“At a certain point it caught fire, I stopped doubting,” JK Rowling on Harry Potter’s success

Washington: Celebrated author JK Rowling recently shared her thoughts on how her creation, Harry Potter, became a worldwide sensation. In an interview reported by Deadline, Rowling looked back at the incredible journey from her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, published in 1997, to the series' massive success.

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

Rowling recalled how the early days were a whirlwind of activity 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. This award was a key moment that boosted the series to new heights of fame.

The path to getting published wasn’t easy for Rowling, who spent seven years writing the first book. "I kept losing hope and putting it away," 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 fondly remembered the joy of writing the first Quidditch match, describing it as a moment when the words seemed to flow effortlessly.

Rowling’s love for writing started early, with influential books from her youth including Busy, 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 dedication to the craft.

Agencies