@ Old Kitty, you were pre-bandwagon!
I prefer the books to the films too. But at least they make decent films from the books. Too many children's book are ruined on film.
@ Jen, I loved your muggle photo! I'm sure it was quite an experience.
When people refuse to read them now, I just shake my head in disbelief. They don't know what they're missing. Muggles...
@ Miranda, I didn't love fantasy as a kid, but they didn't have the variety of stories they do now. I'm hooked too!
@ Carol, Harry Potter is beyond bandwagon!
I guess i was like you, stories in my head, but not on (virtual) paper.
@ Jemi, I've been inspired by several authors too. Too many to list here! My favorite ones do character really well.
I'll try to send the book today. I'm still in my pajamas. Sad.
@ Matthew, should I admit I have yet to read Tolkien? I know they're supposed to be amazing, but I have something against other worlds that aren't dystopian. One of these days...
@ Brigid, you're making me laugh. You just saw Titanic? What a coincidence!
You haven't read Harry Potter?! I'll try not to judge.
My husband won't read them because he only like contemporary fiction - no fantasy.
@ Arlee, I went through a huge Stephen King phase. I have The Stand, which I plan to read soon. I loved his book On Writing. He said he makes you care about a character before he does horrible things to him.
@ Liz, JK Rowling was the one I looked to the most when I first wrote, but I admire and am inspired by many other authors. It is hard to choose just one!
@ Laurel, you and Old Kitty are literary trendsetters!
I love how Rowling describes characters. How she focuses on the Dursley's necks is hysterical. Genius.
@ Giggles and Guns, I love your comment. I'm inspired by those two as well.
And I'm in awe of writers who share their struggles online and then make it. Having writers I admire being accessible is wonderful.
I'm usually the last on the book bandwaggon. I started reading one of the Harry Potter novels earlier this year and didn't get past the first 30 pages. I'm persistent though, so I'll probably try again later on.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey Archer, James Herriot, Gerald Durrell, Patricia Cornwell are some of the writers who inspire me, each for a different reason.
Whether you start at five or fifty, you still have to start somewhere... It's interesting to hear that one of the things that first gave you the impetus to put pen to paper (fingers to the keyboard? Meh I choose the inaccurate anachronistic alliteration over the asinine, albeit accurate, alternative!) was the Potter Series.
ReplyDeleteWhat writing I do, I do to fix the stories I tell... Or those that run around in my head.
I almost regret never having been inspired to write the way you were by an author's works.
That said there are universes that I enjoy wandering in once the story is over. I was just reminded of one the other day: Subway! The 1983 Luc Besson movie with music by Eric Serra... The characters and the plot is a bit shallow but full of potential so it's fun to extrapolate on. : j
Thanks for the shout out, Theresa, about your guest post on Bird's-eye View. It's going to be a great one!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
YA is just about the only contemporary lit I read. ONLY. Capital letters. I think it is brilliantly done (for the most part) and much more in touch with actual real human experiences (like vampires and magic)- well, okay, emotion- than the adult lit.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love your writing. I look forward to it every day.
I haven't seen the film yet either...but I will.
ReplyDeleteThe HP series also inspired me to write my first novel, now became a short story. Although I couldn't plot that first story properly, it got me started in writing fiction. I am now finding my own 'voice' and hope that my current WIP and the next one will go somewhere.
This is a very inspirational post. Love it, love it, love it. I wish you all the best in your writing, Theresa! I totally agree about HP...there's nothing else like it. It will be in my heart forever, too! I don't want it to end either.
I was on the verge of tears during the whole movie (well, I let the tears spill a few times). I'm so sad it's over. JK Rowling is an inspiration to writers and readers of all ages.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! (I've only been writing for 6 yrs myself)
I'm totally with you, Theresa - filled with admiration for the world Rowling created. I read all the books to my kids and we've seen all the movies, even the last one *sob* So there's nothing left to do but go back to the beginning and start over :) She's very inspiring. I long to create a world like that - a world that readers hate to leave and can't wait to get back to.
ReplyDeleteP.S. We saw all the movies but I WAY preferred the books - so many of the details and subtleties were lost in the films. That said, I think the last one was the best.
ReplyDelete@ Michael, I don't know the books you listed, besides Tolkien. I'll have to look them up.
ReplyDeleteI actually didn't start American Gods. I added it to my Goodreads list before I went to the beach... and forgot the book. So I started another one that was in the car. After I finish it, I'll read it.
