World briefs
Rowling signs adult book deal
Harry Potter author JK Rowling has signed a deal to publish her first novel for adults.
The writer, whose teenage wizard tales have been international best-sellers and inspired a series of hit films, said her new novel would be “very different” to the books that made her name.
She said: “The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher.
“I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life.”
Details about the book are a closely-guarded secret and its title and publication date will be announced later this year. Crime writer Ian Rankin, who like Ms Rowling is based in Edinburgh, teased fans on Twitter by hinting at a possible plot for the new book. He said: “Wouldn’t it be funny if JK Rowling’s first novel for adults turned out to be a crime story set in Edinburgh? My word yes.”
Hollywood habit
At least one person on the Oscars red carpet will not have to worry about what to wear: Mother Dolores Hart.
The 73-year-old nun, who left Hollywood in 1963 to join a monastery after starring in films with the likes of Elvis Presley and George Hamilton, is among the nominated documentary film subjects attending Sunday’s 84th annual Academy Awards.
The nun, who will be dressed in her habit, is chronicled in the short film God Is The Bigger Elvis by Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson.
Jungle screening
One of the orangutans starring in the film Born To Be Wild has been treated to a special jungle screening in Indonesia – and was captivated until the trumpet of elephants scared her off.
The documentary follows two women who have devoted their lives to caring for orphaned animals – Birute Galdikas in Indonesia and Daphne Sheldrick in Kenya.
Producer Drew Fellman said that Siswi was engaged by the film for the first 15 minutes but ran off and climbed into a tree when the elephants arrived.