Madam Pince's Potter Pages

Potterificus Infinitus Day 1

2010-08-03T01:07:00.004-07:00

Have I mentioned that I was looking forward to hearing Dr. Henry Jenkins speak? I missed his talk at Azkatraz because I was a vendor last year, so I was very glad to see that he would speak at Infinitus.

But it was Day 1, so first the Welcome Feast, our first chance to see old friends and who-was-dressed-as-whom. This was my first conference with my husband and our niece. My shy husband was gamely dressed as an "anonymous Auror:" brown-striped pants, old fashioned shirt with a button-on collar, loosely-knotted scarf, and a wonderful bowler hat. Our niece wasn't in costume, but she did a good job of teasing her uncle out of his nervousness.

We shared the table with Bel and her daughter, and some women I hadn't met before. Conference organizers with walkie-talkies were making sure the 2,000+ guests made it through the buffet lines (Mexican chilaquiles, not chipolatas), a belly dancer ondulated at the sound booth, and a VIP table of the keynote speakers stretched along the front of the room. Perhaps there were no floating candles or half-breed giants, but we had a few ghosts, some professors, a heavily pregnant Hermione, and a couple thousand potential friends. It had begun!

Abbie as Hermione

I picked up my press pass from Aziza, and headed to Dr. Jenkins' talk. His topic this year was "When Fans Become Activists." In case you didn't know, a Potter fan organization named the Harry Potter Alliance (in coalition with several other fandoms) ended up raising an astounding $123,000.00 for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti ("Helping Haiti Heal"), and more recently was awarded $250,000 from Chase Community Giving, the top prize in their 2010 campaign. The HPA's motto is "The weapon we have is love."

Dr. Jenkins is so fascinated by these efforts and those of other fandoms, that he will be working with the MacArthur Foundation to study youth and activisim, specifically those organizations that approach activism as a part of a fandom, as he said, "From reading, to writing, to changing the world." Jenkins tour de force talk ranged from Na'avi-blue painted Palestinian protesters to Medieval protesters masked as moors or amazons, to Oilspill Spongebob, to WoW in-game protest marches in China, to Singapore where censorship of political speech led to widespread use of videotaped action figures as stand-ins.

Dr. Henry Jenkins and Andrew Slack of the Harry Potter Alliance

He blasted Bowling Alone as a "dead metaphor." I wanted to stand up and cheer.

As a public librarian, I thought one of his more interesting observations was that participation in afterschool programs have a huge effect on activism. Band, theater, choir, etc., according to Jenkins, "creates a literary space that looks a lot like a fandom. The kids don't think of themselves as political. They see themselves as cultural, then shift as a result of a fandom." I would argue not just the fandom, but also the realization that as a unit they have some power to work for change.

In the question and answer period, someone asked about the tension between charity and activism. Jenkins explained that semantically, "charity" is a dismissal of a movement's political force; it is also a gender-laden term. Andrew Slack pointed out that it was important to the HPA that all approaches be welcome -- the HPA's role is to provide structure and fundraising/advocacy help, not dictate whether activity is a "charity" or "activism." Andrew sees the next stage as one where fandoms join forces for good, as they did with Helping Haiti Heal.

Jenkins ended by mentioning that a new journal named Transformative Works and Cultures had a call out for papers.

Next was a clever bit of fun "The Blair Witch Law Firm Discusses Wizarding IP Law" by Heidi Tandy and Rachael Vaughn. Heidi and Rachel (dressed as a silver doe Patronus), both practicing lawyers, announced that they are opening up a London office of the Blair Witch Law Firm, representing both wizards and muggles.

They were there to present an overview of Wizarding IP Law, answering questions such as: Are spells patentable? Do ghosts retain copyrights to their creations from the 1600s? and Is the Invisible Book of Invisibility tangible enough to be copyrightable? Some gems: Memories stored in a Pensive are copyright protected, but "leaking" ones are not, and House-elf work is owned by their owner. More work for Hermione, I guess. The section on trade secrets touched on the legal aspects of Secret-keeping. Hee.

The Auror and I had tickets to the Merlin's Circle Reception where I met Naomi Novik, the author of the Temeraire series (swoon), and actor Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), as well as some of the amazing HPEF conference organizers, Aziza, Heidi and Gwen.

Unexpectedly, I was approached by a young woman who asked me if I worked for the Lexicon. I don't know how she knew, but we had a great conversation. She was visiting from New Zealand (!) and was hoping to find a copy of our book while she was in the states. I told her I didn't think they were available anymore except from Amazon, but that I had one in my luggage. Bel and I signed it the next day, so she has her copy of the book.

Hogwarts Castle by Mary GrandPre

And finally we had time to visit the Vending Room and the Craft Fair. What did I buy? A spiffy bezoar necklace, a couple of pygmy puffs crocheted by a 14-year-old girl, and some fun stuff from Whimsic Alley: a wand scabbard, a "Bad Dobby" button, and other gifties for friends back home (shhh). However the loveliest thing was a numbered (10/50) and signed Mary GrandPre map of Hogwarts from ArtInsights Gallery. I see it as a companion to Riikka's drawing; the detail is amazing. Thanks luv. Merry Christmas to you too!

P.S. Apologies for the poor quality of the photos -- they were taken with my cellphone. My niece lent me her DSLR later on, so the photos *will* get better.

Potterificus Infinitus: Intro

2010-07-28T23:52:00.001-07:00

Bel and Professor Sprout (me) at Infinitus

Belly dancers, Snapes of every flavor, OMG costumes, geektastic t-shirts, quidditch, "Bad Dobby" pins, drabbles, fangirling, meeting online friends for the first time, movie stars, great food, provocative presentations, "Professor, may I take your picture?", and music music music. I just returned from four euphoric days with 3,000 other Harry Potter fans at the HPEF's Infinitus 2010 conference in Orlando, FL.

This wasn't my first. I've been going to Potter conferences since The Witching Hour in 2005. That was the year after I started a website with a UK maths teacher Deborah Skinner named "Madam Scoop's Potter Pages" which indexed and paraphrased all of Rowling's statements in interviews about the details in her books. Within a couple months of the launch we were asked to be members of the popular "Floo Network," which at the time consisted of The Harry Potter Lexicon, Leaky Cauldron and Quick Quotes Quill fansites.

The Witching Hour wasn't just my first Potter conference, it was also the first time I had to navigate the "we met online but what are these people really like" dance that happens when avatars and in-joke member names give way to real faces and voices. I will never forget being in a bus terminal to pick up an online friend visiting from Finland and realizing that I had no earthly idea what she looked like -- I'd had such a strong mental picture I hadn't until then realized that I'd never seen a photograph.

Each Potter conference has its own flavor. The Witching Hour in 2005 was one of discovery -- the discovery that I'd stumbled upon nothing less than a shift in the way reading was changing, and the discovery that this book-centric fandom was making history. Dr. Henry Jenkins (then at MIT) spoke about how fandom had forced the movie studios to re-think their policies about trademark protection and be more tolerant of fan-created websites and communities.

I also learned that there was a pattern to a Potter conference: Welcome Feast, presentations, midnight movie/pyjama parties, wizard rock concert, a kick ass ball, and Leaving Feast.

Infinitus was no different. Here was my schedule this year:

Alex Carpenter playing for fans

Day 1

Welcome Feast
“When Fans Become Activists“ (Henry Jenkins)
“The Blair Witch Law Firm Discusses Wizarding IP Law” (Heidi Tandy, Rachael Vaughn)
Merlin's Circle Reception
Craft Fair

Day 2

“How Harry Potter has United a Fandom” (Jasmine K. Harrison)
“Seven Literary Keys to Unlocking Harry Potter: The Future of the Hogwarts Saga ‘Shared Text’ in classrooms” (John Granger)
“FTW: Fandom-Trained Writers:” fanfic writers turned pro: Naomi Novik, Karen Healey, R.J. Anderson, Ali Wilgus, and Sarah Rees Brennan will discuss making the transition between fanfic writer and published novelist, their writing processes and their feelings about fanfic for their own original stories.
“Growing Grassroots Projects in Fandom” (Heidi Tandy, Melissa Anelli, Andrew Slack, Edward Drogos, Matt Maggiacomo)
“Historical Hidden Key in Harry Potter: Why Witches & Wizards Went Underground after the English Civil War” (John Granger)
Night of a Thousand Wizards (a costumed frolic in the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Park at Universal Studios).

Day 3

Keynote Luncheon - Franchise Creative Director for Electronic Arts’ Bright Light studio, Kelvin Tuite. Kelvin gave a behind the scenes perspective on aspects of Harry Potter video game creation.
Potter Pundits Live (John Granger, Travis Prinzi, James Thomas)
Night of Frivolity Ball

Day 4

Leaving Feast & auction

More tomorrow about Infinitus Day One!

Potterificus Interruptus

2010-07-28T22:49:00.001-07:00

Well. I've been gone a long time from this blog. What can I say? Job changes, mum's health, and fascinations new and old have all been very distracting. I'm still Pottering around, but have been posting more about it on Facebook than here.

However, I'm writing a report for O'Reilly Media on Infinitus, this year's HPEF conference, and will use the space here to try out portions of it.

By the way? Infinitus was really, really fun. More anon...

Harry Potter The Exhibition, Boston

2009-10-27T00:54:00.005-07:00

I did something crazy last week, I dropped everything when a friend called and said she had a free ticket to a Harry Potter exhibit.

In Boston.

But it wasn't just any ticket, it was a "Very Important Muggle" preview admission to the Boston Museum of Science's blockbuster, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, 20,000sf of sets, props and costumes from the Harry Potter movies. Even more important, it was a chance to see Bel, someone I've wanted a real hug from for the past several years. Thank you, Bel, for this gift!

The invitation said "confidential" so were pretty sure that we weren't supposed to blog or tweet about it ahead of time, though it was very hard keeping quiet. I only allowed myself a tweet about packing warm socks, an allusion that even the most fervent Dumbledore fan would probably miss without context.

The date? Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 6:30-9:00pm.

By 4:30 we were all assembled, Bel, Trish, and Kimmy, and I. Bel demonstrated the unfathomable depths of her tapestry bag more than once. Wand? yes. Asprin? yes. FictonAlley chapstick? yes. It would seem to contain everything except a portrait of Phineas Nigellus. It was like old times.

Other news was appearing on the wires: actor Matthew Lewis (Neville), was in Boston for the press party that afternoon, were he had news of the ongoing filming of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Would he be there in the evening too? (the answer was yes). Which of our Potter friends would be there? (alas very few, it seemed to be mostly supporters of the museum).

It was a gorgeous evening. Unbelievable weather for Boston, really. We looked it up and it was only 5 degrees cooler than Tucson.

6:30 finally came. We picked up our V.I.M. badges in the Museum lobby and went exploring. Our entrance time was 7:05.

The reception was very nicely done. Museum staff were teaching about live toads and rats; they were also demoing a snake and an owl. In another area there was light food, wine, and later, a quartet playing themes from the Potter movies. Pretty soon we could see Matthew and museum bigwigs arrive, and everyone gathered around a small stage. First the Museum of Science Director Ioannis Miaoulis spoke, then Matt Lewis. No time for autographs, drat it, but it was lovely to see him in person.

7:05! We stood in line for a bit then -- enter! We were whisked off by a cheery welcome witch who sorted a few of the children. Soon the doors behind us opened and we entered a small dark room where we were shown a short film with highlights from the movies. Again, a surprise door opened, and ... goosebumps. Mist, and a red steam engine with more beyond [cue swelling Potter music].

What can I say? See the show if you can. You will be amazed by level of craftsmanship not visible on film. Everywhere there are humorous details to rival Rowling's, and evidence of the care that went into the design of everything from potions bottles to Educational Decrees. Verisimilitude. Are all movies like this, or were these set designers as inspired and as obsessed by the detailed nature of the stories as the most hardcore fan?

I wish I could have taken pictures, but they weren't allowed. The few I have are on my flickr account.

Soon I will write more about the highlights.

Potter party was HUGE fun! Part 2

2009-07-10T23:27:00.010-07:00

This is the second report of the goings on at the July 9th Potter party at the Pima County Public Library's Mission Branch in Tucson, Arizona. [Part one of the report is here]

There will be a second party on Saturday, July 11th at 2pm in the Joel D. Valdez Main Library's Lower Level Meeting Room. Free; no registration required. See you there!

After the Potions class came Care of Magical Creatures, beginning with Rhonda as Professor Grubbly-Plank. She corrected Hagrid's earlier confusion of Gryphons with Hippogriffs and proceeds to teach the different types.

As a special treat, she tells the class that she has a sedated -- but real -- baby Gryphon named Katerina. Hagrid ghoulishly goes into a little too much detail about the damage even a baby could do to fingers and toes while Grubbly-Plank removes Katerina from her cage. And she's a darling. Eventually, however, she begins to get agitated and has to be put back in her crate. "Oh!" says Hagrid, "But not without her bunny!" and adds a stuffed bunny rabbit to the crate. Not a good idea. The crate jumps and bucks violently. Hagrid valiantly tries to rescue the bunny but alas, only pulls out stuffing. Ah well.

For Hagrid's segment of the class he has a special guest, a former Hogwarts professor-turned-werewolf. Ben as Remus Lupin is brought in and the students are told that while he is generally safe due to the Wolfsbane potion, they shouldn't get too close. Hagrid starts the lesson about how well the potion works when Lockhart ambles over to harangue the class about his book Wanderings with Werewolves. Over Hagrid's objections he demonstrates how werewolves like to be tickled on their tummy and behind the ears when he is attacked by Lupin. Hagrid petrifies Lupin long enough to allow Madam Pomfrey to drag Lockhart away. Once Lockhart is safe, Hagrid distracts Lupin by yelling "Squirrel!" and Lupin bounds out the door. My goodness, another close call. You never know what will happen in Care of Magical Creatures class!

We had to be careful with this segment because we knew there would be some very young kids in the audience. We had a full Werewolf costume, but ended up going for comic effect instead of a fearsome one. Curt made a Ben a tale and doggy nose and found some ears, and Ben wore the claws from the costume. It worked perfectly.

Our Hagrid is played by Curt who is, um, a little typecast. Curt, easily 6'6", brings to us a strong theater background and the ability to adjust track lighting without a ladder.

Ben, a Library Assistant from the Himmel Branch Library, was a great sport about the tame werewolf costume and told us at least it was better than when he had to play a puppy for one of the library storytimes.

Rhonda, like Curt and Chris, are active in the Society for Creative Anachronism. Their life-long appreciation for the archaic and arcane adds authenticity and and depth to their performances.

