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"Is it possible that a person can write six thick books that are translated into 55 languages and sell more than 250 million copies in less than 10 years? Is it probable that the stories then get filmed and commercially exploited to the degree seen here, without any well-thought-out strategy or highly professional players behind them?"

Two words: Tom Clancy. The man came from nowhere, actually sold The Hunt For Red October (unrepresented I believe) to the Naval Institute Press, which is not a fiction house, and went on to be one of the most successful authors ever, with movies and video game tie ins all over the place. Yeah, it's possible.

I like Rowling's attitude - she seems a no-nonsense kind of person and has donated a great deal of her financial prosperity to charities. Her life story is one which sets a fantastic example to people from all walks of life that you can "win" your personal lottery if you find your goal and aim high. It isn't always a goal of money either - but the desperate need within to accomplish a task which gives inner satisfaction. It's what life is all about.

I also like that she said to an interviewer once about writing the Potter books in English only. She warned the French and Danish children - "they better get on with learning English".... of course this was before the collection was translated on a global basis.

Ever the teacher talking to the kids however - she has earned her fame and how lucky we are to have been able to share her great gift!