On Friday, October 20th, Barnes & Noble.com and Yahoo! welcomed J. K. Rowling, the bestselling author behind the Harry Potter phenomenon, to chat about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. [Editor's note: this chat was also published on the Yahooligans! website]

jkrowling_bn: I'm here!!!

barnesandnoble_host: Welcome, J.K. Rowling!
jkrowling_bn: great to be here

Yahooligan_Heather asks: What are you plans after you have finished the Harry Potter series? Are you considering writing a sequel series with Harry's own children, or other characters we have met?
jkrowling_bn: Harry's own children? Are you sure he's going to survive to have children?!

Yahooligan_Roxie asks: Which of the Harry Potter books is your favourite so far, and why?
jkrowling_bn: My favourite two books are Goblet of Fire
jkrowling_bn: and Chamber of Secrets
jkrowling_bn: they were the hardest to write, maybe that's why they mean most to me

missee asks: What did your daughter, Jessica, think of the fourth book? Was it too much for her to take?
jkrowling_bn: my daughter loved the fourth book
jkrowling_bn: she wasn't scared at all
jkrowling_bn: as long as Harry was OK she didn't seem to care

nessynoonoo asks: Greetings from California! How did you feel the first time you saw your book on sale? How have things changed with your success?
jkrowling_bn: the first time I saw my book on sale was better than receiving any literary award!
jkrowling_bn: I wanted to sneak it off the shelf and sign it
jkrowling_bn: but I was worried I'd be told off for ruining the books, so I didn't

Yahooligan_MegMcGonagall asks: What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?
jkrowling_bn: I would probably see my mother, who died in 1990
jkrowling_bn: so, the same as Harry!

jandlcomm asks: Does Hagrid get a wife? (Chad, age 13)
jkrowling_bn: does Hagrid get a wife? You think anyone would want to live with a man who breeds Blast-Ended Skrewts?

goodyggtg asks: Is it true that you had nine rejection letters for your first HP novel? What advice would you offer to new novelists working to get their first manuscripts published?
jkrowling_bn: I'm not sure there were nine rejection letters, but there were a few
jkrowling_bn: I would say: persevere
jkrowling_bn: if everyone's turned you down, then it's time to try writing something else...
jkrowling_bn: and if that doesn't suceed it MIGHT be time to think about a different career...
jkrowling_bn: but some great writers had lots of books rejected before they got published, so don't lose heart

cynickel2 asks: We really enjoy the humor in the books, especially with the Dursleys. Are the Dursleys based on anyone you personally know?
jkrowling_bn: Hee hee hee...
jkrowling_bn: I wouldn't tell you if they were...
jkrowling_bn: I don't want to be sued!

Yahooligan_Tanya asks: I meant to watch Today this morning, but I heard from a friend that you revealed a bit of information. Could you share it with us?
jkrowling_bn: I can share it with you...
jkrowling_bn: a very cute eight year old boy asked me for the title of book five
jkrowling_bn: and I couldn't resist those big brown eyes
jkrowling_bn: the title is: 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'
jkrowling_bn: so now you know!

Yahooligan_Stargull asks: How much input did you have on the marketing of "Goblet of Fire?" The marketing campaign has drawn at least as much media attention as the book itself. Thanks, love the series.
jkrowling_bn: well, I didn't really have any input
jkrowling_bn: I just asked my publishers not to give too much away
jkrowling_bn: because book four was the culmination of ten years' work for me
jkrowling_bn: if the ending had been given away, it would have ruined a lot of people's pleasure

Yahooligan_Amanda asks: You've hinted a little that you might KILL Harry! Please say something to put my mind at ease.
jkrowling_bn: hmmmm.........
jkrowling_bn: well, I think I'll leave you in suspense... sorry!

Yahooligan_Erin asks: Is it true that Mrs. Rowling has already finished the end chapter for all her future books?
jkrowling_bn: I've written the final chapter of book seven
jkrowling_bn: which was really an act of faith -
jkrowling_bn: I was saying to myself, 'you will get here!'
jkrowling_bn: it will probably need re-writing when I reach it, though

Yahooligan_David asks: I've heard about the two charity books that will be released in March 2001. Are these the types of schoolbooks that are referenced in the normal series books?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, I've written two of the titles Harry reads in the first novel
jkrowling_bn: Quidditch Through the Ages
jkrowling_bn: and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
jkrowling_bn: all proceeds will go to Comic Relief UK
jkrowling_bn: which is a great charity that mainly supports projects in Africa (famine relief and so on)