My role as Madam Pomfrey was dead simple: bandage Lockhart up after all his injuries. I had a large bar of chocolate, vet wrap, and goofy band-aids (Barbie, Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo) on hand. He looked pretty funny by the end of the evening!

The last segment was a visit from Simon Wanderman, Ministry of Magic official from the Wizarding Examinations Authority. Mr. Wanderman is visiting to test the students for their magical abilities. Wanderman is played by Chris who is a magician with over 20 years experience.

However, he has a little trouble getting to Hogwarts because he attempts to use a rickety vanishing cabinet. Hagrid puts the 4 broken pieces together and we held our breath while Wanderman emerged unscathed. Whew.

Wanderman has a great time, beginning with some basic wizard hygiene -- cleaning between the ears. My favorite part of the testing is for skill with the Expelliarmus! charm. I won't spoil it, but I can tell you that the child who got the blasted card yelled "Score!" to his friends. Wanderman ends his segment with an appeal to the students to be diligent in their studies because the Wizarding world needs smart, skilled wizards.

Then we snacked on pretzel wands, jelly beans and butterbeer (cream soda). The cast was available for photo ops and other kinds of mayhem afterwards.

I have a gallery of Potter party photos on my flickr account.

Potter party was HUGE fun! Part 1

2009-07-10T00:35:00.007-07:00

Tomorrow I will look at today's great-sounding HBP movie premiere footage, but for now I am still basking in the afterglow of a very fun Potter party. I thought this time I would write a little about the logistics of pulling a party off in case it is helpful (and not boring).

Room set up: There are 5 classes at our parties: Divination, Herbology, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, and testing from the Ministry of Magic, so we set it up so that the classes alternated sides of the room so the next class could get everything ready while the audience was focused in the other direction.

Ideally you'll be in a room that has dimmer lights. If not, bring some floor lamps so the kids can see what's happening even when the lights are out.

We had a full house at Mission Library. Our hosting librarians Lupita and Leila did a wonderful job planning the sorting, door prizes, and food. I thought the sorting technique was especially well thought out. Library staff made Hogwarts house ties out of cardstock and string. It was really easy to see the child's house when awarding and taking points. What I really liked about it was that even the kids who came in t-shirts had a proper school tie.

The decorations

Iridescent streamers at entry door so that entry looks like a magical veil [source]
A machine that projected the night sky onto the ceiling [source]
Fog machine
Magic dust (cosmetic-grade iridescent glitter) sprinkled on arms at entry [source]
Faux stone on walls [source]
Handmade banners of the Hogwarts houses
Candelabras and spell books galore [one source]
Hedwig in her cage [photo]
Several flickering faux flame lamps [source] [source]
Purple twinkle lights [usually only sold at Halloween]
A large mercury glass gazing ball is a cheap substitute for a crystal ball
Tables covered with black plastic, but also with real fabric and shaggy black fur (4'x6') for accents
Huge canvas with tropical flowers for the Herbology greenhouse
Shawls draped all over Trelawney's corner
A vanishing box, also homemade
Potions bottles and cauldrons in the Potions classroom
Bookcarts decorated to look like the teacart on the Hogwarts Express

As they entered through the "veil," kids were given a wand (a clear straw with a fat glittery pipecleaner inside wrapped with ribbon) and asked to select a school house tie.

Hagrid welcomed everyone, introduced the professors and school staff, and directed everyone's attention to Professor Trelawney who informed us that she was a true seer who knows EVERYTHING. Laurie plays her with a querulous voice and dry sarcasm, and has concocted around 80 of the most doleful fortunes you have ever heard. She has the kids pick them from a basket and then reads a few of them aloud to the dismay and guffaws of the audience. The rest are handed out and read later when the food is served.

Next is Professor Sprout in her greenhouse with a special guest: Gilderoy Lockhart, on leave from St. Mungo's and still extremely forgetful. Lockhart immediately interrupts to show off his new book, Magical Me, and hands out autographed photos of himself. Once the class starts, he loses interest in helping. Thankfully "Fernie," a remote-controlled potted fern is on hand to bring her things.

Sprout demonstrates the characteristics of the Deadly daisy, Mandragora ("Silencio!"), and Mimbulus mimbletonia. The notoriously grumpy cactus is unfortunate enough to attract Lockhart's wandering attention. Lockhart ignores Sprout's explicit advice and pokes it repeatedly with his wand while her back is turned. Yeah, you guessed it (and so does the audience), prettyboy Lockhart gets stinksapped. With a twinkle in her eye, Sprout turns the plant on the audience and squirts the crowd too.

Her final plant is her deadliest, in fact a young girl in the audience correctly identifies it as Devil's Snare. While Sprout is focused on impressing the crowd with the plant's ferocity, Lockhart seems drawn to it and in a flash he is thrashing on the ground with the vine around his neck. Once Sprout notices she leads the class in a loud "Lumos!" and Lockhart is freed.

Sprout is played by Thania and her husband Steve. Together they are a joy to watch because of their attention to detail and because their gags are so perfectly calibrated to the audience. Both of them have great comic timing too.

Potions is next! The dark professor, Draco at his side, begins by explaining the power and importance of potions and then proceeds to mix a transformative potion. Right in the middle of this, Sprout enters with Lockhart and asks Snape if he could step away to see her snargaluff pods. Snape asks Lockhart to "babysit" the students (BIG mistake), tells Draco not to let Lockhart touch anything, and leaves with Sprout.

Can you guess? Lockhart proclaims himself a skilled potions master and finishes Snape's potion, which starts bubbling. When Snape returns, he sees the bubbling glass, proclaims it ready to drink and quaffs it in one gulp. "I feel funny" he proclaims and in a flash he is whipping around. Once he steadies, he asks the audience -- in a Borscht Belt voice -- why 6 is afraid of 7 (because 7-8-9). One more corny joke, and he whips around and is Snape again. Snape is suspicious of the laughter, but before he can figure things out he is whipping around for more vaudevillian jokes. You get the idea. I really loved this part. The physical comedy reminded me of the Boggart lesson in the third movie when Snape turns into Neville's grandmother.

Mike plays Snape, cast against type, because he is one of the funniest people I know. He's been doing stand-up for years and writes filks satirical of libraryland that help make our library's holiday parties the stuff of legend. Draco is his lovely daughter Wren.

I will write more later about the Care of Magical Creatures class and the visit from the Ministry of Magic. The adrenaline has finally worn off and I'm off to sleep.

UPDATE: Part 2 is now posted.

--Lisa

Our Potter parties are this week!

2009-07-05T23:28:00.005-07:00

Pima County Public Library's Potter parties are this week! We're doing two parties; one requires registration, the other one doesn't. [Calendar information]

Here's the cast:
Rubeus Hagrid: Curt Booth
Sibyll Trelawney: Laurie Fleetham
Pomona Sprout: Thania Mayorga-Shull
Gilderoy Lockhart: Stephen Shull
Severus Snape: Mike Sterner
Prof. Grubbly-Plank: Rhonda Staggs
Simon Wanderman, Ministry of Magic: Chris Lyon
Poppy Pomfrey: Lisa Bunker
Draco Malfoy: Wren Sterner
Remus Lupin: Ben Matiella
Molly Weasley: Leila Duncan

The role of Madam Pomfrey was a bit of a surprise, but I found a nurse-like apron on the internet and a dear friend is making me a cap and shipping it express from Canada. My role will be to rush over whenever a cast member gets hurt (I expect Lockhart will have a genius for this) and bandage them up. I will be using some rather unorthodox materials such as fluorescent vet wrap and Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo and Sponge Bob band-aids. Hee. We have SUCH fun!

On 'mood wolves' and drawing

2009-06-19T22:41:00.009-07:00

Have you ever tried drawing with your eyes closed? Finnish children's book writer and illustrator Riikka Jäntti makes it a regular exercise.

She visited me a few years ago, arriving in Tucson after taking the train from NYC to Flagstaff, via Chicago. Her sketchbook was filled with exquisite, funny, incisive pen-and-ink drawings of America as seen from the window of a train: diners and fast food joints, tenements, laundromats and corn fields. She told me that the other young people on the train were glued to their laptops and phones while she was glued to the window, soaking it all in.

I got a little nervous as her drawings began to show the southwest. What would it reveal of her thoughts? Well, Flagstaff was dead-on: quaint and funky with a bit of snow on the ground. Then Riikka turned the page and the drawing of the Grand Canyon took my breath away. And another page. Another drawing from the same vantage point, but this one bounced and quivered and provided its own soundtrack. "I did this one," she said, "with my eyes closed."

She pointed out to us the 'moodwolves' that appear on her sketches a la Oliphant's penguin, offering commentary on the scene, or on the quality of her dinner that day. In another scene at the Metropolitan Museum the moodwolf grumpily complains about the dreadful frame on Van Gogh's Starry Night. I didn't realize it at the time, but Riikka draws all of the moodwolves with her eyes closed.

Riikka's new book, Mielialasusi (Helsinki: WS Bookwell OY, 2009), collects the moodwolves that she and her sisters Eeva and Liisa have drawn over the years. The book informs us that "the wolf must be drawn eyes closed, so that it's easier to focus on the current mood."

The book is organized by moods, which are really more like states of being: "Every-day wolves" (just woke up, crowded in a tram), "Pub-wolves" (too many whiskeys, nostalgia), "What I'd like to do," "What I could do" (I love the "I could read more books!"), What I'm going to do (finish all the sewing), and so on.

She thoughtfully and hilariously subtitled it for me with post-it notes. The page spread shown above is "Egg-Burp" "Overtired, a little hysterical," "Shapeless ankle," and "This wolf hasn't been listening and tries to pretend that he knows what others are talking about." Heh. I've NEVER done that!

"I could read more books"
"I could sing"
"I could throw a party"

At the back of the book she and her sisters thoughtfully left pages for their readers to start drawing their own wolves, inviting them to "Have a Wolf-moment every day. It only takes two minutes."

I'm off to have a Wolf-moment myself.

A Midsummer Night's Squirrel

2009-06-19T22:28:00.004-07:00

Riikka sent me this drawing of a squirrel celebrating midsummer. He looks like he's not quite sure if the burgers are done!

Next I will post some scans of her newest book, one she created with her sisters Liisa and Eeva.

Just an update

2009-06-18T09:45:00.003-07:00

I'm not sure if anyone is still reading this blog, but here goes...

Here's what's been going on. Our book The Lexicon : An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction was published in mid-January. I don't have any sales figures yet but my friends sure bought a lot of them =) and our local bookstores -- both chain and independent -- displayed it prominently.

For me personally, this victory was tempered when my mom got sick in November and died in April. I was able to show her a copy of the book, but oh well, you know how it goes. It was wonderful to have the family all together again, and I am comforted by knowing that mom had a good life and was loved by many. Miss her though.

Steve came out in March for the wildly successful first annual Tucson Festival of Books. Steve's talk was standing-room only and got great reviews, and I think I just *glowed* when I saw the line that formed afterward at our signing tent. Next year will be even better -- I'm on the committee that selects the children's and young adult authors and illustrators!

And now? Steve will have a booth for the book at Azkatraz, and he's invited me to come help. Not one to turn down free registration, I've booked a hotel room and am looking for a quiet person (well, female) to share it with. Anyone want to come to a Potter convention in San Francisco? There's some really exciting programming and a huge Wrock fest!

But before that, our library will again be putting on 2 more Potter parties. Our first planning session is tonight. One date is still undecided -- I will post an update when everything is confirmed.

More news coming, but for now I need to get ready for work!

Local article about The Lexicon (and Tucson Festival of Books!)

2009-03-08T07:54:00.007-07:00

The Arizona Daily Star interviewed me and Steve about our book last Wednesday for an article in today's paper. Danielle did a great job, and Fred took some lovely photos!

Article "Librarian/writer's Harry Potter knowledge is voluminous"

Steve's talk and our booksigning: Sunday, March 15th at 2:30pm, Catalina Ballroom of the University of Arizona Student Union

Signed copies of the book available at: Kids Center, 1725 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ

Tucson Festival of Books

List of exhibitors in attendance [pdf]

Come to the Book Festival next weekend! Karen Cushman (Catherine Called Birdy), Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted), Richard Peck (A Long Way from Chicago), Charles de Lint (Widdershins), J.A. Jance (Cruel Intent), Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), Luis Alberto Urrea (Hummingbird's Daughter), Richard Shelton (Crossing the Yard), Gregory McNamee (Moveable Feasts), and over 350 more authors and illustrators will be speaking and signing their books.

Other friends speaking, storytelling, and/or signing: Marge Pellegrino, Martin Rivera, Lynn Bevill, and Liz Danforth.

Potter Parties next week!

2008-11-28T23:19:00.003-07:00

Well, our parties are next week and they are beginning to shape up. Trelawney will be there, as long as she stops hitting the sherry (j/k Laurie), as will Professors Sprout and Lockhart (visiting from St. Mungo's). Snape (sorry, Professor Snape) will be teaching Defense against the Dark Arts and for some reason he requested a karaoke machine. I can't wait. Mike's filks are famous here at the library. Hagrid and Professor Grubbly-Plank will squabble, er, teach Care of Magical Creatures, and Simon Wanderer from the Ministry will be testing kids for their magic abilities. For some reason Umbridge decided to come, and there was no polite way to dissuade her. Hopefully she won't disrupt the classes -- and there won't be any centaurs around.

What's new? Well I think I found a way to have stars on the ceiling like the Great Hall's. We'll see. And I hear rumors that we will have live Celtic music before and after, which will be super cool.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008: 5:30pm-7:45pm; Himmel Park Branch Library; All ages welcome.

Thursday, December 4, 2008: 6:00pm-7:45pm; Eckstrom-Columbus Branch Library; Space is limited, so all attendees must register beginning Tuesday, November 19th. All ages welcome.

Many thanks again to Scholastic Book Fairs which has generously donated the door prizes.

Now, where did I put my wand?

My "While You're Waiting for Beedle the Bard" reading list

2008-11-07T09:17:00.003-07:00

My library just published my list of suggested reading while you wait for The Tales of Beedle the Bard to be published, and we've got a fabulous cast again for the library's Potter parties celebrating the book's publication. No Umbridge for me this time (I had too hard a time not grinning to be a good one); I'll be playing Molly. My library has over 300 copies of Beedle on order!

Who are we? Where are we going?

2008-05-12T00:24:00.005-07:00

[Note: I am a co-author of the book The Harry Potter Lexicon, but that's not what this post is about. I think there are larger things at stake.]

