Washington (US), August 19 (ANI): Acclaimed author JK Rowling has shared her memories of the moment she realised that her creation, Harry Potter, had become a global phenomenon.

In a recent interview reported by Deadline, Rowling reflected on the amazing evolution from the publication of her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in 1997 to the series’ monumental success.

Rowling’s book series, which tells the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has since sold over 500 million copies worldwide.

The books were also made into a hugely successful film adaptation, which grossed over $10 billion.

Looking back, Rowling described the early days as a period of hazy activity until she won the Smarties Book Prize in 1997.

This award marked a turning point and helped the Harry Potter series achieve unprecedented fame and success.

The road to publication was full of challenges for Rowling, as she spent seven years writing the first book.

“I kept giving up hope and giving up on everything,” she admitted, adding, “But that happened less and less as I worked on it. At a certain point, it or I caught fire and I stopped doubting.”

She particularly remembered the joy she felt writing about the first Quidditch match, describing it as a moment of exhilaration when the words flowed effortlessly.

Rowling’s passion for writing began early in her life.

She cites “Busy, Busy World” by Richard Scarry and “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell as influential books from her youth.

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