Yahooligan_Stephanie asks: Is Hogwarts ever going to get a defence against the dark arts teacher who lasts for more than one book?
jkrowling_bn: erm...... maybe
jkrowling_bn: don't want to give too much away there!
jkrowling_bn: Thank you very much!

dramaangel217 asks: Hey Jo! I love your books! Ever since I encouraged people to read Harry Potter, people have been calling me Hermione! :-) Well, what inspired you to become a writer and what sort of advice would you give to someone that wants to follow in your footsteps?
jkrowling_bn: I've wanted to be a writer as far back as I can remember
jkrowling_bn: I couldn't think of anything I'd like to do more, and still can't
jkrowling_bn: I think aspiring writers should firstly read a lot
jkrowling_bn: and resign themselves to the fact that they will waste a lot of trees before they produce jkrowling_bn: anything they're happy with!

hermione_rose_2000 asks: Hello Ms. Rowling, I am a big fan of the Harry Potter books. My name is Katherine Emily Rose and I am 11. Is it true that Harry and Draco will have to get together and fight evil?
jkrowling_bn: Don't believe everything you read on the net!
jkrowling_bn: I saw that rumour too... but it is just a rumour

tnt1326 asks: Is Hogwarts a complete fictional creation or is it based upon a place you've experienced?
jkrowling_bn: It's completely fictional...
jkrowling_bn: but I feel like I live there a lot of the time

Yahooligan_Liz asks: The fourth book was very different form the other three, in format and action What prompted the change?
jkrowling_bn: I'm not sure that it was so different
jkrowling_bn: there was no conscious change
jkrowling_bn: the plot is becoming more complex, certainly, but that was always the plan

matiaskanfunfa asks: There is a girl named Susan Bones who was sorted in the first book and there was a family called the Bones that Voldemort tried to destroy, is this a coincidence or will Harry meet her in future books?
jkrowling_bn: Susan Bones' grandparents were killed by Voldemort!

Yahooligan_Allison asks: Who is your favorite character in Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone
jkrowling_bn: Harry himself, of course, but also Ron, Hermione and Hagrid...
jkrowling_bn: then there's Dumbledore...
jkrowling_bn: I love all of them, to be honest, even Dudley

Yahooligan_Mrs. C. asks: My class is here with me and they want to know if you would answer letters if they write to you?
jkrowling_bn: if you write to my publishers you'll get a response!

Yahooligan_Ana asks: Hello, I would like to know if you ever read any Harry Potter fanfiction on the web.
jkrowling_bn: I have read some and I've been very flattered to see how absorbed people are in the world

spccbflo asks: Everything that happens has a meaning, sometimes in a later book. Do you have everything planned out in your head, or do you tie things in as you go?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, it's all planned out, but I still give myself room to have some fun if a good idea
jkrowling_bn: arrives while I'm writing

mere2898 asks: I am a 30 year old woman who fell in love with your books this summer. I believe they contain some real life lessons for adults as well as children. What do you say to the criticts who think that the books deal with the "dark side"?
jkrowling_bn: Thank you very much for the kind words!
jkrowling_bn: to the critics I say.... get out more!
jkrowling_bn: Either they haven't read the books properly or they can't read at all

NEToys asks: Being close to 30 years old, I have found that the Harry Potter series has progressed from an originally labeled "Childrens Series". Was this purposeful, or the way it just happened?
jkrowling_bn: It was always planned that way...
jkrowling_bn: I think most readers understood that things would get darker...
jkrowling_bn: they knew Voldemort was always out there and wasn't going to go quietly!

Yahooligan_Jung asks: How are you, Ms. Rowling? I've really been enjoying your books, even as a high school student! At what age did you begin dreaming of having a writing career, and what were the steps you took? I'm learning English as a second language;however, I am hoping that I would be a writer someday, and am also striving for the goal. Congratulations for your success!(How's the 5th book going? :) )
jkrowling_bn: The fifth book's going well, though I haven't done very much yet
jkrowling_bn: book four was a mammoth job and left me a bit tired!
jkrowling_bn: good luck with your ambition...
jkrowling_bn: I have wanted to be a writer since age six
jkrowling_bn: when I wrote my first 'book'
jkrowling_bn: a story about a rabbit called 'Rabbit'