@ JL Campbell, it's not for everyone. I had the hardest time reading it aloud to the kids, especially at first. But I got sucked in at some point.
@ Alesa, "...inaccurate anachronistic alliteration over the asinine, albeit accurate, alternative!" I'm a big fan of alliteration! knuckled on the keyboard doesn't work because we don't type with knuckles and the "k" is silent in "knuckles". "Digits on the digital..." Hmmm.
I'm not surprised you're not directly inspired, since you have a unique writing style.
@ Michelle, I'm going to post again on Friday, I think (another Harry Potter one - what can I say - I'm obsessed). At the bottom, I'll give people a heads up about the guest interview.
@ Lora, I agree for the most part. YA is missing some of the pretentiousness of some adult literature. More importantly, it often gets to the point faster. The emotions are more present in the books too.
Thanks for saying you look forward to my writing. Your posts are poignant and memorable.
@ Len, thanks for the comment. HP has inspired many writers. You'll have to tell me what you think of book 7. The last bunch of pages are brilliant!
@ Kelly, nice to know you've been writing for about as long as me. Congratulations for being a finalist in the poetry contest!
I know I'm going to cry during the last movie too.
@ Susanna, I feel just like you do. I long to create a world that resonates with readers.
I know what you mean about the books. I love the movies but they leave out some vital information and they can't cram in everything, though I'd probably sit through the movies if they were six hours.
i just missed your comment reply boat!
ReplyDeleteyou have so many nice followers!
anyway, that was a beautiful homage and you crack me up! i always have to wait for dvd to see the movies cause my boys arent into it...sad, isnt it?
I loved the last movie, but it was bittersweet. I couldn't wait until Friday night at 6:45pm. Then I was seating in my seat as the trailers were rolling, and I was ready to run away. I didn't want it to end.
ReplyDeleteIn the end it was perfect. I laughed and cried and mean-mugged the guy next to me who got up to pee 5 times.
I love both quotes in this post! I was just recalling what Stephen King said about those two authors the other. I wish I could be him and say whatever I want with impunity. One day!
ReplyDeleteAnd I always love late starters. I didn't go pro with my dancing until an age unheard of.
I'm very melancholy about it all coming to an end. It's tradition for my son and I to see each movie together in the theatre. I'm sad to see that end. I've been holding off seeing it too. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa ~ YA Literature Lover
I'm coughing too because I was way older when I started writing. And it was JK Rowling who inspired me though I didn't start the series until book 4 came out.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Potter fan but do admire Rowling. What she has done for reading is a wonder all to it's self. Anything that gets our youth using their imagination is alright in my book.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I'm in and out I'm still buried in temp work.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I have yet to read the whole HP series. I read the first two books. I plan on buying a box set to read them all.
ReplyDeleteStephen King and V.C. Andrews inspired me the most. King wrote some serial novels, but most of Andrews' books are serials, and I remember waiting in anticipation to read the next book (in my case, borrowing it from someone or checking it out from the library since most of these books were already out).
Yeah, I haven't seen HP yet, either. And I saw part 1 twice in the first week (once at a preview show!). I'm so bummed.
ReplyDeleteI've been stuck at home watching my niece and nephews during my brother and sister-in-law's craziest move ever. They've been staying with me since last Wednesday (this story is longer than Goblet of Fire).
They've never seen any HP movie. My brother is against them.
So, this past week, SIL decided to get caught up. (I've got them all on DVD.) We got through 1, 2, and 3 in one day. They're finishing up 7 part 1 right now.
I read the Stephen King quote to my 10-year-old niece who is a Twi-fanatic (the movies). She wasn't pleased. But she's now a HP convert.
Congrats to the winners.
ReplyDeleteTolkien was the author that made me feel that way. I was very much anti books until a teacher read the Hobbit to the class. I went on to read Lord of the Rings on my own and I fell in love with the written word.
Hi Theresa .. I have scan read one or two .. when I couldn't understand the hype and so wasn't interested!
ReplyDeleteBut JKR has certainly got her head screwed on .. and is a force of good I think to be reckoned with .. love the Dumbledore speak to Harry ... "writing is the best kind of magic" .. that Jen Daiker mentions ..
I saw a journalist ask his daughter now at Oxford University reading English .. why she was still so fascinated with HP - well Dad he's been almost as much of my life as any else has .. shows you the pull JKR has created.
