The Master (copyright jkrowling.com)
My admiration for J.K. Rowling knows no bounds. She’s a master storyteller. She has created an immortal book series. I love her in every interview she gives. And she’s trying to bankrupt me.
I’ve bought all Harry Potter books. Now, I’m buying some of them again for my kids (my daughter has read them so many times that they’re falling apart). She has also asked me for a Kindle version of book five as her “Kindle book of the month” allowance. And I foresee more eBooks in my future…
I’ve been to the theatre to watch every Harry Potter movie (and remember, there were 8 of them). Some of them on IMAX, some of them multiple times.
On the DVD front, I’ve purchased a few of them, not to mention the times I’ve rented them on Netflix. If we get a Blu-Ray player, I might be tempted by one of those:
We have two Lego Harry Potter videogames too. I am actually reluctant to sign up for Pottermore.
And, of course, the whole family wants to go to Universal and visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sometime.
Hundreds of dollars (so far). And I’m not even upset. On the contrary!
I loved every minute—and every cent—I spent in the world she has imagined.
She also pulled off three amazing feats. The first one, introducing several reluctant readers to the wonderful world of books. Second, creating a sprawling saga where details from book one (and two, and three…) were integral part of the resolution in book seven, thousands of pages later. The third one, surpassing expectations in book seven.
This is her greatest accomplishment. Can you imagine the pressure, the anxiety of having to deliver a satisfying conclusion to a story beloved by millions? Would you be able to withstand all the second-guessing, including your own? Nonetheless, not only she has risen to the occasion, she wrote a final book even better than anyone expected!
So, Ms. Rowling, I’d love to keep transferring my money to you. You’ve earned it. It’s been totally worth it.
T H A N K Y O U, J. K. ! ! !
What about you? Do you also gladly spend money on entertainment that’s meaningful to you? Are you a season ticket-holder of a sports team? A friend of mine buys all Dungeons and Dragons books. Have you toured with a band? Please share!
Rafflecopter tells me the winner of my Holiday Blog Hop contest is… Coleen Patrick! Congratulations, Coleen! Please contact me so I can mail you the DVDs of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility! Thank you all for participating!
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Have a great day! 
What a cool surprise! Just reading your post and then I see my name. Thanks Fabio!
And I agree with you about the J.K. the master too.
Congrats, Coleen!
I’m with you on the Potter mania. I own a full set of hardbound, paperback, ebook, DVDs and audio books. Oh, and the soundtracks. I saw every movie in the theater at least 4 times each. I saw the entire marathon in two days leading up to the midnight showing of the last movie at midnight. I’ve read each book so many times I can’t even count them. Yes, I’m happy to pay her for the sheer joy those stories brought me.
I do the same with movies I love, like the Princess Bride. I’ll watch them over and over and over, just to spend another 2 hours in that fantasy world where dragons are vanquished (or made into pets, depending) and good triumphs over evil and love conquers all.
You’re right, Melinda! It’s not only JK. My money has been invested in Marvel comics, Spielberg, Cameron, and Tarantino movies, rock bands CDs (and albums and digital tracks)…
Of COURSE I’m willing to pay for the enjoyment I derive from books and all other forms of art. When you think of all the lives changed by J.K. Rowling’s stories, it seems appropriate and deserved that she should be a billionaire. Go her! (Can I be next please?)
I wish more artists could be as recognized (and as rewarded) as her. Julie, please be next!
I stopped reading HP in book 5, but I love supporting authors, musicians and others whose work entertains me! When one of my favorite authors put up a blog post offering free copies of her not-yet-available new release, I almost signed up, then didn’t – because I knew I wouldn’t be able to read it fast enough to really help her with a review, and I wanted to BUY the book to support her. Great post!
Wow, Jen, you are a true supporter of creatives! On behalf of all of us (including you
), thank you!
I feel your pain. Harry Potter was brilliant and we’re knee deep in books, DVDs and games. But somehow I haven’t yet convinced myself I want to read A Casual Vacancy. I guess I’m afraid that it won’t be as good and then I’ll think differently of her, and that would make me sad!
Cheers
Finally someone said it. I feel the same way, Sir Nigel. I’m very reticent about reading this book. Anything less than AWESOME will be a disappointment…
Harry Potter series is magic and J.K. Rowling really deserves her success. I have all the books too and I’ve seen them in the movies. I bet we’ll have all the extra products too when my kids are old enough to be initiated to Hogwarts.
The book series I have given most of my time and money is the fantasy epic Wheel of Time. I have all the books (most in hardcover), the world guide, roleplaying book, comics and some licensed jewelry. Not to mention the cosplay costumes I’ve made myself. I’ve been a fan since I was 18
Reetta, are you into cosplay? It looks like a lot of fun. I did go to the midnight launch of books 6 and 7, but dressed as myself. People still yelled, “Look, an ogre!”, though
Yep, I’m right there with you. She’s taken soooo much of my money, and I just don’t even care. I’d be more than happy to double the amount. Here’s to hoping she keeps writing and creating things for a long time!
Hear, Hear! I wish she had created a new YA series instead of the “grown-up” Vacancy book. There’s still time
I always admire writers who not only write enthralling books, but also make a “small” profit from their labor. Hats off to Rowling.
Hey, Fabio! Great post. I’ve never gotten gotten into Harry Potter (or LOTR, Narnia, etc…), but my daughter has gotten seriously into the Twilight saga, and the Morganville Vampire series (thus sucking me into both of the, too). Fortunately Morganville is still ‘just books,’ but I’ve spent a fortune on those, and everything Twilight.
And I’m with you. I don’t mind spending the money at all. It’s worth it.
This is true at my house, too, except we haven’t ventured into the ebooks yet. My daughter adores her books, movies, and soundtracks. Oh, and the Lego sets (she has a couple of the smaller ones). Fun post!
We are buried in Harry Potter and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are my ‘comfort food’. We watch the movies often. I own all the audio versions and no road trip happens without listening to them. I reread the books when I just want to sink back into what makes me feel happy and makes me smile and spend time with my favorite characters.
Fabio — wait until I show you the coasters a friend just made me for Christmas. I’m still swooning. I bet you can guess the ‘theme’.