JK Rowling in webchat with schoolchildren

JK ROWLING took part in a webchat with millions of young readers last night in a event organised by her American publisher.

The webchat, broadcast from Edinburgh, saw the author answering questions from school pupils in America, Canada and England.

During the 50 minute interview Ms Rowling, who recently published her first book for adults, revealed that she had received many letters from children who were bullied at school, just as Harry Potter was, and that she hoped that “they will know that they are not alone.”

The event, which was designed for a new generation of readers who are just discovering the novels, which have sold over 450 million copies, also saw Rowling reveal in comic questionnaire that her favourite sound was: “the sea and the sound of my husband snoring.”