J.K. Rowling along with fifty other authors have revisited one of their novels and annotated it however much or little they wished. A genuine first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone will be up for auction at Sotheby’s (during May?) in aid of English Pen, a charity that defends the rights of writers and readers alike, promoting freedom of speech.
To read the full article click here.
Wooow. It’s officially been three years since I got my little obscure J.K. Rowling fansite on freewebs hosted by Starszz as JoRowling[dot]net and what a ride it has been.
I’ve created and ran websites since I was 11 years old and JRN has been the only website I have kept hold of for any long period of time. This site has literally become my little baby and I’m so ridiculously proud of it and how many people it has reached. I have spent so many hours slaving over new layout designs and news updates, putting my school work on hold just to get bits and pieces finished, having J.K. Rowling know of its existence has all been so completely worth it.
I just want to thank everyone who keeps visiting the site and following me on Twitter. Without everyone’s continuous support for this site and thirst for news this site would have slid to the wayside (and I’m oh so glad it hasn’t). You guys are truly amazing and I hope this site is still here and being visited for many years to come.
– Jess x.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour, was visited today by Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Prince Harry. Their visit was a part of The Duke of Cambridge’s Inauguration of the Harry Potter-anchored attraction which opened in 2012. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was present alongside her husband Neil and Harry Potter film directors David Yates, Mike Newell, and producer David Heyman.
Prince William made a speech at the event, praising what the Harry Potter franchise has done for Britain. “Our Nation’s extraordinary capacity for talent is not a thing of the past. It is worth reminding ourselves that the Harry Potter book series has become the most popular series ever to be printed, and the Harry Potter movie series – filmed right here – is the most successful in history. ??So, what of the future? How can we possibly continue these successes of the past?”
“I am proud to say that, as President of BAFTA, there is a huge amount of work going on to nurture the talent of tomorrow,” he continued. “BAFTA’s inspiring Guru programme is one that I would encourage everyone in the industry to support. I am also immensely proud of the scholarships which BAFTA has announced today, which Warner Brothers are so generously supporting. These scholarships will lead to talented young people, who would otherwise not have the chance to develop their careers, to reach their full potential.”
A few photos of JK Rowling at the Bath Lit Fest on the 8th of March have surfaced online and have now been added to the gallery. As soon as more come online I’ll add them.
As some of you may know JK Rowling created a charity called ‘Lumos’ back in 2010 to help disadvantaged children around the world. I thought it’d be a brilliant thing for fans to group together and help her out a bit because if there is one thing that puts a huge smile on Jo’s face, it’s when people tell her they’ve donated to her cause.
Anyone who donates to Lumos will be in with a shot to win a Harry Potter Wand Pen and Bookmark that I went out and bought today. There will be two lucky winners. Everyone who donates will have their name put in a card that will get sent to Jo when the giveaway ends. So please don’t forget to include your twitter/tumblr in the comments section when you donate for me to contact you if you win.
To everyone that donates you are truly an amazing person. Our goal is to hit £1,000. Thank you (and spread the word).
The Civil Society reports that 33 philanthropists, who have collectively given more than £100m, were honoured for their commitment to giving in an awards ceremony (the 8th annual Beacon Awards) in London last night.
JK Rowling was recognised for the work of her foundation the Volant Charitable Trust with two awards last night: the ‘Beacon Award for Targeted Philanthropy’ and a ‘special award for the highest standards of philanthropy in the UK’ which she received along with 3 other philanthropists.
“None of us who are privileged in our daily lives and fortunate enough to have more money than we need should require a pat on the back for the act of giving, but we do need help to spread the word that responsible giving can make a difference; to individuals and communities, locally, nationally and internationally.” – J.K. Rowling
As part of Doctor Who’s big 50th anniversary this year, the BBC has announced its plan to release 11 short stories set in the Doctor Who Universe written by popular children’s book authors. While the authors haven’t been confirmed yet, at the top of the list of likely candidates is none other than J.K. Rowling, Michelle Paver, Susan Price, Kate Thompson, Anthony Horowitz, Geraldine McCaughrean, Philip Pullman and Alan Garner, according to the folks at Hypable. According to the BBC press release:
A paperback of the stories will be published by Puffin in November.
The first children’s author will be revealed on the BBC Worldwide Doctor Who Facebook page on Monday 7 January, followed by the first story on Wednesday 23 January.
A promotional video of each author will also be available each month on the BBC Worldwide YouTube channel starting on Friday 11 January.
