What J.K. Rowling reads: Books for aspiring writers
What's the story
J.K. Rowling, the mind behind the phenomenal Harry Potter series, inspires so many of us with her storytelling prowess and magical worlds.
Her books are filled with lessons on character development, plot construction, and world-building.
Aspiring writers can easily draw inspiration from them to hone their writing skills and imagination.
Here, we take a look at Rowling's must-reads that provide valuable lessons for perfecting your writing craft.
World-building
'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone': A lesson in world-building
The first book of Harry Potter series takes readers into a richly detailed magical world that enchants audiences of all ages.
Aspiring writers can learn how to create immersive settings by seeing how Rowling seamlessly marries magical elements with relatable human experiences.
The balance between fantasy and reality is key in making readers feel connected to an otherwise fantastical universe.
Plot construction
'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets': Crafting suspenseful plots
In this second installment, Rowling has woven suspense throughout the narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Aspiring writers can study how she builds tension through unexpected twists and turns, while maintaining coherence in the storyline.
Understanding pacing and timing is the key to creating plots that hold readers' attention.
Character development
'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban': Developing complex characters
Rowling has an exceptional knack for crafting multi-dimensional characters who grow over time, and this third book of the series is a testament to that.
Aspiring writers can take some notes on character arcs by studying how she captures growth, conflict, and resolution in her characters' journeys.
It is this knowledge that goes into creating convincing characters who connect with readers on a deeper level.
Creativity expansion
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them': Expanding creative horizons
This companion book gives a peek into Rowling's vast imagination beyond the main series.
It's an amazing resource for budding writers hoping to broaden their creative horizons by trying new ideas or genres outside their comfort zone.
Seeing how she creates beasts with individual traits inspires originality in your own writing ventures.