Unedited JK Rowling Interview on the Birth of Harry Potter (1998)

On 23 July 1998, acclaimed author JK Rowling sat down with ITN in Nicolson's Café in Edinburgh to talk about the enormous success of the Harry Potter series. Weeks before, the second of what was to be a seven-book series had been released, and Rowling was working on the third. The Philiosopher's Stone and its sequel, the Chamber of Secrets, had been enormously successful in the UK and the US and major production companies were jockeying for the rights to make the Harry Potter series into a film franchise. The rest is history.
It was announced on 12 April 2023 that HBO Max were to make a TV series of the Harry Potter books with Rowling as Executive Producer.
#HarryPotter #JKRowling #Potterhead #HBOMax #ChamberOfSecrets #PhilosophersStone #Magic #Hogwarts
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[@sketchtheparadigmyork1217]

What’s really cool about her is how she knew the full story already, and had the end of 7 written early on. It makes you realize how talented she is.

[@markcarey67]

Most novelists extensively outline their novels. It's more surprising when a professional novelist (like Cormac McCarthy) doesn't and still manages to stick the landing.

[@HeatherDeweyPettet]

Some writers of series do that. Edited to add: Why did I say _that???_ I must have been pretty tired. MOST novelists outline, even if just a little. If you want anything related to a complicated plot, you HAVE to outline. Some write first, and some outline first. Either way, you have to find any plot "holes" to have your story make sense.

[@Aurora146]

She probably was already a Terf at this period of time

[@josuerestrepo1476]

Warner help her, probably

[@Aurora146]

@@josuerestrepo1476 I think Voldemort is her alter ego

[@keithcuarteros9844]

Little did they know 20+ years later HP has multiple theme parks, 8 movies and people are still rereading the books countless times ✨

[@purefoldnz3070]

and people are burning her effigies and making videos where she is portrayed as a demon. And this time its from the far left not the weird christians.

[@Jimmy2time]

All from a free idea that popped into her head In 1990 , that’s fascinating

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@Jimmy2time hmm after she watched a certain movie for "inspiration"

[@barbaraguimaraes5994]

Always. I'll 90 and still Harry Potter... if I get to that age.

[@manapaws5507]

@@purefoldnz3070 who cares? this is about harry potter - not a tweet

[@greeeneyes91]

she has enriched so many people‘s lives and childhoods. i still reread all the books almost every year bc they are just brilliant.

[@juliak699]

Me too

[@hayleyirvine]

I also love to reread annually (usually during January of a new year). Almost done with the Deathly Hallows now and I’m not ready for it to end already 😭😭

[@jesipohl6717]

His name is kenneth galbaraith

[@Stettafire]

Shame she ruined it all by being such an awful awful human

[@Jaglicic1]

Same

[@FURIOUSAM31]

What a legend of a woman. I'm 30 now and respect her more than ever. For people like me who came from an abusive family hogwarts was a privilege to escape into. Who knew I'd end up being a better version of myself than if I didn't read her books. Thank you ma'am

[@catsupempire3920]

terf

[@HabitualJoker]

@@catsupempire3920crybaby

[@domagoj3474]

​@@catsupempire3920cry about it 😂

[@catsupempire3920]

@@domagoj3474 alroight alroight?

[@maguffintop2596]

@@catsupempire3920as are all true feminists.

[@crikxouba]

She was so quirky and a little nerdy then. I am not even a massive Harry Potter fan but she is such a brilliant writer.

[@lmAIone]

Right! I love it, it reminds me so much of my girlfriend aha

[@user-tt6be2zx3h]

most authors (relatively unknown/not-famous) ones are like that.. afterall they choose writing for a reason and not be natural in front of press or camera..

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

Hmm gosh I wonder if they will ever try it in film 🧐 😂

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

Same.

[@GarytongueBetz-vl1fu]

She is more interested than the Harry Potter Stories.

[@johnnyrsj]

I started at university in Ed in 1994, I remember going to Nicolsons in my first year and seeing a woman sitting with her baby and she had papers all over the table. It always stuck in my head cos it just wasn't a sight I'd ever seen before - cafe culture hadn't started, starbucks hadn't arrived, I came from a small town - it didn't even occur to me that she could be doing work... in a cafe... with a baby... And then years later The Elephant House christened themselves 'The Birthplace Of Harry Potter'

[@sneezydeezymcdeluxe7015]

Wait, are you saying you saw JK writing Harry Potter? If so, that's insane.

[@soilgrasswaterair]

@@sneezydeezymcdeluxe7015 Well it was a place up and running, so clearly many saw her there during the time she wrote the Potter book there. I find it wild to think of the fact that a few of the then children, standing in line for J.K. Rowling to sign one of the books, were inspired to become authors themselves and are now published in their adulthood! I’m one of the then children who was inspired by her writing, and I’m studying law at uni. and will head into family law and work with abused children and children in general from dysfunctional homes. She inspired lots of us to do something of importance❤

[@maguffintop2596]

You are a very observant person to remember that nearly 30 yrs on.