On my last visit, my doctor listened to my update on the book situation and asked me “What is ‘fandom’ – what do you mean when you speak of it? Is it one website? Two?” I knew she wanted me to explain it out loud because it might help me figure out why I have given it so much power to hurt, to control what I say and do. I launched into an answer but kept stumbling. Eventually I came up with something like “It’s the whole community of online Potter fans, people who come together to theorize, or draw the characters, or write fanfics. Not just people who love the books, but people who love the books and feel compelled create and to be together online sharing it all.”

I was surprised I had such a hard time explaining it, because I haven’t taken Potter fandom for granted. When I discovered my first fansite (HPANA) I dove in partly *because* I wanted to understand it as a phenomenon. As a children’s librarian I could see that what was happening in the name of Potter could have implications for the way young people of the future read books, why they read, and how they share them. Although I was initially hooked for professional reasons, I quickly learned to appreciate the energy and creativity of the fandom itself. I began contributing too. Soon, I added my voice to the community at HPANA, theorizing, and enjoying other’s theories. The reference librarian in me discovered that there was no reference book to consult, but that there was this nifty website called the Harry Potter Lexicon. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine ever working there.

But anyway, I have been aware of Potter fandom as children’s literature history in the making since the very beginning. At the conventions I attended I sought out programs where people would be discussing what we were, and where we are headed. What will happen to us when book 7 comes out? I have even done presentations to area library professional organizations using Potter fandom as an example of how online communities can bring readers together in fresh ways, a sort of “best practices” for libraries looking for new tools to bring book lovers together online.

So part of my sadness about the lawsuit and fandom reaction has been an awareness of a massive loss of innocence, a lessening of freedom and openness to new ideas that I remember from early fandom. I know, I know, it was not always sweetness and light *coughshippingwarscough*, but we were so unself-conscious, so proud of our dorkiness, so unshielded, so glad to find people online to share it with. What the hell are we doing to ourselves? How is it that we seem to have been taking lessons from Seamus all along, and not Dumbledore? What does it say about people that a community centered upon books that celebrate tolerance, integrity and individual responsibility can turn into angry factions bent on wounding and punishing each other?

I think I am finally getting over the loss of fandom as a place I can escape to, but my sorrow over where we find ourselves is profound. Potter fans, let’s see if we can build bridges and stepping stones together, and remember how to have fun again.

More photos from Riikka's visit

2008-03-29T09:32:00.012-07:00

A Visit from Riikka

2008-03-28T16:06:00.005-07:00

Riikka Jäntti, the Finnish artist behind the Accio Quote! Artwork, is visiting America! She spent a week with us in Tucson where we were blessed with fabulous weather and lots to do.

Riikka brought me copies of her delightful book, Nokikätkön ritarit ja Kuuhiisi (The Knights of the Sooty Nook), and kept us enthralled with her sketched account of her travels via Amtrak from New York to Chicago to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, to Tucson. In the picture on the left she is drawing the sunset over the Avra Valley in Tucson Mountain Park. She says she will send us scans of it when she gets back.

Riikka, it was awesome to finally meet you! I hope the rest of your trip is full of adventures too.

1997-2007 in review

2008-01-01T01:15:00.000-07:00

Both Mugglenet and The Leaky Cauldron have posted retrospectives of the last ten years. Mugglenet's is an extensive timeline, and TLC's is a thrilling movie montage. If they used Accio Quote in their research, I hope it was helpful!

Mugglenet Presents... the Decade in Review 1997-2007
10 Years in Harry Potter, A Video Retrospective by The Leaky Cauldron

“J.K. Rowling, A Year in the Life” available online

2007-12-31T00:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's ITV1 broadcast of “J.K. Rowling, A Year in the Life” is now online for everyone to view! There are a few ads first. Thanks ITV.

On the whole I thought the show was lovely, although unlike the famous BBC “Harry Potter and Me” show, there is little new canon.

However, I think the title is a misnomer. Rather than being entirely about “a year,” we get a nice look at Jo’s roots with highlights of events from 2007. Among these are the moment she finishes Deathly Hallows (January 11), the hand off of the manuscript to her agent, a meeting of the worldwide publishers, footage of the book being printed, the OotP film premiere, the book launch at the Natural History Museum (and bits from world launches), at home baking in her kitchen for her son David’s birthday, and at a planning session for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.

Other highlights:

it is lovely to see Jo with her sister Di joking about old photographs,
a stronger sense of place for towns where Jo spent her childhood,
she is franker than I can remember about her relationship with her father,
watching Jo draw the family trees of Harry and his friends,
the wrenching scene in her old flat in Leith.

What were your favorite bits, or observations?

Make your own wands

2007-12-31T00:17:00.001-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for Potter crafts for our library's Potter parties, so I was very happy to see excellent instructions on DadCanDo.com for making wands out of paper, acrylic paint and glue from a glue gun. These are as good as some wooden wands I've seen! Appropriate for teens with supervision because of the glue gun. Hmmm. Perhaps you could use glitter glue instead...

Canon summaries posted

2007-12-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

The canon summaries for the last several interviews have been posted on the 2007 listing over on Accio Quote!

The big news today is that the third trailer for the December 30 ITV1 documentary contains information on the second generation of Harry's friends and their families. All three trailers are available on The Leaky Cauldron's YouTube page, and Jo's diagrams of the families is above.

Update: The door on Jo's Website is open with the drawing of the tree with additional information on Draco's family.

New JKR feature in Time Magazine

2007-12-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

Time Magazine has announced that author J.K. Rowling was a runner-up for the 2007 "Person of the Year." The current issue of the news magazine has a lengthy article and Jo's answers to ten questions! So here is the new quotage and canon:

"Runner-up: J.K. Rowling" by Nancy Gibbs

Although the bible verse "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" on James and Lily's grave is the "theme for the entire series," Jo is not trying to convert her readers to Christianity.
"It is perfectly possible to live a very moral life without a belief in God, and I think it's perfectly possible to live a life peppered with ill-doing and believe in God."
"I'm opposed to fundamentalism in any form," she says. "And that includes in my own religion."
On Wizard rock activism: "It's incredible, it's humbling, and it's uplifting to see people going out there and doing that in the name of your character," [...] "What did my books preach against throughout? Bigotry, violence, struggles for power, no matter what. All of these things are happening in Darfur. So they really couldn't have chosen a better cause."
"He's [Harry's] still mine," she says. "Many people may feel that they own him. But he's a very real character to me, and no one's thought about him more than I have."
On the epilogue: "I kept arguing that 'love is the most important force, love is the most important force.' So I wanted to show him loving. Sometimes it's dramatic: it means you lay down your life. But sometimes it means making sure someone's trunk is packed and hoping they'll be O.K. at school."
Jo is currently writing two books: an adult novel and a "political fairy tale."
"If, and it's a big if, I ever write an eighth book about the [wizarding ] world, I doubt that Harry would be the central character," she says. "I feel like I've already told his story. But these are big ifs. Let's give it 10 years and see how we feel then."

Rowling Answers 10 Questions About Harry

JKR chose the people who came to walk with Harry in the forest as he was going to his death because they were in some way were parental for him, or gave up their lives for him.
Having Harry's blood in him was a bit of "goodness" for Voldemort, and gave him one last chance. If he had repented he would have been healed to a remarkable extent.
Voldemort's Avada Kedavra succeeded in "killing the part of him that is not truly him, in other words, the fragment of Voldemort's own soul that is still clinging to his. The curse also disables Harry severely enough that he could have succumbed to death if he had chosen that path."
Harry was right to feel repulsed by the baby-like remains of Voldemort's shattered soul.
What did Dumbledore really see in the Mirror of Erised?
JKR: "His family, alive and whole and reconciled."
Harry and Voldemort are distantly related through the Peverells, but you could say the same about Harry and most other wizarding familes.
Draco Malfoy marries Astoria Greengrass, the "younger sister of the Greengrass family."
Jo repeats her earlier assertion that Ron's adult career was working at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, where he "does very well."
Tonks was a Hufflepuff.

Roonwit's list of new canon

2007-12-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Roonwit has made a summary of the new canon in the PotterCast interview! Here it is for your reading pleasure...

Rowling on PotterCast!
The first part of Jo's PotterCast appearance in now up. There are summaries of what was said below. There are of course SPOILERS included.

Helga Hufflepuff gave the Hogwarts House Elves good working conditions (which was the moral thing to do at that time).
In The Tales of Beedle the Bard
- The Wizard and the Hopping Pot - the moral is to teach young witches and wizards to use magic altruistically
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune - (her favourite) about the qualities you need to achieve your heart's desire (magic isn't the best option).
- The Warlock's Hairy Heart - A dark, gothic tale. Voldemort would have done well to know this one before starting his reign of terror.
- Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump - (a stupid title) one witch's revenge on muggle persecution.
Beedle the Bard was originally invisaged as about 30 tales but shrank to 5 when Jo realised she was going to hand write them.
Horcri was considered as the plural to Horcruxes, but Jo didn't want it too similar to inferi.
The first Horcrux was probably made by Herpo the Foul [cf. the Basilisk entry in Fantastic Beasts].
The making of a Horcrux is a dangerous and evil thing, one of two things Jo considers might be too horrible to explain (the other is how Wormtail fashioned the child-like body for Voldemort).
John Dawlish was originally powerful, but was weakened by Dumbledore's and subsequent attacks on him. However Augusta Longbottom is still a formidable opponent.
Being gay in the Wizarding world is less of an issue (to those who care about such things) than blood status.
Dumbledore, the great defender of the power of love, was made a fool by it. Grindelwald was almost his dark twin, Dumbledore wanted to believe he was good, and he appeared to offer a solution of the problem of caring for his family.
Harry isn't really a Horcrux, which needs to be made intentionally. He wasn't an evil object with curses on him, and wasn't contaminated by it except on occasions in OotP when it fed off the dark time Harry was going through.
Harry's scar hurts when the soul piece in him is drawn back to the master piece of soul in Voldemort
The scar is the wound through which the soul piece found its way into Harry.
The two-headed smoke snake was Dumbledore detecting that Voldemort's soul had split like this.
Harry had to die to get rid of the soul piece in him, being poisoned by the basilisk but cured wasn't enough.
Neville is the-boy-it-could-have-been. Harry has an edge more talent, particularly an instinct of the right thing to do which makes him such a good auror, but Neville proves by the end of the books that he could also have done it had Voldemort chosen him.
Bellatrix went after the Longbottoms because they were efficient and successful at their jobs as aurors.
James and Lily were asked out of school to join Voldemort, but they rejected him.
Dumbledore knew what happened at Godric's Hollow because of an alarm spell on the house, but Jo couldn't remember if there was an explanation for the 24 hours until Harry arrived at Privet Drive.
The Encyclopedia or "Scottish Book" is currently planned to be half facts and backstory within Harry's world, and half discarded plots and commentary on planning and what went in or not. Jo only wants to write it if it is amazing, she doesn't what to have to rush it out.
Jo thinks of Hannah Abbott as pure blood (though she might be muggle born in Jo's notes.) She is landlady at The Leaky Cauldron.
Jo was under pressure to do a fan club, but created her website as a better solution.
There will be no more WOMBATs. She was told for legal reasons that it would be a bad idea to release snippets of information about DH, and saw the WOMBATs as a way of giving the fans something, though WOMBAT 3 had a lot of hints concealed within it. Jo might put up the answers.
Harry and Ron didn't go back to school and were aurors, but Hermione did another year at Hogwarts to get her NEWTs. Kingsley wanted anyone in the Battle of Hogwarts on the right side, who was old enough, to help clean up the Ministry (including Ron, Neville and Harry).
Hermione went with Harry and Ron through Deathly Hallows because ultimately her heart was bigger than her brain; she isn't naturally drawn to battle.
Jo was sad that she wasn't going to write a Hogwarts graduation scene.

Rowling to be on PotterCast!

2007-12-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today The Leaky Cauldron announced that J.K. Rowling would be the featured guest on next Tuesday's PotterCast. Leaky staffers Melissa Anelli, Sue Upton and John Noe were on hand for the first extensive fan interview since 2005. Melissa promises new canon and lots of fun, so stay tuned.

Tales of Beedle the Bard sells for nearly $4 million U.S.

2007-12-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, translated from the original runes by J.K. Rowling, an entirely handmade book, sold this morning for £1.95 million ($3,985,410 U.S.) in London. The buyer was later announced to be Seattle, Washington-based online merchant Amazon.com. The Children's Voice, a charity co-founded in 2005 by Rowling and Baroness Nicholson is to receive the proceeds.

The book is bound in Moroccan leather with hand-chased silver bosses set with moonstones; there are only 6 other copies in existence. It's 157 hand-written and illustrated pages contain 5 wizarding fairy tales: "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "The Tale of the Three Brothers," "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," and "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump."

Amazon does not have the rights to publish the book; however they say they will post reviews of the stories and more photographs. According to the Associated Press, Amazon spokesman Craig Berman said the company plans a tour for the book of libraries and schools.

December 16, 2007: Well, all 5 of the reviews have been posted, and they make delightful reading. I especially appreciate how the Amazon editor described things like how Jo's handwriting changed during certain parts of the stories, and how the drawings foreshadowed each tale. Bravo, Amazon! And thank you for sharing your treasure with all of us.

Amazon: pictures, reviews, a video, and a forum for questions
Associated Press report

Here, there be artwork

2007-11-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I met author/illustrator James A. Owen and he told me about Every Picture Tells a Story, a store in Santa Monica California that sells artwork from children's books. I found all kinds of wonderful artwork, prints by David Wiesner, Mo Willems and David Shannon, but also a series of Mary GrandPre Potter prints I hadn't seen for sale before -- AND concept art from the movies. Now I have to figure out how I can afford one.

P.S. I am enjoying Owen's book Here, There Be Dragons, very much! He drew a dragon in every book he signed, and gives pointers on drawing them on his blog.

Lengthy interview for De Volkskrant

2007-11-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

There is a new interview of J.K. Rowling in the newspaper De Volkskrant, her second ever for her Dutch readers. In this interview she talks about her spiritual development, the King's Cross chapter, and Deathly Hallows meaning and symbolism.

I am working on posting an interview sent to us by Peter Kersbergen. In the meanwhile, the text in Dutch is here (flash animation), and The Leaky Cauldron also has a translation.

