J.K. Rowling Signs Deal For First Post-'Potter' Book

Author says her upcoming adult novel is 'very different to the 'Harry Potter' series.'
By John Mitchell


Photo: Daniel Barry/Getty Images

It's been five long years since J.K. Rowling published her seventh and final "Harry Potter" novel, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and it seems the author is finally ready to move away from the beloved young wizard and into the world of adult novels. Publishers Little, Brown announced on Thursday that they'd reached an agreement with Rowling to publish her first book for grownups. The publisher did not reveal any details of the book or even when eager readers could expect its release, though in a statement through the publishing house, Rowling did seem to indicate that she had finished writing the novel.

"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 Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world," she said. "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."

At the U.K. premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," Rowling told MTV News that she had been writing actively since finishing the final "Potter" book, but that she wanted the film franchise to wrap before she released anything. "I'm writing, and I've done quite a lot since finishing 'Harry,' " she said. "I also felt I wanted the last film out of the way before I made any moves on the publishing front. 'Harry' is so huge and I suppose my involvement with the world has still been quite intense. This feels like a new beginning to me."

The "Potter" series is the best-selling book series in history, with more than 450 million copies in print, and inspired the most successful film franchise ever, grossing more than $7.7 billion worldwide. Rowling's "Potter" books were published in the U.S. by Scholastic, which does not publish novels for adult audiences. Little, Brown will be publishing Rowling's new novel in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Authors who have found great success in the young-adult genre have had mixed results writing for adults. "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer found success with her adult bestseller "The Host," but she is an exception to the rule, according to the Wall Street Journal. Though the paper notes that Rowling would enter the adult genre with one distinct advantage over authors like "Lemony Snicket" scribe Daniel Handler and "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" writer Ann Brashares: Her books, like those of Meyer and "Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins, achieve a large following among adults, who would in turn be more likely to trust her skills as an author regardless of genre.

"J.K. Rowling is simply a great writer, and no matter what she applies her talents to, we will anticipate and enjoy it," Melissa Anelli, administrator of top "Potter" fansite The Leaky Cauldron, wrote in an email to the Journal. "I'm also so intrigued by this process:

What will happen as the world's greatest children's/YA author navigates the new publishing landscape and publishes for a new audience?"

What indeed.

Are you excited for J.K. Rowling's first book for grownup audiences? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679828/jk-rowling-new-book.jhtml

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'American Idol' Reveals Season 11 Top 24

But in a twist, it's announced that one of four eliminated contestants will be welcomed back next week for the first Top 25.
By Adam Graham


Ryan Seacrest with the top 24 of "American Idol"
Photo: Fox

"American Idol" revealed its final 10 semifinalists Thursday (February 23), rounding out the Top 24 that will compete for America's votes during season 11's live episodes, which begin next week.

The remaining 10 contestants were chosen from the pool of 42 sent to Las Vegas to compete for the chance to perform on the live shows. The first 14, including Heejun Han (Heejun Han!), were unveiled during Wednesday's episode.

Thursday's show picked up with the cliffhanger from Wednesday, regarding the fate of 27-year-old Adam Brock. The teary-eyed Brock made it, of course; "American Idol" can be cruel (see last week's brutal "Gotcha!" twist), but it's not cruel enough to let a contestant hang in the balance for a full day and then not let him through. Especially one with a cute little girl at home.

The toughest cut Thursday was the one dealt to Jermaine Jones, the 25-year-old baritone-voiced "gentle giant" who took the news very hard, nearly collapsing in tears. Most shocking was the elimination of David Leathers Jr., the would-be heartthrob nicknamed "Mr. Steal Your Girl" who was thought early on to be one of the contestants to beat, despite the fact that the bow-tied 17-year-old looked like he was 12.

But in a shocking final twist — "GOTCHA!" — it was revealed at the end of the episode that either Leathers, Jones, Richie Law or Johnny Keyser will return next week to join the show, making it a Top 25. Isn't "Idol" fun?