[@Black.Sabbath]

I'll take poop that never happened for 500 Galleons

[@Marth8880]

@@Black.Sabbath it's not that unbelievable lol, Edinburgh is a very small city

[@BeastLordofMetal]

She seems so shy and outspoken at the same time.

[@RandomBloke007]

Introverts in a nutshell.

[@johnstanderfer3692]

*Hermione*

[@michaelr.landon1727]

It's called 'being British'

[@haruyu123]

@@michaelr.landon1727 lmao

[@5MadMovieMakers]

Writing a book you would want to read yourself, that's great advice. I imagine it's hard to do though

[@missionpupa]

shouldnt it be the easiest thing in the world, if your are the audience, then you should know what they audience would want.

[@5MadMovieMakers]

@@missionpupa an author might be very particular though

[@rodmcdaniel8644]

No, one's personal moral and philosophical character take over and demand complete personal authenticity. I remembered once reading, "If you're not writing your masterpiece, why are you writing it?" Which means doing the very best you can do right now at this point in your life. This isn't easy, but has maximum developmental value. One must be courageous enough to manifest oneself in any condition; still a seed, sprout, flower, or withering stalk. Enjoy! @@missionpupa

[@mightyenigma1]

To obtain something of great worth, something of great worth must be given in return.

[@ratfink2413]

imagine how much more insight she has when she re reads it

[@george_s8441]

You were as clever as Hermione and you are definitely a genius. Thank you for my childhood J.K.

[@AlanOnBass65]

Yes, she is the cleverest author of our age! ;)

[@tylerroberson2611]

@@AlanOnBass65 You should read George RR Martin…

[@luftetarekermez4459]

​​​@@tylerroberson2611George can't even finish the books. And much as I love ASOIAF, they're not as well written as HP once analysed deeply, though they can be very complex in their own right but much of it is superficial. I still love them though, especially Cersei and Jaime and their relationship. Rowling is smarter regardless, as an author AND as a person.

[@luftetarekermez4459]

She's way smarter than Hermione Granger

[@tylerroberson2611]

@@luftetarekermez4459 Trust me I respect her work and have no right to judge her faculties, especially seeing as I tend to struggle writing short-hand textual conversations. Nevertheless, it's a far cry to call a story that begins and ends the same way each book a prose masterpiece. It is because Martin’s stories are so vast and complex that he struggles to finish them. There is an endless supply of secret plots and hidden meanings that you could write an 800-page novel on them alone. Harry Potter just can't compete with that, though I will admit Harry Potter is the better seller. The themes of Friendship and Love are expressed better in no other novel than they are in Harry Potter, but sadly in respect to content and depth there is no competition.

[@irrumnaaz]

This is so fascinating to watch and lovely to see her like this, as a beginner and quite nerdy almost. The fact that this woman created the Wizarding World and everyone in it 20 odd yrs ago, and it's still here is almost mind boggling. The way she talks abt everything that she created is amazing. You can say whatever you like abt her, but she is one hell of an author.

[@indedgames4359]

Even things writen pn pottermore or whats it valled now wher planed back then in one Form or another just for herself.

[@jonnylpenman]

30 odd years ago haha

[@maguffintop2596]

She's a pretty nerd though, with a lot of charm.

[@surfguy87]

Off and on the page, she's an absolute inspiration.

[@Giordanobm]

Have you ever tried Shakespeare?

[@katrinadivinagracia5626]

One of the greatest authors of the century. What a time to have lived in the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling.

[@Seraphina_Atley]

shes almost UNDERRATED. I will die on that hill

[@ngodcreatedwoman]

Shes so young, yet you can tell she’s been through a lot. Apologizes when she laugh, maintains deep eye contact, very confident yet terrified… I just wanna hug her and tell her it’s going to be more then ok. I relate to her a lot, thanks for everything JK 🤍

[@phoneyphone]

Bit of a weird comment mate

[@darkfiremat]

i think you're very much projecting.

[@AmIBovverredG]

I disagree, I think they're spot on. Some people can read others on a deeper level.

[@diollinebranderson6553]

​​@@AmIBovverredGi want to read and explore you on a deeper level😈

[@Musebygaia]

You’re right! She lived through a very abusive relationship through her younger years.. she’s a big advocate and voice for women now ❤

[@DdotRay86]

Never read a single Harry Potter book, but absolutely fascinated by this woman's story. From destitution to a billionaire, carried by her imagination. Incredible.

[@YeOldeChristmas]

youve never read any of them??? the entire wizarding world awaits you! i wish i could read them for the first time all over again. get reading!

[@dab88]

you can't hang out in an Edinburgh cafe all day if you're destitute.

[@stellviahohenheim]

The only one that's worth reading is the prisoner of azkaban

[@AgreeableOnion]

You have to read them, they’re great! Take a chance and start reading the first one, I think you’d enjoy them. I wish I could read them again for the first time.