"Beedle the Bard" announcement transcripts

2007-11-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Meann has completed two transcripts, one of the BBC Radio broadcast, and one of the BBC's video of Jo's announcement. Both reports were by Razia Iqbal, but were edited differently. There is a bit of new information:

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" consists of 5 stories set in JKR's Wizarding world, continuing the same themes in a different time period.
Only 7 copies exist; the book will never be published.
Jo thinks what she publishes next will be a "half-finished book for children."

Thanks Meann!

"Tales of Beedle the Bard" to be auctioned

2007-11-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

In a surprise announcement, Jo tells us on her website that she wrote The Tales of Beedle the Bard as a thank you gift for 6 people who worked closely with her on the Harry Potter books over the years, and that she will auction the seventh copy off at Sotheby's for charity. The Sotheby's site shows screencaps and the book is chock full of Jo's drawings too! Here is Sotheby's description (it will make you drool, I promise!):

Autograph manuscript of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard ” translated from the original runes by J.K. Rowling. Individually handwritten and extensively illustrated by the author, c.160 pages written in an Italian hand-made notebook, bound in brown morocco embellished on upper cover by Edinburgh silversmiths Hamilton and Inches, with five individually hand-chased hallmarked sterling silver ornaments and mounted moonstones.

AQ staffer Jules has purchased the auction catalog so we will have more soon.

Reports in the media: BBC, CBBC, The Leaky Cauldron.

Transcript for Toronto press conference

2007-10-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

AQ staff Meann and roonwit have created a transcript for the 10/22 press conference in Toronto. Jo had a microphone but the reporters asking the questions did not, so many of the questions were unintelligible. The video for it is here: CBC.ca.

Highlights:

There wasn't a point at which Rowling decided that Dumbledore was gay; she gradually realized it "very early on" while she was writing the first book.
Rowling "probably" won't write a prequel.
JKR: "He [Dumbledore] is my character, and as my character I have the right to say what I say about him."
Most of the tweaking of the epilogue was to remove information; the biggest change was the addition of information about Teddy Lupin.
Rowling still plans on working on a Hogwarts encyclopedia, but not immediately.
Hermione would read Margaret Atwood's books; Harry and Ron don't read much as adults.

Additional interview summaries for Open Book Tour

2007-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the new canon from Rowling's visits to New York and Toronto (except for the Sweepstakes reading at Carnegie Hall, which was posted previously).

J. K. Rowling Talks Marriage, Writing and More at Open Book Tour Stop in New York City
The Leaky Cauldron

Harry and Dudley kept in touch as adults, but the relationship remained awkward.
Dumbledore loved Harry like a son.

PotterCast #122: It's Saturday Night [Leaky staff meet Rowling! audio only]
The Leaky Cauldron

Helga Hufflepuff offered the house-elves refuge at Hogwarts, though conditions there were still slave-like, if a bit kinder than elsewhere.
The Sorting Hat initially wanted to put Neville into Hufflepuff House.
Harry was not technically a Horcrux, due to Voldemort’s lack of intent.

Toronto Press Conference [video] [transcript here]
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

There wasn't a point at which Rowling decided that Dumbledore was gay; she gradually realized it "very early on" while writing the first book.
Rowling "probably" won't write a prequel.
JKR: "He [Dumbledore] is my character, and as my character I have the right to say what I say about him."
Most of the tweaking of the epilogue was to remove information; the biggest change was the addition of information about Teddy Lupin.
Rowling still plans to write an Hogwarts encyclopedia, but not immediately.
Hermione would read Margaret Atwood's books; Harry and Ron don't read much as adults.

Rowling knew early on Dumbledore was gay
Canadian Press via The Star

Dobby's death was the hardest one to write.

NYC Sweepstakes Reading Canon Summaries

2007-10-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for a full transcript from Leaky, but want to post this now. I figure I can add to it later. These summaries are actually based upon four sources: TLC, HPANA, as well as Eldritchhobbit’s and iamstarmoms LiveJournals. All were present at the reading.

Neville married Hannah Abbott, who eventually became the landlady at The Leaky Cauldron. His students think this is cool.
Molly was the one to defeat Bellatrix because Jo wanted Molly to have a chance to show how powerful she is, and because she found it satisfying to create a face-off between unhealthy obsessive love and strong maternal love.
Jo decided not to kill Arthur Weasley in Book 5 so that Ron wouldn't have to grow up as quickly.
The orphaning of Teddy Lupin brought the series full circle, though Harry was a much better godfather than Sirius.
Jo says (tongue in cheek) that Aberforth's inappropriate goat charm had to do with keeping it clean or its curly horns.
Dumbledore was gay; he fell in love with Gellert Grindelwald but was "terribly let down by him" when he realized what he was capable of.
Parseltongue is not a language that people can learn. Ron really only memorized the sound of one word ("open").
Dumbledore’s first letter to Petunia (she was 12-ish) was very kind and explained why he couldn’t let her become part of the Wizarding world and join her sister at Hogwarts. His 1981 letter reminded her of her wish, appealed to her sense of fair play, and asked her to take care of Harry.
Petunia desperately wanted to be a part of the Wizarding world and hated that "Lily had what she couldn't have."
What Petunia almost said when Harry left Privet Drive for the last time was " I do know what you're up against and I hope it's OK." But she couldn't say it because she was too hardened by pretending not to care for so long.
Harry's Horcrux was not destroyed by the basilisk poison in book2 because the poison's damage was stopped in time by Fawkes' tears.
Dumbledore worried that Harry would give in to his "reckless" impulses and seek the Deathly Hallows so he gave the book with the clues to cautious Hermione.
When Harry decided not to seek the Hallows after Dobby died it scared him because it was the first time he had decided not to act.
JKR: Portraits can "only move between portraits in the same building” or other places where the same portrait exists.
The parallels between Voldemort's goals and methods and those of the Nazi Regime were deliberate, but there are also parallels to regimes that exist today.
JKR: "The Potter books in general are a prolonged argument for tolerance, a prolonged plea for an end to bigotry.... You should question authority and you should not assume that the establishment or the press tells you all of the truth."
There is no magic involved in life debts.
After Book 7, Draco Malfoy goes back to "being an improved version of what he was but we shouldn't expect him to be a really great guy any time soon."
James, Lily and Sirius became full time members of the Order of the Phoenix after leaving Hogwarts and did not have regular jobs. They lived off of James's money.
The Potters did not go into hiding until Lily became pregnant.
Lupin was "unemployable" when he left Hogwarts.
Voldemort's first rise to power did not go as far as the second one did because he was not able to infiltrate the Ministry the first time.
Hagrid never married. Mme. Maxime was too sophisticated for him, and there weren't many other giantesses around.
Severus Snape's portrait does indeed hang in the Headmaster's office. Harry had a role in making sure that Snape's abdication did not effect his place there.
Headmaster portraits don't appear immediately; the person needs to be dead.
Jo was surprised that no one had ever asked her what Dumbledore’s wand was made of.

An evening of surprises!

2007-10-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

I need to leave for dinner, but please wander over to The Leaky Cauldron where they have posted about the wonderful revelations tonight in New York. I am linking you to the text only version because I had trouble getting the regular one to load. Wowowowowow!

First two reports from New York

2007-10-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Bloomberg.com and The Leaky Cauldron have the first two reports on Rowling's visit to New York this morning (there is another one tonight). It looks like there were some very good questions!

Early reports of New Orleans visit

2007-10-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here are links to the first reports of Rowling's visit to New Orleans:

Times-Picayune (via NOLA.com) Thanks Leaky & roonwit!
Daily Comet
Associated Press (via International Herald Tribune)
WDSU television

The Times-Picayune article is the most complete. New canon:

The first piece of literature that inspired Jo was The Wind in the Willows.
Rowling wanted the books to show some of the evils of war: how "totally innocent people are slaughtered" and "that children lose their families."
Cho Chang married a Muggle.
Snape teaches Potions because Jo didn't do well in Chemistry and wanted revenge.

Links to photographs here: The Leaky Cauldron

More from the LA press Conference

2007-10-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Another report of the Press conference in Los Angeles has appeared on hollywood.com. This seems to be a more complete reporting of Jo's actual words. In addition to what has already been reported, It also contains comments on how Harry reacts to Dobby's death.
Thanks to El Cronista de Salem at Harry Potter Latino and roonwit for the tips!

JKR: "hogwarts is a multi-faith school"

2007-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Do you remember back in 1999 when Jo said she couldn't answer the questions about the book's religious content until the conclusion of book seven? Well, that's what she did at yesterday's Los Angeles press conference. Congratulations to MTV writer Shawn Adler for two great articles (this one and the one I linked to on Monday).

I am going to attempt canon summaries, although in some parts it is difficult to tell what is Adler's analysis and what is Rowling:

Jo thought explicit references to Christianity early on in the story would make the ending too obvious.
JKR: "Hogwarts is a multifaith school."
The Matthew 6:21 and 1Corintians 15:26 quotations on his parents' gravestones were meant to symbolize "living beyond death. Living after death." They "sum up" the whole series.
Harry's struggle with questions about the afterlife begins when Sirius dies.
The two epigrams at the beginning of Book 7 ("The Libation Bearers" by Aeschylus and William Penn's "More Fruits of Solitude") had been planned since book 2 was published: "I always knew [that] if I could use them at the beginning of book seven then I'd cued up the ending perfectly.... They just say it all to me...."
Harry's struggle with his beliefs about the afterlife mirrors her own.

Of course, Travis Prinzi and John Granger have interesting things to say about this news.

Mary GrandPré video highly recommended

2007-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

I will get to today's MTV article, but first I want to recommend a wonderful, nearly 30 min. video of Mary GrandPré showing a room of Minnesota children how she draws Harry. It is just so awesome to watch his face emerge from the paper, and hear her funny asides about Hagrid, Krum, Harry, and Harry's scar. The kids are great too.

Rowling begins U.S. "Open Book" tour

2007-10-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

The first reports are flooding in of Rowling's reading and question-and-answer session today in Los Angeles. Please beware, most of these articles contain spoilers!

Next stop? New Orleans, at the Ernest N. Morial Auditorium at the Convention Center on Thursday, October 18th.

News highlights:

She hasn't started writing the Hogwarts encyclopedia.
No word on her next project, though she says she probably won't write fantasy again.
JKR: "Snape is vindictive, he's cruel. He's not a big man, but he loves. I like him, but I'd also like to slap him hard."
JKR: "Although [Dumbledore] seems to be so benign for six books, he's quite a Machiavellian figure, really. He's been pulling a lot of strings. Harry has been his puppet."

Will there be a transcript? It doesn't look like it. Video cameras were not allowed into the Theater to film the event, and so far no audio has turned up either.

Rowling adopts a greyhound

2007-10-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! I never expected this! The Herald (Glasgow) is reporting that author J.K. Rowling has adopted a 4-year-old retired racing greyhound. In an interview, kennel owner Celia Fernie says...

At the bottom of a cheque for £1000 was the signature millions of Harry Potter fans would die for. "When I looked at the cheque I couldn't believe it. The first thing I noticed was the amount she had made it out for," Mrs Fernie said yesterday.

Photos here: www.greyhoundrescuefife.com

I ran to tell Arrow the news, but since I disturbed his nap (and it wasn't walktime) he wasn't very interested.

Jo, she looks darling and has a magnificent cockroach. I know you will love having her!

Rowling to visit Toronto too!

2007-09-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

Raincoast Books has announced that J.K. Rowling will make an appearance at Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre on October 23rd to do a reading, a question-and-answer session (yes!) and then sign books. This event will follow the three previously announced appearances in Los Angeles (October 15th), New Orleans (October 18th), and 2 in New York City (October 19th).

I did not get drawn in the NY sweepstakes *sobs quietly* so if any of you will be there and would like to do a report for us, please contact me at accioquote@gmail.com.

Potter party pix

2007-09-23T00:01:00.001-07:00

More Prophecy photos

2007-09-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back, with all kinds of news

2007-09-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

I figured I had better post before people start thinking that my Potter break turned into a Sabbatical!

The hiatus was lovely. I went on hikes with my husband, got housework done, read slews of books (mostly old favorites), worked on a new version of the family website, and just relaxed. Prophecy was a blast, but it was an intense weekend on top of a really intense three months and I desperately needed a no-Potter-at-all break. Big thanks to AQ staffers Michael and Kim who got the Bloomsbury chat posted, and to Bel and Michele at the Lexicon who helped out with my character section over there.

I have posted a whole bunch of photos of Prophecy and the library's Potter parties over on my Flickr account. Only friends and family can see all of them (I don't have photo releases for the kids). Above is a really awesome Lockhart, all gussied up for the Grand Ball. Other notable costumes were the two Wizengamot ladies, and an amazing Umbridge who had three different outfits (including one with mud, leaves and centaur tracks all over it). She put my outfit for the local parties to shame. The Hagrid was good, but ours (Fergus!) was better. Hagrid often paired with a statuesque Madame Maxime, whom I couldn't resist photographing with John Granger.

Today I posted my summaries for the canon in the Bloomsbury chat. What a treasure trove of details that was! Soon I will begin adding the summaries to the theme pages.

That's all for now! I think I will post photos next.

On my way to Prophecy!

2007-07-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I'm flying to Buffalo on Monday to meet up with Belinda (LexiconBel) and her daughter Trish and then we will drive to Toronto together for Prophecy. Yeah! I'm looking forward to seeing friends old and new, the IMAX show, the Grand Ball, and these presentations...

Is it Canon, Fanon, or Alan? A Discussion on Where Our Love of Snape Comes From (panel)
Critiquing ‘Pottermania’ and the Claims to Canonicity by Yogesh Kumar Sinha, Manisha Rajhansh Sinha
The End of the Tale (a fan’s overview of the entire series) by Steve Vander Ark
The Science of Harry Potter by George Plitnik
Wizard Rock Phenomenon by Jolene M. Kernick, Ginger Alford, and Crystal Sullivan
Playing In Jo’s World by Steve Vander Ark
The Fountain Told a Lie: Dumbledore’s Deconstruction of the Wizarding World by Travis Prinzi
Welcome to the Wizarding World by Steve Vander Ark
Harry’s Victory over Death: The Christian Content of “Deathly Hallows” by John Granger
J.K. Rowling’s Library: Harry Potter in Context by Karin Westman
The Meaning of the Phoenix: Love’s Victory over Death in Harry Potter by Travis Prinzi
The Alchemical End-Game: The Rubedo in “Deathly Hallows” by John Granger

Today Show Part Two: full transcript (SPOILERS)

2007-07-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

We now have the transcript for the second part of the NBC Today Show interview, this one prepared by AQ staffer Meann. In this part of the interview Vieira and Rowling talk about the influence Jo's mother's death had on the books, the original last sentence of the series, Jo's relationship with Dan, Emma and Rupert, and the record-breaking book sales. The interview contains Deathly Hallows spoilers. Thanks Meann!