Good for you .. cheers Hilary
I still haven't managed to see the last Harry Potter movie and I am DYING.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite writer of all time is Stephen King. His books were the first "adult" books I ever read, and his stories definitely shaped what I write today. I'm glad he's so prolific, because I really can't get enough of his work.
@ Tara, you're on the next boat! First aboard.
ReplyDeleteThat is sad to wait for the DVD. If you live near me, come with us.
@ Anne, I'm sure I'll feel the same as you did at the movie.
Peeing 5 times? Not cool.
@ Sophia, I wish I could say whatever I wanted to. I've probably already said more than I should have! King is too cool.
How great that you started dancing as an adult. I blamed all the things I wasn't allowed to do on my parents, and never tried as an adult figuring it was too late.
@ Lisa, I've gone to each one with my son since movie 4. My daughter joined in at movie 7. I'm sad to see it end too.
@ Natalie, I didn't start the series until book 4 was out too!
@ Jules, don't worry about it. I'm not getting enough blogging done, and I'm off for the summer. Though in all fairness, I have been writing and editing.
@ Medeia, I was a huge VC Andrews reader as a teen. And I loved King in high school and just beyond. Since reading On Writing, I've been meaning to read him again.
If you ever consider a series, Rowling's books are an excellent model.
@ Liz, you're an excellent aunt. Funny that your brother wouldn't want them to see Harry Potter but your niece likes Twilight. Did she read them? As a parent, I would NOT want my kids reading them. The last book has pretty disturbing stuff in it (teen marriage and a wolf having the hots for a young girl). And Bella is an awful role model.
Beth Revis just wrote an excellent post about true love, talking about Harry Potter and mentioning Twilight, among other things. Did you see it?
@ Lynda, you're the 3rd person to mention Tolkien. I'm so out of the loop!
@ Hilary, we can't argue JK Rowling has made a huge and positive impact on at least a couple of generations!
I'll be writing one more Harry Potter-related post this week, and that should be it.
@ Jennifer, given your genre, I'm not surprised your influenced by Stephen King. I love that he thinks character is the most important.
I hope your new book, Creep is selling well!
Theresa, I am EXACTLY the same way. I wasn't "born" a writer and I totally attribute Harry Potter to my reading WAY more (and then starting writing). You're in good company!
ReplyDeleteI am only now reading the HP series. I'm about 200 pages into The Order of the Phoenix (didn't see that coming with Aunt Petunia). Although my trilogy is pretty much written, she has inspired me to write a couple new books I'm beginning to outline. The HP series is truly amazing. Wish I would have read it long ago.
ReplyDeleteI, too, came to the series late. Just before the release of DH. Now, I wish I'd had the opportunities to dress up and anticipate and participate in all the fun activities....ah well.
ReplyDeleteI've always been drawn to fantasy, but mystery/action/adventure are right there, too. Tolkien, Lewis, Hamilton, Colfer, Gaiman....and a whole bunch more.
Hope you get to see the movie soon. When you do, I hope there's some pics to go along with the post :)
Beautiful post, Theresa!
ReplyDeleteA picture book called Home Place by Crescent Dragonwagon made me want to write. I used it my classroom for showing visualizaton to my students every year that I taught. I'd have them close their eyes and listen then they'd do an illustration from their minds eye. Later I'd read it again and show the awesome illustrations by Jerry Pinkeny.
I actually watched the first movie before I read any of the books--then I tore through the books and waited around for the fourth movie to come out. :P
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting; one of the first writers who got me writing was Glen Cook, after I read The Dragon Never Sleeps. It's hard science fiction, space opera, and I didn't particularly like it all that much, so I figured: why can't I write a story I do like?
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about the tattoo, that I pulled out my minimizer hand held mirror to check the lower back spot with the least dimplage. I can't hardly put PERSONAL DEMONS on top of upper buttock cellulite! I'm so excited and you are so lovely for giving it to me. (Geez, that kinda felt gross writing. Almost as much as saying something similar in person, Yuck!)
Nonetheless, majorly gushing over here. Sent this via email as well just letting you know I'm not a cyber terrorist or anything with super powers like that.
Super thanks,
Lea
Also on this blog just want to say, I love JK Rowling! I read all of the Harry Potter books, starting with the first when they were reading them. The last one, I bought and forced them to read. Hard to push that when they're in college. But it's still a tradition we watch each movie together at midnight when it's released. Now that Shaun has one of his own, I can't wait to read them aloud to my little sausage!
ReplyDeleteAnd Twilight sucked and not in a good way, read those together too!