[@doyouevenlift1462]

​@@stellviahohenheimbro wtf... I started reading the first book philosopher one... Was reading on my phone yesterday and in a single day I've read 100 pages, never in my life I've read that much. It's so fun now I made up my mind I'm gonna buy the entire collection and continue reading

[@terabyter9000]

"My highest ambition would be that long after everyone's forgotten that I was a single mother and that I was poor and that I wrote in cafes people are still reading about Harry Potter, that's my highest ambition." Just read the first book last week for the first time.

[@tanishalavri3278]

What did you think of it?

[@terabyter9000]

Awesome series, just finished Order of the Phoenix. Should be finished with all 7 by the end of September (large TBR so mixing it up).@@tanishalavri3278

[@AgreeableOnion]

Keep reading, they’re so good and only get more interesting.

[@jesipohl6717]

Harry Potter is a poorer Version of Earthsea

[@RabiyaRavenclaw]

​Earthsea?? What that? Never heard of it 😂😂​@@jesipohl6717

[@hannahahle]

As a writer, she’s fascinating to listen to. A real inspiration. It’s clear she believed in herself for so long before anyone else did. She’s totally unapologetically herself. She’s loved around the world for being herself. I cried when she said she wrote long hand then typed up. I felt most seen hearing that. I do that in 2023. Very glad I stumbled upon this video

[@Knappa22]

I agree completely. I couldn’t express what it is that makes her so special, but I read your comment and thought Yes! That’s it. She is unapologetically herself.

[@AmeliaKC173]

I think it's easier to write longhand for some reason. Staring at the computer for hours is impossible and distracting.

[@michaelgrey7854]

As a writer you may need to work on your grammer first.

[@anusmcgee4150]

@@michaelgrey7854 Ironically, you need to work on your spelling before commenting on someone's "grammar".

[@gustavrus]

@@anusmcgee4150 people have been whining about everything on the internet, just ignore them

[@Historian212]

To write a first novel with that kind of careful planning and stick to it is amazing. And to do that writing as a single mother with a very young child is even more so. Her ability to focus is extraordinary. BTW once she got famous, her violent ex-husband tracked her down, broke into her home and tried to force her to give him money. She’s one tough woman.

[@StudioSerious1]

Did she give it to him?

[@justingreen2432]

Voldemort. 😡🤬

[@Leon-ty6bw]

@@justingreen2432. Tom Riddle hated his DNA (his father’s bloodline), he wanted to be something he could never be (pure blood), he invaded normal people’s house to force them to accept his new identity as lord Voldemort and participate in his insane ideology.

[@vomitingpoems]

If I recall correctly, Harry Potter wasn't her first book. She had published some other books using a male name as an alias.

[@fernoliveira2170]

@@vomitingpoemsno Dear!this was AFTER Harry Potter 2012/2013

[@walkwithmeASMR]

Never really sat and watched her speak. She's so normal and down to earth. Love her. I'm a bigger fan now than I was 20 minutes ago.

[@emilinebelle7811]

Me too. She’s wonderful!

[@PG22_Hello]

I like how authentic and personal she is in this interview. Fame and success is still very new to her here. Oddly enough 1998 feels like a simpler time...

[@phoneyphone]

Oddly? It certainly was

[@pauianderson]

Pre 9/11, no russian invasions, no world wide pandemics. The world is going through another period of self harming. Much like the violent histories we were once taught about in school, history is repeating itself.

[@PG22_Hello]

And I was 13@@pauianderson

[@GaryTongue-to3pw]

@guyesmith How is it VERY new when this is weeks after releasing the SECOND book, Yu dumbass?

[@sadidrahimi]

@@pauiandersonyou named everything except American invasions. Get a grip

[@ghost_fueled_scarecrow]

I don't care what the internet says, no matter how loudly they excrete their horrible agendas. This woman is like the parent i never had. I started reading these books at sixteen having just realized that my entire childhood was wasted in an appartment of a loveless city, i was extremely suicidal and these books were what kept me alive. Oh course, i never had a flying car full of friends come rescue me, and life now isn't much better, but the hope got me through, as it does now.

[@lapelcelery42]

And we're closer to flying cars than ever

[@kaylachristenson9664]

These books for me through deep childhood depression as well and I’m actually unsure where I would be without them.

[@Necrophadez]

​@@LongLongMan849Opinions based on trauma are not informed or reliable.

[@kitteekittee4010]

God bless you, keep on holding on. Things will get better

[@Allaiya.]

That’s awesome, I mean that the story helped you. I hope you’re doing better. Never give up on yourself. Hopefully you’ve played the Hogwarts legacy game. It’s a lot of fun too

[@blaargyaarg4647]

I dont know what is best, her choice of words, how she speaks, her mind in general. She is truly magical..

[@JPA65]

Every time a book was released I’d be waiting outside the shop before it opened to pick it up. I did this for every single book, I’d sit at home and read for days getting lost in her world. Loved it, love Harry Potter and love her! Fond fond memories!

[@Raiya_ru17]

I remember the hunt for those books lol because they sold out like crazy. I ended up buying those expensive hard bound books just to be among the first ones to read it.

