Jennifer Byrne to interview J. K. Rowling

Jennifer Byrne will be the only Australian journalist granted access to J.K. Rowling to talk about the hotly anticipated book The Casual Vacancy.

J. K. Rowling: Life After Potter will air on ABC1 on Thursday September 27 at 8pm – just three hours after The Casual Vacancy goes on sale in Australia and around the world.

The reclusive author is giving only a handful of interviews worldwide to coincide with the release of her new book. It is five years since the world’s most successful living author concluded the Harry Potter series.

Matt Hoy, Hachette Sales & Marketing Director said “ABC TV’s highly-regarded approach and longstanding affinity with books is very much why Hachette chose to offer this exclusive Australian interview to the talented team at ABC TV Arts and Jennifer Byrne.

“This key interview will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about J.K. Rowling’s creative process. The evolution of her new novel will be all the more exciting in Jennifer’s hands, given her well-known passion for books and reading,” he said.

ABC TV Head of Arts, Katrina Sedgwick said “The influence and impact of J.K. Rowling has been profound in bringing millions of children into the world of literature.

“We are thrilled that Jennifer has been invited to do this interview and has the opportunity talk to J.K. in depth. This is J.K’s first venture into the world of adult fiction and Jennifer will explore what new challenges she has faced in talking to this new audience.”

Byrne said “J.K. Rowling is a wonderfully, warm, fun and intelligent woman, we had great fun together and I hope you enjoy the show!”

During the interview Byrne will look at the remarkable career of this author, who rose from obscurity to become the author of the highest-selling book series in history, with sales of over 400 million.