Recognition And Anonymity!

In the seven years it took J.K.Rowling to successfully complete the first of her Harry Potter novels, she endured a family death, divorce from her husband and financial hardship. Her intention to escape that poverty and provide for her daughter was rewarded when the Harry Potter series took off like a rocket. She achieved that rare feat of being able to appeal to children and adults alike. Thus she reaped the enormous financial benefits - and the fame which goes hand in hand with them.

She must be fuming now because her latest attempt to write successfully under a pseudonym has been thwarted by a leak. The leak has become a peculiar part of our public life and seldom does a day pass without revelations of a new one. Until recently, all budgets by our Chancellors have been blatantly leaked for various reasons of political advantage. Rowling was understandably seeking to prove that her books would sell even if her identity was hidden. It was an admirable ploy but somewhat naive. With wealth goes fame and with fame goes jealousy and avarice. A party pooper is never too far away if they think they can put a spanner in the works.

So what now for J.K.? Does she continue with her latest literary creation and take it on the chin or is she desperate enough to seek recognition in her own right as a writer. There is no telling with the foibles of an artist. Vanity of vanity, All is vanity!

In seeking anonymity, she is attempting to turn back the clock to a place it can't go. The paradox is that her fame alone (irrespective of wealth) means that she has to accept her place in the media spotlight. That is how it works. It is a transaction between the artist and the media who feed the idolatrous public.

In a way, I admire her intention because she clearly has no need of financial gain. The Harry Potter secured her for life and beyond so I suppose she must want to achieve something meaningful if only for herself. If she is to achieve her goal, she will undoubtedly need to turn to the wizardry of her alter ego. Perhaps Van Gogh got it right by achieving his artistic fame after he could be hounded by it. That said, would he have preferred the money? Decisions, decisions..