[@Kamitube]

She's incredible, I grew up waiting for each new Harry Potter book. When I started reading them it was in my own language, by the time the last 2 were released I bought them in English even though I wasn't fluent yet. But I was too impatient to wait for the books to be translated. So in a way she also helped me learn English faster. I read the last book in only 3 days. Too afraid to leave the house and hear spoilers. Mean kids were trying to spoil everything and made videos telling people which characters will die. It was a crazy time.

[@pitulanek]

It was similar for me, too! I didn't buy book six in English because I didn't think I was ready to read it but very soon after it was published, I was staying with an Irish family who had the book and they lent it to me, so obviously I read it! But I later re-read it in my native language. The seventh I only have in English. By that time I was reading in English anything and everything I could get my hands on, so I no longer saw the point in re-reading it as a translation :)

[@yury5205]

I've read her books in English, Spanish, Czech and Russian. Every time I take her books from the shelf I escape from our routine world to the wizarding world indeed. Thank you J.K. rowling for everything

[@denisezachar9877]

Impressive! I’ve read them in Czech, English and once attempted German.

[@vikisekhavel95]

​@@denisezachar9877I didn't like the English original. I feel like the Czech translation adds so much more to it. As does the Italian one.

[@denisezachar9877]

@@vikisekhavel95 interesting. I haven’t thought about that. I think I’ll try to read it in Czech again to see the difference.

[@vikisekhavel95]

@@denisezachar9877 it's the little things like name translations that push it more towards the fairy tale zone. I grew up bilingual, so my understanding of the nuances of the language is on +/- similar level for both Czech and English (minus writing here on KZbin where I pose as an illiterate barbarian in order to save time 🤣🤣🤣). It's the little things. I also think that Rojvol (read: Royvoll) sounds better than Marvolo 🤣🤣🤣

[@vikisekhavel95]

@@denisezachar9877 Or Gryffindor, which simply takes gryffin. Nebelvír comes from 'nebe' - sky, and 'lev' - lion. Literally: house of the sky lions. Perfect.

[@all-caps3927]

I couldn’t imagine being in her position. Imagine having a world with the depth and intricacies of the Wizarding world at your feet, having birthed it yourself. It’s truly fascinating how the inspiration came about for her and how she’s translated that into such a beautiful world for others to marvel in.

[@martineastland2455]

Check the facts, dear. 1975…a woman called Jill Murphy wrote a classic childrens book series called THE WORST WITCH. I’m sure, if youre capable of basic analysis, ypu’ll see the Potter universe was stolen from the TWW.

[@menamgamg]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@martineastland2455The greatest artists "steal" ideas shamelessly. Just the same as the great artists before them did. It's the nature of how the human mind works and there's no such thing as purely original work.

[@maximillienrobespierre7262]

„They thought it was a book that would appeal to boys.” And look how that ended! It’s a book that appealed to the whole world.

[@joeletaxi821]

She is very honest, articulate and fun. Her life had not gone well but reading and writing were her comfort and redemption. She wasn't sure why children took to Harry so much but I know. It is story. Great characters and premise but it is the story that carries you along. Also, there will be many children that can, sadly, relate to his early life. Hope, redemption, excitement, courage and friendship. It's easy to see why her stories connect with girls and boys. J. K. Rowling is a delightful person and I'm so pleased she has achieved incredible success. Bravo! Bravo!

[@GaryTongue-to3pw]

She wasn't sure, because she NEVER wrote them with Children in mind.

[@samratsur8074]

Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite of the lot. Absolutely brilliant plot.

[@Ifailedeverything]

Same! The writing is so tight!

[@jackraider1039]

I like order the most. And I prefer the movies over the books because sometimes I feel like books can be a bit boring.

[@bplayerr1]

It's 2023 and I find this interview absolutely LOVELY!!

[@brenthelton]

One of the best writers of all time. She is very smart and opened up a very creative world. Harry Potter is my all time favorite.

[@bigred8432]

That’s wonderful that the books mean so much to you :) And she is certainly one of the most successful writers of all time But the best is a stretch. Those books aren’t particularly well written, full of imagination yes but there are many, many better writers in history

[@barlowwe]

I agree. She may not be the most grammatically gifted of writers but she has the gifts of plot and character development that are second to none.

[@buuuuuh365]

@@bigred8432 who cares dude she's rich

[@HAbarneyWK]

I consider myself a Potterhead, but she is far from a great writer. An extremely imaginative one though.

[@nimishapatel-koller1226]

Its so incredibly satisfying to know that she was poor and worked hard to get to where she is, an absolute genius

[@holyfuck444]

JKR you really helped me as a young boy (in an abusive household), through Harry, at bad times in my life. Thank you.

[@TheBonivur]

Is there anyone else who holds the conviction that she is not the authentic author of Harry Potter? It is patently apparent that she serves merely as a nominal figure. In truth, Terry Pratchett is the legitimate creator of Harry Potter.

[@Liam-2345]

⁠@@TheBonivurShut Up.

