It is confirmed that "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the eighth story of the beloved Harry Potter series.
The sequel will be in a two-part play and Pottermore posted the synopsis of the production:
"It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places."
There is no confirmation yet whether the story will be in the book form as well, but the news delighted many Potter fans and it will surely become a hit.
Below are the five things that E.L. James and Stephenie Meyer can learn from their fellow author J.K. Rowling and her latest work of fiction "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child".
1. Cultivate readers' knowledge.
One of the responsibilities of an author is to contribute on the existing knowledge of the readers. It could be in the form of expanding the imagination or enriching one's grammar and vocabulary. Meyer's "Twilight Saga" was under fire for its grammar mistakes and lackluster storytelling.
2. Writing in a different perspective or gender-swapped version is not a sequel.
Although it is a play, one of the great things about the new "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is it follows the story of Harry Potter leading an adult life fathering three school-age children and being an employee in the Ministry of Magic. It will satisfy the curious minds of Potter fans wondering what happens with Harry and Ginny and their children. E.L. James and Stephenie Meyer released new books this year, they are simply the same story narrated in a different perspective and the gender of the characters is swapped.
3. Explore spin-offs.
Aside from the seven Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling also wrote a companion book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," which is posed as a magical book released for the "muggles" about the different magical beasts that exist in the Potter universe. It is beneficial for both authors and readers to have spin offs of the original series. It is profitable for the author, while entertaining for the readers.
4. Aim for a wider readership.
There is no denying that the Harry Potter series is not only for young adults. The original Harry Potter fans in early 2000s are the same age as Harry now. It is profitable for an author to write something that readers of all ages will pick up. Due to the theme of "Fifty Shades of Grey," its readers are limited to certain age bracket.
5. Aim for experts' recognition.
Lastly, it is important that writers are recognized by their fellow authors as it gives them confidence to continue their work. According to The Guardian, well-acclaimed author Stephen King blasted E.L. James and commended J.K. Rowling. King said that he has read "Fifty Shades of Grey," but felt no urge to read its sequels. Meanwhile, the author described Harry Potter creator Rowling as "a wonderful storyteller", and heaped praise on her 2012 novel "The Casual Vacancy".