Commenting on the quality of the assembled authors, publisher Juliet Matthews stated, “We are delighted to have 11 sensational children’s authors involved in the series, all bringing an individual style, imagination and interpretation to their eshort tribute to The Doctor. This is a who’s who of children’s fiction coming together to celebrate the much-loved Doctor Who.”
The BBC has announced that it will air a TV dramatisation of The Casual Vacancy in 2014. Jo will work closely with members of the BBC to clarify the number and length of the episodes and a variety of other things. There are currently no details of who will script, direct or star in the series.
J.K. Rowling says: “I’m thrilled that the BBC has commissioned The Casual Vacancy. I always felt that, if it were to be adapted, this novel was best suited to television and I think the BBC is the perfect home.”
Danny Cohen says: “It is thrilling to be bringing the work of J.K. Rowling to BBC One audiences. J.K. Rowling’s story-telling is of course peerless in its popularity, and I am looking forward to collaborating with her. This project highlights the ambition and scale of BBC One Drama, as well as the ability of modern television to attract the world’s biggest talent and most exciting creative ideas.”
Ben Stephenson adds: “We are thrilled to bring J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary tapestry of modern Britain to the screen. It’s a book of such richness that through humour, social commentary and above all fantastic characters, says something insightful and entertaining about the country we live in.”
After the announcement that David Cameron was to reject the recommendations made by the Leveson Inquiry (to have a statutory regulation of the press), Jo, one of the many celebrities to come forward during the inquiries reliving many of the hellish things the press did towards herself and her family made the following statement:
I am alarmed and dismayed that the Prime Minister appears to be backing away from assurances he made at the outset of the Leveson inquiry.
I thought long and hard about the possible consequences to my family of giving evidence and finally decided to do so because I have made every possible attempt to protect my children’s privacy under the present system, and failed. If I, who can afford the very best lawyers, cannot guarantee the privacy of those dearest to me, what hope did the Dowlers, the McCanns and the Watsons ever have of protecting their own children and their own good names? Those who have suffered the worst, most painful and least justifiable kinds of mistreatment at the hands of the press, people who have become newsworthy because of the press’s own errors or through unspeakable private tragedy, are those least likely to be able to defend themselves or to seek proper redress.
My understanding is that Lord Justice Leveson’s recommendations would give everybody, whatever their degree of celebrity or their bank balance, a quick, cheap and effective way of holding the press to account. They would also protect the press against frivolous complaints and reduce costly lawsuits. At the moment, only those of us who can afford the immensely expensive, time-consuming and stressful services of the legal system are able to take a stand against serious invasions of privacy and even this offers little to no protection against the unjustified, insidious and often covert practises highlighted by the Leveson inquiry.
Without statutory underpinning Leveson’s recommendations will not work. We will be left with yet another voluntary system from which the press can walk away. If the Prime Minister did not wish to change the regulatory system even to the moderate, balanced and proportionate extent proposed by Lord Leveson, I am at a loss to understand why so much public money has been spent and why so many people have been asked to re-live extremely painful episodes on the stand in front of millions. Having taken David Cameron’s assurances in good faith at the outset of the inquiry he set up, I am merely one among many who feel duped and angry in its wake.
I hope that those who share similar concerns will speak up now and sign the Hacked Off petition. Mr. Cameron said that he would implement sensible recommendations: it is time for him to honour that commitment and join the other political leaders by supporting the Leveson recommendations in their entirety.
To find out more about the Leveson Inquiry then please visit ‘Hacking Inquiry‘ and sign the petition.
THE PROJECT
This Christmas we want to give Jo something special, something that will be beneficial. We hope that you can join us in raising awareness of her charities and helping Jo take those small steps towards helping change the world by making a small donation to LUMOS.
Lumos try to raise £3 million each year for their vital work to help transform the lives of disadvantaged children. Donating £1 or even £o.50 can help us, help them reach their goal.
We will be sending Jo a letter before Christmas and after to tell her how the project has gone and to everyone who makes a donation… you name shall be included. (;
GIVEAWAY
Everyone who makes a donation (no matter how big or small) is automatically entered into a giveaway. The winner (or winners depending on how much money we raise) will be in with a shot to win a t-shirt of their choice from our webstore (found here). However, this may not be the only prize up for grabs so stay tuned.
If you make a donation then please leave your tumblr, twitter or email address with your donation so I can contact you if you win.
