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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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Student
Points: 296
NiceGirlsDontKissLikeThis says:
Wow! Ms. Rowling and Jon Stewart?!? I am so jealous of those who were there!
I really liked seeing J.K.R.'s responses to the audiences questions--especially the one about Draco's possibility of redemption. I thought that her answer to the one about Hermione and the Mirror of Erised was a little too generic and obvious an answer though.
Still, a very cool event!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:14 AM EST
Substitute Chosen One
Points: 3021
Mr Fishbein says:
At least she answered a couple of questions. Wish I could've been there. Guess it was a good thing HPANA was then! Thanks for the update!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:15 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2209
Scarlett Kent says:
What a fascinating event this reading is,and I look forward to HPANA's coverage of the second night. No disrespect to John Irving or Stephen King (they've both written some great books),but if I were attending this event,the only author I'd really be there for would be JKR.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:30 AM EST
Witch
Points: 954
witch46 says:
Wow, that was a long article!!!
It's good that she iss answering the questions!!!!:D
I hope she gives a bit of info about book 7 out so we can all drool over it!!!!:D
*~witch46~*
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:34 AM EST
Points: 2166
AragornsLady says:
I am not a huge fan of Stephen King, but I can get into John Irving, and obviously LOVE JKR...
Her answers are very interesting, even the bit about Hermione. Yeah, we all know that is what she would currently see, but still nice to know we are right.
And, now we know, muggles can't make potions, magic is required, therefore squibs cannot make potions.
As for the comment about OotP and stopping writing and editing, in my opinion, if book 7 requires two volumes and a wheeled backpack to carry it, that is just fine by me.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:39 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1823
snapelupinfan says:
It is good to hear that she is "well into writing book 7, but there's going to be much more to explain": I hope she finishes the book soon, so we'll get it next year!
Her answers were very interestng, too. I ask myself if there were fans of King and Irving anywhere, it seems that the main theme was Harry Potter.
I hope we will get some more information!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 4:54 AM EST
Order of the Phoenix
Points: 4073
Eleanor says:
WOW!!
That is really cool! I wished that I had been there!
On a different note to Geri, did you notice that you spelt "Hermione" wrong you spelt it "Hermine"
Not being picky, but I thought that I should let you know!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 5:32 AM EST
Witch
Points: 870
caraMEL_penguin says:
WOW!!!! I love her answers to the question... I like how the questions aren't really relevent to book 7 but they are questions that everyone always wondered but never bothered asking... I love her answer to the Hermione question... *coughRONcough* <3333
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 5:35 AM EST
Kathe Mera Kalimera
Points: 7655
dominor says:
OHHH thats great!!I love interviews!!!I want more of that!!God!!Also its nice to see that JKR,King and Irving do these charity events for good causes..
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 5:39 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1675
lissir10 says:
Wow Whoopi Goldberg was there!!! I wonder who will be there tonight? I can't wait to go!!!
If a Muggle picked up a wand, it would probably result in something accidental and violent. (We'll find out more about this in book 7.) humm... I wonder if this means Dudly will pick it up and try to attack harry or something like that!! haha
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 5:44 AM EST
Parselmouth
Points: 29083
Thestral Eyes says:
Roulings...Whoopi Goldberg should learn the names of the 'forces of nature' shes talking about. Unless thats just how she pronounces things...meh.
oooOOoooh! I LOVED Misery! Such a creepy book and film, that actress gave me nightmares, talk about obsessive fans! Imagine that realy happeneing to King or Rowling...*shudders* Horrible. Ill always value my ankles aha!
Hmm...entwined with Krum i take it. i cant help but wounder if Rowling made the romance between them to stop all the other shippers *laughs*
And as for the mugle using the wand...i cant wait to know who that is! got a feeling it'll be one of the Dursleys. Probably nick Harrys wand and try to force their way in to Gringots when they find out about all his locked up gold...greedy buggers *laughs* Buy Dudley a reinforced chair.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 5:54 AM EST
Perenne Sub Sole Nihil
Points: 19242
R. A. B. says:
Could Muggles make potions if they had all the ingredients and proper directions? No, there is a magical component (usually a wand) required. If a Muggle picked up a wand, it would probably result in something accidental and violent. (We'll find out more about this in book 7.) ... OOOOOOO this sounds really interesting, can't wait to read the book!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:12 AM EST
Perenne Sub Sole Nihil
Points: 19242
R. A. B. says:
I have a feeling that it is going to be Dudley who picks up the wand, the other Dursleys seem to scared of magic, mind you there might be some interesting things about Aunt Petunia we might discover, i think!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:13 AM EST
Witch
Points: 558
purplerose39 says:
oh my gosh! It's good of Jo to answer some questions. I just wish she gave clues about the 7th book.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:16 AM EST
Dark Angel
Points: 8026
Edward Cullen says:
Oh thats really cool! i cant wait for more!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:21 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1659
Looooney says:
Haha. JK Rowling is quite funny in interviews. I really liked her shoes... very fitting for the occasion. I'm glad to hear she's enjoying writing this one... I think that means that it will be just as good as ever.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:24 AM EST
Witch
Points: 936
Lilium says:
Some muggle will try to make a potion in book 7?!? that would be interesting to thing about! 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.) I believe Draco is good, on the inside. I think he will redeem himself. I;m sure he wouldn't have killed DD even if he could.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:39 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1018
ILuvHarryDiggoryKrum says:
HMM.....intersting!
i like these questions!
i want to hear more!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:39 AM EST
Witch
Points: 909
Moggiesmom says:
I'm so glad the Mr. King and Mr. Irving are trying to discourage Ms. Rowling from killing off our hero! I sure hope she heeds their advice. My niece is going tonight, I can't wait to get her report - lucky girl! ^..^
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 6:40 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 732
kewlguyhere says:
Muggles can cause accidents if handed a wand!
ANd we'll find out more of this in book 7!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:04 AM EST
Auror
Points: 3531
Anastasia Popovick says:
If a Muggle picked up a wand, it would probably result in something accidental and violent. (We'll find out more about this in book 7.) HHmmm....this certainly sounds intersting. It was muggle mother's love that saved Harry before. She did say someone non-magical would do something magical. Makes my mind go in many different directions. Can't wait to see!
Sounds like it was a wonderful event with many famous and talented people .
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:34 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2945
Ariana Dumbledore says:
I am so jealous of the people who got to go!
Aww well, at least we're getting some good, straight answers, even if they are a bit trivial!
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:37 AM EST
The Keeper of Time
Points: 2557
krisie says:
That is so cool! I'm so glad that she answered those questions but i still want to know more. It would have been so good to be there.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:52 AM EST
Witch
Points: 739
The 4th Champion says:
Are characters such as Draco Malfoy capable of redemption? I believe almost anyone can redeem themselves. So hopefully he redeems himsef.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:53 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 332
~hp Roxx~ says:
I am glad she answered the questions but I hope she gives us more information about book 7.
Posted Aug 2, 2006 at 7:59 AM EST
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
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