by Pixie Clearwater

Created on: July 31, 2009

What is it that makes one author distinctive from the next? The stark truth is that the vast majority of aspiring authors will drift into obscurity, never to be heard of. Yet, for those who succeed the publishing world remains as dangerous as diving with sharks. This makes J.K. Rowling all the more remarkable.

J.K. Rowling created more than just a book when she put pen to paper to create Harry Potter. She invented an astounding magical world that could be loved by both adults and children alike, a rare event. Perhaps here we have the key to the magic behind the creation that it cuts across boundaries in a way not seen in literature before. No matter what the language, Harry Potter still creates the same hysteria across the globe.

There is always a sense of awe that you feel when reading any one of the Harry Potter series, from the first to the last book. You are often left wondering how J.K. Rowling had the imagination to create such wonderfully complex and vibrant plots. What a mind she must have. However, when listening to Rowling's story about the creation of Harry Potter, it does seem almost magical. Rowling states that Harry Potter just walked into her head, fully formed during a train journey from London to Manchester. Magical indeed. The word 'genius' is often over used but in this case it seems fitting.

The characters that Rowling has created over the course of the seven book series are multi-dimensional, complex and real. You find yourself feeling like you really know the characters, desperately wanting them to succeed or just wanting them to live happily ever after. But, Rowling is brave enough to not always offer that fairy tale ending and this tenacity is best reflected in her final book; where she is willing to kill off even the most popular of characters for the sake of realism and the plot. Those who dare wins.

Harry Potter is the story of our generation. It is the books that will be saved, past from parents to children. Harry Potter has bought people together in an enjoyment and desire for a young wizard to succeed. Harry Potter also raises important life issues, from the mundane to the monumental, from teenage romances to death. It can grasp at your heartstrings and make you laugh out loud. J.K. Rowling is therefore a rarity in the publishing world. She dived into the tank of sharks and survived. Not only did she survive, she probably got the sharks to enjoy Harry Potter too.

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