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British author JK Rowling attends "The South Bank Show Awards" at The Dorchester Hotel in London on January 29, 2008. (UPI Photo/Rune Hellestad)

LONDON, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Author J.K. Rowling, speaking at a London awards show, likened completing her "Harry Potter" series of books to breaking up with a loved one.

Rowling was honored for outstanding achievement at the South Bank Show Awards at London's Dorchester Hotel Tuesday, the Edinburgh Evening News reported.

"It has been the worst breakup of my life -- far worse than splitting up with any man," Rowling told the audience. "But it has also been wonderful to stop and draw breath and think, 'My God, look what's happened with an idea I had 17 years ago on a train.'"

Actor-director Richard Attenborough presented the award to Rowling, along with a joke noting his absence from the all-star cast of British actors in the "Potter" movie adaptations.

"I think I must be the only English actor of my generation who has got absolutely bugger all out of this extraordinary series that has been read by millions and made into movies," said Attenborough.

Rowling told reporters backstage at the event she intends to keep her vow and not write another book about the world-famous boy wizard.

"I think I've definitely finished his story," she said. "I said seven books and there have been seven."