Monday, I told you that my #3 favorite female writer was S.E. Hinton. Tuesday, I told you my #2 favorite female writer was Philippa Gregory. Today, I’m going to talk about my #1 favorite female writer and I’m going to guess this isn’t a surprise for anyone who’s been around my blog for very long.
J.K. Rowling
Image via The Telegraph
J.K. Rowling
Surprise! (Or not…) I was introduced to Rowling when I was about 9 years old. The third Harry Potter book had come out and after some resistance, I started reading the series from the beginning and fell in love. I was just the right age for these books and grew with Harry as the books went on. The movies were right on pace with my childhood as well. The series is my favorite of all time and one I’m sure I’ll re-read and re-enjoy with any future children I may have.
I’m not, on the whole, a big S&F fan. There are exceptions, to be sure, and HP is the biggest of those. I think one of the most endearing qualities about HP is that it appeals to those who don’t traditionally enjoy fantasy because there are elements to it that go beyond the traditional elements of that genre. It has mass appeal and even though it was aimed at children, it’s very popular with young adults and adults.
My adoration for Rowling grew when she started to branch beyond Potter. A Casual Vacancy wasn’t for me and a lot of others agreed. I do, however, enjoy the Cormoran Strike series. I understand why she initially opened up under another name and I admire her for continuing on. Like my stance on S&F, I’m not usually a big mystery fan but, again, Rowling has brought to her books something I can enjoy and connect with. The long story of Robin and Matthew and Cormoran’s role in Robin’s life is intriguing, even when I’m not very interested in the case at hand. Rowling has created great characters and I can’t wait to read more about them.
Rowling started writing when she was unemployed and down on her luck. She wrote because she needed to. She knew the story needed to come out. I always strive for that feeling, but I know it’s not always achievable. I crave the days when my story is so strong in my head that I know I have to write it. I think of those days when I’m not having one. Rowling was braver than I’ll ever be and took a chance to get her story written and I greatly admire her for that.
I doubt this is a surprise for anyone, but I had to share my love for Ms. Rowling. She defined a generation that I’m blessed to be a part of and I hope it continues to inspire for generations to come.
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 