Christiane Amanpour from CNN interviewed our dearest Rowling earlier this week. Amanpour asked Rowling about rumours that she had written (but not published) a political book for children. Rowling responded: “Oh, that was a fairytale. It wasn’t political in a sort of party political sense. I don’t know whether I’ll ever publish that.” She then went on to explain why.
Last year, the adored Jo Rowling turned 50. We all know her birthday is July 31st, coinciding with Harry Potter’s, but she decided to throw her party on Halloween. Party guests were asked to dress up as their own private nightmare. Of course, Rowling dressed up herself as well: as a lost manuscript. She explained her costume: “And I wrote over a dress most of that book. I wrote it. So that book, I don’t know whether it’ll ever be published but it’s actually hanging in a wardrobe currently.” (source: CNN)
I don’t know what I’m excited for more: the new Fantastic Beats movies they’re working on, or the possibility of new Rowling books? I really love Newt, but I loved reading Harry Potter more, so it’s quite a toss-up. For the moment, I’m going to keep fangirling over Fantastic Beasts, since they at least have release dates. I don’t even know if Rowling is intending on publishing another fantasy book/series. It would be very risky, as new fantasy books would immediately be compared to Harry Potter. I think that’s why she decided, after the huge success of Harry Potter, to switch to other genres and publish the likes of The Casual Vacancy and her Cormoran Strike series under pen name Robert Galbraith. Another part of the reason was probably also to showcase her wide range of capabilities and show she can write more than children’s fantasy. But I do hope she will publish something new soon. I can’t wait to add another Rowling book to my shelves (the last one I bought was the book version of the Fantastic Beasts movie script).
How about you? Are you looking forward to some new Rowling reading materials?
Happy reading,
Loes M.