It was Edith Blyton (British author) who got me into reading when I was eight. Then I wanted to be a writer, but like you, Theresa, I thought I had to be born a writer to be one.
ReplyDeleteLoved your comment on Matt MacNish's blog this morning after the one remark. Still have no idea what she was talking about.
I started writing stories at least in Kindergarten (if you don't count the lovely stories i was known for telling...not lies exactly, just strong embellishments of the truth) so I guess my influence to start writing would be Dr. Seuss. I've branched out over the years, but Dr. Seuss is still one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteNever been a big fan of the HP series, but it was a wonderful thing she wrote that got so many more people reading and, apparently, writing. You are never too old if the story is good. Very funny post!
Thanks for sharing this story! I think it's a testament to the magic of the entire Harry Potter series. I picked up the first book because it was assigned to me as homework for this after-school program I was in, and I was very skeptical about the whole thing. After I finished it, I was thrilled there were more books!
ReplyDeleteSaw the HP7 Pt. 2 movie at midnight, and I still can't believe that's the last of them. And yeah, I dressed up. I'm one of those people. ;)
Love the Stephen King quote. He cracks me up.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up I loved the classics, and I loved Anne of Green Gables, and all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. :)
@ Jen, you, Carol, and Natalie, Stina, and me seemed to have started off the same way. I AM in good company!
ReplyDelete@ Stephen, I was impressed we got to know the motivation behind Aunt Petunia's attitude. There are a lot of surprises in the books. I'm sure most people, like you and me, wonder why we'd waited so long when we finally read them. You'd better hurry - spoilers abound!
@ The Words Crafter, we're finally going next week when my son returns from staying with family in New York. I'm excited. But I might be embarrassed to dress at this point. We'll see.
I love Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. I've bought two more of his books, but haven't read them yet.
@ Sharon, I don't know that book. I'll have to look it up.
@ The Golden Eagle when I saw those authors speak a couple of weeks ago, the author of Angelfire said the same thing - she decided to write what she wanted to read.
@ Wanton Redhead Writing, you made me laugh. I think about getting more real tattoos but there are so many places I can't because if they haven't let me down yet, they will!
I think it's nice you have the midnight tradition even at college-age.
I'd love to do big rants on Twilight but writers aren't supposed to do that unless they're immune because they're Stephen King calibre. Who am I kidding? I've written so many negative comments on my blog, Facebook and other blogs. Put them all together and it IS a multi-page rant!
@ Stina, I don't know Edith Blyton. I'll have to look her up.
We're joined by Jen, Carol, and Natalie as late writing bloomers!
@ caseykay1, I love Dr. Seuss. The Lorax was one of the books I read over and over in my early grades. In fact, I'd say it's in my top books of all time.
The HP books aren't for everyone. My husband, for one, doesn't get it.
@ Krispy, I like hearing how people found the Harry Potter books. Dressing up IS fun. When my son and I went to the midnight sale for book 7, a family came as the Malfoy family. The mom and dad were Lucius and Narcissa. The kid was Draco. They played it up sticking up their noses at us and they all had white-blonde hair. When they passed, we all booed. It was so fun!
@ LR, I'll admit I haven't read those books. I bought Anne of Green Gables for my daughter, but I haven't given it to her yet. I watched Little House on the Prairie as a kid, but didn't read the books.
haha... i like stephen king's comparison of potter and twilight.
ReplyDelete@ Aguilar, me too! I wish more teenage girls heard it.
ReplyDeleteSo we have Rowling to thank for your wonderful writing!
ReplyDelete@ Missed Periods, thanks. I hope it gets wonderful enough to sell a manuscript.
ReplyDeleteI totally feel the same way! Rowling's writing has inspired me so much and got me into fantasy (even though I don't write it myself).
ReplyDeleteI kind of wish my girls were born when all the HP hoopla was happening... I'm kind of sad that future generations will miss out on that.
I think HP and JK are simply brilliant. She also inspires me to write--even though my genre is totally different.
ReplyDeleteI love the Stephen King quote! That, too, is brilliant.
@ Lisa, JK Rowling probably got more people reading fantasy than writing it!
ReplyDeleteIt was very cool to have my kids get into HP before it was over. My son got to be in it from Book 4 onwards. My daughter got into it later, but she got to see the last few movies.
At least your children don't have to be tortured with anticipation!
@ Susan, it's interesting to know Rowling inspired both you and Lisa, though neither of you write her genre.
Love the King quote too!