The first book in the Potter series -- "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (retitled "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) -- was an overnight bestseller.

CNN: British child actor 'a splendid Harry Potter'

And like the characters in her best-selling Harry Potter series, British writer Rowling possesses magical powers.

FORBES: Women We Envy

Altogether the seven-book Harry Potter series has sold more than 450 million physical copies globally since it debuted in 1997.

WSJ: J.K. Rowling's Novel 'Casual Vacancy' Gets Large Print Run

In 1990, she had her Harry Potter inspiration, and began developing a detailed plan for a seven-book series.

NEWYORKER: Mugglemarch