J.K. Rowling To Oprah: Harry Potter May Not Be Over, After All

By Christine Fenno Posted Oct 2nd 2010 10:44AM

Oprah Winfrey cast quite a spell over 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling, luring the reclusive novelist onto her show for an interview that aired Friday. And if you thought Rowling would confirm Harry's retirement, well, the British writer had other tricks up her sleeve.

"I could definitely write an eighth, a ninth book," Rowling said, tantalizing fans of the beloved wizard series. "I think I am done, but you never know."

The sit-down occurred in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the two talked about how the 1990 death of Rowling's mother left the writer with a well of grief -- and inspiration.

"The books wouldn't be what they are if she hadn't died," explained Rowling. "I mean, her death is literally on every other page in the 'Harry Potter' books."

She added, "At least half of Harry's journey is to deal with death, what it does to the living, what it means to die, what survives death....If she hadn't died, I don't think it is too strong to say there wouldn't be Harry Potter. The books are what they are because she died."

The author, 45, also revealed what it was like to end the seventh (and presumably last) novel in the franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows':

"It was a bereavement, it was huge," she told Oprah. "Initially I was elated, then I cried like I had never cried before."

Now married to anesthesiologist Dr. Neil Murray, her second husband, Rowling says -- despite a fortune Forbes estimates at $1 billion from book sales plus film and merchandise royalties -- she often still feels like the nearly homeless single mom she once was. "I do still worry" about money, she said.

And who but Oprah Winfrey would understand better the startling sensation of struggling to make a paycheck before suddenly striking it rich -- and very famous?

"I really, really never" saw it coming, said Rowling. "I was so unprepared for it, and this was the thing that I think I really have never spoken about: I was a writer. I had no one near me, either professionally or personally, who could in any way help me when I had questions, like, 'What do you do when the press is searching through our trash?'"

And the Independently Mega-Wealthy Women's Support Group was born.

Tags: harry potter, j.k. rowling, jk rowling, oprah winfrey

Comments

(21)

Saturday 02 October

By Lassie

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I admire JK Rowling, at least she DID something to earn her money. I hope she uses her money , eventually, toward good causes, there is a lot a good foundation could do with some of that billion. Unlike the grossly overpaid "celebrities" we have now, spending their millions on drugs and big ugly purses.

By Jason

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"at least she DID something to earn her money"? She is DOING something now and not collecting WELFARE as she was before Harry Potter. I DO NOT admonish her at all for collecting welfare. I do, however, your intellect and I am sure she has given away millions and doesn't need your advice. You are one tool!

By christy

She is one of the biggest philanthropists in all of Britain. She donates millions of pounds to multiple sclerosis, single mother and literacy foundations. One hundred percent of the profits from her last book 'Beedle the Bard' - including the auctioned off copy she wrote herself, entirely longhand - went to a charity as well (one for disadvantaged and institutionalized children in europe). Ms. Rowling is no stranger to philanthropic work, and i respect her highly for it.

By pgppo

The author, 45, also revealed what it was like to end the seventh (and presumably last) novel in the franchise, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows': I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

Oprah Winfrey cast quite a spell over 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling, luring the reclusive novelist onto her show for an interview that aired Friday. And if you thought Rowling would confirm Harry's retirement, well, the British writer had other tricks up her sleeve.I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By Samantha

I happened on Oprah, yesterday, as I usually never watch 'talk' shows; too boring with little information. However, I remained watching as I have not read or seen any of her Harry Potter.
JK is amazing. She write books that are hundreds of pages, & without hesitation with a following unlike any others.
She'll go down in history as the most famous author of all times; deservedly so.

By Cutie

I listened to the full interview and was quite taken by this woman who was turned down by 12 publishers and still was able to sell her book(s). I have never read or seen a Potter movie thinking it was kids stuff but after listening to her I will make the attempt.

By Wendy

She deserves every penny she's earned and more. I would love to see her write more books set in the wizarding world.

By Linda

There needs to be a law against anyone trying to make a profit by telling the public that their done with selling something. That is like someone saying they are going out of business and never following through with that to make a profit. It would make someone think long and hard before using that technique to make a profit.

By georgie

I don't see this as a ploy. What I see is an inspirational woman who as of right now believes she has finished with her series, however, reserves the right to change her mind if she wishes. She is a woman after all!

That's kinda harsh don't you think? I love reading the Harry Potter books and I like the movies. As much as all the fans love them, Ms Rowling has to love them even more, it is her creation. You know, like a child. You love them to death, but sometimes a break is a good thing. Maybe at one point that is how Ms. Rowling felt. But she has had some time, she still loves her characters and in a way they are real and you don't just turn them off. She loves to write. Anyone that has read her books knows that. It would be hard not to continue with her chararcters and the whole Hogworts world... I would imagine, almost impossible. I'm just glad she had the courage to share such a wonderful creation!!

By Carmen

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She should use her money on what ever she wants. She doesn't have to give any thing to charity. It's her money. She should make sure she's taken care of...her kids...and their kids. People need to take care of themselves and stop expecting rich people to take care of you. That's why we're rich. Many of us earned it.

By Lia

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Oh go choke on your bank account. There are loads of people who earn every penny they have to their name and still aren't able to make ends meet and they just need a little help. If someone who is just barely making ends meet can reach out to help these people then you can too!

Big thumbs up to Jo for the series. I'm a major, major fan!!

By Sunny

Write ninth and tenth books of Harry Potter now please.

Sunday 03 October

By Janice

Hate harry potter, so pathetic!!! Twilight is so much better than that crap!

By Kelly

Does Twilight have its own part of a theme park? PLEASE...twilight was so boring i fell asleep the first 20 min of the first movie...sparkley vampires whatever. I work in the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter here in Orlando and you would be surprised how many parents told me how the potter series helped their child read. If you would see their faces when they step foot in our part of the park, you can see thier eyes swell up with tears because it it just like they swa it in their head as they are reading it....I had the honor of meeting JK and the cast when they came to the opening and i was impressed by just how humble all of them were, not the least but stuck up.. Twilight is nowhere near as awsome as potter...And i like to mess with twilight fans who say this by saying to all the edward fans " cedrick had to die in the tri wizard torunement in order to be a vampire " so there!

Sunday 21 November

By Amanda B

you have GOT to be kidding me. I like Twilight, but the intellect is nowhere like it is for Harry Potter. She had every detail worked out, and you can't just read it and understand it fully without thinking. Twilight takes no brain, no thought.

By SiastaEg

Damn, I had my hopes up.

By Donna

I have never read a Harry Potter book. But I dont know a child that has not read them.
I have respect for this woman, she has a great talent, and shes a good lady.
And why some people think that people with money, should help everyone else is a mystery to me. Its the way of the world folks, we are all on our own. Its up to no one else, to take care of anyone, but their own children.
America is the place to be, not China

Monday 04 October

By mike

Hats of to Miss Rowling! Amazing job on your stories. I think Emma Watson is smoking hot georgeous!

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