Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling’s first novel of the world-famous series, was published 14 years ago this month in the U.K. Children and adults alike have since then hungrily absorbed the many aspects of the magical world and still can’t seem to get enough.
This morning, Rowling announced a new portal to the universe she created. Starting in October, Potter fans will be able to visit Pottermore.com, a digital destination that will create a unique online experience for readers of the series.
So what does this mean, exactly? As of right now, we only know a few things about the site:
- Rowling will reveal more information and tidbits about beloved characters and secondary storylines that she’s been “hoarding for years.”
- For the first time ever, the Harry Potter books will be available in eBook format.
- Now you don’t have to cry, “Why does it have to end?!” after you see the final movie installment next month.
Rod Henwood, CEO of Pottermore, says that the website took two years to develop. There will be a competition allowing one million winners access to the site before it launches. The current webpage says to check back on July 31 to get more information on how you can enter.
Pottermore will feature backstories, character facts, original games, an online store and more. According to Henwood, Rowling has already written at least 18,000 words of new material for the site. She’s still thinking about making a Harry Potter encyclopedia, which is already long awaited by fans, but Pottermore seems to be the right dish to tide them over.