Yahooligan_joel asks: is there going to be a harry potter when he is in his 5,6,7 years at hogwarts?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, those years will be covered by the final three books

alberici2000 asks: Mrs roberts class from hopkinton new hampshire would like to say we love your books. keep writing and we'll keep reading.
jkrowling_bn: Thank you very much, Mrs Roberts' class!

blaise_42 asks: In Chamber of Secrets, Hagrid is supposed to have raised werewolf cubs under his bed. Are these the same kind of werewolves as Professor Lupin?
jkrowling_bn: no... Riddle was telling lies about Hagrid, just slandering him

sammyohyeah asks: Is it just me, or was something going on between Ron and Hermione during the last half of GOF? I love your books, btw, and two of them I've read stright through cover to cover in under 24 hours.
jkrowling_bn: well done on the reading speed!
jkrowling_bn: yes, something's 'going on'...
jkrowling_bn: but Ron doesn't realise it yet...
jkrowling_bn: typical boy

Yahooligan_Ron asks: Do you have any news that you can tell us about the next books? Why did you postpone the publishing of the fifth book and is the sixth going to be published on time?
jkrowling_bn: nothing has been postponed
jkrowling_bn: the publication of book five was never planned for July
jkrowling_bn: there is no deadline for the book
jkrowling_bn: it will be ready when it's ready!

Yahooligan_Barnesandnoble_quest asks: As part of an ongoing project we're conducting at Barnes & Noble.com, I'd like to ask: what are your favorite books, and why?
jkrowling_bn: Anything written by Jane Austen or Roddy Doyle...
jkrowling_bn: I love Nabakov and Colette too...
jkrowling_bn: children's books, E. Nesbit, Paul Gallico

birdbugg asks: I picture Padfoot as a cross between a Scottish Deerhound and a Newfoundland, did you have a particular breed of dog pictured when you created him?
jkrowling_bn: not really.... I see him more as a large, bear-like mongrel

fionnualadoran asks: Hello, Ms Rowling, just a little question: what's to become of poor old percy? will he side with fudge or with his family?
jkrowling_bn: Good question! You'll find out in book five!

persik42 asks: Are you considering starting a series about any of the other characters at Hogwarts?
jkrowling_bn: No, I think when I've finished the seven Harry Potter books I will be finished with the world
jkrowling_bn: it will make me very sad to say goodbye, but it must be done!

Yahooligan_Kaya asks: Do you ever have other ideas about books but cannot put them into practice because you are writing about Harry Potter?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, but as you rightly deduce, Harry is taking all my time and energy at the moment@
jkrowling_bn: !

Hadder9 asks: Does Harry know that he is protected as long as he lives with his family?
jkrowling_bn: He sort of knows now... but he won't know the whole truth about that for a little while

bak0y asks: Are ther going to be any more new characters?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, there are going to be new characters in book five

Yahooligan_Xi asks: I'm a BIG fan of yours and I hope you can answer this question: Why would you use most of the names in the book written in Latin?
jkrowling_bn: I like to think that the wizards use this dead language as a living language
jkrowling_bn: and it also gives readers a chance to work out clues along the way!

lhhicks99 asks: Why does Professor Dumbledore allow Professor Snape to be so nasty to the students (especially to Harry, Hermione, and Neville)?
jkrowling_bn: Dumbledore believes there are all sorts of lessons in life...
jkrowling_bn: horrible teachers like Snape are one of them!

Yahooligan_Natalie asks: Why does Harry Potter meet Voldemort in all of the books except for the third one?
jkrowling_bn: Just the way it worked out in the plot!

whoopsididitagain asks: Ms. Rowling, did you have to do any research with real witches or is all of your material from your imagination?
jkrowling_bn: No, the material is almost all from my imagination
jkrowling_bn: occasionally I will use a nice, picturesque piece of folklore, which interests me
jkrowling_bn: but real witches... I don't know any!

mommat216 asks: I noticed each book gets a little more graphic than the last. Where do you draw the line on how graphic or scary to make each book?
jkrowling_bn: When the plot demands scary, I make it scary!
jkrowling_bn: I am led by the story, not by artificial considerations about how graphic each book should or shouldn't be

Yahooligan_Elisabeth's Mum asks: We came in late and don't know if this question has been asked yet. Is your daughter now old enough for you to read the books to her? If yes, is she enjoying them?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, she has now read all four books
jkrowling_bn: she loves them, which makes my job loads easier
jkrowling_bn: she is nagging me for book five already, you will be pleased to hear
jkrowling_bn: 'get in your office and write!'

