Rowling Explains 'Pottermore'

JK Rowling has revealed details about her mysterious "Pottermore" website, and sorry, but it's not an eighth Harry Potter book. Rather, it's an "online reading experience" where fans can experience the existing story in a new way, and where, Rowling says, she will share "additional information I've been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter." The Telegraph reports that she's written new background material for the venture, and that the entire series will be unveiled on the site over a period of at least two years.

"I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years," Rowling explains. "Pottermore is a way for the creativity to live on." It launches in October, but 1 million fans will be given early access on Harry's birthday, July 31. Among other things, users will be able to get sorted into a Hogwarts house, play games, mix potions, shop for wizarding items, and interact with characters. And, of course, the site will also offer books, ebooks, and audio books for sale. (More JK Rowling stories.)