The Leaky Cauldron - J.K. Rowling

"Philosopher's Stone" Publication Included on List of Top Cultural Moments in Britain

Thu May 22 15:19:00 -0400 2008

<>The Press Association of the UK is reporting that the first novel in J. K. Rowling’s series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” was named the third ‘Top Cultural Moment’ of the past twenty-one years in Britain via a new survey. Conducted to mark the 21st anniversary of Hay Literary Festival, the poll placed the 1997 publication of the book behind the 1990 World Cup performance by the ...

Children's Laureate Comments on J.K. Rowling

Sun May 18 18:46:00 -0400 2008

<>UK Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen has made some comments regarding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling while on tour in Scotland to help promote literacy among students. The Times reports that author Michael Rosen said Harry Potter “deserved credit for encouraging a generation of children to read,[but] he feared their success might prevent youngsters from discovering other authors.” The paper q...

Waterstone's Launches "What's Your Story?" Contest

Fri May 16 15:22:00 -0400 2008

<>A few days ago we told you that J.K. Rowling was one of 13 authors who have contributed a handwritten “storycard” for a charity auction on June 10. Sponsored by UK booksellers Waterstone’s, proceeds from this auction will benefit the English PEN and Dyslexia Action. Now as part of this event, Waterstone’s has launched a contest asking the public to submit their own stories. Winners of this even...

J.K. Rowling Named Author of the Year at Children's Choice Book Awards

Wed May 14 14:42:00 -0400 2008

<>Back in March, we told you Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling had been nominated for a National Children’s Choice Book Award. Last night in New York City, these awards were presented, with J.K. Rowling named “Author of the Year,” for her work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The press release notes that “children across the country voted for their favorite books, author, and illustrator...

Final Voting Now Open in Amazon.com Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest

Wed May 14 14:14:00 -0400 2008

The two finalists in Amazon.com’s Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest have been chosen after a week long voting period we told you about earlier where the public picked a top entry in the 13-17 age group and 18 and over categories. As we reported previously, the winner of this contest will receive a weekend with the handwritten tale by Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling in London, England. ...

JK Rowling Contributes to "StoryCard" Charity Auction

Fri May 09 00:57:00 -0400 2008

<>Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has contributed a special “storycard” as part of a charity auction in the UK. Bloomberg reports that Jo joins authors such as Richard Ford, Nick Hornby, Doris Lessing, Tom Stoppard and Sebastian Faulks who have all written an original piece on a “blank A5 sheet ” for this auction, which will benefit the English PEN and Dyslexia Action. The auction will take pla...

Followup: JK Rowling Wins Appeal on Child Photo Privacy Case

Wed May 07 17:22:00 -0400 2008

<>Previously we told you of a legal matter involving author J.K. Rowling and photographs of her young 18 month old son that were published in a UK paper several years ago. In effort to protect their privacy of their young children, the case went to court, and today Jo and her husband Dr. Neil Murray won an appeal that would ban further publication of photographs. According to the BBC, the couple ...

"Deathly Hallows" Receives Andre Norton Award at 2008 Nebula Awards

Tue Apr 29 15:30:00 -0400 2008

A follow up today as the seventh book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” won the 2008 Andre Norton Award at the Annual Nebula Awards Ceremony which took place in Austin, Texas this past weekend. As we first told you previously, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s Nebula Awards had nominated the seventh book in author J. K. Rowling’s series in this category which recogniz...

JKR/WB vs. RDR Books Trial: U.K. Publisher Not Counting on Scheduled April Release of Lexicon Book

Fri Apr 25 00:08:00 -0400 2008

U.K. Publisher Methuen does not expect to meet the scheduled April release of Steve Vander Ark’s Lexicon book, as it has been postponed pending the court’s decision.

Peter Tummons or Methuen says he is “very confident” in RDR Book’s position, but says that he does expect Warner Brothers to appeal if RDR wins. Says Tummons:

<>“You can never quite tell about the US appeal system, but I think we ar...

New Documentary on JK Rowling Due on ABC this November

Mon Apr 21 03:29:00 -0400 2008

<>There is news tonight that a new documentary on J.K. Rowling is being prepared by ABC News. This behind the scenes documentary will include “several interviews, the book tour for the final “Harry Potter” installment, and a tour of locations that inspired her characters. It even hints to what the future holds for Harry and his friends.” ABC is working with a UK production company to prepare thi...

PotterCast 148: The Trial

Sun Apr 20 01:11:00 -0400 2008

<>
The 148th episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is online this evening with an extended discussion of the JKR/WB vs. RDR Books trial which took place in New York City this past week. First, we bring you a few Harry Potter news updates including Jim Broadbent’s comments on his character of Horace Slughorn in the sixth film, the clothing styles of Narcissa Malfoy in HBP, and the 18th ...

Video Showing "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" Security Measures and More Now Online

Fri Apr 18 03:12:00 -0400 2008

There is a new video online this evening from Yahoo!News which gives a closer look at “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” the handwritten and illustrated book by J. K. Rolwing containing five stories referenced in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” The video shows the immense security measures taken to guard this most valuable item and gives a few details on the unique aspects of the book. D...

Book Containing JKR Signature Helps Raise £10,000 for UK Church

Thu Apr 17 19:54:00 -0400 2008

<>A church in Tutshill, Gloucestershire, England has raised £10,000 ($19,909) after a viewing of a Visitors’ Book containing the signature of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. ThisIsGloucestershire is reporting the money was raised during a fundraising launch where the book was on display. The book, which was featured in the 2007 ITV documentary “J. K. Rowling: A Year In the Life,” contains t...

JKR/WB vs RDR Books Trial Day Two: Steve Vander Ark's Testimony

Tue Apr 15 17:56:00 -0400 2008

USA Today reports that Steve Vander Ark testified earlier today in the case brought by J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers, who are attempting to block publication of a print version of the Harry Potter Lexicon website.

<>According to the article, during testimony, Steve Vander Ark was visibly upset when discussing the impact of the case. “It’s been difficult because there has been a lot of critici...

"Deathly Hallows" Wins 2007 Berkshire Children’s Book Award

Tue Apr 15 15:26:00 -0400 2008

The seventh book in author J. K. Rowling’s series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” has won with 2007 Berkshire Children’s Book Award after votes were cast by some 1,000 students across 33 schools in Berkshire county in the UK. GetReading.co.uk is reporting “Deathly Hallows” faced close competition with Derek Landy’s “Skulduggery Pleasant,” which ended up taking second place. Launched ...