Yahooligan_Beth asks: Does Harry play a musical instrument and it he does which one?
jkrowling_bn: No, poor Harry never got access to a musical instrument at the Dursleys'
jkrowling_bn: and he's been too busy at Hogwarts to learn the piano!

p_mccorkle asks: I think the New York Times made a mistake in splitting their Bestseller List into Children's and Adults. Congrats for not buying into the "short attention span" myth.
jkrowling_bn: I'm glad to see people weren't daunted by the length of Goblet, too!
jkrowling_bn: well, the New York Times had their reasons, I suppose, but I can't say I was delighted!

Yahooligan_seachellie4 asks: What house was Hagrid in?
jkrowling_bn: Hagrid was in Gryffindor, naturally!

Yahooligan_Tanya asks: Where do you come up with the words that you use, the names of the classes and spells and games, etc. For example, the Patronus Expectumous, was it?
jkrowling_bn: expecto patronum - you were close!
jkrowling_bn: that's Latin... go and look it up... a little investigation is good for a person!
jkrowling_bn: mostly I invent spells, but some of them have particular meanings
jkrowling_bn: like 'avada kedavra'
jkrowling_bn: I bet someone out there knows what that means

Yahooligan_Zeb asks: Does Arabella Figg have an important role in the later books?
jkrowling_bn: You'll be seeing Mrs. Figg in book five and you'll find out all about her

Yahooligan_Claire asks: It's not fair! I know of a school that has Harry Potter as a literature book! We get stuck with Anne of Green Gables!!!
jkrowling_bn: I'm laughing... what's wrong with Anne of Green Gables?!
jkrowling_bn: I suppose she is a bit perky...
jkrowling_bn: well, at least you don't HAVE to read the Harry books, they can just be for fun
jkrowling_bn: probably the best way to enjoy a book

faheem90 asks: Who is the head of Ravenclaw? Professor Sinistra perhaps?
jkrowling_bn: No, the head of Ravenclaw is good old Professor Flitwick!

Yahooligan_siddharth asks: is there really a new character named"icicle"in your next book
jkrowling_bn: Where are you people getting this stuff???
jkrowling_bn: No..... nobody called icicle, I promise

Yahooligan_Sheila asks: At the Back of Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets you have letters from people Howdo you decide who's letters to put in?
jkrowling_bn: My UK publisher selected those letters
jkrowling_bn: friends of mine asked whether I wrote them all left-handed, but I promise I didn't

toncaw asks: Is Sirius Balck ever going to be cleared?
jkrowling_bn: can't tell you, that's too important a bit of information!

Yahooligan_Jeff & Jon asks: Does your hand hurt after writing all those pages?
jkrowling_bn: my hand never hurts after writing the novels
jkrowling_bn: but signing thousands of books at a time can make your hand ache
jkrowling_bn: because you keep thumping it down on the page!

Yahooligan_hpcandy asks: What do you think would be you favourite candy from Honeydukes?? I think mine would be the sherbert balls that Ron likes.....
jkrowling_bn: If you buy 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' you will find out an ingredient of those sherbert balls
jkrowling_bn: and you might not want to eat them quite so much!
jkrowling_bn: I'd definitely want chocolate frogs
jkrowling_bn: I'd like to collect the cards

Yahooligan_Eric_28 asks: What does the K stand for?
jkrowling_bn: It stands for 'Kathleen'

onegreatguy99 asks: Do you like to type your books or write freehand and have someone transcribe later?
jkrowling_bn: I write the books longhand and then I type them onto my laptop myself
jkrowling_bn: that's how I do my first edit
jkrowling_bn: nobody else is allowed to type my books
jkrowling_bn: because I'm a very secretive writer!

