Pictures of JK Rowling's Annotated 'Philospher's Stone'
The Guardian has released pictures from the books donated to the First Editions, Second Thoughts auction for EnglishPEN held at Sotheby's last night. JK Rowling donated a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Included are the transcripts of her personal notes shown. You can browse the slide show on The Guardian's Books pageRowling's book was the highest bid in the auction which included books by Roald Dahl, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Margaret Atwood. All the authors added notes and some illustrations to 1st edition copies of their books. No word on who anonymously paid 150,000 for this treasure yet, but the funds will support PEN and LUMOS.
Read more about last night's auction
"JK Rowling: 'Changed my life forever.' 'No shield here - crest. I mean all that came in the later editions. This one's a bit wonky but you get the idea. Perhaps Hufflepuff house would have the respect it deserves from the fans if I'd stayed with my original idea of a bear to represent it?'"
"Quidditch - was invented in a small hotel in Manchester after a row with my then boyfriend. I had been pondering the things that hold a society together, cause it to congregate and signify its particular character and knew I needed a sport. It infuriates men, in my experience (why is the Snitch so valuable etc), which is quite satisfying given my state of mind when I invented it."Pictures courtesy of EnglishPEN
Posted on 22 May 2013 by Janet
First Edition of Philosopher's Stone on Auction

JK Rowling has contributed an annotated first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to the First Editions, Second Thoughts auction being held for EnglishPEN which supports writers in the UK and the freedom of expression for writers and readers worldwide. Fifty authors have contributed copies of their books with handwritten commentary and information added in the margins.
The copy of Philosopher's Stone up for auction includes annotations on 43 pages. Read more about it HERE at EnglishPEN.org
If you are interested in bidding on it or any of the other books, contact Sotheby's before the auction May 21, 2013. Good luck!
Posted on 02 May 2013 by Janet
Royals Visit WB's Harry Potter Studio Tour
IN April, Princes William and Harry and Princess Kate visited The Making of Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour as fully reported by Mugglenet. The best part is that JK Rowling also attended and met with them as seen in this fabulous picture.Thanks again to Mugglenet!
Posted on 02 May 2013 by Janet
JK Rowling talks Casual Vacancy
Fans from around the world flew into Bath, England, yesterday to attend the annual Bath Literature Festival where JK Rowling made a headline appearance.Speaking to a crowd of 1,600, Rowling discussed her latest novel, confirming that it was likely to be for a younger audience than Potter and most probably shorter. She also went on to talk about Casual Vacancy and the themes surrounding the novel's teenage characters. Stating that she was "very attracted to writing about [teenage years]" as they are a "very interesting time of life", she showed her distaste for the representations of young people in popular culture today. Rowling denigrated the presentation of teenage issues in television programmes believing them to "romanticise adolescence". With Casual Vacancy currently being developed for television, it will be interesting to see how the young characters in the novel are subsequently portrayed on screen.
Unsurprisingly the conversation turned to Potter where Rowling talked of her conflicting feelings of both freedom and bereavement as she finished the series and how she realised, back in 2000, that she "will never top [Potter]". As for another Potter novel; "I'm never going to say never but I have no current plans". When asked of the likelihood of a Marauders story, she stated that "prequels are not generally very successful."
See here for a brief clip of the interview currently featured on The Independent.
Thanks to Mugglenet for the story!
Posted on 10 Mar 2013 by Kristen
JK Rowling Lands Top 20 Position in UK Womens' Power List
JK Rowling has been listed at the 13th most powerful woman in the United Kingdom by a popular BBC Radio show. Her position puts her one placement before MP and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman and eight places ahead of singer Adele. The list was topped by Her Majesty, The Queen.The list is the first created by Women's Hour, a daily programme on BBC Radio 4, and aimed to recognise the "movers and shakers who shape the way we live today" and question "which women have the greatest impact on British politics, society, culture and the economy".
Not that is will be a surprise to any Potter fans but it is worth noting that JK Rowling has been listed as both an author AND a philanthropist and is acknowledged for setting up the Volant Charitable Trust and as President of the Gingerbread Charity for single parent families.
For a look at the complete list, click here.
Thanks Mugglenet for this great story!
