Harry Potter to Reappear Saturday in a New Tale

The next phase of Harry Potter mania will arrive in Orange County early Saturday morning just after the stroke of midnight.

That’s when “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” the fourth book in British author J.K. Rowling’s blockbuster children’s series about a nerdy orphan who becomes a wizard, goes on sale nationwide.

Scholastic Inc. is meeting the demand by ordering a first printing of 3.8 million copies of the new novel, whose plot and cover design are being kept under wraps until the official release date. Rowling’s previous three Potter books have sold nearly 20 million copies in the U.S.

In anticipation of the expected onslaught of Potter fanatics wanting a copy of Potter’s latest adventure, bookstores throughout Orange County will stay open late or reopen at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Many stores plan Harry Potter-related games, contests and giveaways.

The seven Barnes & Noble Bookstores in Orange County, which will be open until 1 a.m. Saturday, are in Metro Pointe (901 S. Coast Drive, Costa Mesa), Fashion Island (953 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach), Woodbridge (4600 Barranca Parkway, Irvine), MainPlace/Santa Ana (2800 N. Main St.), the Spectrum (31 Fortune Drive, Irvine), the Market Place (13712 Jamboree Road, Irvine), and Aliso Viejo (26751 Aliso Creek Road).

The five Orange County Borders Books and Music stores that will remain open until 12:30 a.m. or later Saturday are in Mission Viejo (25222 El Paseo), the Block at Orange (20 City Drive W.), Costa Mesa (1890 Newport Blvd. and South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St.) and Brea (429 S. Associated Road).

Also tapping into Potter mania will be Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe in the University Center, 4199 Campus Drive, Irvine, which will open at 12:01 a.m. and remain open for two hours.

Many stores plan to continue their Harry Potter festivities when they reopen Saturday morning.

The White Rabbit Children’s Bookstore in South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, won’t be open at midnight, but it’s planning a “Harry Potter party atmosphere” beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, with Harry Potter giveaways and staff members dressed in Potteresque costumes.

Romance Writers Offering Advice

Aspiring romance writers are invited to network with romance authors during the monthly meeting of the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America on Saturday.

About 15 published romance writers will meet with small groups of members and guests at the meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. in the Four Points Sheraton, 1500 S. Raymond Ave., Fullerton.

Author Charlene Swink, the morning speaker, will discuss mistakes beginning writers sometimes make.

Cost: $7 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lunch not included. Information, call (714) 284-7331.

Also Coming Up

* Borders Literature Discussion group will talk about “Last September” by Elizabeth Bowen on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa.

* Barbara DeMarco Barrett will interview Judith Handelsman-Smith (“Growing Myself: A Spiritual Journey Through Gardening”) on “Writers on Writing” on KUCI (88.9 FM) 5 p.m. Thursday.

* Gene Merish (“7001 Resumes--The Job Search Workbook”) will discuss what it takes to execute a job search Saturday at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Cafe, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa.

* A used book sale will be held at the Anaheim Central Library, 500 W. Broadway, 11 a.m. Saturday. (714) 765-1880.

* Janet Evanovich (“Hot Six”) and Ridley Pearson (“Middle of Nowhere”) will sign July 9 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Book Carnival, 348. S. Tustin Ave., Orange.

Send information about book-related events at least 10 days before event to: Dennis McLellan, O.C. Books & Authors, The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Or e-mail to dennis.mclellan@latimes.com.