Today Show Part One: full transcript (SPOILERS)

2007-07-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

AQ staffer Jules has finished a full transcript of yesterday's Today Show interview. This was trickier than usual because NBC released 2 videos with slightly different content. Our transcript contains everything. Thanks Jules!

Here are the canon summaries we will be adding to the themes pages:

JKR: "I am dealing with a level of obsession in some of my fans that will not rest until they know the middle names of Harry's great great grandparents."
Mr. Weasley was supposed to die in Book 5; but Jo gave him a reprieve. Lupin died in his place.
Chapter 34 was the most difficult and the most emotional for her to write; it is also her favorite.
In the future, Harry and Ron "revolutionize the Auror Department."
In the future, Hermione becomes "pretty high up in the Department for Magical Law Enforcement."
Although he was "immensely" brave, JKR doesn't see Snape as a hero due to his bullying and spitefulness.
If Snape had not loved Lily "he wouldn't have been remotely interested in what happened" to Harry.
Someone new is the Headmaster at Hogwarts; McGonagall was getting on in years.
Harry might return to Hogwarts "to give the odd talk on Defense against the Dark Arts."
The most satisfying part of the Potter phenomenon is talking with her fans about the books.
Jo doesn't think she will write fantasy again.

NBC Today Show interview part one

2007-07-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

The first part of the NBC Today interview of J.K. Rowling with Meredith Vieira and some fans is now online in video form at the MSNBC website, and a text report containing much of the same information is available here.

This part of the interview discusses what various characters are doing at the time of the epilogue, and has a bit to say about Snape. If you haven't read the book yet, this interview contains Deathly Hallows spoilers.

I will add my comments later. Thanks to roonwit for the report!

Unshelved comic strip pokes fun at Pottermania

2007-07-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

Unshelved, the comic strip set in a library (and the creators of the "Pimp My Bookcart" contest), is doing a series of Potter strips this week. This one is my is my favorite.

Potter Pages is one year old!

2007-07-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

Mild spoilers...

I was going back through old posts and realized that this blog turned one year old on Monday, July 23rd! My first post was a prediction about Book 7, so I thought to celebrate I would make a list of my posts that had predictions in them. I was usually waaaaay off, with the exception of the big question of whether Harry would live or not, and why.

Harry Potter and the HooHaa about Deaths in Book 7 (July 23, 2006)
I see Harry as a stand-in for Jo herself, written as she came to terms with her mother's early death: "The Mirror of Erised is absolutely entirely drawn from my own experience of losing a parent. 'Five more minutes, just, please, God, give me five more minutes.' It'll never be enough." (BBC "Harry Potter and Me," 2001) So for me it just doesn't work for Harry to die. He needs to finish his parents' battle, yes; but he won't really cancel out Voldemort's poison by dying with him. He won't truly overcome Voldemort until he is living his life fully. I don't see how Rowling would have found Harry's death emotionally satisfying knowing that she planned the books in the years immediately after losing her mother.

Researching "Deathly Hallows" (December 22, 2006)
[I really blew this one because I discounted the Arthurian connection and had become convinced that it was a place.]

What do I think about the new title? (December 23, 2006)
I am still struggling with what it may signify and I suspect that like 'Spinners End' it is unguessable. The words are somber, archaic, poetic, even melodramatic -- and incomprehensible to me, even after reading many excellent theories. My best guess is that the Deathly Hallows is both an ancient, powerful place and an object or objects. If you press me I will say that the Department of Mysteries or the Forbidden Forest may hold the key. And I really want to know what her other two titles were.

Deathly Hallows meme (January 19, 2007)
19. Which question from the books would it annoy you most not to have answered?
Hagrid's missing 24 hours on Nov. 1, 1981. [Actually, I am OK with this. I guess it just wasn't as important as we all thought it was.]

What would you ask? (March 22, 2007)
I have realized that I don't want to figure it out, I just want it to be enjoyable and feel "right." I want to have moments again where I ask myself "how did she think of that?" and times when I get that shock of recognition of something she is lampooning or just the funny details she adds. In Book 1 it was the list of things Harry needed for Hogwarts that hooked me. And in Book 3 the smart-aleck mirror. I want more moments like those before the series ends. Lots more moments like those.

Cover art! Wheeee! (March 30, 2007)
(On the Deathly Hallows emblem) This looks to me like an alchemical symbol, though I can't find any that are perfect matches. I think it is something Jo made up for some purpose. Is it a monogram? A symbol for a secret society? The entrance to the treasure room?

(On the Scholastic cover) I think that the "Deathly Hallows" is a place and that this is what it looks like. Harry and Voldemort are being tested and are not fighting each other. I would really love to know how Grindelwald died. The shadows watching are shadows of the dead, like a ghostly Wizengamot. The rubble is there simply because it is an ancient building. [WRONG! But I don't think anyone guessed that it was Hogwarts, or that what we were looking was a moment just before Voldemort's defeat!]

So, what does JKR say about Book 7? Find out here (April 25)
Forget for a moment about fans not knowing – what she implies here that it is important for the story that Harry also not know the truth of Snape’s loyalties and motivations. What will Harry do when they meet next? Does Harry need to overcome his hatred and trust Snape against all appearances, or arm himself against Snape’s trickery and betrayal? We’ve heard Snape defend himself to Bellatrix; what will he tell Harry if given a chance? Should Harry listen? [On the other hand, I suggest that Regulus might not be dead, and lots of other clunkers]

Deathly Hallows = cemetery amphitheater? (April 19, 2007)
So now I am wondering: did Mary GrandPré search for examples of "hallowed ground" as she was designing the cover for Book 7 and hit upon Arlington? [No, but the resemblance is still eerie!]

Nothing earthshaking (May 27, 2007)
Regarding Harry's eyes, when the advanced guard sees Harry for the first time, someone says something to the effect that Harry's green eyes are what keeps him from looking entirely like James. This convinces me even more that what is important about his eyes is not magical, but the emotional effect that his gaze has on people who loved Lily.

Ten years since Book 1 (July 1, 2007)
Countless children love books because of you, Jo. Thank you.

Harry and the Veil (July 6, 2007)
I believe that a journey into death could be a very fruitful and interesting plot device.

Leaky reports off-camera questions

2007-07-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

We can't corroborate ~~any~~ every single one of these quotes, but The Leaky Cauldron has printed an account of the Midnight Launch that features questions put to Jo after the cameras were turned off; the reader was placed near the VIP seats and talked with Jo's sister Di and Jessica!

Do you remember last December how AQ staffer Roonwit found the list of Deathly Hallows decoy titles? One of the ones that Jo considered was on that list, and many of then (in hindsight) appear to have been written by her.

Minnesota Public Radio interviews Mary GrandPre

2007-07-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

Frontispiece, Deluxe edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Copyright 2007 Mary GrandPre.

I am listening to a nice long (spoiler-free) interview of Mary GrandPre, the illustrator of the American editions of the books. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann asks a lot of questions about how the artwork comes about, how much artistic license she has, what she feels is so special about the books, and how she was chosen in the first place. Real Player is required; the show was broadcast July 23rd.

Hopefully GrandPre will be interviewed again when she can talk freely about why she chose the specific design elements for the Deathly Hallows covers.

Complete transcript for Blue Peter interview

2007-07-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Meann and Jules have finished the transcript for the BBC Blue Peter show broadcast on July 20th! I love what she says about Neville and Luna, and about her fondness for Daydream Charms.

New canon:

Trevor is just a toad.
Albus Dumbledore was probably in love at some point in his life, though we shouldn't read too much into it.
The time turners really were all smashed in the Ministry (she didn't want a Terminator like situation).

Today Show teasers

2007-07-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Word is leaking out on MSNBC about what is in store for us this Thursday and Friday morning when Jo is interviewed by Meredith Vieira and 14 fans on the Today Show. So far, here are some of the things they will talk about:

Rowling "probably will" publish a Potter encyclopedia, promising many more details about her beloved characters and the fate of the wizarding world beyond the few clues provided in the seventh book’s epilogue. The encyclopedia would include back stories of characters she has already written but had to cut for the sake of narrative arc [...] as well as details about the characters who survive “Deathly Hallows,” characters who continue to live on in Rowling’s mind in a clearly defined magical world.
The name of character Rowling couldn’t bear to kill.
The chapter she "howled" over.

Update: a partial transcript of the interview has been posted on the Time Magazine website!

Send your questions to Bloomsbury

2007-07-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

What are your burning questions? Bloomsbury Publishing is now taking questions for the live chat scheduled for 2.00 - 3.00 pm BST on Monday 30 July, 2007.

Thank you Jo!

2007-07-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jo, for a book that surpassed my hopes. I didn't expect the poignant parallels to earlier stories: dressing Dobby, "Look at me," and the train symbolism. I was thrilled by grown-up Neville, grinning through his bruises. And I thought the temptations of the Hallows were the perfect foil to the hunt for the Horcruxes. Yes, and Dumbledore's story. How he was an important bridge, psychologically between Riddle and Harry, but could never be the one to finish the job. I think people often look at those who seem to radiate goodness and assume that things were just easy for them, and most times it wasn't. I feel even more strongly now that Warner Brothers needs to find a new person to play our Albus.

As I posted a few weeks ago, I believe that the character of Harry "came" to Jo at a time when she was working through the impending loss of her mother who would very likely never see Jo grow up, never tell her that she was proud of the adult she came to be. I think that the book dealt perfectly with Harry's need for validation from his lost family and his longing to be whole again.

So no, I am not among the disappointed. OK, I know that Jo said this and that in her interviews over the years. Heh. I should know. But things change. I would like to remind people who seem to have read this book with a checklist that Jo told us that “I’ll probably leave some loose ends hanging.” And: “I've never, to my knowledge, lied when posed a question about the books. To my knowledge. You can imagine, I've now been asked hundreds of questions; it's perfectly possible at some point I misspoke or I gave a misleading answer unintentionally, or I may have answered truthfully at the time and then changed my mind in a subsequent book.”

Here are some of the commentaries that I have enjoyed reading this week:

"Dumbledore in Deathly Hallows" by Travis Pinzi
John Granger's "20 Questions"
Makani's raw, funny yay-Malfoys stream-of-consciousness goodness on LiveJournal
Eeyore's Reflections
Emma Grant's chapter-by-chapter journal (LiveJournal)

Blue Peter videos!

2007-07-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Mugglenet has posted (spoiler-free) videos of Jo's appearance on Blue Peter today. Enjoy!

Given the timing, we'll very likely need a few days to prepare a transcript.

Video of Jo reading Chapter One

2007-07-20T17:54:00.001-07:00

Bloomsbury Press has posted the video from London's Midnight Launch Party of Jo reading the entire first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Previously Bloomsbury said that they would only make this available for two weeks.

Five-and-a-half more hours until I get my copy of the book!

Scholastic video of "Potter Place" and first signed copy of Deathly Hallows

2007-07-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Take a look at video of Scholastic's launch of "Potter Place" in New York. I wish I was there!

So that's how you pronounce Pensieve??? PON-siv, not PEN-seev.

Update: Bandersnatch has translated the Futhorc runes that run around the edge of the Pensieve in the video, and they say "Who will live and who will die?" and "There will soon be seven." We can't see the whole rim, but it seems that all seven of Scholastic's questions are represented in the design! Futhorc runes are the same ones that Tolkein used for the frontispieces and one of the maps he drew for The Hobbit and his Lord of the Rings books.

Update #2: I noticed in a video of Jo that she pronounced Pensieve PEN-siv. I have had the pleasure of hearing uber-Librarian Nancy Pearl talk several times, and one of the funny soliloquies she does is about how book readers often mis-pronounce things because we have only read them not heard them.

First clips from Blue Peter Interview

2007-07-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

First highlights from Roonwit! The BBC has posted some clips from the Blue Peter interview later today on the Blue Peter website. Some highlights are

Dumbledore's death is important to the story.
If you cried when Dumbledore died you will cry in book 7.
Her favourite books to write were books 3, 6 and 7, with Deathly Hallows being the one she liked most.
Having denied the Neville/Luna romance on her website, she started to see how it might have worked while writing book 7.
Her favourite item from the magical world would be the pensieve, though there are one or two desirable objects coming up in book 7.
She said that Albus Dumbledore was probably in love at some point in his life, though we shouldn't read too much into it.
The time turners really were all smashed in the Ministry (she didn't want a Terminator like situation).
Her favourite Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes objects would be the Skiving Snackboxes and the Patented Daydream Charms.
Snape's boggart is probably related to what he would see in the Mirror of Erised, but she won't tell us what that would be.
Mr. Weasley's favourite item from the Muggle world, if he could get one, would probably be a computer.
If she needed happy memories for a Patronus charm, her happiest ones would probably be the birth of her three children, followed by when Philosopher's Stone was accepted for publication.

Also, the door on Jo's website is open with a list of acknowledgments to those who helped her while writing the books. I want to read them but my eyes keep tearing up.

Update: The BBC has posted a press release that includes part of the interview, and photos of the Blue Peter interview are up on Leaky galleries.

Launch day coming! AQ staff have their quills at the ready

2007-07-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

Accio Quote staff (me, Jules, Michael, Meann, Kadi and Kimmers) are ready to spring into action tomorrow to give you the highlights of today's Blue Peter interview ("Harry Potter - A Blue Peter Special" Friday 20 July 4:30pm - 5:00pm on BBC1). Of course we have a certain book to read too, so please be patient.

And a reminder that later today international fans can listen to Jo's reading at the London midnight launch, as it will be streaming live from bloomsbury.com at the precise moment it is published (12:01am BST on Saturday the 21st, but you can log on at beginning ten minutes before the stream starts). If you're not sure when that is your time, I created a handy clock -- just look for a city in your time zone. If you miss it, the video will remain accessible for two weeks.

"Rowling bids her boy wizard goodbye"

2007-07-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

In a new interview by the Associated Press, Rowling reflects on what it felt to finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and her plans post-Potter. Quotage:

But it's only now that she realizes just how intense the pressure has been at the center of the Harry Potter whirlwind.

"I was very lonely with it," she says. "It's not like being in a pop group, where at least there would be three or four other people who knew what it was like to be on the inside. Only I knew what it was like to be generating this world as it became bigger and bigger and bigger and more and more people were invested in it."

More Potter coolness in Tucson

2007-07-17T23:41:00.000-07:00

Tucson's two newspapers recently published features on our Summer of Potter!

