Author JK Rowling today revealed that Pottermore.com, the enigmatic website launched by the Harry Potter creator last Friday, will serve as a collaborative platform for Harry Potter fans to contribute their own ideas to the universe of the books. Rowling said she has also written extensive new Potter material for the website. And, to top off the sweet news, Pottermore will serve as a marketplace for newly available ebook versions of the Harry Potter series.
Rowling said at a press conference in London that she has written more than 18,000 words worth of new background material that she will post to Pottermore. And that’s only the beginning, as more from the author will come as the site grows.
“I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new generation,” said Rowling in a statement. “I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment. Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”
A quick Twitter search shows an almost entirely ecstatic response to the Pottermore announcement. But some fans are sure to be disappointed by Rowling’s confirmation that she has no plans to write a new book for the series, instead opting to publish additional material to Pottermore.
“I do have closure with Harry,” Rowling told reporters at the press conference. “I have no plans to write another novel. I’m pretty sure I’m done on the novel front…But it was fun while it lasted.”
Pottermore will initially only focus on the world of the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, but will expand to include more books in the series at a later date. Pottermore fully opens to fans in October. But “lucky few” will gain access to the site early to “help shape the experience,” said Rowling. All they have to do is “follow the owl.” What that means remains a mystery.