[@seektruth5750]

@@TheBonivurman stop, this is embarrassing

[@weevil601]

@@TheBonivur Wow. You'd think Terry himself would have noticed that his books were being published under someone else's name and that he wasn't getting paid for them. He had to have been the most unobservant person in history.

[@TheBonivur]

@@weevil601 , ha

[@Remy1226]

Im 37 so I grew up with the books (I’ve read them all) and seen the films. I’m currently playing the Hogwarts Legacy game, just exploring the world she created in video game form is incredible. Thank you JK for everything, from childhood memories to video games. Your a legend!!

[@spaghettimeatballswow]

But last year last year I had thirty seven!

[@lk4543]

​@@spaghettimeatballswowin Hogwarts A HISTORY!

[@ChelseaChfy-ex1po]

@Remy1226, Hogwarts legacy isn’t book accurate

[@CoffeeFiend1]

She was my hero when I was a kid. I was massively behind in literacy at primary school, like literally 5 years behind. Don't even remember how I got into Harry Potter but I was 3 years ahead within 2 years and knew the names of every character and the name of every spell and what it did. Think it was 1999 we had to do a weekend project on our 'favorite role model' and do a piece on them. Lots of kids did stuff like Batman.... Spiderman... Action Man... The Hulk. A couple of girls did favorite authors. I was the only guy that did an author and I got laughed at so hard by literally everyone for choosing "a girl" as my role model. I don't think it would be out of place in modern settings but back in the 90's admitting that out of everyone you could freely choose you looked up to a role model that wasn't your own sex was seemingly a huge deal. She's gotten a lot of flack the last couple of years for certain opinions but without a doubt she has spent most of her life endeavoring to always be on the right side of things which is admirable.

[@user-vw3bk5sj6h]

I was teaching in a German school as a Religious Sister at the time and teaching English and Social Work. These were young adults studying to be Erzieher (social worker) especially for Kindergarten and children living in homes and boarding schools. My young adult students kept coming to me asking what words and phrases meant, and what kind of grammar something was. I answered the questions and asked what they were reading - the answer: Harry Potter. I went to the public library and checked out the first book. I had it read in a week. My reaction: "Brilliant." Right from the beginning I loved the story and understood why young adults were willing to struggle through the book in the English language. The books were not out yet in German but in the coming. The students just could not wait. At the time there was a lot of criticism concerning the books, which thought were unfounded. When students asked me about the criticism. I told them that the author comes from the land of Merlin, the Arthur Legend. There is no real witchcraft in her books. Her books were pure imagination and pulled from Irish myth- thinking of the patronus- the deer, the patron animal of St. Patrick. I remember laughing through many images. One example comes now when Harry first meets Professor Slughorn. Harry watched him coming into the room so that his head was following is stomach. J.K. Rowling is a brilliant writer. I really enjoyed the series with the films. I taught grammar from some of her images and from the way she discribed people and events using descriptive relative clauses, reduced to participle phrases. This was one of the first times, that students paid attention in grammar classes. After the second book of asking about vocab, I offered reading evenings. We read from book 3, 4, and 5 and some of 6, and then I let them loose. They still asked questions but not as many, and we still used her text for grammar. That was rewarding teaching. Thank-you Joanne K. Rowling.

[@derechtem0mo]

For me , JK Rowling is the most underrated and best writer in history for fantasy storys besides Tolkien. The amount of details she put into the lore of her magical world is beyond crazy. Absolutly beautiful. Everyone who read the books knows what im talking about. I dont care how JK thinks about certain topics , her books will always stay with me untill the very day i leave this planet.

[@JoanneRowling.official]

Hi.. Greetings dear Glad to hear from you. I appreciate your love, care and support Where are you watching from?❤🎉😊

[@TheBonivur]

Is there anyone else who holds the conviction that she is not the authentic author of Harry Potter? It is patently apparent that she serves merely as a nominal figure. In truth, Terry Pratchett is the legitimate creator of Harry Potter.

[@all-caps3927]

She’s a visionary and a virtuoso of her craft. It’s inspiring to see the belief in herself and overcoming doubt, she’s so unapologetically herself and that’s incredibly admirable. I could never imagine having a world as dense and intricate as the Wizarding at my feet. Us consumers see it as one of the world’s great fantasy stories but for her it’s truly so much more than that - it’s as if Harry Potter and it’s lessons to be learnt from are the magic and beauty of life themselves. Those books and movies mean more to me than she’ll ever know, but that’s what she intended : complete and utter obsession with the thought of magic and Harry, and for me that’s enough knowing my position as a fan of the series fulfilled her wishes. I would love to meet her one day when I hopefully fulfil my ‘absolute ambition’ , as she puts it, and tell her how the magic behind her character and her books helped me and millions of not billions of others so much. Harry Potter allowed us to escape from life and then come back and appreciate it for the beauty is bestows. Thank you Ms Rowling, you will go down in history as one of the all time greats.

[@InkcredibleScribbles]

She's extraordinarily lovely. Guarded, devilishly honest, funny. I've always loved her as a writer and a person, both then and now.

