J.K. Rowling Talks Translated “Potter” Books and More in Latest Tweets
Much like the rest of us, J.K. Rowling has been turning to social media to pass the time during lockdown. In the first few weeks after her return to the platform, she covered (among other things) tattoos and baking. Since then, Jo has shared her love for the translated editions of Harry Potter, some fan creations, and why she just can’t be friends with the number four.
Collectors all over the world covet translated editions of the Harry Potter series, and it seems that Jo is quite a collector herself. She revealed that she has a copy of every Potter translation in her office and has a soft spot for the infamous Italian edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which features Harry wearing a rat head while playing chess with a rat in a headscarf.
Yes, but at my office. I love seeing the different editions. https://t.co/J6r6ATkGmk
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2020
I’ve always loved that cover because it’s so odd. Why the rat head? Why the giant rat in the headscarf? I never met the illustrator, so I still don’t know. https://t.co/x4aeLU5xeL
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2020
It’s probably a good thing that Jo’s collection of translated Potter books is kept at her office, because her home bookshelves look pretty full! She shared a video of her newly color-coded bookshelves and reassured followers that she does have the Harry Potter series at home.
To the people asking: yes, of course I’ve got Harry Potter books! These aren’t my only bookshelves, they’re simply the ones I decided to arrange by colour during tea breaks.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2020
Some Wizarding World fans have been getting creative during quarantine and sharing the end products with Jo, who, thankfully, shares them with her followers to brighten their days. Check out this incredible wizard chess piece and baby mandrake!
Stunning! https://t.co/TPJAuoDZt3
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2020
I love it! https://t.co/16K5aMqy3q
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 22, 2020
Reorganizing bookshelves and getting creative are only two ways to pass the time during lockdown. Another is taking part in trends on Twitter. Jo shared some of her perfect movies with the hashtag #FivePerfectMovies (sadly, neither Potter nor the Fantastic Beast series made the list).
To the people asking: yes, of course I’ve got Harry Potter books! These aren’t my only bookshelves, they’re simply the ones I decided to arrange by colour during tea breaks.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2020
Jo also answered a question posed by screenwriter Lisa McGee (Derry Girls) about the best backhanded compliment she had ever received.
When my first book became a bestseller, an acquaintance said to me: ‘I’ve often thought I should write a kids’ book, and when I saw you’d gone to number one I thought, “well, I really should, because if *she* can do it, *anyone* can.”‘ https://t.co/rKdVzT7Yy5
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 24, 2020
Stemming from a viral tweet on the odd-vs-even numbers debate, she chipped in with not only her preference for odd numbers but also her dislike of the number four.
YES, EXACTLY. Four is a bad number. Hence, ‘Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive…’ https://t.co/27C1lECE4N
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 18, 2020
So now we know why the Dursleys live at number four. But as one follower pointed out, if four is a bad number, why is Professor McGonagall’s birthday October 4? Of course, Jo had an answer.
Because I know another amazing person who was born on 4th October and I used that person’s birthday 😌 https://t.co/3OzT4BYNDc
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 18, 2020
Finally, we wonder what Professor Trelawney would make of this elaborate nightmare?
Had the most elaborate nightmare of my life last night: a hammer-wielding serial killer, a female scientist working on a Coronavirus vaccine & many sub-plots, one involving rescuing an ape from a window ledge. In a break between gruesome killings, I took @EmmaWatson out to lunch.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 20, 2020
If you’re in need of something to do during lockdown, we recommend catching up with MuggleNet’s Wizarding World Movie Marathon!