A little chat with J.K. Rowling.
Do you now or have you in the past kept a journal? If so, do you believe that it helps in your writing?
I’ve never managed to keep a journal longer than two weeks. I get bored with my life. I prefer inventing things.What is Nearly Headless Nick’s last name?
It’s in Book I: De Mimsy-Porpington.Why does Professor Dumbledore like sherbet lemons?
Because I like sherbet lemons! And he’s got good taste.What would your advice be to any other young people that would want to write stories?
The most important thing is to read as much as you can, like I did. It will give you an understanding of what makes good writing and it will enlarge your vocabulary. And it’s a lot of fun! And also, start by writing about things you know— your own experiences, your own feelings. That’s what I do.In the first book you said Slytherin house Quidditch captain was sixth year Marcus Flint. If there are only seven years of Hogwarts, why is he in the third book?
He had to do a year again!How do students at Hogwarts get educated in Muggle subjects? Do they even need to know other things besides magic?
They can choose to study Muggle subjects. In the third book, Hermione takes the class Muggles Studies, and that’s where they learn about Muggles in school.If you had to choose one teacher from your books to teach your child, who would it be and why?
It would be Professor Lupin, because he is kind, clever, and gives very interesting lessons.What made you think of the people’s names and dormitories at Hogwarts?
I invented the names of the Houses on the back of an airplane sick bag! This is true. I love inventing names, but I also collect unusual names, so that I can look through my notebook and choose one that suits a new character.Are any of your female characters, like Hermione, modeled after your own daughter?
No, if Hermione was based on anyone, she was based on me when I was younger. But my daughter is turning out to be a bit like me, so she is a bit like Hermione.How can two Muggles have a kid with magical powers? Also how does the Ministry of Magic find out these kids have powers?
It’s the same as two black-haired people producing a redheaded child. Sometimes these things just happen, and no one really knows why! The Ministry of Magic doesn’t find out which children are magic. In Hogwarts there’s a magical quill which detects the birth of a magical child, and writes his or her name down in a large parchment book. Every year Professor McGonagall checks the book, and sends owls to the people who are turning 11.Who is your favorite character?
I love, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, and Professor Lupin.Do you have any parting words you would like to share with our audience?
Don’t let the Muggles get you down!