Arizona Daily Star reporter Levi Long scored interviews with American Library Association President Loriene Roy, Melissa Anelli and Emerson Spartz for his article "Local fans share their love for Harry Potter series" (don't miss the great photos!) while the Tucson Citizen created an awesome Marauder's Map of local events [exhaustive list of events here], and "Potterians wait for final book," an article written by Carrie Bui with interviews of several local fans (me included!). It was a real kick to be interviewed by reporters who were also Potter fans.

My plans on Friday? One more library party (Murphy-Wilmot at 2pm), Jo's reading (4pm), then two or three different parties; around 11:45 I will go to Kids' Center to pick my book up.

Jim Dale speaks (no spoilers)

2007-07-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

Jim Dale, the voice of the American audio-books, has been interviewed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

I especially enjoyed this story:

It's amazing that ... every time I open my mouth in public now, it seems that one or two of the children present are ardent listeners to the Harry Potter books. So much so that one of them, when I was in McDonald's, heard me talking to my grandson. A look of amazement came on his face and he and his friend came up to me and said, "Are you the guy who does the audio books?" and they were "gobsmacked," as they said. One of them said, "Could you order my hamburger as Dumbledore, please?" and the other one said, "And can you order my French fries as Dobby?" and so I did that, and they were absolutely thrilled.

What would you ask Dale to say for you?

By the way, did you know that you can get an alarm clock with Stephen Fry's "valet" voice? The design is cheesy, but there are nearly 50 different wake-up messages. Yes, they ship to America. I should know.

New article in Time, and a rebuttal

2007-07-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Time Magazine continues its coverage of the Potter books and movies with an article entitled "Who Dies in Harry Potter? God," by Lev Grossman.

If you think Grossman's conclusions are way off, you are in good company. Fan blogger Travis Prinzi (Sword of Gryffindor) has posted a thoughtful rebuttal of Grossman's points.

Note: Comments are being moderated this week for obvious reasons.

Reading to be streamed; live chat also planned

2007-07-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

From the Bloomsbury website:

J K ROWLING AND THE MIDNIGHT READING: Bloomsbury Publishing is delighted to announce that now everyone will be able to hear J K Rowling read from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in a live webstream from the Natural History Museum in London at the precise moment it is published - 12.01am bst on Saturday 21st July 2007. The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows launch event is completely oversubscribed and no further tickets will be issued but Bloomsbury encourages fans to log on to the webstream to join in the experience. The streaming will be available for a further two weeks at www.bloomsbury.com

So what time and date is that where you live? Check out the customized World Clock I created and subtract 4 minutes from the time shown for your closest city.

Also posted on Bloomsbury’s site:

JK ROWLING AND THE LIVE CHAT: Harry Potter fans will be invited to put their questions to JK Rowling in a web chat 2.00-3.00pm (BST) on Monday, 30th July. Questions may be submitted one week in advance or live on 30th July at www.bloomsbury.com.

So beginning sometime on 7/23 we can start sending them in!

Thanks for the links, roonwit!

Washington Post article on Arthur Levine

2007-07-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

If I was putting together a dream dinner party, Arthur Levine would be one of the guests; he is always so articulate, book-focused, and informative.

Well lucky us, The Washington Post has published another interview of the man who brought Potter to America, "The Wizardly Editor Who Caught the Golden Snitch." It's a lovely read. No spoilers, of course!

Umbridge for a day (Tucson's Potter parties)

2007-07-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh why didn't we film this??? Our Potter parties this week were a blast and pretty freaking amazing!

Professors Hagrid, Sprout, Trelawney and Snape were joined by a representative from the Ministry's Wizarding Examination Authority and me, Dolores Jane Umbridge Hogwarts High Inquisitor for "An Evening at Hogwarts" with crafts, classes, and magic skills testing, with door prizes generously donated by Scholastic Bookfairs (thanks Lisa!). Whew. "Hem Hem"-ing is harder than it seems!

Thania planned tonight's party at the Valencia Branch Library, and she set up tables where everyone could decorate wizard hats with glitter glue and stick-on stars, and make wands by twisting glittery pipe cleaners and putting them in clear straws. This was a brilliant idea, because it ensured that even the kids who came without a costume had a cool hat and wand.

Then Madam Trelawney (Laurie in a memorable bright caftan, blonde wig and nerd glasses) kicked the performances off by telling fortunes, with nary a cheerful one in the bunch. Here's a sample: "You will forget to wash behind your ears and a healthy crop of rutabagas will grow there." Although maybe that one is cheerful if you like rutabagas. Umbridge of course, demanded a prediction and was given a rather gruesome one that involved getting her knickers in a twist. Heh. That one came true!

A surprise guest was in store for the Herbology lesson in greenhouse 13. Our lovely Professor Sprout (Thania) was joined by Gilderoy Lockhart (Steve), fresh from St. Mungo's, though when he wasn't engrossed in a copy of Magical Me he was tormenting Sprout's plants. Unfortunately for him, one was a Mimbulus mimbletonia (stinksap all over him and the audience), and the other was Devil's Snare (oh, the horror!). The most memorable demonstration, however, was the baby Mandrake. No one fainted, though we came close because its cries were so piercing. Unfortunately the lesson was interrupted when Sprout had to take Lockhart to Madam Pomfrey after the devil's snare incident.

Snape (Mike) followed, teaching a mixture of potions and DaDA with a large dollop of drollery. He says "People have been asking me 'How are you? What have you been doing, Severus.' As if they care." Well it turns out that Snape has been learning yoga -- and reading classics such as Charlotte's Web and Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret." His favorite book is apparently How the Grinch Stole Christmas, though he says the ending could be better. Questioning from Umbridge didn't keep him from instructing students in how to do a Patronus or from leading rousing choruses of "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" Fun stuff.

Hagrid came next. Our Hagrid (Fergus) is part Three Stooges slapstick, part rock-and-roll fireworks, and part wise old mountain man. Watching him handle the hecklers is half the fun. Hagrid's class in Care of Magical Creatures covered a monstrous South American bee (ouch!), fairy dancing with his assistant (too bad she had such explosive cooties), a cooties cure with a Tesla machine, an exploding frog, and the mixture of a mash for baby boggarts. The mash was an edifying concoction of flesh-eating slug slime, 4-year-old pumpkin juice, hippogriff mucus (yes, Buckbeak recently had a cold), graveyard dirt, chopped mandrake, Texas gillyweed, pudding, and evaporated milk. Everyone had a go at tasting it and said it was pretty good. Hagrid left them with advice on dealing with people and magical creatures: treat them with respect and all will be well. Magnificent.

Then came Simon Wanderman from the Ministry of Magic's Wizarding Examinations Authority, who tested the kids in the audience for their magical ability. The Wingardium Leviosa test was just awesome, as were the rope tricks. Simon closed with admonishments not to neglect their studies because the Wizarding World is in need of smart people.

After Simon the door prizes were handed out, the grand prize being a deluxe edition Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!

These are my last parties before Book 7 comes out.

Oh my.

Breeeeeathe.

Yes, perhaps I will join Severus in some yoga.

More photos available on my flickr account...

Thank you Beth, Thania, Gina, Fergus, Chris, Mike, Laurie, Steve, and the staffs & teen volunteers of Himmel and Valencia libraries! Books+creativity+love x kids=joy.

Cast list for Valencia Branch party:
Rubeus Hagrid: Curt "Fergus" Booth
Severus Snape: Michael Sterner
Sibyll Trelawney: Laurie Fleetham
Pomona Sprout: Thania Mayorga
Gilderoy Lockhart: Steve Shull
Simon Wanderman: Chris Lyon
Luna Lovegood: Beth Rubio
Minerva McGonagall: Michelle Martinez
Draco Malfoy: Wren Sterner
Hagrid's "fey" assistant: Cheyenne
Dolores Umbridge: Lisa Bunker

Take a look! “Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter” A&E show

2007-07-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Here they are, recordings of the entire A&E show "Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter" have been posted to YouTube.

You ask, what am I talking about? The Harry Potter Lexicon’s Supreme Mugwump Steve Vander Ark was interviewed by the Arts and Entertainment Network along with John Granger (Who Killed Albus Dumbledore?, Looking for God in Harry Potter) and Janet Batchler (What Will Harry Do?) for a show that explores the plot and mysteries of the Potter stories. Fun stuff, I promise.

Originally broadcast July 8, 2007. Thanks to Snitchseeker for the links!

Ross transcript posted

2007-07-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

We've posted the transcript of the Jonathan Ross interview! [adult humor warning]. Although our transcript is based in part on the one posted at Leaky, the Accio Quote version includes the green room chit chat before the main interview, as well as substantial corrections and clarifications. Thank you again Jules and roonwit! Transcription typing is numbing, painstaking work.

And here are the official summaries we came up with:

* The trio all have aspects of Jo in them.
* Harry's story comes to quite a clear end in book 7.
* She won't say that she will never write another book set in the Harry Potter world but thinks it unlikely.
* Jo clarified that while there are 2 unplanned deaths in Book 7, overall there will be many more than that.
* The last word in Deathly Hallows is not "scar;" She won't tell us what it is.
* Jo "howled" after writing a particular chapter toward the end.

In case you're wondering, summaries are different from highlights in that they are restricted to what we learned about the books from the interview.

Stephen King says goodbye to Harry

2007-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Horror author and Potter fan Stephen King has bid a moving farewell to Harry in his column for Entertainment Weekly. He puts it so well:

Think how it must be for all the kids who were 8 when Harry debuted in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with its cartoon jacket and modest (500 copies) first edition. Those kids are now 18, and when they close the final book, they will be in some measure closing the book on their own childhoods — magic summers spent in the porch swing, or reading under the covers at camp with flashlights in hand, or listening to Jim Dale's recordings on long drives to see Grandma in Cincinnati or Uncle Bob in Wichita.
[...and...]
No ending can be right, because it shouldn't be over at all. The magic is not supposed to go away.

Rowling documentary this winter?

2007-07-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

British tabloid The Sun is reporting that RDF Media has spent the last year filming Rowling with "unprecedented access" for an documentary to be aired this winter. No dates yet; we'll let you know.

Jonathan Ross interview!

2007-07-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Jonathan Ross BBC1 interview has been broadcast, and roonwit has compiled the highlights:

She is more relaxed giving interviews now the books are finished.

When asked what she was writing next she said she was taking a break.

The trio all have aspects of Jo in them.

Her husband has read the book, her daughter is going to read Jo's first (printed?) copy.

The last three books have been stolen from the printers (I am not sure if she means 4-6, or 5-7).

Jo only agreed to the films being made on condition that only her stories were used (ie, no spin offs written by someone else).

Harry's story comes to quite a clear end in book 7. She won't say that she will never write another book set in the Harry Potter world but thinks it unlikely.

Please note that these are summaries not quotes.

Update! A video (quicktime mp4) now available on The Leaky Cauldron [adult humor] Thanks, roonwit!
More summaries, these from SnitchSeeker:

Bob Hoskins (also a guest on the show) was asked why he hasn't been in a Potter film yet. Jo implied there was a part in Deathly Hallows he could possibly play [so this must be a new character?].

Finishing book 7 was a release, as she's been writing for 17 years.

Will never see writing for children as second best.

She kept losing the epilogue. It has been changed - specifically 2 unplanned deaths but there will be many more than just those 2 (she used the word "bloodbath" then said that was an exaggeration).

She had to establish boundaries as to what magic can and can't do - specifically in relation to death.

The last word in Deathly Hallows is no longer "scar". She won't reveal the last word.

She was euphoric and devastated to finish. She howled after writing a particular chapter and downed half a bottle of champagne in a hotel, going home with mascara over her face.

Harry and the Veil

2007-07-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

A few years ago before the publication of Book 6, I actually had the time to post my theories like everyone else. Over on the Leaky Lounge,the awesome Asphodel Wormwood made an offhand remark about Harry possibly being like Aeneas, and that sparked an idea that I posted that suggested that Harry would go beyond the veil to find out how Voldie had preserved himself. Now, in the wake of Ann Johnstone's revelations, I decided (at John Granger's urging) to update the theory with an eye to Book 7. Today, John published his own thoughts on Harry as Aeneas, a very enjoyable read. My revised theory is below, but do read John's too! It is much more developed than mine. I'd also love to hear your comments!

I am one of the people wondering if Harry will go past the veil; on the other hand, I believe that Harry will survive Book 7. Now, perhaps I have read Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom series too many times, but I believe these two things can be reconciled.

I also believe that Jo’s vision of Harry on the train to Manchester cannot be separated from what she was going through in her life: her mother was ill with a painful, terminal illness at the same time that Jo was beginning to assert her independence (Jo’s mom died six months later). The train trip was probably prime time to wrestle with the dementors of pending death and loss.

If Voldemort is guided by an inability to accept mortality, Harry’s journey is guided by his need to come to terms with his “burden” and punctuated by the repeated loss of loved ones. How can Jo *not* use some sort of journey as a part of Harry’s path and allow him “Once more ‘t is giv’n me to behold your face!”

We already know that Jo was inspired by The Iliad (Patroclus/Hector/Achilles) when she wrote the scene where Harry rescues Cedric’s body. What if other tales also influenced Jo’s vision of the series? Gilgamesh, Orpheus, Aeneas and Dante? If one follows literary precedent, you need a couple things: protection, a guide or very good instructions, and you need to follow the directions. In exchange, one might gain hidden knowledge, conversation with dead loved ones, and perhaps even rescue them (we know that won’t happen).

Possible protection:
• His scar, shaped like the rune Eihwaz which symbolizes “All rites of passage, particularly those marking the transition into adulthood, contain the symbolism of death, the idea being that one’s former ’self’ has died and given birth to a new persona. Eihwaz is the passage through which we must enter the realm of Hel in order to gain the knowledge and acceptance of our own mortality, as well as those mysteries which can only be learned from the dark Lady of the dead. The process is a truly frightening one, but it is something we all must go through if we are to confront our deepest fears and emerge with the kind of wisdom that cannot be taught but must be experienced. Eihwaz is the gateway to this wisdom, and lies between life (jera) and rebirth (perþ). Caveat: Jo has said the shape of the scar isn’t the most significant thing about it. Phooey. [source: http://www.tarahill.com/runes/aett_2.html]
• His wand, made of two symbols of resurrection: holly (which may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death) and phoenix feather
• Draught of the Living Death
• One or more Hallows
• His Patronus (Jo has called it a “spirit shield”)
• Another possible effect of Lily’s sacrifice?
• Is this the power that LV “knows not?”