[@edwardbaran9326]

Whar a wonderful unedited interview. Really interesting. She's fascinating. More please!

[@SundaeExpress]

*What

[@SapienEnergy]

It's super interesting, looking at the window behind her. You can see where she got so many of her ideas from. Just people watching, the night bus, the old buildings and secret doors.

[@musical_lolu4811]

Scenic.

[@ahazell733]

I've had writer's block since university days. Had many experiences since. Been writing technically for the past twenty or so years. JK's wonderful interview is inspiring me to pick up my pen once more. Her tip about planning before writing is well made. Fate is conspiring.

[@csgraffiti]

Try watching a movie like Finding Forrester with Sean Connery. That always gives me the jitters to write. Might be that last push, you need? :-)

[@menamgamg]

Read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. It drastically changed how i think about creativity. Im a musician who spent most of my life feeling creatively walled off and this book has been a great help for me.

[@yumeyuki1944]

17:12 the face she made after almost spoiling the last book 9 years before a release is hilarious 😂

[@TheBillaro]

love it

[@haruyu123]

oop

[@cali7xx]

What a woman! I just love her, her authenticity is unparalleled. Her highest ambition definitely came true, Harry remained timeless. I so understand her on the subject of fame, she's just brilliant

[@thewanderlustlibrarian]

Knowing that she has bit of each books already written after publishing the 1st book is sooo impressive !

[@GaryTongue-to3pw]

This was weeks after the second book was released.

[@_fantasticscenes]

They made her change her name cause they thought a woman’s name wouldn’t attract readers… then she defends biological women and gets attacked for it. Smdh.

[@youreale]

I think it was Bob Dylan who said that nobody really creates music; the songs floats "on the air"' and you just need to be in the right place and moment to catch them. As brilliant as J.K. Rowling is, she certainly had her "catching" moment that brought the Harry Potter universe to us.

[@GaryTongue-to3pw]

He also openly admits that he sold his soul to the devil to be successful with music, so I am not sure what your dumbass point is?

[@surfguy87]

Indeed. I wonder if she thought about that moment as she wrote about Harry catching The Snitch.

[@shelbybutler9012]

Just started reading the series for the first time in my life (22 years) I was raised a JW and my mom would never let me come close to these books or movies. I just started Order of The Phoenix, I started the series less than a week ago. It is a completely enchanting world.

[@adamdumsday]

This interview is extraordinary. So interesting to see her behaviour at the start of her career. You can see this story being escapism for her insecurities. Little did she know the rest of the world would agree.

[@h.m.7218]

Harry Potter is a work of genius. Must have been absolutely thrilling to be able to come up with the actual books. The whole story is on par with Tolkien's saga. And, personally, I'd rather reread HP than the Hobbits story. But that's only me.

[@randomuploadsism]

I said to my BF last night, JK is better at crafting the stories because their is foreshadowing and clues, things that happen at the start one one book are explained at the end - or later. Tolkien is more a series of events, where you could remove one and the others would still make sense.

[@fletchersykes1660]

Remarkable woman. I will always be a fan of hers and that of her HP stories and the way she fought to keep the core and ancillary characters British for the movies.

[@theodorearaujo971]

What a wonderful interview. She is a national treasure. Thank you for writing about an orphan, later a Father who never had one.

[@Anpeo]

Imagine those 3 publishers that turned down Harry Potter. Damn.

[@72chargerse72]

I find it interesting that she can create soooo many characters and most have a great deal of depth. She is truely talented and thank you.

[@RandomBloke007]

How incredible that future generations will have these videos to look back to, hundreds of years in the future. Like knowing Jane Austen in all her glory!

[@ThaRuralJuror]

I devoured those books when I was a kid. I read through all of them, and waited eagerly for each new installment. To me, the JK initials generated a mystery about the author which intrigued me all the more. After the fact, it is apparent she is a highly admirable artist.

[@JoanneRowling.official]

Hi.. Greetings dear Glad to hear from you. I appreciate your love, care and support Where are you watching from?❤😊❤

[@vanessainnes-wagstaff7511]

Lovely to see her here recalling those crazy early years as a younger writer. Nevermind the life changing journey of it all. A very unusual lady and outcome. Fascinating.

[@user-jv8rq3nr3k]

Wow what a fascinating early days interview! I watched this taking in every little detail. This woman is a genius, it's clear that she wrote for her pure pleasure and she created one of the most fantastic worlds in the history of writing, and gave us so many childhood memories that will be passed on generation to generation. Absolute gem!

[@amit_c]

After listening to her it's like she already planned the course of story for 6 books in advance like from starting in first chapter of first book to last chapter last book, Harry Potter is the book which is worth a research on it's own and good source of reference and inspiration for aspiring author/writer like myself. The way she came up with names of character, the props in storyline, the setting of magical world and it's connection with real world is absolutely brilliant and mind blowing. I used to discuss the books with my best friend and we would spent hours on it when we were in school

[@florriebellerose]

In 1999 I was 6 years old and read Philosopher’s Stone for the first time - I felt so grown up reading a ‘big kid’s’ book. Now I’m almost the same age as Jo was here (I’m 31) and still longing to be a writer myself. I credit my love of reading and writing to Jo. I admire her so much. I grew up with Harry Potter and so will my children and my children’s children. I still reread the books every few years. I feel very privileged that I got to grow up with these books and the films too. Thank you, Jo.

