The Telegraph is reporting this evening that author J. K. Rowling described the completion of the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as “the most remarkable feeling” in the upcoming interview on BBC1’s Jonathan Ross program. During the taping, which took place on this Thursday, Jo went on to say this when asked about writing that momentous final chapter after almost 20 years with the series:
“Finishing the book is a relief. I can’t think of anyone who could know how I felt. Actually finishing it was the most remarkable feeling I’ve ever had… [I felt] euphoria, devastated, when I finished one chapter near the end I absolutely howled, it had been planned for so long.
“I was in a hotel room on my own, sobbing my heart out. I downed half a bottle of champagne in one and went home with mascara all over my face. It was really tough.”
Update: A few more details have emerged from the Jonathan Ross interview via a new article on BBC News. This article features a two more quotes from the author, the first, when discussing the fact that the filmmakers adapting Harry Potter for the screen have kept the cast entirely British, called it a “hell of an achievement.” Jo also gave another tidbit of information regarding the last word written in the final Harry Potter book. The common thought among fans for the past number of years was the series’ text end with the word ‘scar.’ Jo reveals it has, in fact, that been changed:
“Scar? It was so for ages, and now it’s not. Scar is quite near the end, but it’s not the last word.”
The full Jonathan Ross Show interview will air July 6th on BBC1 at 10:35pm BST. If you are able to capture the footage of the interview, please send it in!
Gee, I feel like I’ve just been spoiled for the end of the book already. I know what people are gonna say, there are many reasons she could’ve had that reaction, but to me there’s only one thing that could have caused it. I sort of wish I hadn’t read this, but maybe it’s good I’m prepared.
Imagine writing this epic story for a good portion of your life and having your life revolve around that story and then to finally end it must be spectacularly sad.. I could understand that someone important will die, but I think that it’ll be an amazing end. Goodness, I wouldn’t think Hermione’d die- that’d raise enough controversy with the character being “based on” the writer herself!
Ugh. I can and can’t wait to read that book. :(
This interview is probably hilarious though can’t wait to see it! :)
I’m kind of shocked by everyone’s reaction… is it really surprising that Jo was so upset? I think she’d be devestated even if it was a lovely happy ending seeing as this has just really been the defining part of her life.
I don’t think this can really tell us anything we don’t know, or even hint about specifics of the plot. She finally finished something that’s been a part of her life for a decade. Whether she killed a major character or not, of course it’s a complex emotional experience for her.
Also, isn’t the ‘euphoric and devastated’ comment old? I remember reading that when it was announced she finished writing.
When we’re all simultaneously at the end of the book, does anyone also think that we’ll be adding so much salty tears on earth, we’d probably imbalance the eco-system for a day or two! Whatever be the ending.
I wish Jo didn’t feel that pain. Sorry Jo. And thank you. That couldn’t have been easy on you.
Oh God! PLEASE don’t let this mean she’s killed Harry! I couldn’t take that and might have to call one of those emergency hotlines if that happened! LOL
Hopefully she was just emotional because she was finishing it up and not because she’s killed him. Gah. I’m so nervous now.
Here, here, Amy S, I totally agree. I don’t think this has anything to do with a character’s death. I mean, she’s been planning that chapter for seriously, year, maybe even a decade or more. How would you not be emotional when finally putting it down on paper?
Well, for me it’s all in the phrasing. Yes, she’s mentioned feeling euphoric and devastated before, and I blew it off, because of course finishing the series is going to be an emotional experience for her. But, this time she’s referring to an action taken in a chapter near the end. She used very similar phrasing when hinting at the deaths of Sirius and Dumbledore. I think she’s clearly hinting at the death of a major character here, and only Harry, Hermione, or Ron could have gotten that reaction out of her, IMO. Since, I’m firmly convinced that Hermione and Ron’s romance is our happy ending, I can’t help but believe she’s talking about Harry here. I’ve long suspected that he’d have to sacrifice his life to defeat Voldemort, I’d just always thought there was going to be an out. After reading this, I’m pretty sure there will be no out for our Harry.
Okay everyone… champagne, kleenex and runny mascarca for us all! Didn’t she once say that Hagrid was one of her favorite characters? I truly that he is not going to survive the last book. I remember reading something that implied that JKR persuaded Robbie Coltrane to not leave the series (movies) because of what happens to his character in the end. I doubt it was because of Grawp. Every actor loves a good death scene.
I dont think shes sad about one of her characters dying…shes planned those long enough to come to terms with that. What she is sad about is that this is the end of what will surely be her largest success, and something that has brought her unknown joy,
"I haven't eaten for nearly four hundred years," said the ghost. "I don't need to, of course, but one does miss it. I don't think I've introduced myself? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower.
Gee, I feel like I’ve just been spoiled for the end of the book already. I know what people are gonna say, there are many reasons she could’ve had that reaction, but to me there’s only one thing that could have caused it. I sort of wish I hadn’t read this, but maybe it’s good I’m prepared.