J.K. Rowling promotes her newest book The Casual Vacancy in NYC! [photos and video]

New York City was treated to a special event on Tuesday, October 16th that had Harry Potter fans from all over the world flocking to the David H. Koch theater in Lincoln Center, NYC. Author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling was on hand to promote her new book The Casual Vacancy with an interview by Ann Patchett. As this was Rowling's only public US event, this was truly a must see night. I was lucky enough to be in attendance and Rowling was definitely on her game during the night.

The interview between Patchett and Rowling was light-hearted and very funny while still providing some great information. Any interview that starts off with Rowling saying "fucking hell," and talking about porn has to turn out to be amazing right? Right! After the hilarious start Rowling and Patchett spoke about bookstores (Patchett owning one herself) and Rowling shared her admiration for them. "Bookstores are hugely important. I've watched a great many of them close with a heavy heart," stated Rowling. Rowling went on to talk about how bookstores are important for children and that, "it's the books that you read when you're young that live with you forever." Patchett quickly added that, "There are going to be children who want to read The Casual Vacancy," to which Rowling stated quickly and strongly, "Well, that would be inappropriate." Rowling then made a comment that had the audience laughing for the next few minutes stating, "People have sex in this book, but nobody really enjoys it." One of the last questions came from a fan asking how it felt to write and complete a story in one book as opposed to the Harry Potter series where the story spanned seven novels. Rowling loved the question and replied that, "It's a very different and satisfying experience to conclude a story in one volume." She went on to talk about how being able to put a story to rest and know that it is done and that she's happy with it was an experience that she has enjoyed.

Rowling then stepped up to the podium to read from her novel and the audience fell silent. Her reading was incredible and she showed to everyone how stunning her public reading really is. Rowling has the voice and expression to really capture an audience and draw them in. (You can see a video of her reading at the bottom of this article.)

After the interview fans received a copy of The Casual Vacancy which they were able to get signed by J.K. Rowling herself! Fan reactions to the signing ranged from "happy to be here" to "can't talk now, too busy crying my eyes out". There is no doubt that for many, J.K. Rowling's stories have touched them and personally changed a part of their lives that they will always cherish. Then throw in the chance to meet Rowling in person (which could be a once in a lifetime event for some) and the emotional reactions are clearly justified.

The event was simply amazing and it was clear that everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. This is the sort of night that will be remembered forever.

J.K. Rowling and Ann Prachett on stage.

See more photos and a video of J.K. Rowling reading from The Casual Vacancy inside the full article!

J.K. Rowling reading from The Casual Vacancy.

My girlfriend and I with our signed copies of The Casual Vacancy.

Holding up my signed copy of The Casual Vacancy.

Below you can watch the video I shot of J.K. Rowling reading an excerpt from The Casual Vacancy at the event. Sorry that the video is a little fuzzy but you can hear Rowling reading perfectly.



You can see the rest of my photos from the night in my Flickr set here.