The Casual Vacancy author J.K. Rowling celebrated release day by appearing at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London to read the beginning of her new book and answer questions from fans.

Now, Southbank Centre has released a highlight reel from what looks to have been a fun event. At the end of the video are a couple quick clips from the signing portion where we get to watch in envy as fans greet Rowling.

Hypable covered the Q&A as it was happening yesterday. When asked what she spent today doing, Rowling stated that she had spent most of the day trying to avoid newspapers and reviews on The Casual Vacancy. Although she does eventually read reviews on her novels, she revealed that she doesn’t like to do it on publication day. While she does use their criticism constructively, Rowling also says she usually feels that she’s done the best she could have done and it was done the way she wanted it.

In giving more details about her inspiration for The Casual Vacancy, Rowling said she got the idea while on tour in America for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. At the time, she was on a plane. She joked, “I know something about me and vehicles, I have to be moving to get ideas…the next thing will be a space shuttle.” But she also said she doesn’t know what made her think of the idea, explaining, “I was just sitting there having a perfectly nice flight.”

If you’re unsure of the appropriateness of The Casual Vacancy for your child or loved one, we do recommend seeing our parental guide.