Here is the full list of the season's Top 24 contestants:

» Adam Brock, 27, Washington, Pennsylvania
» Jeremy Rosado, 19, Valrico, Florida
» Eben Franckewitz, 15, Loveland, Ohio
» Shannon Magrane, 16, Tampa, Florida
» Hallie Day, 24, Baltimore, Maryland
» Chase Likens, Point Pleasant, New Jersey
» Aaron Marcellus, 27, Atlanta
» DeAndre Brackensick, 17, San Jose, California
» Skylar Laine, 18, Brandon, Mississippi
» Hollie Cavanagh, 18, McKinney, Texas
» Heejun Han, 22, Flushing, New York
» Phillip Phillips, 21, Leesburg, Georgia
» Creighton Fraker, 28, Queens, New York
» Jen Hirsh, 25, Agoura Hills, California
» Chelsea Sorrell, 23, Stokesdale, Arizona
» Elise Testone, 28, Charleston, South Carolina
» Reed Grimm, 26, Ellsworth, Wisconsin
» Joshua Ledet, 19, Westlake, Louisiana
» Erika Van Pelt, 26, South Kingstown, Rhode Island
» Baylie Brown, 22, Krum, Texas
» Jessica Sanchez, 16, San Diego
» Colton Dixon, 20, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
» Haley Johnsen, 23, Beaverton, Oregon
» Brielle Von Hugel, 17, Staten Island, New York

Next week, the men compete during Tuesday's two-hour episode and the women square off on Wednesday's two-hour showdown, and the first finalists will be revealed on Thursday's two-hour live results show.

What do you think of this year's Top 24? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679818/american-idol-reveals-season-11-top-24.jhtml

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Lindsay Lohan Is SERIOUSLY Preparing To Play Elizabeth Taylor In Her Upcoming Biopic TV Movie

Yesterday we learned that Lindsay Lohan successfully won the role of Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming made-for-TV biopic Elizabeth & Richard: A Love Story (tho, some are reporting the film is titled Liz & Dick). Today we are hearing from sources close to Lindsay that she is seriously serious about the role. Apparently Lindsay plans [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/rNFl3eUUDEc/

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'Hunger Games' Oscars Party: A How-To

In this week's Hobnobbing, we plan your Panem-themed Academy Awards fete.
By Amy Wilkinson


Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo: Lionsgate

Well, the 84th annual Academy Awards are right around the corner, and though "Hunger Games" fans have another year to wait until the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' teen novel is awards-eligible (we've got you in our crosshairs, Best Picture nomination!), that doesn't mean we can't celebrate in revolutionary style. And we're making it super easy for you hungry film buffs out there. We've carefully composed a step-by-step guide to throwing your very own "Hunger Games"-themed Oscars party. Dig in!

Reap Your Attendees
Just like Panem's most prestigious event, you can't let the entire dystopian nation into your Oscars get-together. Write each of your friends' names down on a slip of paper, drop them into a bowl and select only 24 pals to enjoy your bean dip and Billy Crystal-shaped Jell-O mold. They'll thank you for it in the end.

Set Up a Groom Room
Tributes — I mean, guests — can't even think of setting foot into the arena of your living room without first dividing their unibrows and conquering their hairy gams. Clear a common space (who needs privacy?) for your pals to primp and polish (sans Cinna and company, unfortunately) before the opening ceremonies. Stock generously with Capitol Colours nail polish.

Let the Games Begin!
OK, full disclosure: This isn't so much a party as it is a cinephilic death match — only one guest can survive. Print Oscar ballots for each attendee (our friends at NextMovie have a handy, downloadable version) and be sure they fill out every category. Eliminate each incorrect guest, ushering them out of your home one by one (anthem optional) until you're left with a single, exhausted winner.

Cue the Parade
Six months later (August 26, to be exact), you'll want to invite the winner back to your house or apartment for their victory tour. Knock on each of your neighbors' doors (starting with the highest number) and request they throw you a huge celebratory feast. Gratis.

Your Hobnobbing Gamemakers guarantee this will be one party Panem will be talking about for years to come! May the Oscars be ever in your favor!

Will you be throwing a "Hunger Games"-themed Oscars party? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1679750/hunger-games-oscars.jhtml

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