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Joanne Kathleen Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling

Writer

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Quick Facts

Harry Potter series
Best-selling author
Fantasy literature

Harry Potter creator. From struggling single mom to literary phenomenon.

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Life Journey

1965Born in Yate, Gloucestershire, England

Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born to Peter and Anne Rowling. Her father was an aircraft engineer and her mother was a science technician. She grew up with a younger sister, Di.

1974Moved to Winterbourne, near Bristol

The Rowling family moved to a new home in Winterbourne, a suburb of Bristol. This period marked the beginning of Joanne's formative years, where she developed a love for reading and writing.

1982Graduated from Wyedean School and College

Rowling completed her secondary education at Wyedean School and College, where she excelled in English literature and language. Her early passion for storytelling began to flourish during this time.

1983Began studies at the University of Exeter

Rowling enrolled at the University of Exeter, where she pursued a degree in French and Classics. This period also saw her writing short stories and exploring her creative interests.

1986Completed her BA in French and Classics

Rowling graduated from the University of Exeter with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Classics. She then moved to London to work as a researcher and bilingual secretary.

1990Conceived the idea for Harry Potter

While on a delayed train from Manchester to London, Rowling had a vision of a boy wizard and his adventures. This moment marked the inception of the Harry Potter series, which would later become a global phenomenon.

1992Moved to Porto, Portugal, to teach English

Rowling moved to Porto, Portugal, to work as an English teacher. During this time, she continued to write the first Harry Potter novel, often in local cafes.

1995Completed the first Harry Potter novel

Rowling finished writing 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (published as 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in the US) while living in Edinburgh, Scotland. She faced several rejections before finding a publisher.

1997'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' published

Bloomsbury Publishing in London agreed to publish the first Harry Potter book. The novel was an immediate success, winning several awards and launching Rowling's career as a best-selling author.

1999Became a multi-millionaire from Harry Potter sales

The success of the Harry Potter series propelled Rowling to become one of the wealthiest and most influential authors in the world. The books were translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies globally.

2007Published 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'

The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series was released, completing the epic saga. It broke sales records and received critical acclaim, solidifying Rowling's status as a literary icon.

2023Continues to write and engage in philanthropy

Rowling continues to write, branching out into adult fiction with works like 'The Casual Vacancy' and the 'Cormoran Strike' series. She remains active in philanthropy, supporting various causes and charities.

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