{Collaborative post}
You’d need to have been living in a remote cave, devoid of
Internet and any contact with the outside world for at least 12 years not to be
aware of Harry Potter. The huge impact it's had on our cultural landscape is
fascinating, and the brand has numerous exciting spin-offs, such as films, live
theatre productions and even a tour of the studios where the films were made.
But how did everything fall into place? That really IS a magical tale…
The inspiration behind the
stories
JK Rowling says she first stumbled upon the idea for Harry
Potter when she was stuck on a delayed train, leaving Manchester for London
King’s Cross. This was back in 1990, which feels like a lifetime ago – and for
many fans, it actually is.
Drawing inspiration from a number of sources, including
classical texts, folklore and contemporary children’s literature, Rowling spent
five years note-making and idea compiling before she started reaching out to
literary agents. That’s no easy feat with a new baby daughter in tow.
Rowling finished the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, while she was training to be a teacher.
But she shelved those plans when Bloomsbury accepted the story for publication
in 1997. The rest, as they say, is history.