Posted on 13 Feb 2013 by Kristen
Win signed copy of A Casual Vacancy
JK Rowling announced today through her website's newsletter that she will be giving away 3 signed copies of A Casual Vacancy. You can still subscribe to the newsletter to enter by Midnight (GMT) December 17 at this link. The competition is open worldwide, but the books are only English versions. Good luck and let us know if you win!!
Posted on 12 Dec 2012 by Janet
The Casual Vacancy to get BBC TV Adaptation
"JK Rowling's first novel for adults, The Casual Vacancy, is being adapted into a BBC1 drama.Published in September, the novel opens with the death of a parish councillor and is based around a local council election.
The best-selling author's first full-length book in five years, it is set in Pagford, a town which appears to be an English idyll but is at war with itself.
Rowling's Harry Potter novels were adapted into blockbuster Hollywood films which launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson as well as attracting the cream of British acting talent.
She said of the new drama: "I'm thrilled that the BBC has commissioned The Casual Vacancy.
"I always felt that, if it were to be adapted, this novel was best suited to television and I think the BBC is the perfect home."
The drama is expected to air in 2014. BBC1 controller Danny Cohen said: "It is thrilling to be bringing the work of JK Rowling to BBC1 audiences.
"This project highlights the ambition and scale of BBC1 drama, as well as the ability of modern television to attract the world's biggest talent and most exciting creative ideas."
BBC drama controller Ben Stephenson said: "We are thrilled to bring JK Rowling's extraordinary tapestry of modern Britain to the screen.
"It's a book of such richness that through humour, social commentary and above all fantastic characters, says something insightful and entertaining about the country we live in."
The book was published to mixed reviews, with the Daily Mirror describing it as "a complete joy to read" and an "entertaining evocation of British society today", but the Daily Mail's Jan Moir dubbing it a "relentless socialist manifesto masquerading as literature".
The number and length of episodes for the drama are still to be decided."'
Thanks The Independent for this great story!
Posted on 03 Dec 2012 by Kristen
Wonderbook: Book of Spells Out Today!
Wonderbook will bring to life a thousand stories in one physical book with a brand new series of adventures and experiences to explore. A powerful storytelling vehicle and tool for the imagination, Wonderbook will bring exclusive content in immersive new ways by putting you at the heart of the action, using augmented reality technology to transform the world around you. Bringing mystery and discovery to your living room, Wonderbook titles will draw you into new worlds, and give you the chance to live in the stories you love.The first story: Wonderbook: Book of Spells
Book of Spells is the first title for Wonderbook, the latest addition to the PlayStation experience. Written by Miranda Goshawk over two hundred years ago, the Book of Spells can be found in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library. This advanced textbook will assist students on their journey to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard. Read, discover, learn and practice spells such as Incendio, Wingardium Leviosa and Expelliarmus, as well as discover mischievous notes, spells and humorous anecdotal facts scribbled into the margins by previous Hogwarts students. J.K. Rowling has written a conundrum that leads you through the experience, providing insight into the values a witch or wizard has to learn, and inviting you to journey through the book to unlock new content, rewarding successful students along the way.
Features:
-Discover the magic. Wonderbook takes augmented reality to spectacular new places with an intuitive and easy to use book. Tilting, rotating, or simply turning the pages bring stories to life all around you like never before.
-Learn the art of spell-casting. Chapter by chapter, you will be able to read about and practise 20 spells, picking up valuable experiences and lessons along the way - as well as House Points - just like a student at HogwartsTM.
-Original content from J.K. Rowling. From the world of Harry PotterTM, the Book of Spells reveals new and exciting content by the worlds best-loved author. Offering backstories to the famous spells, valuable lessons and brand new creatures, student wizards can unlock more writing with every chapter test.
Check out their website for more information!
Posted on 13 Nov 2012 by Kristen
Excerpt of Charlie Rose with J.K. Rowling
Posted on 25 Oct 2012 by Kristen
Rowling on CBS This Morning
JK Rowling is in New York for her big event at the Lincoln Center and she is also doing interviews with local television. She appeared on CBS This Morning interviewed by Charlie Rose and Gayle King Monday morning. Along with the usual discussion of her books, Gayle talks about some fans waiting to meet Jo and how she "changed their lives." :)Posted on 16 Oct 2012 by Janet
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