20 years ago, an unknown author named J.K. Rowling published her first novel: Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone.
At the time, Rowling had what appeared to be three strikes against her: she was a single mother, she was unemployed and she was living under the black cloud of depression. Writing was the only thing that saved her sanity. Little did she know that her first novel would lead to the career that many writers can only dream of.
That one book produced 6 sequels, multiple movies, a theme park and since then, the world of Harry Potter has become iconic. Children all over the world have clamored to read not just the Harry Potter book series, but other books.
I bet the publishers who passed on the first Harry Potter book are kicking themselves.
The thing that for me, makes Harry Potter stand out is not the magic, but how ordinary his experiences are. Growing up, dealing with bullies, having that first crush, that first kiss, etc, dealing with the b*llsh*t that life throws your way, etc. He went through all of that and survived.
If he can survive that, we all can.
Thanks J.K. Rowling for introducing the world to Harry Potter. I can’t imagine it without him.
Writergurlny 