A few thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows…

What a fitting send-off for the series! I don’t think I was surprised by any of Rowling’s twists and turns. But, then again, I plot books. I’m not meaning for that to sound flippant, I’m just being honest. The author stuck with her vision and delivered a story that pleased faithful fans. I could not have asked for more.

I especially appreciated the Epilogue — the one thing I believe truly “makes” a story. You can’t just quit. A good author will not only tie up any loose ends, but will leave the reader craving more. Rowling does both beautifully.

For writers, there is so much more to the Harry Potter series than exists for readers. J.K. Rowling received rejection after rejection telling her this was not a story people would want to read. I applaud her tenacity and her belief in what she had written — in what she could write. Every writer should be so resolute.

I am now in a place where the faint-hearted writers give up. The waiting room. I can see why many just say, “To Hell with it,” and throw in the towel. Trying to wait patiently while a person far away makes an important decision on your career is nerve-wracking, to say the least. As if the wait isn’t bad enough, then often comes the rejection. What person in her right mind would put herself through this on purpose? Ah… that’s the question!

I think all writers have a form of insanity. Look at what we put ourselves through in order to reach our dream.