The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: Out now!

[Callum]

JK Rowling is writing a novel for adults, it has been announced.

Rowling's literary agency The Blair Partnership has not yet announced details about the upcoming book, but the author has confirmed her next project is aimed at an older audience.

The author said in a statement: "Although I've enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by [publisher] Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world.

"The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry's success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life."

The Blair Partnership has promised that more concrete information about the book will be released "later in the year".

Rowling's Harry Potter books have sold more than 400m copies around the world to become the most successful literary series of all time.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - the first book in the Potter franchise – was released in 1997 in the UK and 1998 in the US and became a near-instant hit with children.

Six further Potter adventures followed, with the series eventually adapted to the silver screen with movies starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

The final instalment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released in 2007.

This is such good news, beyond excited for this.

I hope it's released relatively soon as in next year or the year after. Don't want to be waiting years and years like we still are for the political fairytale.

[GypsyGoth]

I hope it's a fantasy book.

[CharlieO]

I dont even think I will be able to even try it. Her writing something else would just not be right.

[Marsh.]

She said that it was likely the "political fairytale" wouldn't be published because she just wrote for herself all the time anyway, and it may not see the light of day so that's not a surprise.

[Patrick]

Agree with Charlie,

I'd just be like 'KAY. WHERE'S HAGRID!!?'

[Callum]

Originally Posted by 08marsh

She said that it was likely the "political fairytale" wouldn't be published because she just wrote for herself all the time anyway, and it may not see the light of day so that's not a surprise.

She's still working on it but it's not likely to be published in the near future.

Her official website has been updated and you can join the mailing list to be informed of any further announcements about the novel.

I'm gunna miss the old site, I remember finding out the name of the seventh book on there and all the cool items you could click.

[InOne]

Wish she'd done something more with the HP world really.

[Callum]

Originally Posted by InOne

Wish she'd done something more with the HP world really.

There's still a possibility that she might do the Encyclopedia somewhere down the line.

I think another Potter novel is out of the question though.

[InOne]

Originally Posted by Callum

There's still a possibility that she might do the Encyclopedia somewhere down the line.

I think another Potter novel is out of the question though.

Yeah I'd imagine that will never come sadly. A shame.

[Livia]

When the last Harry Potter book was published in... was it 2007? I saw an interview with JK Rowling who said her next book would be aimed at adults. It's hardly worth a news release by her agency...

[Glenn.]

I'm excited for it but I hope I can read it without thinking about Hogwarts.

[arista]

Originally Posted by InOne

Wish she'd done something more with the HP world really.

No that Industry is Over.

[Glenn.]

Originally Posted by arista

No that Industry is Over.

[Callum]

Cover:

In addition to today’s art, Little Brown reveals that the character previously known as Barry Fairweather is now Barry Fairbrother (reportedly an error on the publisher’s part). The confirmed page count is 512. Mario J. Pulice designed the cover, with illustration and hand lettering by Joel Hollan. The audiobook will be read by Tom Hollander.

I love the fonts but it is a tad bland. Although it's definitely eye catching.

Just over 2 months until it's released

[Glenn.]

I can't wait to read it. I thought I wouldn't be excited because it wasn't Harry Potter. But JK Rowling sure can write a story so its got to be good.

[Shaun]

nice cover but I won't buy it just because it's her. I'll wait to see if it gets good reviews before I bother.

[Marsh.]

Love JK. Rowling but I have to laugh that it took TWO people to design that cover.

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Shaun

nice cover but I won't buy it just because it's her. I'll wait to see if it gets good reviews before I bother.

What's wrong with her?

[Shaun]

I didn't say anything's wrong with her. I just won't buy everything she writes in future off the back of Harry Potter.

[Callum]

Just 9 days until this is released! Very excited to read it. Jo is also making quite a few promotional appearances to talk about her new novel.

Television

- September 26, BBC2: Writing for Grown-Ups (UK)

- September 27, ABC1: J.K. Rowling: Life After Potter (Australia)

- Unknown air dates: Nightline (ABC), World News (ABC), Good Morning America (ABC), The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)

Radio

- September 27, BBC Radio 4 Interview with Mark Lawson

She's also attending a couple of public events to discuss the novel and sign copies for all attendees. Tried to get tickets for the 2 England events but I was in America when they went on sale and by the time I was able to check the site they had already all sold out.

[Callum]

The Casual Vacancy is now available to buy in bookstores worldwide. Mine came in the post this morning, going to start reading it later.

Reviews have been pretty mixed so far and a lot of emphasis on how different this novel is to Potter.

GMA interview where she reveals how the Rihanna song Umbrella inspired her.

Youtube video
Click to view this video on Youtube

[InOne]

Sikhs complaining apparently

[Kizzy]

I'm reading this atm, saw her interview on BBC2 she is such an insightful and inspirational woman.
So far the book is great, not surprised the daily mail lot have slated it though as it will be like holding a mirror to the 'not on my doorstep' brigade haha.