JCBingel asks: Once the Harry Potters are finished, what will be your next project?
jkrowling_bn: I'm not too sure... I will definitely continue to write, because I always have written

Yahooligan_Amanda asks: Why is Book 5 gonna be called "Order of the Phoenix"? P.S. I love your books.
jkrowling_bn: You people don't stop, do you?!
jkrowling_bn: I'M NOT TELLING!!!!

wyzeguy719 asks: The first four books have been getting longer, but number 4 was huge! Is number five likely to be shorter than number 4?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, five is going to be shorter than four
jkrowling_bn: I always knew four would be the longest so far
jkrowling_bn: but even I didn't expect it to be that long

katiekarbuncle asks: Since Gryffindor seems to be the favorite house, does that mean you value bravery over wit and kindheartedness and cunning(the signatures of the other 3 houses)?
jkrowling_bn: I value wit and kindheartedness a lot, but yes, I think bravery would get my vote in a contest

Duck__69 asks: Are you going to get more mature themes as your books age or are you going to keep it geared toward younger kids
jkrowling_bn: I think an eight or nine year old will be able to read all seven books
jkrowling_bn: that's my intention
jkrowling_bn: however, Harry is growing up, so obviously he will face certain issues an eight year old won't
jkrowling_bn: I don't think, however, that that will be uninteresting for an eight year old

moakes40 asks: I was wondering about Dumbledore's facial expression in Goblet when he found out that Voldemort had touched Harry. The narrative says that Dumbledore reacted with a look of triumph. Aside from the problem of interpreting triumph on someone's face, I was wondering if that is an attempt to throw question on Dumbledore's character or is he triumphant, perhaps, that Harry can be touched by LV without being destroyed (or something like that)?
jkrowling_bn: I frequently look triumphant
jkrowling_bn: I'll have you know
jkrowling_bn: well, I'm sure you won't be surprised that i'm not going to explain why Dumbledore looked that way
jkrowling_bn: well-spotted though

mikewhiskey asks: Why do you think that people are so entranced by Harry?
jkrowling_bn: erm.... you would have to ask them!
jkrowling_bn: I never analyse the books in that way
jkrowling_bn: I think it would be dangerous to think about other people's reactions too much
jkrowling_bn: I prefer to keep writing for myself

Yahooligan_Michelle asks: Will Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beast and Where to find them be available in the US?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, they will be available in the US for a limited time only
jkrowling_bn: you will be saving lives if you buy them, so order NOW!

blenon_2000 asks: Will you be in the movie, like as an extra or something?
jkrowling_bn: Nooooooooooooo..... I hate looking at myself on screen
jkrowling_bn: maybe I could be a Dementor and hide under a cloak
jkrowling_bn: but I'm not tall enough

gold44r asks: Ms. Rowling, I have a daughter who is resisting reading your books because they are so popular. She doesn't want to appear to be going along with the crowd. How do you feel about the explosve popularity of your books personally, and why should she read them?
jkrowling_bn: I really identify with your daughter!
jkrowling_bn: A couple of years ago everyone was telling me to read Captain Corelli's Mandolin
jkrowling_bn: and I didn't want to
jkrowling_bn: then I cracked and read it and loved it -
jkrowling_bn: I wanted to talk about it to everyone
jkrowling_bn: and of course they'd moved on by then and thought I was very boring

sam096 asks: Were the Weasley twins inspired by anyone you know?
jkrowling_bn: Yes, they were
jkrowling_bn: but I don't want to say who, because they'll be persecuted

Yahooligan_Brian asks: Will Ron ever get a girlfriend?
jkrowling_bn: I'm laughing again... why wouldn't he?!
jkrowling_bn: though he's not doing too well at the moment, is he?
jkrowling_bn: but then, Fleur Delacour was really aiming a bit high

monicapilman asks: The character of Professor Snape fascinates me. Will you reveal his backstory further in the next Harry Potter book?
jkrowling_bn: you will find out more about Snape in future books
jkrowling_bn: keep an eye on him!

barnyardash asks: Is the real Moody ever going to be in the books? And is he as cool as the imposter Moody (from Ashley, a Harry obsessed 19 year old)
jkrowling_bn: the real Moody is even cooler!
jkrowling_bn: yes, Harry will see him again

Yahooligan_Dhanya asks: Do you plan to give Voldemort his victory or somehow break his immortality to kill him?
jkrowling_bn: Dhanya, do you really really think I'll answer that?!
jkrowling_bn: I don't blame you for asking though...

slickington2000 asks: Hello. I was just wondering how the artist who draws the book covers in the series gets the image of Harry Potter? Did you design him yourself?
jkrowling_bn: No, I didn't have any input on that
jkrowling_bn: Mary Grandpre simply read the books and interpreted them herself

iamcanadian1414 asks: Hi J.K what other things do you do instead of write your books? do you play sports? or garden?
jkrowling_bn: Laughing again... if you could see my garden!
jkrowling_bn: And if you watched me playing sports you'd know I couldn't practise much
jkrowling_bn: mostly I read, draw and sleep (though the third one doesn't happen much)

