The past few weeks I have been watching the world and reacting in the best way that I know possible. I have watched numerous people lose their jobs and careers over ignorant comments. I have cried over the stress of important heated discussions and only started addressing the gaps in my education. Then underneath the troubles of the world, one question echoes in my mind. Why am I not more upset about J.K Rowling? I have seen fans post their disappointment across every social media platform. I understand their hurt because Harry Potter was an important book series for many people my age. I was one of those people who went to a few of the midnight showings of the movies. I went to Harry Potter World in Universal Studios a few years ago with my siblings. I drank Butterbeer. I enjoy the series. I enjoy the fan fiction community even more. I’ve had friends say that they will just pretend she didn’t write it anymore. I’m not going to take that away from them. 

It made me realize that I don’t have a favorite author . I don’t have one person whose work is responsible for my love of writing or reading. I’ve always created stories for myself. I have read numerous series, and typically when one ends I am sad about it for a few days, and I move onto the next reading adventure. I have favorite authors whose books I look forward to reading, and buy whenever they have a release. However, I have stopped reading authors mid-series because I discovered new authors. I am in a constant battle with my to-be-read pile. I love it though because it gives me new authors to learn from, and helps me grow as a writer.

The awesome thing about reading and fandoms is that no one can take away the joy you get from the characters. No one can take away the joy you felt when you first met your favorite character. I know it hurts when someone who you looked up to, and helped shape who you are says something hateful about who you have become. It doesn’t change your memories. It may hurt to think about those memories for a while, but the happiness is still there.

A person may write something, but they cannot control what another person takes from their work. You don’t have to give money to a person who says bigoted things that’s why libraries and second-hand bookstores exist.I hope you can find the next series to help you through this time in your life.