Possible reasons for voyage:
1. To lure Voldemort beyond the veil
2. To speak to his dead family
3. To follow or speak to someone newly deceased
4. To find something

I think the pattern of the Aeneid is the most interesting in this context:
1. Commanded by Jupiter to seek his father
2. Tasks are the price of entrance
3. Guided by the sybil, crossover into death in all its awfulness
4. Revelations of how the underworld is structured
5. Communication with people he knew, including his lover and his father
6. Glimpses of past heroes, and of the future; understanding and acceptance of his role in history
7. Return to the living with the sybil

I hesitate to ascribe to deeper use of the story although some details are very suggestive (“pious” Aeneas, Sybill=Sybil, prophesy while possessed, travel via water to the underworld, Cerberus appeased, the river Lethe, etc.) because I believe that Jo never borrows the whole cloth of something.

A journey into death could give Harry several opportunities: communication with his parents, Sirius and Dumbledore, a way to come to terms with death, information on the Horcruxes, and possibly even knowledge that allows him to know how to finally vanquish Voldemort.

Over and over we have seen Harry overcome Voldemort not by attacking, but by allowing him to touch him/enter his mind/trick him. If Harry has a unique ability to withstand or understand death might he use this to trick Voldemort? And if he meets his family and Dumbledore on the way… I believe that a journey into death could be a very fruitful and interesting plot device.

Support quotage:
• “One of her fundamentals is that you can’t reverse death: “That’s a given. Without it the plot would fall apart, though in Book Seven you’ll see just how close you can get to the dead. You can be brought back from being petrified and from injuries that in the real world are mortal, depending on the degree of skill that a particular wizard possesses. You can’t go to any wizard and say ‘Will you cure my terminally ill relative?’ It’s a mirror image of the real world in that sense.” (J.K. Rowling to Anne Johnstone, July 8, 2000)

• JKR: “I gave him a scar and in a prominent place so other people would recognize him. It is almost like being the chosen one, or the cursed one […] As you know, the scar has certain powers, and it gives Harry warnings. I can’t say more than that, but there is more to say.” (Houston Chronicle, 2001)

• Q: Don’t want to rune the ending, but will we be finding out more about the significance of the shape of Harry’s scar in future books?
JKR: “The shape is not the most significant aspect of that scar, and that’s all I’m going to say!” (World Book Day Chat, 2004)

• JKR: “The other question that I am surprised no one has asked me since Phoenix came out—I thought that people would—is why Dumbledore did not kill or try to kill Voldemort in the scene in the ministry. […] Although Dumbledore gives a kind of reason to Voldemort, it is not the real reason.” (Edinburgh Book Fair, 2004)

• The prophecy: “The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord approaches … Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies … And the dark lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the dark lord knows not … And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.” (Sybill Trelawney, OotP ch37)

'Scar' no longer the last word in Book 7

2007-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

The BBC reports today that the word 'scar' is no longer the last word in Book 7. The source for this statement is tonight's interview of Rowling by Jonathan Ross.

Jonathan Ross interview preview

2007-07-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Telegraph has posted a preview of tomorrow's Jonathan Ross interview where Jo reportedly says "[I felt] euphoria, devastated, when I finished one chapter near the end I absolutely howled, it had been planned for so long."

AQ staffers Jules and Michael will be working together to get you the scoop as quickly as possible!

"Harry Potter death makes mythological sense" -- or does it?

2007-07-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

There's an interesting Associated Press article today on MSNBC where university profs have a go at the question of whether Harry will die or not.

I'm with Philip Ray of Connecticut College who says "For Rowling to have put Harry Potter through all seven volumes just to kill him off, the point of all development would be wasted. Death strikes me as being the strangest ending of all."

Heartfelt Rowling book foreword from 2002 now available

2007-07-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

AQ reader Sharon Johnson reminded us of the foreword that Jo wrote for a 2002 collection of short stories entitled Magic: New Stories. The book was a fundraiser for one-parent families, so Rowling's beautifully written foreword focuses on her experiences as an impoverished single mother. This book is still available for purchase from Amazon.co.uk!

Compilation of all Rowling quotes at film premiere

2007-07-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Unknown interviewer for unknown network (HPANA video)

Q: ...the lady who makes it all come to life is J.K. Rowling. (To JKR) How are yeh?
JKR: I'm fine, thank you.

Q: Have you seen the film yet?
JKR: I have. I saw it a couple weeks ago, yeah.

Q: I have to ask how involved you get in the films. Are you there for a lot of the process? or do you pretty much leave them to it?
JKR: I pretty much leave them to it -- they know what they're doing. But when they need to ask questions then I will give them the answers and make sure we're on track. Yeah.

Q: Are the characters as you see them on the screen now as you wrote them, as you envisioned them?
JKR: Imelda particularly is the most perfect -- which isn't very complementary -- no, she's absolutely brilliant. Very creepy. And I must also say Evanna Lynch who plays Luna. She IS Luna. She's magnificent. I don't think anyone will be disappointed in Luna.

Q: I am assuming then that you had a teacher a little like Umbridge.
JKR: Actually she wasn't a teacher, but did once know someone a little bit like Umbridge, yes.

Q: Obviously we've seen the characters on the screen. Do you then have them in your head when you're writing the stories. Have they almost created and taken the characters further for you?
JKR: I don't. To be honest, I still see what I always wrote. I don't see Dan when I'm writing Harry. No, [distracted by Death Eaters coming out of fireplace] I still see my characters, to answer your question.

Q: It's kind of over for you now, though, isn't it? -- you've just finished the last book.
JKR: Almost ... almost over. Just over 2 weeks time.

Q: Is that sad for you?
JKR: It is sad. It's half and half. Because I really like book 7. Its my favorite, so that's a great way to finish.

Q: Do you have a clear idea in your head or do you just start writing and it develops that way?
JKR: No, I plan. Seven was largely planned for a long time, so I knew exactly where I was going to finish.

Q: What will you do when the books are all out? Have you got plans? Maybe go on holiday?
JKR: Exactly. Holiday. Yeah. We're going on a holiday.

Q: There's so many people here at Leicester Square, and the cinema, and watching online as well -- and we probably want to say a massive 'thank you,' because you've kind brought this to them.
JKR: Don't make me cry this early in the evening. That will happen at midnight when I've had a drink.

Q: Congratulations! Another great film, JK. Thank you.

Daily Mail

extract:
But surrounded by fans and stars, J.K.Rowling said she like the movie.

"It's the darkest film but in many ways it's the darkest book so it's
faithful," she said.

The latest premiere comes just weeks ahead of the final book in the
series - which the author said was her favourite.

"It's exactly how I always planned it to be. Half of me feels proud I
stayed on track but I do feel a little bit bereft."

CBBC Newsround

extract:
JK Rowling was also there, and talked about the final book in the
series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
"Finishing it was very, very emotional. It was a combination of relief
and sadness really," she said.

Reuters: "Rowling joins stars of ‘Harry Potter’ film"

Rowling said she shared the view of many critics that "Phoenix" is the
darkest of the Potter films so far.

Rowling indicated that the final book would indeed be the last Harry
Potter, and, when asked if she had been tempted to change her mind,
she said: "No, it is really what it was always planned to be."

AP: Fans camp for hours to cheer actors, author at Harry Potter movie premiere
Lindsay Toler reporting

LONDON (AP) - Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling said Tuesday she was
sad but relieved to have completed the final book in her young wizard
saga as she greeted excited fans at the European premiere of the
latest movie in the series.

...
"Finishing it was very, very emotional. It was a combination of relief
and sadness really," Rowling said at the European premiere of the
fifth movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

Details of her latest book are secret guarded from even her own
family, Rowling said. Fans pleaded for clues, seeking to learn the
answer to the most hotly anticipated plot twist: Will Harry die?

"It's been a hell of a month. I'll want to know what the people in my
house think of it," she said.

London's Leicester Square was transformed for the film premiere,
draped in green and gold to imitate the film's Ministry of Magic.

Asked what plans she had for the near future Rowling said: "I'm
looking forward to going on holiday."

BBC News 24, Razia Iqbal reporting [mp4]

JKR: "It;s really only at the film premieres and the launches of the books that the full impact of it hits you."

JKR: Screaming kids with books in their hands -- what's better than that? It's wonderful!

Sky News Online

JKR on hackers: "Believe nothing. If I start confirming and denying it gets complicated but no-one should be too worried about secrets being given away."

Daily Mail

Rowling was shocked to hear that some fans had camped overnight to catch a glimpse of their favourite magical characters.

"No. They haven't?' she asked. "Poor, poor things."

But she was evidently pleased at their enthusiasm. "It's fantastic and they're holding books and that's the best thing."

Asked what the crowd had to say, she noted: "They're asking all the obscure questions and I can't say yes or no. But they've only got two weeks to wait now so I'm not being too mean."

BBC Newsround, Lizo Mzimba reporting

LM: Now of course you know what I am going to ask you now don't you.
JKR: Probably, but go on. (Laughs)
LM: Is there anything, even the smallest thing imaginable that you can tell us about Deathly Hallows?
JKR: No. It's actually two weeks Lizo, come on now ...

Veritaserum

Without a doubt, the highlight of my night was meeting JK Rowling for the first time on the red carpet. Here's what she had to say to me:

"I think in this film, they were brave enough to show Harry as angry as he was in the book, which was a great thing, because I think on the journey that Harry goes on throughout the seven books, there had to be a point where he got angry about the job that he was being asked to do, and so it is a dark book, largely because of Harry's state of mind, and they preserve that in the film, and I liked that. I was glad. And also, Dan does that superbly well."

She also mentioned that Evanna Lynch is "amazing" and that her favorite scenes in this movie are those with the dementors and the Dursleys.

For a full list of Premiere articles, audio and video, see the awesome list at HPANA.

Later edit: Another video has surfaced over on Digital Spy, but it very difficult to understand.

Ten years since Book 1

2007-07-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

How can that be?

I'd like to wish a belated Happy 10th birthday to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the book that started it all. I first read about it as a Library Assistant working at Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona. I was hired to catalog, but when my boss found out how much book acquisitions experience I had, she asked me to do the book ordering too, a job I loved. Shortly after school started in 1998, a book review caught my eye. It was probably this one, though I would swear it mentioned the Smarties Prize and the book auction Scholastic won.

Anyway, I read the book the day it came in and immediately wanted to tell the world how wonderful it was. The equipment list for school! Chocolate frogs! Talking portraits! The creepy, glorious scene in Ollivander's shop! Messages by owl! Mountain trolls and friendship, and the heartbreaking scene with the Mirror of Erised. Odd how things happen: the next day, fourth-grade teacher Gretchen Westhoff sailed into the library. Her class really liked the last book I recommended for class read-aloud (Throw Stone, since she was doing a Stone Age unit), and did I know of something else? Uh, yeah. And since she took the only copy, I ordered one more for the library (my book budget for the whole year was only $1500.00).

By March of 1998 when the kids decorated their classrooms for "Love of Reading Month," every classroom had flying snitches, pictures of Harry, Nimbus 2000s, and lightning bolts. I had bought a precious 2 more copies with Scholastic Bookfair money, and it still wasn't enough.

Now, our library was open during lunchtime and I was the monitor, so my desk was a busy place. After Pottermania hit, it was often 3-deep with boys and girls who wanted to talk about the book, and Ms. Westhoff's class had dubbed me "Queen of Literature." I had been working in libraries and bookstores for 10 years, and had NEVER had that happen. Even more exciting, children who had been poor readers before this caught fire and went from reading Garfield comics to literally anything I could tie-in to Potter -- even the massive Redwall books. When one child ordered Book 2 from Amazon.co.uk, I was touched that he let me be the second reader. Thank you again, Elias.

So to celebrate, I will be seeking out and adding some of the better articles that sum up the Potter phenomenon, beginning with this one written for the San Jose Mercury News. I especially enjoyed ALSC President Kathleen Horner's comment: "It's been very exciting as a librarian -- it's encouraged family reading together, discussion among children about the book across boundaries, it has just been very exciting to watch."

Countless children love books because of you, Jo. Thank you.

New Canon! Johnstone article from 2000 now available in full

2007-06-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

I was chagrined that we didn't have the "June" 2000 article that Herald writer Anne Johnstone cites in yesterday's piece; however I have located it and added it to the archive. The actual date of the article is July 8, 2000, even though the interview actually took place in June.

What is interesting is that the original version of the "death cannot be reversed" quote is different -- and more interesting -- than we were told yesterday. Can you spot the difference?

New Canon!

One of her fundamentals is that you can't reverse death: "That's a given. Without it the plot would fall apart, though in Book Seven you'll see just how close you can get to the dead. You can be brought back from being petrified and from injuries that in the real world are mortal, depending on the degree of skill that a particular wizard possesses. You can't go to any wizard and say 'Will you cure my terminally ill relative?' It's a mirror image of the real world in that sense."
[....]
Snape is a compendium of all the bullying teachers she ever encountered [actually a variation on similar comments on Snape].
[....]
In Philosopher's Stone I had a game of chess between Harry and Ron which Ron won by using a particularly violent bishop. My editor made me take it out. He didn't want me to have a bad bishop. Well, he's back, I have a different editor now." [This refers to GoF23, where Ron beats Harry at chess with the bishop.]

In the AQ "themes" area, this will be summarized as:
--Death is not reversible, even in the Wizarding World, though in Book 7 "you'll see just how close you can get to the dead."
--Snape is a compendium of all the bullying teachers she ever encountered.
--Jo had to remove a chess scene from Book 1 that featured Ron winning by using "a particularly violent bishop."

Later edit: Here is the chess passage from Goblet of Fire: Hermione "sat down to watch their chess match, which culminated in an exciting checkmate of Ron's, involving a couple of recklessly brave pawns and a very violent bishop." (GoF23) Context: Christmas holiday, before the Yule Ball.

Ten years on, Reminiscences of Herald reporter Anne Johnstone

2007-06-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Anne Johnstone of The Herald (Glasgow) was the first newspaper reporter to interview J.K. Rowling, and today she has published her memories of how the June 1997 interview came about, as well as her thoughts on how Rowling's relationship with the press inevitably changed.

To give you an idea of how very early Johnstone met Rowling, in June of 1997, the first book wasn't published yet, much less won the Smarties Prize and become a bestseller. Scholastic had won the auction for the U.S. rights a few months earlier, but the (seemingly) enormous amount they paid hadn't been announced yet.

P.S. Reading this made me realize that I needed to re-work my 1997 listing and timeline. The dates are, to the best of my knowledge, correct.

