Ask J.K. Rowling a Question About The Casual Vacancy Showing 101-150 of 1,725

[Conor]

Dear Jo, I was full of excitement and anticipation when I began the Casual Vacancy, and you didn't let me down! It was brilliant. As I read the book, I marveled at the accuracy with which you painted each household, be it rich, middle-class or poor. Did you draw from your own life experiences when creating these households?

[Indira]

After harry potter... How do you came to mind to think a story like the Casual Vacancy? or in fact any other story... Do you think about a situation and imagine the story behind it? or do you see the story on your mind developing by it self?? (You are my hero <3)

[Ivan]

How hard was it writing about the sad lives of young souls, especially Robbies, and were you thinking about your children while writing this?

[Charbel]

Millions of children grew up reading the Harry Potter books, did you have them in mind while writing The Casual Vacancy, hoping that it will teach them something now as adults?

[[deleted user]]

Jk I'm in the process of writing my first novel what's the best bit of advice you could give me and I would love to write with you one day :-)

[Beth]

What's your next adventure ? Do you have a bucket list or something you just know you'd like to do ?

[Beth]

If the book gets adapted into a film who would be your dream cast ? Did you have any celebs in your head whilst writing it ?

[SC]

My question will not be about Harry Potter; the biggest pet peeve I've had in reviews of this book was that "It's not Harry Potter." Well. IT'S NOT.

It's an utter masterpiece of contemporary fiction, and I'll do my best to spread word about it (here's my review of it http://scwrite.blogspot.com/2013/06/r... ).

My question echoes Leticia's.

Leticia wrote: "

What was your deepest fear when writing The Casual Vacancy?"

I think there's a lot to say in there and I really love this question. And I love you too, JKR! PLEASE write more Adult! I'm craving for it, more than for Harry Potter! (I KNOW!)

[Daphne]

Was Barry really as perfect as everybody believed?

[Kimberly]

Are any of these characters going to be in any sequels.

[Riley]

A title you considered for the book was "Responsibility," and the perception of that trait seems to have been warped by so many characters. I think part of responsibility is acknowledging your triumphs and faults throughout your life. That being said, do you think that if any of the main players of "The Casual Vacancy" (namely Krystal) had the chance to re-evaluate their choices that took place throughout the events of this novel, and knowing their outcomes, they would do anything differently, whether it be out of moral fiber or just common sense?

[George Saad]

Besides being very English, what are some similar themes between the Harry Potter series and The Casual Vacancy that you think might always find a way into your books?

[ritika]

Hey i have no issue about the book but i want to know ur suggessions about a real lyf if anyone hearts u then he/she deserves ur foegiveness in future.........
plz tell me its my lyf's problem

[Lais]

Is Dumbledore gay?Sorry but that's my life's question.

[Claudia]

Casual Vacancy proves, yet again, what a great writer you are, and that you are not afraid to take your reader to dark places. At the end of Casual Vacancy, I could see the characters lining up to commit suicide! So much suffering! So much selfishness! I myself felt drained. I understand that in an adult book you didn't want to create a distinction between heroes and villains, but why did you feel it necessary to create characters that we the readers couldn't relate to? Or didn't you?

[Bea]

J.K.Rowling....your perception of the social realities of human life and the psychology of ordinary people is exceptional, as shown in 'The Casual Vacancy'.....

My question is "WHY has ordinary human life become this way and can the realities of our social existence change!"

X

[Bea]

One other question...this one about the content of The Casual Vacancy.

In the story you hinted at the possible sexual abuse of Krystal's little brother and yet did not bring it into his death and possible post mortem results.....

"Was this deliberate?"

[Sealove]

How has your writing perspective/process changed with "Casual Vacancy"?

Aloha from Hawai'i,

Sealove

[Maxime]

Why do you want to stand out of the fantasy theme,
  and treatment of adolescent while you are the best to make that?

[Satinder]

Hi, My question is:

Which character's voice in The Casual Vacancy did you find the easiest to write in?

Thank you!

[Bailey]

I haven't read The Casual Vacancy but I have read all of the Harry Potter books and I would just like to ask you one question about writing. How did you start writing and why?

[Amelia]

How did you handle all of those different narrative speaking voices during the writing process?

[Dave]

Why have you inflicted this crap upon the world?

[Shashank]

You've influenced a generation of readers with your writing, and I love all your books. You have been incredibly loyal to your readership in every way and even describe Pottermore - a "thanks" to the fans.


