Quick Facts
Harry Potter creator. From struggling single mom to literary phenomenon.
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Life Journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.