The End of an Era: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Early yesterday morning, at approximately 2:15 central time, the last remaining piece of my childhood came to an abrupt and ceremonious end as the credits started rolling on the final movie of the Harry Potter saga. It was a bittersweet ending - more bitter than sweet, though. This was the series that first taught me how to believe - and not just in magic. This is the series that first taught me to appreciate literary technique and inspired me to become a writer. 

J.K. Rowling randomly got the idea for Harry Potter while riding alone one night on a train to London in 1990. She began writing the first book that night and, seven years later, got it published. In the meantime, she lost her mother to multiple sclerosis - an event which only increased her connection to and emotional investment into orphan Harry Potter. She also got married and had a daughter, and even while teaching (and of course parenting) full-time, she was able to finish the book that - unbeknownst to her - would change the world. I think we all know how the story goes from there.

 

Here's a link to an article from Christianity Today that I really enjoyed. The author (John Granger - no pun intended) has a smart and unique perspective on the genius of Rowling as well as the lasting power of the series.

 

To all the writers: we could take a page out of Rowling's book (literally).

To all the Harry Potter fans: mischief managed. ;)

 

<3 Mrs. G