JK Rowling kicked off a tour of the US yesterday, as she sat down to sign 1,600 books for schoolchildren in Los Angeles.

The Edinburgh-based author said the event, which included a reading from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was an ‘amazing treat’.

‘I really miss being able to interact directly with the readers. Everyone keeps saying: "It must be so onerous. Doesn’t it hurt your hand?" But, honestly, that’s the bit I really enjoy,’ she said.

The 42-year-old will this month travel to New Orleans and New York for similar singings.

She gave nothing away as to her next project, but said it would have to be as special as Harry Potter.

‘I want to fall in love with someone the way I fell in love with Harry. I never think about a particular genre.

‘It is all about the story and the characters, but it has to be something I adore.’