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AUGUST 2, 2006 at 4:00 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: HPANA
The first of two charity readings by authors JK Rowling, Stephen King and John Irving concluded Tuesday evening at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
HPANA was in attendance and has full coverage of the event:
The best-selling authors read from some of their popular works, including Different Seasons, A Prayer for Owen Meany and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as well as answered probing questions from audience members.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg took to the stage first and warmed up the crowd, standing at a podium shaped like a bookcase with each author's name on faux spines. She called the group of authors a "force of nature" and the evening "historic" (even while pronouncing Rowling's name "Roulings").
"Reading is alive and well," said Goldberg. The event served as a testament to what happens when you "put great books in the hands of great readers."
Kathy Bates, who starred as one of Stephen King's most memorable and frightening characters in Misery, introduced him while gushing about the influence her affiliation with him has had on her life. (King later said: "I never met a gross story I didn't like.")
John Irving discussed the desire of audiences to want to know what happens to characters, whether one likes them or dislikes them (which may be most striking to Potter fans eager to determine the loyalties of Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy).
Host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, finally introduced JK Rowling to a standing ovation, after jokingly commenting on how his five-month-old baby had already been in line for three months in anticipation of book 7. Rowling then read from chapter 13 of Half-Blood Prince, "The Secret Riddle," in which Harry explores Dumbledore's memory of first meeting Tom Riddle in an orphanage.
Rowling then answered questions from the audience. Here are a few highlights (paraphrased):
NBC News correspondent Soledad O'Brien then mediated the rest of the question/answer exchange, noting that over 1,000 questions had been submitted for the authors.
Rowling was asked how online communication and fan interaction influenced her writing. She responded, in part, that the "shipping wars" were like "cyber gang wars", referencing Harry/Hermione shippers, Hermione/Ron and ones she did not even want to talk about (as several audience members shouted out various suggestions).
Speaking about rejection, Rowling said her works were declined representation early on, like most budding authors. While she landed an agent rather quickly, it was years before she got a book deal. "I was determined," said Rowling. "I would not have stopped writing," she said, even if she had never been published. What would she be doing with her life? "I'd be teaching," she concluded.
We'll have more after tomorrow night's reading. Stay tuned!
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Dumbledore's Muse
Points: 2959
Alchemical Auror says:
Ooooh, I had better go over to the Wizard War thread and see if any of the HWC members got their Questions answered!
**disapparates to HWC**
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:03 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1445
PotionMaster says:
It was such a great night. I just wish that all the fans could of gone. She answered some pretty good questions. I hope that tonights event will be just as exciting for those going. You sure are in for a real treat!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:06 AM EST
Redhead at Heart
Points: 3121
Ms Weasley says:
(as several audience members shouted out various suggestions)
Hahaha! I bet they came up with all sorts of odd pairings!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:09 AM EST
Grillows Girl
Points: 2785
Miss Baltimore Crabs says:
Shipping wars *laughs*. I've been part of a few of those. Interesting answers to those questions though.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:23 AM EST
Queen of Magical Divas
Points: 4336
Ezzy says:
I so wish I was there.
I hope someone ask her about her website. Updating it would be nice. If I knew that some of the actors and comedians were going to be there I would have email them some of my questions.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:27 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2563
School Governor says:
I wonder if Jo will return to teaching after finishing writing? It would be amazing to be taught bu one of the literary greats of all time.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:28 AM EST
Witch
Points: 634
Tammyant says:
It sounds like it was fantastic! Thanks for the coverage!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:54 AM EST
Malfoy by Nature
Points: 12528
WickeDraco says:
Are characters such as Draco Malfoy capable of redemption? I believe almost anyone can redeem themselves. Harry's (and Rowling's) view in book 6 was that Draco, given all the time in the world, would not have murdered Dumbledore. (We'll have to wait and see what that means, precisely.)
Oh my goodness!! *stalks Liz_Malfoy* We can redeem him. We, so rightfully his wives, shall rid him of the evil within him. (except for the sexy bit we like *grins*)
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 8:55 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1029
Magic Dancer K says:
Intersting... I wonder if one of the Dursley's grabs harry's wand and that's how we find out what happens. And I do believe that Draco will be redeemed, along with Snape.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:01 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1345
Dracos_Gurl13 says:
I think that was fabulous. Well done on the part of the people who were there and took notes. I could imaginge it vividly. I still just wish I could go there.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:05 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1600
jenn007a says:
Wow, that sounds really cool! I wish that i could have gone to it!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:05 AM EST
Queen of the Yarn Ball
Points: 3829
red&gold says:
Muggles using a wand... HMMM I smell trouble for the Dursleys!!! :)
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:14 AM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8934
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Very interesting comments and thoughts. Definitely good questions, but egnimatic answers as usual. But it is a start and it sounds like she still has a ways to go on Book 7.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:19 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 874
Silly Dragon says:
I'll have to go to New York someday, to enjoy that sort of meeting. The audience must have had a nice time.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:22 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1012
Enchanting Fairy says:
Cool, thats quite interesting. I just really want to read the book, but it is ages untill we will be able too :(
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:38 AM EST
Witch
Points: 983
Weasleyismyking!/R/Hrfrv says:
Very nice answers!! I am so jealous of the ones that could be there. Dang! I so wish next summer was here*daydreams*
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:45 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 319
EmmaWatsonSF says:
AWESOME!! JON STEWART!!! He rocks! I absolutely LOVE the Daily Show, I can't believe he introduced Jo! Hahaha this is so awesome... yeah... =D
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:54 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 701
cmenges says:
This is so great. I am glad that you gave a little of the question and answer part of the evening. I especially liked the questiobn about Muyggles doing potions and the disaster that could result... (And how she hinted it might play a part in book 7.) Thats what I like.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:55 AM EST
Keeper of the Faeries
Points: 5239
juliebug04 says:
Those are wonderful observations! Thanks so much for sharing them, Geri. I wish I could have been there to hear her read! Fabulous!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 9:59 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1251
padfoot'sgirl says:
I really hope this means that tomorrow night she will talk more about book 7 in some way that will give us a big hint that will keep us guessing or a title or something!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:00 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1437
allilau says:
I can't wait to hear of what you tell us tomorrow. JKR has obviously prepared herself for the various questions and I can't wait to see what she's asked next! Thanks for the coverage and hope to hear more!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:02 AM EST
Points: 30
geewiz says:
I just wanted to give you guys a "thumbs up" on your post regarding last nights events. Although I AM a bit biased towards your site more than others, I really did feel you gave the best "account" of all the activities which took place. I read others as well. Your post was more lengthy, and more informative, whereas to me, the others just sort of came across to "quick." Thanks for that, and I hope you guys had a great time!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:09 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1064
Ginny511 says:
I know who that guy is who Hermione likes it RON!!!!!!!!!!!!
So there to all H/Hr shippers......it's probably not going to happen but i envy you for holding out that long!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:14 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 906
*The*Physical*Being* says:
i really don't get these harry and Hermie shippers, it makes no sense. The books hav blatantly evidenece to support Ron/hermie shipping!!!
Wow, 1000 questions thats amazing. I bet most of them were for 'Rouling' (Shame of you Whoopi
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:21 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1234
Krum says:
Awwwwwwesomeeee....I cannnnot wait for the boookkk. It is going to be soo sad.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:21 AM EST
Student
Points: 289
Jynessa says:
That's sounds great! I wish I could've been...
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 10:29 AM EST
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