beginnings of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on scraps of paper at the,

local cafe. But her efforts soon paid off, as she recieved an unpercendented,

award from the Scottish Arts Council enabling her to finish the book. Since then,

the debut novel has become an international phenomen, garnering rave reviews,

and major awards, including the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year,

and the Smarties prize.

        Ms. Rowling lives in Edinburgh with her daughter.