As many of us are anxiously looking forward to the release of the fifth Cormoran Strike novel, Troubled Blood, this September, the latest change to J.K. Rowling’s Twitter account may have some clues. The novel’s title has several possible origins, including Edmund Spenser’s epic poem The Faerie Queene. With her recently changed Twitter header, which includes an image from a beautifully illustrated 1890s edition of The Faerie Queene, Rowling and her crime-writing alter-ego Robert Galbraith may be laying the groundwork for a Spenser-scaffolding installment in the adventures of the ever-fascinating Strike and Robin Ellacott. Some of us truly hope that is the case.
Rowling’s New Twitter Header Means The Faerie Queene is a Strike 5 Theme?
March 22, 2020 by 5 Comments
Pottering around the house in the midst of the COVID-19.
March 21, 2020 by 1 Comment
This particular Hogwarts Professor has had her academic workload suddenly quadrupled as she tries to move three classes, one lab, two thesis students and two interns online. But, I wanted to pop in and suggest a few ways Potterphiles with more free time can entertain themselves during confinement.
First, the fine folks at Audible.com have made many great books available for free, including some good young adult lit and classic works of literature. Check them out and, if you find something you want to discuss here, include it in the comments.
Second, JKR has relaxed the copyright on Harry Potter, and allowing teachers to read aloud to students. Among the many conducting read-alongs are the Head Girls who run the great Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival; check out their Facebook page to tune in. Another choice would be my friend and former student Dylan’s YouTube presentation.
Finally, my sweet sister-in-law sent me a link to a Virtual Harry Potter Escape Room, created by Peters Township Public Library. I’ve only just gotten started, but it looks pretty good.
All for now… stay home and stay healthy, everyone.
Final Day for Make Magic for Autism T-shirts.
March 7, 2020 by Leave a Comment
My Make Magic for Autism T-Shirt campaign ends tonight at midnight EST. This is the final opportunity to purchase a shirt (in your favorite house color) in support of my Skillcorps Ecuador Team for the Global Autism Project.
I am hoping to have a long-term partnership with the organization, and there will be many opportunities for fundraising in the future. Which makes me wonder, what would a clever Cormoran Strike t-shirt look like?
For those who are wondering, the Global Autism project cancelled its February trips, in an abundance of caution for the coronavirus. This resulted in a loss of 1/3 of the organization’s revenue, making our current work that much more important. July SkillCorps trips are still planned, in hopes that the corona virus will no longer be a threat. If those trips get canceled, too, I’ll be re-booked on a later one. The virus won’t last forever; autism will.
“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”- Albus Dumbledore.
Recent Conversation