FAQF -- The Universal Appeal of Harry Potter

[prefectmarcus at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 23597

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Jim Ferer" <jferer at y...> wrote:

> JKR is a wonderful storyteller, and the whole world has listened 
> to storytellers since we lived in caves. JKR's writing is not an 
> example of high craft in the writer's art. Her writing is simple, 
> straightforward, and doesn't get in the way. It's the people she's 
> given us that matter.

I beg to differ.  The highest, most skilled artists of any craft make 
it look easy.  Remember Prof. Sprout and the repotting of the 
Mandrakes?

It is usually lesser lights that resort to showy, superfluous displays 
of craft in their attempts to dazzle us with their mastery.  The true 
masters don't need to.  They just do it.  

I have attempted to read some of the fanfic, especially the ones 
highly recommended by others.   I've only read one that I actually 
enjoyed.  It concerned an interview with Harry after his long life.  
He wanted to get something off his chest, and that seemed the best way 
to do it.  I don't recall the author or its title, but I did enjoy it. 
 I vaguely recall one quote, "That's not a Quick Quotes Quill, is it?" 
 "No sir. Those things are garbage."  Does anybody reading this 
recognize the reference?

The rest were very forgettable.  So I suspect, at least for me, there 
is more to it that just good characters.  True, they are an essential 
ingredient, but certainly not the only or the most important one.
   
Marcus