Yahooligan_Jennifer asks: Did Harry ever use magic on Dudley in the real world?
jkrowling_bn: Not so far (hint)

deac20187 asks: I am a 57 year old clergyman and loved the series. How do you answer fundamentalist clergy objections?
jkrowling_bn: I am sending you a hug across cyber-space
jkrowling_bn: I think you understand that these books are fundamentally moral (that is how I see them, in any case)
jkrowling_bn: I'm afraid there are some people who object to seeing magic in a book, per se
jkrowling_bn: and therefore a debate isn't really viable

blazerah asks: I read your introduction in the Artists' & Writers' yearbook, and I was wondering- who is your literary agent?
jkrowling_bn: his name is Christopher Little

Yahooligan_Bev asks: Who are your favourite writers, and how do you feel about Stephen King saying that your books helped him during the darkest times after his accident?
jkrowling_bn: I was very, very flattered

jen2boys asks: Where do all your ideas come from? I'm amazed by the way these books have enlightened my imagination even as an adult. I can actually picture Quidditch matches!
jkrowling_bn: Thank you very much!
jkrowling_bn: That is what I am most looking forward to in the film... watching scenes I've been seeing in my head for ten years!

Yahooligan_Allison asks: Do you enjoy writing the books?
jkrowling_bn: I have more enjoyment in writing them than anyone could have reading them

roischur asks: Are you planing a visit in Israel?
jkrowling_bn: Not so far, but it could happen one day!
jkrowling_bn: I'm trying to concentrate on writing once I get home from this tour

Yahooligan_auror5 asks: In Prisoner of Azkaban, a character by the name of Colonel Fubster was mentioned. Is he a wizard?
jkrowling_bn: No, he's a Muggle neighbour of Aunt Marge's (poor man)

michaelbeeee asks: Ms. Rowling, Are you aware that more adults read the books than children? If so, might there not be a place for a series on an adult H.P following the 7th book?
jkrowling_bn: I'm not sure whether it's true that more adults read the books than children
jkrowling_bn: but in any case, I think I should stop before we get to 'Harry Potter and the Mid-Life Crisis'!

Yahooligan_Peggy asks: Has having your books banned in some places, changed your style of writing? By the way I loved them.
jkrowling_bn: No, it would take much more than that to stop me!
jkrowling_bn: As I said before, I really write these books for me before anyone else

brucavian asks: I'm taking a clas at the U of I now, called the Literature of Fantasy, and we are going to read your first book. I have not read it, but I"m an avid fantasy fan. How do you feel about what has been stirred up by your novels? I personallf feel it's prolly hogwash, but I wanna know how you feel.
jkrowling_bn: Define 'stirred up'.... are we talking about the religious right again?
jkrowling_bn: If so, I'd say 'hogwash' was a pretty good description!

Yahooligan_KYLE asks: HWO LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE HARRY POTTER?
jkrowling_bn: Between having the idea for Harry and the first book being published was five years
jkrowling_bn: but during that time I was also doing day jobs and planning the whole series
jkrowling_bn: so I'm not as lazy as that might make me sound!

Sabine312 asks: Ms. Rowling, First, I am a huge fan of the series (I am 25 but I feel like an 11 year old waiting for my letter). There are many rumors about the Harry POtter series and I was wondering if you keep track of any of the rumors. If so, does it ever affect your writing? Thanks and keep writing. KFB and RMV
jkrowling_bn: No, as I said, nothing external really affects the writing
jkrowling_bn: I have heard and seen some of the rumours
jkrowling_bn: and very odd some of them are, too!

yellowsunstar asks: I've never read any Harry Potter books. I'm thinking now (after stumbling into this session) that I need to! I had no idea that they were so popular with the adults as well...thanks!
jkrowling_bn: go for it yellowsunstar... there's always room for another Harry fan!

phredohasmail asks: have you written any books that were published before this series?
jkrowling_bn: no, nothing was published, but I did write a lot
jkrowling_bn: Harry was the first thing I tried to get published
jkrowling_bn: the others really weren't very good - nobody's missed anything!

rockfish99_2000 asks: we love you j.k
jkrowling_bn: I love you too, rockfish99 xxx
barnesandnoble_host: Thanks for joining us, J.K. Rowling!
jkrowling_bn: I've enjoyed it, thanks!