[@elizeusoares7983]

It's so good to hear Jo speaking about any book she wrote because she speaks with so much love and care that I could listen forever.

[@dbsk06]

Wow so impressed. Not going to lie, I wasn’t obsessed with Harry Potter but now having lived in london and watching this interview, it is completely different

[@QUEENMANDALA56]

You are very interesting and inspiring! Merciiiii merciii merci for that wonderful authentic interview ❤🎉

[@ketil4237]

Historically legendary literary writers like C.S Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien etc. She is a shining star in among them forever. So it was fitting that she became J.K. Rowling. But it's kinda heartbreaking to see her here. So brilliant and still so unsure of herself and her worth. She has probably experienced her (un)fair share of bullying from envious and petty "muggles" (She really is Hermione in the first books). You just want to hug her and tell her that you are a beautiful, brilliant lady and a genius. And we adore you for it.

[@paolitamacia]

I've been a fan of JK since I was 12. She single handedly made me love reading so I'm forever grateful to her. But for some odd reason it had never occurred to me to google her or watch interviews with her. The internet wasn't so ubiquitous back then and I guess I grew up and moved on. This is the first time I hear her speak and see her in video and I'm blown away. What a unique woman and what a brilliant mind. ❤

[@excession3076]

I got the book for my daughter, at the time parents everywhere were talking about this new children's book called HP. I remember quite clearly reading the second, perhaps third, chapter and knowing without doubt this was going to become a literary classic for children. Like the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was, for instance. And that children would be reading the HP book for generations to come (and at the time it was only the one book). It was really quite spooky/unworldly, I can't remember ever having such a sure fire conviction that I was experiencing a phenomena in real time, even as I read the book itself. And that's not to say I couldn't see the "faults", it is a children's book after all, or that it was derivative. But that didn't matter, it was like a supernova of storytelling.

[@hsk-jm6kh]

Theres a 'rock star' quality to this interview that im guessing is not normal when it comes to interviews with authors. The only difference is, that her answers are more elaborate and she's obviously more articulate than your average 'front man' or band spokesperson. I love the giggle about people being unaware of wizards living amongst them or whatever it was. She really comes across as someone with a modest ego and displays the innocence of someone of someone who has recently found fame and fortune but wasn't necessarily looking for it. A bit like a lottery winner if you will.

[@kulwinderkuls8560]

That's beautiful, beautiful interview.

[@abcun17]

Love this lady, her talent and her vision!❤😊 ✌️👍👍 Thank you J.K. for all your wonderful work!

[@Shamaised9]

I love how she compares Hermione to herself & in the series, Hermione takes Harry to the Forest of Dean for safety because she had “happy memories there” during her childhood. Finding out Joanne grew up around there. It makes the reading and knowing the story more wholesome. Growing up in the same area and with our children it’s just extra magical. Harry will never die Joanne 😢❤❤❤

[@user-vi7pe8um2p]

Because of J.K Rowling, I became to have a dream of being a writer. I really thank you so much❤

[@KLM669]

Go for it. Good luck.

[@rickysmom809]

..I remember when Harry Potter came out, my dad read it to us in the garden camping one summer in 1999, he then bought the audiobooks for me a few years later and back in 2016 I listened to all audiobooks again at the ripe age of 26!! This book series is definitely not just for kids😅 Harry Potter made me love English at school, I wasn't really bothered about books untill JK. So THANK YOU ❤

[@MiaCosco]

She inspired me so much! I remember entering a phone contest where you could telephone a number and enter into a contest to meet her by talking about how Harry Potter impacted you. Didn’t win but fan ever since!

[@Eire_Go_Deo]

I'm not a harry potter fan but as a writer myself I respect this woman so much! Gives me inspiration to not give up and keep going!

[@mathildeeide8550]

I picture divine intervention when she caught that sudden inspiration on the train, not even kidding. Staring out the window like that relaxes you, almost like in a trance, opening your heart to messages from beyond. Your divine self. 😊 She was given a gift, but more importantly, she embraced it like crazy. Super impressive what she’s been able to create. Thank you JK❤️

[@swymaj02]

Harry Potter was insane to me at the time. I remember reading Chamber of Secrets in 2011 (I was 9) and I also gotta say that I wrote a whole book in 2016 inspires by HP. This is the basis of a TV show I am currently writing.

[@serenarathore7093]

Amazing legend. Loved the books then and still love them today. Would love to meet her one day!

[@greenbird6491]

I love her so much 💚she never fails to inspire me

[@Light-Shift]

She isnt nerdy. She is natural and expressing herself comfortably. Not polished decked out and turned out for a public show.

[@AgreeableOnion]

She changed an entire generation!

