J.K. Rowling: Potter pressure over
Source: UPI

NEW YORK (UPI) -- The author of the "Harry Potter" books, J.K. Rowling, expressed her relief and sadness over the ending of the series at a New York news conference.

"The pressure's off," said Rowling on her first visit to the United States in six years. "I feel quite liberated and I can resolve the story now. I am going to feel sad... (but) there will also be a sense of freedom," The Book Standard reported she said Wednesday.

Rowling is in New York for "An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp," a book reading featuring her, Stephen King and John Irving. The reading will benefit Doctors Without Borders and The Haven Foundation.

Rowling also talked about her recent announcement that two characters would die in the seventh installment of the Potter series, saying even though fans might be sad, "I'm toughening them up to go on and read John and Stephen's books."

The event will take place Wednesday and Thursday nights at Radio City Music Hall in New York.