J.K. 羅琳

Joanne Rowling was born to Peter and Anne Rowling. Her sister Dianne followed two years later.

Wrote her first story about a rabbit called Rabbit. Knew from young age she wanted to be a writer.

Family moved to Tutshill. Attended Wyedean School where she was head girl in her final year.

Enrolled at University of Exeter to study French and Classics. Spent year abroad in Paris.

Her mother Anne died of multiple sclerosis after ten-year battle. Deeply affected her writing.

The idea for Harry Potter came to her during delayed train journey. Characters flooded into her head.

Moved to Porto to teach English. Met and married Jorge Arantes. Continued writing Harry Potter.

Gave birth to daughter Jessica. Marriage deteriorated shortly after. Left for Edinburgh.

Lived on welfare as single mother while completing Harry Potter manuscript in Edinburgh cafes.

Bloomsbury accepted Harry Potter after twelve publisher rejections. Received modest 1500 pound advance.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone published. Initial print run only 1000 copies.

Scholastic bought US rights for $105,000. Book renamed Sorcerer's Stone. Phenomenon began.

Goblet of Fire broke all sales records. Books translated into dozens of languages worldwide.

Married anesthesiologist Neil Murray. First film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone released.

Fifth book published. Longest in series at 870 pages. Set new first-day sales records.

Deathly Hallows published, concluding the seven-book series. Sold 11 million copies on first day.

Published The Casual Vacancy, her first adult novel. Continued writing as Robert Galbraith.

Harry Potter became best-selling book series in history with 500+ million copies sold globally.