What would you ask?

Julia recently asked me what I would ask Jo's editors about Book 7 if I had a chance (no, it's not likely).

Hmmm. Would I try to wheedle something out of them?

I decided I would ask what they loved about it and did they find the ending satisfying. That's what's important to me.

It surprised me to discover this. I used to theorize a lot over on HPANA, but 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.

What would you ask?

Questions for Jo #4: Slytherin and monkeys

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets chapter 17, the statue of Salazar Slytherin is described as being "ancient and monkey-like." Why? This is such an odd break from the usual snake symbolism that Jo has used for Slytherin and the house he founded at Hogwarts. Should we be looking at folklore about monkeys?

Questions for Jo #3: Jo and her research methods

As I try to research things like Jo's statement about snake folklore, I often have an conversation with myself that goes something like this; "You're digging too deep. Jo wrote this in a cafe without internet access." "Yes, but she didn't carry research books with her either." "Perhaps she studied this in college and just has a really good memory."

Jo has only mentioned a few books by title as sources for information: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, Culpepper's Herbal, and the phonebook (for names). What else does she rely on for research? The library? Old books found in used bookstores? And does she research as she writes or is it already figured out? I'd love to know more about her research methods and how they feed her writing.

Questions for Jo #2

We know that a Patronus can drive off dementors and send messages quickly. Last year in and interview with Emma Coad you described it as a "spirit guardian" used to "protect yourself and other people that you cared about."

What else can they protect against? Are they useful for defense in dueling or battle with people? Are some Patronuses more powerful than others?

Questions for Jo #1

Not that I'd ever get the chance, but I think every fan wishes they could ask Jo questions about the books. Here is one of mine. My favorite scene is still from the 12th chapter of Philosopher's Stone -- when Harry first experiences the loving gazes of his family in the Mirror of Erised. Aside from knowledge of how the mirror works, did seeing his family change to Harry's perception of himself? Would he act/react any differently if he hadn't viewed his parents?