By Diane Lefrandt
J.K. Rowling has been hoarding secrets and the mere idea has Muggles all ears.
Rowling answered mounting speculation as she announced the launch of her newest creative endeavor: Pottermore. Pottermore is a free website that will create an online experience surrounding the famed Harry Potter books. Through myriad reading experiences, fans will journey through storylines of the books and engage in what Rowling promises to be an experience unlike any other.
Fans are invited to pre-register on the website pottermore.com to gain access to the new stories. When visiting the website, Rowling welcomes readers in a video where she gives insight to the world of Pottermore. The website aims to partner the reader and author in the ultimate reading adventure. Rowling believes imagination is at its finest when author and reader work together to create the best of imaginary worlds.
“It’s the same story with a few crucial additions,” Rowling said in a news release. “The most important is you. I will be joining in too. Because I will be sharing additional information I have been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter.”
Starting with the first book, readers visiting the website will engage as the story is brought to life with interactive moments and newly-commissioned illustrations. Rowling has saved boxes of writings over the years and Pottermore will reveal extensive new material about the much-loved stories, characters, places and objects.
Jeff Guillaume, editor-in-chief at the fansite HPANA, said he has seen a sneak peak of Pottermore.
“It is breathtaking in scope, detail and sheer beauty,” he said on his blog.
Pottermore plans to later release the long awaited Harry Potter series in e-books. Many young adults have cut their teeth on Harry Potter and are digitally connected consumers. Some believe being able to access Harry Potter as e-books is long overdue.
“I feel like Harry Potter has been a very defining part of our generation,” said Robbie Rane, a senior from Huntsville, Ala., majoring in advertising. “Incorporating things in a digital way will keep the lifeblood of Harry Potter alive in a medium we can relate to.”
The Pottermore Shop will develop over time as it makes available the e-books, audio books and additional products marketed for Harry Potter fans.
Pottermore is a collaborative effort between Rowling and Sony Corporation.
“Sony’s association with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore brings together one of the world’s most innovative brands with the most successful book series in history, in a pioneering partnership that will help shape the future of story-telling, said Sir Howard Stringer, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Sony Corporation. We are proud to be a part of it, both at this momentous announcement and as we collaborate on its development over the coming years.”
Partnering with J. K. Rowling’s publisher’s worldwide, Pottermore intends to extend their reach to a new generation of readers while still appealing to loyal fans, according to a news release. In keeping with Harry Potter’s international appeal, the site will launch in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
J.K. Rowling announced on YouTube and sony.com that Pottermore and the Pottermore Shop will be open to all users October 2011. On July 31, Harry’s birthday, an online challenge will be launched where the first lucky 1 million registrants may be chosen to gain early entry into the website before it is officially launched to the rest of the world.
“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 digital generation,” Rowling said in the release. “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.”
