The Harry Potter series, which tells the story of a young wizard and his adventures at Hogwarts, has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. The books have also been adapted into a successful film series that has grossed more than $10 billion.

Rowling recalled how hectic the early days were until she won the Smarties Book Prize in 1997. “Then I got a record advance from America and everything went crazy,” she recalled, according to Deadline. That award was a key moment that propelled the series to new heights of fame.

The road to publication was not easy for Rowling. She spent seven years writing her first book. “I kept losing hope and putting it aside,” she admitted, adding: “But that happened less and less as I worked on it. Eventually it caught fire, or I caught fire, and I stopped doubting.”

She fondly remembered the joy she felt when writing the first Quidditch match, describing it as a moment when the words seemed to flow effortlessly.

Rowling’s love of writing began early, with influential books from her youth, including A very busy world by Richard Scarry and Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.

“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer,” she said, reflecting on her lifelong devotion to the craft.