J is for J.K. Rowling

When I was in elementary school, I was sick one day and staying home for school.  Unfortunately, my mom had to take her car into the shop to get repaired, so we ended up in a small cafe called Fifth Corner on the main street of my home town, looking out and the window and feeling pretty miserable.  I remember actually thinking though about J.K. Rowling and how she began writing the Harry Potter series on napkins in a cafe.  The simplicity of it all inspired me and later that year, I began my own writing project.

After my third grade teacher finished reading The Prisoner of Azkaban to our class, I was devastated.  I didn't know how long I'd have to wait for the fourth book to come out.  Instead of waiting, I decided that I was going to write my own Harry Potter book four.  I don't know if a copy still exists or not, but I assure you it wasn't any good.  I was inspired by the characters and the stories in a way I hadn't really experienced books before.  I ended up sending the Harry Potter book four I wrote to J.K. Rowling.  In return, I got a picture of her and a nice generic fan letter.  I was so excited that I took it in to school and showed it in front of the whole class.

J.K. Rowling will never know the full extent of her influence over me and my family.  Not only did her books secure in me a love for reading, but I was also able to recommend them to my parents and my aunts.  Recently, my aunt expressed shock about that recommendation so many years ago: "I can't believe I ended up enjoying a book so much that was recommended by an eight year old!"  

I have a degree in creative writing, began a book blog, and will work at publishing company someday.  Though I can't say for certain, I am pretty sure I wouldn't be where I am today without J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series, which is why I dedicated this A to Z challenge to Harry Potter. 

Tomorrow will be K is for Knocturn Alley!