J.K. Rowling discusses ‘Casual Vacancy’ and reveals personal secret during televised interview on Good Morning America

UPDATED: We have added the video from this morning’s interview on Good Morning America.

As we previously reported, ABC’s Cynthia McFadden had received an invitation to sit down with author J.K. Rowling for a pre-recorded interview regarding the upcoming release of her new adult novel The Casual Vacancy. The first part of that interview has now aired on the show Good Morning America.

During the interview, J.K. Rowling revealed the following information:

Cynthia McFadden: Did you take five years to write it?

J.K. Rowling: “I’ve written other things during that time, but yeah, on and off for five years.”

Cynthia McFadden: There is a Rihanna song, “Umbrella,” that plays a very prominent role in the book, is that true?

J.K. Rowling: “Yes, the song is perfect for the book because of the rap in the beginning.”

Cynthia McFadden: There is a dark center in the book and I know you have been very candid in talking about depression, even to the point of being suicidal early in your life.

J.K. Rowling: “We have an adult character in the book, who has an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and these are things I know from the inside. When I was in my teens, I had issues with OCD.”

Tomorrow, J.K. Rowling will read the opening passage from the new book The Casual Vacancy on Good Morning America. We will share the video of this as soon as it becomes available.

This interview will air again during World News with Diane Sawyer and Nightline later today. Additional portions of the interview will air tomorrow after the release of The Casual Vacancy.