P.P.S. Several readers wrote me to question my date of July 1st for the U.K. publication of book 1. The Bloomsbury site lists "June 1997" in their timeline and Amazon.co.uk lists June 26th. I believe my source for July 1st was one of the articles in the archive. Regardless, I have changed the date in the 1997 listing to June 26, 1997. Of course, this means the Anniversary notice I was going to post today is 4 days late. Pooh.

Must watch: Great Snape Debate

2007-06-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the Borders-sponsored "Great Snape Debate" film from the Phoenix Rising conference in New Orleans this May. It's brilliant; I can't recommend it more highly. Wow.

Video: http://www.bordersmedia.com/harrypotter/snapepanel/

Here are the topics the panel considered:
Chapter 1: Panel Introductions
Chapter 2: Harry as a Witness
Chapter 3: Snape: More Interesting as Friend or Foe?
Chapter 4: Snape: Black, White, or Morally Gray?
Chapter 5: Snape and the Unbreakable Vow
Chapter 6: Snape and the Unbreakable Vow II
Chapter 7: The Motivations of Snape
Chapter 8: Lucky Potion/Greasy Kid Syndrome
Chapter 9: Snape Loving Lily?
Chapter 10: A Mother's Love
Chapter 11: The Unbreakable Vow Theory

New article on unprecedented security for Book 7

2007-06-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

Time Magazine writers Lev Grossman and Andrea Sachs have posted a very interesting piece today entitled "Harry Potter and the Sinister Spoilers" about the security for Book 7. Have you ever wondered how exactly the manuscript for Deathly Hallows was sent from Jo to her editors? Who has read the book and what keeping the secret is like? Grossman closes with something to chew on:

But even if the spoilers were genuine, it wouldn't matter.

On this point, both hacker [Gabriel] and publisher share a key misunderstanding of what reading is all about. People read books for any number of reasons; finding out how the story ends is one among many and not even the most important. If it were otherwise, nobody would ever bother to read a book twice. Reading is about spending time with characters and entering a fictional world and playing with words and living through a story page by page. The idea that someone could ruin a novel by revealing its ending is like saying you could ruin the Mona Lisa by revealing that it's a picture of a woman with a center part. Spoilers are a myth: they don't spoil. No elaborate secrecy campaign is going to make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows any better than it already is, and no website could possibly make it useless and boring.

Hmmm. On that note, I will say that this article contains no details about spoilers, alleged or otherwise. =) Thanks to Meann for the tip!

Time magazine republishes entire archive of Potter articles

2007-06-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Do you need some enjoyable, spoiler-free reading? Time Magazine has quietly been republishing their entire archive of Potter articles, and there are some real gems. In all, eight that are not archived here on Accio Quote! I will be adding them, but in the meanwhile, check this 2-page list out.

Highlights (so far -- I'm still reading them):
---Richard Corliss's scathing July 2000 editorial on the New York Times Book Review's decision to remove all children's books from their official list of bestsellers.
---Jennifer Hunt's early paeon (2000) to the adult Potter fan, and the letters readers wrote her in response.

A new fan challenge: Durmstrang in Scandinavia?

2007-06-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

According to AQ reader Constance Vigilance and HP4GU member Pam Scruton, a transcript exists somewhere of a reading Rowling did at "Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre" in Glasgow, December 9, 2000. According to Pam, Jo told the audience (roughly) where Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are. We'd LOVE to confirm this! Here is an alleged snippet...

"Durmstrang is in northern Scandinavia - the very north of Sweden or Norway and that is somewhere near Cannes in the south of France. She says she doesn't know for certain because, of course, the exact whereabouts of these schools is a closely-guarded secret to which she is not privy!"

I have added this to our "Fan Challenge" list of lost interviews. E-mail me, please, if you have preserved this transcript somewhere. Thanks for tip Constance!

Later edit: Meann has confirmed that the reading took place: BBC News

Edit #2: More digging! I have found a fan report of the reading from the archives of Harry Potter for Grown Ups, and written to the woman who posted the report. Jules found a Mugglenet editorial that comes to the same conclusions but doesn't cite the Glasgow reading, and roonwit found another confirmation [pdf] that the reading really took place.

Harry Potter Family Craft Night at the library

2007-06-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Potter fun continued in Tucson today as nearly 50 children, teens and parents came to Columbus Branch Library to make "magic quills." OK, they're not really quills, they're feather pens.

I *did* bring a real feather quill and a modern calligrapher's pen and a bottle of ink so kids could try them out. The feather quill was a big hit because of the scratchy noise it made.

I also bought novelty paper that looked like a scroll, printed J.K.'s address at the top and encouraged the kids (and parents) to use their new pens to write a note to J.K. Rowling.

HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC QUILL
Feathers, the sparklier the better (I used trimmed peacock feathers)
Pilot (TM) pens, caps and casings removed
Wide straws, preferably clear
Glittery yarn or iridescent detailing tape
Optional: 4" pieces of wire and iridescent beads

1) Stick the feather down the top of the straw until it comes out the other end.
2) Insert the pen innards into the bottom until the end of the feather rests on the flaired ledge of the bottom of the pen.
3) Slide the straw down until it meets the flaired ledge of the pen. It should be snug so that the feather doesn't slip out.
4) Take the detailing tape and use it to cover the straw from one end to the other. Spiral up it like a candy cane. Or, if you are using the yarn, anchor it with a knot at one end and either spiral up the straw or make half-hitch knots. Anchor it on the other end with half-hitch knots or glue.

You're done! If you want to have a jewelled quill, make a loop at one end of a 4" piece of wire, string beads on it, bend the wire after the last bead, and stick the free end of the wire down into the straw.

Big thanks to Shannon and Jen, who were a huge help!

I was able to find all of the supplies at a large craft store here in town. The only thing that was a little pricy was the detailing tape. The trimmed peacock feathers (no eye, but still lovely) came in a 10-pack.

Beware NYT article on spoilers

2007-06-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

In writing about fandom and spoilers, I believe that today's article on the New York Times "Defenders of Secrets, Unite!" is too explicit, and may detail a spoiler itself. The writer basically interviews the heads of the major news fansites and authors of commentary books about how they feel about spoilers and how Book 7 might end, so if you keep up on the news at The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet there is nothing new here.

Later edit: If you are trying to stay spoiler-free (even the hoax ones), skip the Keith Olbermann video on MSNBC too.

Maybe I could replace Pince...

2007-06-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

I got my W.O.M.B.A.T. test results, and the Wizarding Examination Authority wants to know if I have "ever considered a teaching post at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I think they need a REAL librarian!

Jules got an "O" too.

What would you want to teach?

Four articles added

2007-06-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

No new canon, but we have added an essay written by Rowling about caged beds, articles about the coming movie and computer game that might indicate points of canon, and an article that provides some interesting statistics on the Potter phenomenon. Thanks to Jules and everyone who sent them in!

Awesome Potter party in Tucson!

2007-06-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

Well. What fun! We had about 400 people come to our Harry and the Potters concert tonight. People came from Tucson, Nogales, Green Valley, Sahuarita, Safford, and Phoenix.

Earlier today I joined Sue, Melissa and John for lunch and then they did the PotterCast at the Borders bookstore. I tried to stay in the back of the crowd but they asked if I'd do a face off with John. It's sort of like volleyball where you keep trying to best each other naming stuff in a list. Then Melissa said the category was POTIONS! Ack! Panic! Total mind wipe! I completely bombed and we never made it past naming even 2! Well the PotterCast was good fun and they had a hip, very sharp audience.

Then I headed over to the library where everyone had been decorating and the band was setting up. I have amassed such a collection of things that they were able to decorate the whole room with my stuff, and dress 5 of the staffers and one child in my robes. What? Doesn't everyone have a birdcage with Hedwig in it?

We tried to keep the party simple: get fortunes from Trelawney, photos with Hagrid, and yummy food. We also had a costume contest. And then the Potters took the stage. They are really tight these days! Of course their act has always been great -- we ate up all the earnest dorkiness. What tickled me the most was their explanation of how the Harrys got started as a band. Nope, I won't spoil it for you. It isn't canon, but it should be!

Favorite moments: During the costume contest a precocious 9-year-old Harry entered one round with a 16-year-old Cho. "We're together" he said. Another pair (this time sister and brother) was 5-year-old Harry and a 7-year-old dementor. Totally cool! Or when people were taking photographs together afterwards and someone shouted "Slytherin Stinks" instead of "cheese," then I heard one of the band members say behind me "no, they're just complex." Or the look on Hagrid's face when I pulled my treo out to text someone. Incongruous, apparently, since I was dressed as Molly Weasley.

The Arizona Daily Star will be doing a big article on the party for one of the weekend editions; they even sent a photographer to the party who set up a mini-photo studio to take pictures of everyone's costumes. So there are definitely photos coming!

Lexicon's W.O.M.B.A.T. commentary posted!

2007-06-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well, most of it. Steve is the director of a cool community theater and they have a huge rehearsal today for Beauty and the Beast; he will post his comments later.

You will see from my comments that there will be no "O" for me this time! Pooh.

Jo to tour the U.S. in October

2007-06-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

I hope our readers are right and Jo will tour other countries as well, but for now American Potter fans are dreaming of meeting their favorite author. Jo updated her website with the news that she will be touring the U.S. where she will "read from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, answer questions about the entire series, and sign copies of the latest book."

I missed her in 1999 because I had just started graduate school. I will do what I can to see her in NYC!

Diane Rehm Show audio available again!

2007-06-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

AQ reader Terrah has written to tell us that the awesome interview of Rowling by Diane Rehm is available for listening again!

In this interview, Rowling speaks of Harry's "burden," how she came up with the word "Quidditch" and what Harry's seventh year at Hogwarts might be like. And if that isn't all, Rowling reads the passage from Book 1 where Harry's wand chooses him. You can't listen to it and not get goosebumps.

Transcript here, courtesy of Jimmi Thøgersen.

Many thanks, Terrah! We are very pleased that this is available again.

Locked door opens, W.O.M.B.A.T. test inside

2007-06-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

J.K. Rowling's official website has posted the third and final WOMBAT test!

Here are the access instructions from the Harry Potter Lexicon:
1)Click on the pink eraser to get to the room with the locked door.
To open the Door and activate the WOMBAT:
2) Click on the fly that lands on the window, it will turn into a key,
3) Drag it to the lock and let go, the key will turn and the door will open.
4) Drag the ring onto the rod, it will sparkle if placed correctly.
5) Drag the triangle onto the rod and ring, it will sparkle and move to the desk.
6) Click on the WOMBAT paper to open the test.

Good luck to everyone!

Three interview dates announced!

2007-06-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here they are, the dates for three Rowling interviews! Thanks to The Leaky Cauldron for the update!

July 6: Jonathan Ross (BBC One) [press release]
July 20: Blue Peter (BBC) [press release & contest info]
July 26, 27, 29: Today Show (NBC)[press release]

So the Ross interview will be pre-movie and book, Blue Peter will be the day before the book comes out, and the three-part Today Show interview will wrap it all up.

Two interviews with artist Mary GrandPre

2007-06-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

Of course GrandPre is not doing to tell us what happens (you wouldn’t want that anyway!), but she does talk about how she creates the covers, and provides clues to those of us who are trying to figure out what they might mean.

“Potter artist Mary GrandPre makes magic” by Janis Campbell, from the Detroit Free Press, dated June 5, 2007

This article is mostly autobiographical and doesn’t really discuss her artwork. However, she does say something interesting about the details she works into her paintings:

And speaking of the final cover, does she get a kick out of all the excitement created by the early release of the cover? “I think it’s fun to see the reaction from people. The fans that are really diehard fans look very closely at the artwork,” Mary says.And they should. “I try to make everything have a meaning. … There is a reason why something is in the illustration. I don’t just put it in because it looks better. It really does have to have a meaning or part of the story has to support it.”

“Harry Potter illustrator says goodbye” by Molly Millett, from the Pioneer Press, dated June 7, 2007

This is an interesting one if you are curious about her technique and how the design of the images has changed over the years. Do you have a veil=curtains theory? Read what she says (snippet below) about the curtains on Book 1 and 7! I’m not sure she has closed those ideas down — she doesn’t say it isn’t *also* the veil. Indeed, if the curtains are there solely for compositional/symbolic reasons, it would seem to contradict her statement in the earlier article.

When asked to specifically critique her work, GrandPre says: “The first couple, three covers, definitely, they were smaller figures; it was more about a big scene happening in the book. And then we started to close in on Harry and started to deal more with mood or atmosphere. For the last one, I took the curtains from the first cover and put them on the last one. I brought back some of the jeweled tones but kept the more strongly rendered Harry.”

What do you think?

Deluxe edition cover art!

2007-06-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, we finally have Deluxe edition (U.S.) cover art!

Later edit:
I have been reading some wonderfully creative theories! My own contribution to the nuttiness is in the comments.

From the Scholastic Press Release: David Saylor, Vice President, Creative Director, Scholastic described the art as:

Set during a highly dramatic sunset, Harry, Hermione, and Ron–clothes in tatters–cling atop a flying dragon in this astonishing artwork created by Mary GrandPre for the deluxe edition. As mist creeps down towering hillsides to a village below, questions arise about where the trio is headed and what has led them to this spellbinding moment.

The covers were revealed this morning by Arthur A. Levine on the Today Show (NBC). According to their webpage, "Arthur said the image on the cover is one of his favorite scenes in the book and he specifically asked that it be the image of the deluxe cover."

Usually there is also bonus art inside the deluxe edition. According to the press release, Here’s what we still haven’t seen yet:

* never-before-seen full color frontispiece art on special paper.
* "Illustration Showcase" insert that features near scale reproductions of Mary GrandPre's chapter openers
* bonus black-and-white illustration that appears at the end of the "Illustration Showcase"

The deluxe edition will be a total of 816 pages; the suggested retail price is $65.00 and the print run will be 100,000 copies.

My library gets dotty for Potter

2007-06-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

My library just launched its Potter webpage, and it is simple, but really nicely done: Pima County Public Library.

P.S. The downloadables are mostly ones I made. The "Fiendishly Difficult" one was created by the whole Lexicon staff for the 2005 showdown between PotterCast and MuggleCast.

Rowling essay from 2005

2007-06-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago AQ Reader Sharon Johnson reminded us that Jo wrote the introduction to a 2005 book entitled "One City" about her attachment to the city of Edinburgh. Thanks to Meann, it is now available for your reading pleasure. The book is still in print and available at Amazon.co.uk.