The Casual Vacancy is a masterpiece and does complete justice with the issues it deals with, there's no doubt about that. However, the reviews have not been exactly great. Many a Potter fans have not liked it and it's understandable given it's a completely different genre. People, and especially Potter fans, have said that it's not what they expected it to be. Everyone has their own view-point and it's completely fair to follow your own judgement but it's not entirely fair to call-off a book just because it's not what you expected. You, no-doubt knew this book was a great risk and I appreciate your effort, but I am afraid that many don't. People before the release of this book were ready to buy anything from the pen of J.K. Rowling but now when one of your books come out, they are going to find out more about it before buying it.


So, my question to you is- how do you feel about these responses to your book mentioned above?; And why did you went on with the given theme knowing you could do much better with a Potter-esque themed book or a book with a similar genre?

Thanks. J.K. Rowling

[Connell]

To what extent are the characters in The Casual Vacancy inspired or based on people you have met?

[Misha]

One thing I can't stop thinking about since I've read the book is whether the 3 deaths, 1 in the beginning and 2 in the end, have a metaphorical meaning? I mean the 1st at the beginning is like waving goodbye to the past, and the latter 2 are like "there's no future". Am I reading that right? And if so, what's exactly the message in this for you? Thank you!

[bel]

How do you think that your experience with writing the Harry Potter books prepared you for writing this book, and writing in this genre? What did the Harry Potter books teach you about writing, and what part of that have you translated into this book?

[Kressel]

The adult characters in The Casual Vacancy range from really hateful (e.g. Simon) to well-intentioned but ineffectual (e.g. Tessa). Barry Fairbrother is the only one who has effected any good in the community, and he's dead. How can we ordinary folks transform ourselves into Barry Fairbrothers, even though the odds are against us?

[Tracy]

A lot has been said about the song Umbrella. That's why I was surprised to find it in the book. Why did you choose this song and not any other?

[Monet]

How do you handle negative criticism about your books? Not that I'm not a fan, I really like the Harry Potter series. I like to write, so I was just wondering.

[Gabriela]

What was your inspiration to write and describe a girl as Krystal Weedon?

[Emerald]

I love you JKR, you made my childhood great and The Casual Vacancy is just great. What would you write next? Please keep writing.

[Bangaru]

What motivates you? To write, to read, to get out bed every morning? What motivates you to try your best, to not give up and to do things when everyone and everything tells you that you won't be able to do it? I want to know what motivates you, because right now, I don't think anything (or anyone) can motivate me.

[Elizapowell]

in the end of hp7 harry is married to ginny and they have three kids albus severus potter,lily luna potter and james potter.but what i want to know is are there lids half blood like harry or pure blood like ginny???????????????????????????????

[Elizapowell]

i mean kids

[Andrea]

While writing TCV have you ever wondered what would some of the Pagfordians do differently if they had magical powers?

[Tracy]

What is one thing that you've never been asked (about any of your books, being an author, etc.), that you are surprised has never come up? Are there any stones left unturned?

[Ken]

How did the overwhelming response you received to the Harry Potter series affect what you wrote in The Casual Vacancy?

[Kelley]

Did you feel like you were trying too hard to break away from children's/young adult stuff with all the swearing and sex?

[Whitney]

Did you run into any challenges when writing "The Casual Vacancy", particularly when your previous writing had been for children?

[Sheela]

You had mentioned in an interview that "death obsesses you" and you wrote this book to address your issues with mortality and death. Now having written this novel, have you come to terms with the idea of death and was the writing process therapeutic in helping you deal with death in your own family? (Not to be too morbid...)

[Gmr]

Though you've achieved literary success on many levels, THE CASUAL VACANCY was a departure from the genre most came to know your writing skills. What one thing do you hope readers take away from this your first "adult" story?

[Niwarko]

At the end of the book, Tessa blames herself, both as a mother and as a teacher. How much do you agree with her self-assessment? 

[Lauren]

Did you get the same enjoyment from writing this book as you did the Harry Potter series? Explain please.

[Leslie]

Why did you feel you had to write such a disgusting negative book in order to separate yourself from your children's books? I couldn't make it past the fourth chapter it was so depressing.

[ge Wangge]

What do you think is the 'magic' in Casual Vacancy?

[Laura]

This novel was quite a departure from what you are most well known for. Was the writing process much different with this project?

[Matt]

What do you have against America and Americans in general? It strikes me as narrow-minded and even a little bigoted that you seem to go out of your way to avoid mentioning anything about the United States in your Harry Potter books.

[Maria]

How were you able to create your characters, and fit them within your story plot and settings, also without losing the spark of the tale in itself?

[Nicole]

Ms. Rowling,

You are an amazing author and an inspiration to many up and coming writers. I cannot wait to buy a copy of Casual Vacancy when it comes out.

My question for you is: how has the creative process changed for you since shifting from the magical world of Harry Potter to the mature plot in Casual Vacancy?

Thank you so much.