The Ultimate J.K. Rowling Quiz
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
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Sionâ
Touhig/Sygma/Corbis
About This Quiz
Just another quiz about a famously rich, reclusive and prolific writer who we all secretly think we could be best friends with. Take this quiz to see if your Rowling fandom is truly special.
START QUIZ
What does the "J" stand for in J.K. Rowling's pen name?
Her given name is Joanne, though she goes by "Jo."
What does the "K" stand for?
Although Jo Rowling doesn't have a middle name, she borrowed her grandmother's first name for the initial.
Why did she choose to write under J.K. and not Jo?
The publishers weren't sure if boys would go for a wizarding book written by a woman.
There was already a Jo Rowling writing books.
Hmm, the boys seemed to come around even after finding out she was a woman.
Rowling is:
Rowling was born in England and was raised there.
Where did Rowling's parents meet?
Insert Platform 9 3/4 joke here.
Rowling's mother worked as:
While she did raise Jo and her sister for more than a decade, she eventually went back to work in the sciences.
What author did Rowling name her daughter after?
The Communist-leaning Mitford sister was a writing heroine for Rowling.
Where did Rowling attend university?
She graduated from the posh college in Devon in 1986.
What university rejected her?
Bet they wish they had that alumni money now.
What year was Rowling first struck with the idea for the Harry Potter books?
But Harry wouldn't be fully formed for a few years.
Rowling moved to Portugal briefly and worked as what?
Her daughter was also born in the country.
Where did she move after returning from Portugal?
She still lives in the Scottish city.
How much was Rowling estimated to be worth, in 2012?
But that was before several big projects, like the film of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
Before "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was published, Rowling estimates how many people read it?
And that's including the editors and agent.
Where was Rowling when the idea for the Harry Potter series came to her?
Trains, it seems, have played an important role in Rowling's life and stories.
What did Rowling read from at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony?
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Almost as good as the Queen parachuting in.
Rowling's father auctioned off what in 2003?
an inscribed first edition of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" given to him by Jo on Father's Day
They don't speak anymore.
Rowling used what assistance when writing the first Harry Potter book?
a transcriber who wrote down her story while she recited it
roughly 15 cups of coffee a day
Although the coffee part may be true too — who knows.
How did Rowling write the first manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone?"
Which is a real pain if you want to make any changes.
How long did it take for Rowling to find a publisher?
Even the world's most a successful wizard took a while to get a publisher's interest.
What was the initial print run of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone?"
Where does Rowling like to write?
her studio in the country
She's traditionally done most of her writing in cafes and coffee shops.
What is Rowling's pseudonym for her mystery series?
"The Cuckoo's Calling" was Rowling's first novel under the name of Galbraith.
Who revealed Rowling's pseudonym?
an acquaintance of one of her legal representatives
The leaker was handed a lawsuit.
Why did Rowling choose "Galbraith"?
it was a fantasy name she had for herself as a child
She combined the last names of two influential teachers she had.
She opened a phone book and randomly picked it.
"Ella Galbraith" does sound pretty good.
Rowling was bestowed what honor in 2000?
Order of the British Empire
For her contributions to literature and arts.
What Harry Potter-related project is upcoming?
a new story about Harry's mother
a play about Harry's youngest child
a retelling of the Harry Potter story from Voldemort's perspective
The play will tell a story of the next generation.
In 2008, Rowling gave the commencement address at what university?
She also received an honorary degree from the college.
"The Casual Vacancy" was Rowling's novel after the Harry Potter series finished. What is the setting of the story?
a fictional town in Britain
Pagford is a made-up village in southwest England.
What was the first screenplay Rowling ever wrote?
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Never having adapted a screenplay from her books, the 2016 movie is the first one.
You Got:
/30
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