[@Ken_from_Mumbai]

And many more. I can totally imagine 100 or 200 years from now, young kids will be as excited reading HP just as we were. What an inspiration this woman is.

[@HongKongEclectic]

She’s a legend. Down to earth. Totally uncomfortable with fame.

[@martaspizewska347]

It amazes me that there are people like this. Imagine creating a whole new world, whole new theory of living. Like horcrux, all these monsters, places, plots and actual characters. You have to be gifted, have something incredible in your mind to be able to make this up! How did she come up with that? What kind of mind does she have to have to build something like this? My brain doesnt actually understand how a person can wrote all of this, create it. Thats mesmerizing.

[@irrelevantideology9640]

Absolutey incredible brilliance.... it's actually incredible. As a 32 year old that took a year to read the first book in 3rd and 4th grade, i have read every book atkeast 5 times since then. Every few years, i reread/listen to the audiobooks.

[@jhibbitt1]

this makes me nostalgic. seeing her so young and this video has such a stereotypical 90's Britain look about it. this makes me think fondly of my childhood. i think this must've been before i got into harry potter as i'm sure the prisoner of azkaban was the latest when i first started reading the philosopher's stone

[@thelaurels13]

I think every aspiring writer should watch this video.

[@mdx7460]

So fascinating to listen to. My 2 daughters have just recently discovered their obsession for Harry Potter, and have both just finished reading the first book at age 6 and 8. I have never read the books (although I’ve seen all the movies) but now that they have finished with their books I’m going to give it a go!

[@RabiyaRavenclaw]

Read the books, the movies are good but don't do the Wizarding world enough justice

[@Raiya_ru17]

Good for you to give it to your kids. Made my imagination ran wild when I started reading them at 11, after watching the movie in 2000s lol. I’m in my 30s now and had already handed down my HP books to my nieces. Still nostalgic to read the books than reading e-books.

[@kikicat7563]

I love her so much for giving us Harry Potter, its a big part of my life! I grew up watching the movies and buying the magazines. Even now, I keep rewatching the movies every year and listening to the audiobooks ❤ I can never get bored of the beautiful magical world she created.... Thank you Dear J.K. Rowling ❤❤❤❤

[@KylerBorn]

Love JK Rowling. Too many sensitive people in this world.

[@Muslimah1987]

The sensitive people love her and she appears to be one among them; the word you're looking for is demented.

[@Yetaxa]

her transphobic campaign literally started after she threw a hissy fit over inclusive language

[@livrowland171]

It's possible to love the books but hate the fact she spreads hare about trans people. Apparently its 'demented' to dislike her attacking a vulnerable minority. Nice.

[@KylerBorn]

@livrowland171 The cancel culture could not care less about transgender people. They deep down inside are the most hateful people on the planet

[@alexblanchard5050]

Acknowledging that biology exists and men entering potentially vulnerable woman's spaces could be problematic is not attacking a minority. It's a debate that needs to be had in a sensible balanced way

[@deliraaline]

“All are written except for 5”.And it’s the biggest book and made all us cry. Love you JK.

[@whatevermakesyouhappy5932]

I’ll always stand with JK Rowling.

[@rsethi3033]

absolute tapestry thank you for sharing ITN

[@alyqat4]

“But I wasn’t as clever as her…” Mam you literally created her. She’s amazinggg🥹❤️

[@strawberry1025]

Wonderful interview. And l love hearing that she loves Elizabeth Goudge's The Little White Horse too. I was given it on my 13th birthday, the same age as the heroine Maria Merryweather. 😅

[@Fiobo823]

Yeah, I adored that book as a child, that and the Carbonel books by Barbara Sleigh. I've often wondered if she liked those too :D

[@fergusjoel6886]

That interview was taken above where The Black Medicine cafe is now in Drummond St Edinburgh. Little known fact but Drummond Street is also the birthplace of Ziggy Stardust.

[@Sawk_King]

I remember getting Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for Christmas 1997. I’m sure it was a rare copy but it’s long since been lost

[@ieradossantos]

Things don't come from nowhere. Srinivasa Ramanujan (a genius from India) said that the incredibly advanced math, he had no education in, arrived to him. He said some Hindu god came to him in his sleep and told him the equations

[@geraldinecarthel6817]

I think it’s super cool they used her initials like J.R.R. Tolkien. She’s brilliant.

[@didiletyouknow]

Wonderful interview

[@Robodude_0528]

It’s incredible to hear her talk about the process of coming up with Harry. Sometimes you have ideas and sometimes ideas have you. Sometimes one inspirational moment can change your life drastically

[@JoanneRowling.official]

Hi.. Greetings dear Glad to hear from you. I appreciate your love, care and support Where are you watching from?😊❤😊

[@kooler8586]

I am not a HP fan but I am a fan of this woman she has done so mutch fun the UK she so down to earth and a genuine person

[@Oggy_Oi]

Very inspirational - I too am writing a book 📚 part time - I too write visually : she is amazing 🤩

[@lightingboltzero8575]

J.K Rowling is a amazing author in literature history. I was 10 years old when the first book came out in 1997.